Gary Kruzich hired to lead athletic partnerships and instruct for ISB

Gary Kruzich is joining the International School of Business as a new Assistant Professor of Marketing and the Athletic Partnerships Manager. Kruzich brings over 25 years of corporate marketing experience as well as five years of higher education teaching experience. Kruzich earned his Bachelor of Science in 2015, his Master of Science in Sports Management in 2016 and his Master of Business Administration in 2018 from Liberty University.

Kruzich is excited to be teaching for Finlandia as he believes that students are able to receive a more personalized experience. 

“Finlandia University offers a great opportunity for students who are looking for smaller class sizes with a personal touch. Here at Finlandia, students are more than just a student ID number, they are part of a family who cares about teaching and preparing each student for success in the future,” Kruzich said. “I am able to incorporate faith based teaching in my lesson plans which helps enhance their walk in faith.”

Kruzich has an extensive background in college and professional athletics as a business professional and as an athlete. Gary attended Bowling Green State University and as a freshman goaltender captured the NCAA Division I National Championship, earning NCAA Frozen Four MVP honors. Kruzich played two seasons with Flint Spirits in the International Hockey League after being drafted by the New York Islanders with the 15th overall pick in the first round of the 1986 NHL Supplemental Draft. 

After working for the Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League as their general manager of merchandise for four years, he joined Finlandia University when he was hired in 2010 as an assistant hockey coach. In 2014, he left his position at FinnU for a two-year mission trip with his family. He has spent the last five years as the director of athletic marketing at Michigan Tech where he also taught athletic marketing, media and sports finance classes.

When not assisting Finlandia students, Kruzich can be found volunteering his time leading and welcoming the ministry at Evangel Community Church and in the summer months camping with his wife, two daughters and three dogs. 

Gary Kruzich can be reached at (906) 487-7268 or at gary.kruzich@finlandia.edu.