COLONIA, N.J. (June 27, 2025) – Mercy University baseball senior Connor Ruland (Islip, N.Y./Islip) has been named a recipient of the 2025 Bob McCloskey Insurance ECC Postgraduate Scholar-Athlete Scholarship.
Ruland was named the Male recipient of the scholarship and D'Youville's Jillian Bernas was named the Female recipient.
Bob McCloskey Insurance (BMI) provides annual postgraduate scholarships to two former student-athletes from the league's member institutions. The scholarship intends to promote and encourage academically and athletically accomplished student-athletes to continue their education by attending graduate school.
As part of the selection process, the committee evaluates athletic and academic achievements, as well as campus involvement, community service, volunteer activities, and demonstrated leadership.
"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."
"I'm incredibly honored to receive the Bob McCloskey Insurance Postgraduate Scholarship," said Ruland. "This support not only lightens the financial burden of my education, but also motivates me to continue striving for excellence both in and out of the classroom. It's a meaningful reminder that my hard work is recognized and valued, and it will help me stay focused on reaching my academic and career goals."
"Pursuing an MBA will give me the knowledge and tools necessary to manage complex budgets, lead diverse teams, and make strategic decisions in a competitive collegiate sports environment," added Ruland, who represented the ECC at the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum this past fall. "I am very interested in learning how to enhance athletic programs through effective leadership, community engagement, compliance, and long-term planning. I believe an MBA will prepare me to create an inclusive and successful athletic department that prioritizes student-athletes' well-being, academic achievement, and competitive success."
Ruland serves on Mercy's SAAC committee and was represented the ECC at the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum in November of 2024. Ruland graduated with a 3.92 GPA as a Sport Management major in May and played in 17 games in 2025, hitting .327 with 14 RBI, 14 runs, 18 hits, four doubles and one home run. He led the team with 12 baserunners thrown out from behind the dish. Ruland will remain at Mercy to pursue a Master of Business Administration degree with a focus on management and leadership. His intended career path is that of an athletic director at the collegiate level.
