Alumni Spotlight: Andrew Sheridan ’03

Andrew Sheridan ’03 is a Financial Advisor and CFP®* with Merrill Lynch in Washington, DC.  A graduate of Mount Saint Mary’s University’s business program, he has been with the firm since 2007.  Andrew met his wife, Katherine, while attending the Mount. They currently live in Burke, Virginia, with their daughter, Cassidy, and son, James.  They are expecting their third child at the end of May! He is an officer and member of the Knights of Columbus in Fairfax, where he has led several food drives.  In his free time, Andrew enjoys playing with his kids, coaching youth basketball, cooking, and playing tennis.
 

How did your high school experience shape who you are today?  
My Kellenberg experience started when my amazing parents enrolled me in the Brother Joseph C. Fox Latin School as an impressionable 7th grader.  From the beginning, a strong Catholic identity positively impacted my personal development. The school’s emphasis on both academics and sports motivated me to strive for excellence in the classroom and on the field.  I try to apply these life lessons every day in the approach I take to raising my children.
You recently attended the Washington, DC Alumni Chapter Breakfast Social at the Army Navy Club.  Why do you feel it is important for Firebird alumni to maintain their connections with one another and the school after graduation?
Both my sister, Colleen ’06, and brother, Brad ’07, graduated from Kellenberg, so being a Firebird runs deeply within my family.  Kellenberg instilled a strong sense of community and helped me to develop many long-lasting relationships. I feel that the best way for me to give back is by networking within the extended KMHS family to build new personal and business relationships.      
What do you enjoy most about your job?
At the heart of my profession, I help people.  I think my industry is widely misunderstood. It’s not just about crunching numbers and picking investments.  Every day I meet new people and try to guide them through major decisions and challenges in their lives. It is extremely rewarding!     
Who was your favorite teacher or class from your time as a student here, and why?
This is a tough one, and I can’t keep it to just one.  Mrs. Howe was my homeroom and Latin teacher for a number of years.  She helped me to learn about the importance of foreign language and appreciate ancient history.  Mr. Blanton was my chorus and music teacher throughout my entire tenure. His love and knowledge of the history of music, instruments, and musicians still resonate in my life today.  Lastly, Mrs. Walsh, my math teacher, helped me develop my love of numbers, which has a direct application to my profession. I cannot thank them enough!
 
*Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER in the U.S., which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.