Jack O’Brien: NU’s Planned Giving Ambassador
Jack O’Brien is the newest member of Northwest University’s Development team. As our Planned Giving Ambassador, Jack volunteers his 50+ years of experience selling life insurance, doing retirement planning, and working in charitable giving. We are blessed to have such a knowledgeable and dedicated NU alumnus join our team.
Jack’s story starts in 1938, when he was born in Everett. Jack was not brought up in a Christian home, however, at the age of 15, he accepted the Lord while attending church camp. Jack’s life changed as the Holy Spirit led him.
After graduating from high school, Jack took some time to work and figure out what he wanted to do with his life. He had some friends attending NU and loved the campus. So he enrolled to pursue his B.A. in Theology, and then completed a one-year program (post undergrad) to receive his Th.B. in Theology.
During Jack’s time at NU, he met his beautiful wife, Ardyth. They have now been married for over 53 years, and are proud parents to two sons and grandparents to four granddaughters, one grandson, and two great-grandsons.
After graduating from NU, Jack served as a pastor and youth pastor for a few Washington churches. Later, he would go on to sell life insurance. Jack’s philosophy for selling insurance was to “talk about life before you talk about life insurance.” His pastoral instincts, as well as his trustworthiness and friendly persona, led to a very successful career.
We are grateful to have Jack joining our team. He brings years of investment and recruiting experience, as well as the personal connection of being an NU alum. Additionally, Jack is the newest member of our Alumni Board. If you see him on campus or at an NU event, make sure to stop and say hello!