Connor Cosgrove2017 Rising Alumni
Connor Cosgrove is a great example of the variety of careers our graduates pursue. Soon after transferring to the U of M and joining the football team, Connor was diagnosed with leukemia. Connor’s experience in treatment led to his idea of a t-shirt that allows easier access for a chemotherapy port. Today, he owns ComfPort, a company that produces multi-functional shirts that have an opening so cancer patients don’t have to remove their clothes to receive treatment. Along with fashionable and practical clothing, Connor hopes to build a community of support among his customers and their loved ones.
Employer
Owner, ComfPort
CEHD Degree
B.S., Business & Marketing Education, 2015
Please list any professional accomplishments you wish to mention.
Albuquerque Magazine – 12 people to watch
Please list any past or current volunteer activities.
Honored teammate and volunteer for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
American Cancer Society Coaches Vs Cancer
Be The Match Bone Marrow Drives
Please list any awards or honors from your collegiate, professional, or volunteer experiences.
National Football Foundation Courage Award
Richard "Pinky" McNamara Student Athlete Achievement Award
Tony Dungy Character and Community Service Award
What professor(s) or course(s) were most influential during your time in CEHD?
Roy Gaddey, Wayne Mueller, Frank Plachecki, Amy Hackett – all Great teachers - Better People.
What was the impact and benefit of your educational experience in CEHD?
My experience was very different than the average student in that I was balancing chemotherapy treatments and academics. The University of Minnesota truly gives you everything you need to succeed and more. The fact that I was able to excel academically during that time in my life is proof of that. Those times really did help mold the drive and determination that I now have.
What skills are important to succeed as an emerging professional today?
I think empathy is the most important skill that anyone can develop. That, along with knowing your worth. Putting those two things to work together has helped me grow in my career, but more importantly as a person.
Outside of your job, how do you grow professionally?
By doing everything I possibly can to grow as a person and be kind to others. The rest will come with that.
What is your favorite memory from the University of Minnesota?
The few months I had playing football for my father, Kevin Cosgrove, before my leukemia diagnosis.
Who has inspired you the most during your career?
The many children and young adults I've watched battle cancer. Just spend an hour with a child or young adult battling cancer and you'll see what I mean.
When you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do?
I put my headphones on, lay on the ground, and listen to music.
How do others describe you?
I'm not sure, you would have to ask them.
How do you describe yourself?
Loved
What's a good book you'd recommend to others?
Love Does by Bob Goff
If you could have coffee with anyone from history, who would it be?
My Grandpa. Shortly after returning from WWII and during his time playing Major League Baseball.
What gets you excited about work?
The people that I meet and the incredible strength that they have. Each day is a new opportunity to make a difference. Honestly, I'm just trying desperately to repay the community that saved my life.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I never had that one thing I wanted to be. I still don't. I consider myself a big kid now but even as a little kid I always struggled with the future and did everything possible to live in the present moment.
What is a "fun fact" about you?
I had an incredible Dora The Explorer lunchbox in high school.