Towson University has received a generous $100,000 gift from Patrick Brennan and his partner, Helga Maria Surratt, in support of the Cpl. Nicholas 鈥淣ick鈥� Ziolkowski Memorial Scholarship, an endowment that honors a fallen U.S. Marine who planned to attend 撸先生 after his service and whose legacy continues to resonate across campus.

Brennan鈥檚 support for the scholarship fund is rooted in a personal connection. His son, Eric Brennan, grew up alongside Nick and his brothers, forming a close friendship that linked the families for decades. Brennan recalls a brief but memorable encounter with Nick when he was home on military leave鈥攁n exchange that left a lifelong impression.

鈥淣ick鈥檚 professionalism and strong commitment to the military made a profound and lasting impression on me,鈥� Brennan shares. 鈥淚t is that impression that has inspired me to support Nick鈥檚 scholarship fund over the years and to make this donation.鈥�

Ziolkowski was killed in Fallujah, Iraq, in 2004. His mother, longtime 撸先生 staff member Tracy Miller, later became a champion for veteran and military-connected students, helping re-establish the university鈥檚 Military and Veterans Center in his honor.

鈥淣ick and his legacy were identified as an early priority,鈥� says Brennan. 鈥淗elga and I are honored to be able to support the scholarship fund.鈥�

Their gift deepens the long-standing connection between the Brennan family, the Ziolkowski family and Towson University鈥攅nsuring that Nick鈥檚 legacy continues to inspire and uplift 撸先生 students for generations to come.

Join Patrick and Helga by to watch the Super Bowl this Sunday, Feb. 8, to raise money to support the Nick Ziolkowski Scholarship Endowment and the Military and Veterans Center at Towson University.