For years, Brian Kirn, MBA ’26, put his dream of a graduate degree on hold for the many demands of life. He never imagined that when he finally pursued a business degree, his sons would be right there alongside him.
Brian has worked for over twenty years at CertainTeed, where he currently serves as their Director of Innovation and New Product Development. While he had always intended to pursue further study, life grew busy. Being present as a husband, a father to four sons, and a leader in his workplace took priority.
It wasn’t until one of his sons, Brendan Kirn ’27, began attending Eastern University that Brian realized maybe his dream could be fulfilled in this new season of life.
Brendan is a current undergraduate student at Eastern, studying Business Administration. He’s involved in many parts of the Eastern community, including the Leadership Fellows Program, serving as a Finance Club Board member, playing goalie for the men's lacrosse team, and participating as a member of Delta Mu Delta honors business society.
Brian was intrigued by the wide range of offerings within Eastern’s College of Business and Leadership and was drawn to the MBA program’s flexibility and structure. He shares, “The ability to complete assignments during evenings and weekends makes the program well suited to my circumstances and has enabled me to pursue my MBA at this stage of my career with purpose and focus.”
Brian and Brendan aren’t the only members of the Kirn family pursuing professional growth at Eastern. Another of Brian’s sons found his way there. Tyler, MBA ’26, a recent college graduate, works as a Retirement Plan Services Associate for Vanguard. Tyler also decided to pursue an MBA at Eastern alongside his father, hoping to grow within his role and understand the ins and outs of the business landscape.
While he never had anticipated being a fellow student with his dad, Tyler appreciates this unique opportunity. “Attending Eastern in the MBA program at the same time as my father has been an equally developmental, challenging, and funny experience for the both of us,” he comments. “It has been fun to touch base with each other about our progress in certain areas of study, thoughts on managerial concepts, and to know that we are studying for the same program.”
It’s not an accident that two of the Kirn brothers ended up pursuing careers in business. They can see the way their father has shaped their choices. Brendan recalls his dad taking him on weekly trips to a local sports card shop, using their shared interest to teach him the basics of commerce. Tyler adds, “My Dad has helped me redefine what one’s impact can look like in this world and how one can use knowledge of business to create a positive impact for others, which is what really influenced me to pursue this path.”
This Father’s Day feels extra special for the Kirns, as they share this experience. Father’s Day used to be fraught for Brian, who grew up without his biological father. Having four sons he’s proud of has transformed the holiday for him - and he feels that especially this year. “This is a unique chapter in our lives that we will always look back on fondly,” he remarks. “For them, it serves as a foundation as they launch their careers; for me, it feels like a meaningful capstone to my own career journey. Sharing this experience together has made it more impactful than I ever expected.”
His sons don’t take for granted the fact that their father is so present and impactful on their lives. “Knowing the challenges he faced growing up and the resilience he used to overcome them has given me the perspective and ambition I need to reach my own goals,” Brendan reflects. “He worked incredibly hard to put me in a position of opportunity that he didn't have, and that sacrifice is what drives my success.”
Tyler is also taking time to reflect on his dad’s influence. “I admire my Dad’s patience, empathy, and humanity both as a professional and a father,” he shares. “He always looks to put his best foot forward, especially for his sons, but also as a professional. His selflessness and ability to connect with others at their level is what makes him a great leader in his space and an even better father.”
Soon, three Eastern University diplomas bearing the name “Kirn” will hang on three different walls, but together, they will tell the story of a father who finally found the right time to pursue his MBA, and of sons who got to share that chapter alongside him.