Sharing the “Look” of a Successful Climb

Jeremy Zezza ‘19 speaks with gratitude and enthusiasm about his time at B.U., especially when it comes to Huskies baseball, coach Mike Collins, and the life preparation he received as a member of the pack. He recently channeled his appreciation for the program into a volunteer opportunity and an impressive donation for the B.U. Career Closet.

“I threw the best bullpen I ever did [at tryouts], and they let me stick around,” Zezza explained about his walk-on experience. “I was fortunate enough to stay on the team every year and remain a part of that group that accomplished so much." 

That accomplishment included a PSAC Championship Zezza’s senior year and a job offer before graduation as a custom clothier for the Tom James Company. And while the business major admits he didn’t always appreciate the demands Collins placed on his time for volunteering and networking, he now recognizes that much of his current success was a direct result of how his coach pushed him and his teammates.

"Looking back, I’m happy we did all that activity outside the sport,” recalled Zezza. “I think that helped me become the person I am today.”

One of those activities was the Baseball Career Night Collins and several alumni launched in January 2019. Zezza participated in that event as a student, and he returned this year as an alum to help other student-athletes with advice, encouragement, and some sharp, professional attire.

“I am extremely proud of Jeremy. He has excelled at Tom James,” said Collins. “You can’t put a dollar figure on how he inspires and motivates his fellow Huskies. He makes everyone around him better, and that’s what makes Jeremy a great leader and mentor.”

Zezza handed out as much wisdom as he was able to obtain in the short time he’s been away from campus. He stressed to students, some of them former teammates, that while they may be overwhelmed now, their activities outside the classroom holds much weight for employers.

“Employers know what it takes to succeed in the classroom and on the field,” said Zezza “They know you’re working hard, that your time management skills are good, and you are striving toward a goal.” 

Zezza’s advice, however, came with the kind of empathy only a new grad can offer.  

“I know how I felt when I was as a student, and I wanted to let them know what it’s like and how events like this will benefit them,” explained Zezza. “Any career will have deadlines and sacrifices if you want to be successful. Baseball helped with that.”

Not only did he volunteer, but Zezza also made a substantial donation to the campus Career Closet after collecting gently used attire from his and his colleague’s clients. Zezza received a range of suits, sport coats, slacks, and shirts with a combined estimated value of around $45,000.

“It felt great to give back so early,” said Zezza. “I may not have the money now to donate financially, but being able to contribute to the career closet was that first step in that direction. It’s my way of giving back.”

“Our Alumni are talented, successful, generous people that love Bloomsburg University and understand the value of the student-athlete experience,” added Collins. “Their involvement is critical to the success of our student-athletes on the field and in their professional lives. Their value can’t be quantified.”