Fr. Brian Cummings ‘86

Fr. Brian Cummings ‘86

Saint Michael’s College proudly recognizes Rev. Brian J. Cummings, S.S.E. ’86 as Alumnus of the Year, honoring a life of faithful service, spiritual leadership, and deep commitment to the Edmundite mission that defines the College.

Fr. Brian’s journey began at Saint Michael’s as an engaged undergraduate, where his experiences helped shape a lifelong dedication to service and community. After graduating in 1986 with a degree in accounting, he embarked on a promising career in the financial sector. Yet, guided by a deeper sense of purpose, he made the extraordinary decision to step away from that path to pursue a vocation with the Society of Saint Edmund—the very order that founded Saint Michael’s College.

He entered formation in 1990 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1996, a milestone that marks 30 years of ordained ministry this year. Since then, Fr. Brian has devoted his life to serving others through a wide range of ministries grounded in faith, compassion, and social justice.

For decades, Fr. Brian has been a central presence in the spiritual life of Saint Michael’s College, serving in Edmundite Campus Ministry—accompanying students through moments of growth, challenge, and discernment. His ministry extends far beyond campus, including leadership roles at Saint Anne’s Shrine in Isle La Motte, where he has guided retreats and fostered spiritual renewal, as well as ongoing engagement with the Edmundite Southern Missions in Selma, Alabama—work rooted in the Edmundite commitment to solidarity, dignity, and justice.
Whether working with students in Winooski, pilgrims at the Shrine, or communities in the South, Fr. Brian has built a “legendary” legacy of care, connection, and accompaniment. His work reflects the core Edmundite values—service to those in need, dedication to education and spiritual growth, and a profound commitment to the dignity of every person.
Throughout his ministry, Fr. Brian Cummings has touched and enhanced the lives of countless students, alumni, faculty, and community members, becoming a trusted mentor, spiritual guide, and friend to generations of Purple Knights.

His life’s work is a powerful testament to the mission of Saint Michael’s College: to contribute through higher education to the enhancement of the human person and the advancement of human culture in light of the Catholic faith.

In honoring Fr. Brian, the College celebrates not only his extraordinary vocation, but also the enduring impact of Edmundite leadership on the St. Mike’s community and beyond.