Q&A with Brandon Bermea
Brandon Bermea serves as the program manager for competitive sports and camps within the Department of Wellness. He is passionate about creating meaningful experiences for students through sports, especially when those moments align with events such as Special Olympics and the department’s Unified intramural league.
He finds fulfillment in watching students and athletes grow both on and off the field. Through these programs, he has seen individuals come out of their shells, build confidence and form lasting friendships. The personal connections he has formed with athletes have shaped his purpose in the role and continue to inspire his commitment every day.
Q: What is your role in Student Affairs, and what do you enjoy most about your job?
A: I serve as the Program Manager for Competitive Sports and Camps within the Department of Wellness. What I enjoy most is creating inclusive and meaningful experiences for students through sports, especially when those opportunities intersect with impactful events like Special Olympics and our Unified intramural sports leagues. Seeing students and athletes grow through sports is one of the most fulling rewards of this job. Through these programs it is heartwarming to see people come out of their shell as well as seeing friendships blossom all through coming together and playing with us and out our facilities. The personal bonds I've formed with our athletes are something I deeply value—they've significantly shaped my 'why' and continue to inspire my commitment to this role.
Q: Can you share a favorite memory or impactful moment you’ve had while working with Special Olympics athletes?
A: It is hard to select just one as there have been so many impactful ones throughout my time at OSU. One moment that stands out happened during a basketball game at one of our Unified Intramural games. An athlete made a shot after several attempts and the entire gym—athletes, volunteers, staff, spectators—erupted in cheers. It wasn’t just about the basket; it was about perseverance, community, and genuine celebration. When he first arrived, this athlete wouldn’t even go within 5 ft of the court. He barely even talked to more than 1 to 2 people there. Seeing his turnaround and the impact it made on him and how he interacted with everyone weeks after just continues to make me smile. That kind of joy is contagious, and it reminded me why we do what we do. These events aren’t just sports competitions, they’re powerful reminders of human connection and the importance of inclusive experiences.
Q: What does being a part of the Special Olympics community mean to you personally and professionally?
A: Personally, being a part of the Special Olympics community has deepened my understanding of inclusion, empathy, and the limitless potential of individuals when given the opportunity to shine. It’s taught me to slow down, to celebrate the small wins, and to value every person’s contribution and feelings of needing. Professionally, it’s one of the most fulfilling parts of my role. It aligns with the core values of Student Affairs—service, community, and student development. Collaborating with Special Olympics has allowed me to build stronger partnerships across campus and across the state as we have athletes coming from all over Oklahoma to play Unified. Providing students with transformative experiences that stay with them far beyond their time at OSU has been one of the most impactful things I have done in my career.
Q: What's something you wish more people knew about Special Olympics and the athletes that participate?
A: I wish more people understood that Special Olympics and Unified are not just about running around for a couple minutes—it’s a celebration of athletic excellence, true competition, determination, and community. These athletes train hard, compete fiercely, and bring incredible heart to every game or competition. They are not defined by their disabilities; they are defined by their courage, sportsmanship, and passion. The impact of Special Olympics extends far beyond the field—it builds confidence within themselves, fosters friendships, and provides an opportunity that the athletes look forward to every week. The athletes don’t just participate; they inspire. There are also multiple ways and events to get involved. Anyone can get involved with Unified or Special Olympics whether it would be competing, volunteering, or even cheering on the teams at an event. If anyone would like to be a part of this, anyone can reach out to me and I would be happy to direct them in a way to join us.
Q: How have you seen the athletes or volunteers grow through their involvement with Special Olympics?
A: I’ve watched athletes find their voice, build friendships, and discover new strengths within themselves. You can literally see their confidence grow from the time they walk in and until the time they leave—shoulders a little higher, smiles a little brighter. On the volunteer side, I’ve seen students become better leaders, better listeners, and more compassionate individuals. Many of them come in thinking they’re there to help, but they leave realizing how much they’ve learned and gained in return. It’s not uncommon for students to ask how they can stay involved beyond the event and even after leaving OSU/Stillwater. That’s the kind of lasting impact Special Olympics and Unified has on those that get involved.
Q: How have you seen Student Affairs staff and partners have an impact during Special Olympics?
A: Our Student Affairs staff and campus partners are the backbone of these events. Specifically our Competitive Sports Staff and partnership with Center for Developmental Disabilities, we couldn’t have reached our milestones without them. From organizing logistics to mentoring partners to being present on the day of the event, their work ensures that everything runs smoothly and inclusively. Their leadership sets the tone—when students see staff showing up with enthusiasm and care, it reinforces the importance of service and community engagement. I’ve also seen how these partnerships strengthen cross-campus collaboration. Our Department of Wellness Staff and others across campus have come to be found on Thursdays at 6 PM cheering on or being partners with our athletes. It truly is a movement that everyone can get behind, get involved, and leave a better person for it.