ECC Announces D’Youville’s Bernas, Mercy’s Ruland as 2025 Bob McCloskey Insurance Postgraduate Scholar-Athlete Scholarship Recipients

"On behalf of everyone at Bob McCloskey Insurance, we want to congratulate both Jillian Bernas and Connor Ruland on two great college careers, both on the playing field and in the classroom," said Pete Ginnegar, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Bob McCloskey Insurance. "You have truly lived up to the moniker of true 'student-athletes', and we wish you all the best in your future educational endeavors." “Connor and Jillian exemplify what it means to be an ECC student-athlete when it comes to academic achievement, athletic competition, and positive character traits,” said ECC Commissioner Jessica Grasso. “With the experience and drive that they possess, I am confident that they will be successful in their postgraduate studies and future endeavors. The ECC would also like to thank BMI for their support of the ECC and higher education.” Jillian Bernas D'Youville | Senior | Women's Soccer and Lacrosse  Bernas was a four-year member of both the women’s soccer and women’s lacrosse programs as a dual-sport student-athlete at D’Youville. A three-year women’s soccer captain, she appeared in 61 career matches with 34 starts, totaling 18 points on seven goals and four assists in over 2,900 minutes of action in the midfield. Bernas also played 58 games with 39 starts for the lacrosse squad in the spring, notching 81 points on 43 goals and 38 assists out of the Saints’ attack.  "I am incredibly honored to be selected as this year's female recipient of the Bob McCloskey Insurance ECC Postgraduate Scholar-Athlete Scholarship," said Bernas. "This recognition means a great deal to me and is a reflection of the many people who have supported me along the way. Throughout my time at D'Youville University, I always strived to give it my all, both in the classroom and on the field. I would not have been able to reach this point without the unwavering support of my teammates, coaches, and professors. Their belief in me has been instrumental to my success. This scholarship will support my continued journey toward becoming a Physical Therapist, a career path for which I’m passionate and excited to pursue. I’m proud to represent D’Youville and the ECC, and I look forward to carrying the values I’ve learned here into the next chapter of my life." Connor Ruland Mercy | Senior | Baseball Ruland was a four-year catcher for the Mercy baseball team, playing in 52 games with 28 starts. At the plate, he totaled 32 hits, 21 runs scored, and 14 runs batted in while slugging at a career clip of .376. On the defensive side of the ball, he held the Mavericks down with a .987 fielding percentage, recording 128 putouts and 24 assists with just two errors in four seasons. 
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