'I Am the ROI': David Brisson

This profile is part of the "I Am the ROI" series featuring alumni whose return on investment from their UNO education goes far beyond career opportunities.

It would be difficult to fault David Brisson had he chosen to stay closer to home in Quebec City. The capital of the Canadian province of Quebec is nestled on the Saint Lawrence River with the Laurentian Mountains visible to the north of the city.

He knew very little about the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) but knowing a former teammate who had played for UNO and the idea of playing for a new hockey program competing at a high level was enough to lure him to Omaha.

“Being a student athlete at UNO, especially in the early days [of hockey] was remarkable. Hockey had such big support from the community,” he said. “It was amazing to play in front of 8,300 people, so that experience made it very unique to be a student athlete.”

Brisson became one of the hockey program’s first stars, leading the team in scoring in three of his four years. He set program single-season and career records as a Maverick from 1999-2003 and was named to the First Team All-Central Collegiate Hockey Association in 2001. Brisson was inducted into the Omaha Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010, becoming the first hockey player to receive the recognition.

The resources and opportunities available to him as a student, and as a student athlete, brought him back to Omaha where he established roots after his professional hockey career. “What I really enjoyed about the culture at UNO was the fact that you will be rewarded for the work you put in,” he said. “My coach always told me you have to earn your opportunities. If you have that as a culture—hard work and giving back—you’re setting yourself up for success.”

A speaking engagement at a luncheon drove that point home. Brisson challenged himself to arrive early and stay late to network with business leaders and stakeholders attending the luncheon. The extra effort paid off as he met his mentor, Greg Lavitt, who had ties to Canada and the former Omaha Knights hockey team. That introduction led to an internship with Wells Fargo, which eventually led to a full-time position. Building relationships opened the door to the opportunity and building relationships has helped him climb the ranks at Wells Fargo to his current role as Director of Fixed Income Sales.