Alumni Profile: Brian Preheim
Brian Preheim’s (FR 1988) time at St Catherine’s College may have been brief, but it left a lasting impression. Now living in the United States, Brian is happily married with two children and works as Growth Segments Director for Yokohama Off-Highway Tires. He holds an M.B.A. in Business from the University of Kansas Graduate School of Business and a B.A. in Business from Goshen College.
After returning to Australia recently, Brian visited the College with his family for the first time in more than 38 years. We caught up with him to reflect on his time at St Catherine’s, the friendships he made and the lasting impact of feeling welcomed in a new place.
Above: Brian at St Catherine’s College in 1988.
Above: Brian with his family.
What brought you to St Catherine’s?
I arrived at St Catherine’s as a graduate-level international student at UWA. Due to limited housing availability at the time, I was placed as a tutor in a women’s residential college, an unexpected beginning to what became a very memorable experience.
What did that experience teach you?
It taught me to adapt to unexpected circumstances and to connect with people in all sorts of environments. I grew and matured a lot during my time at St Catherine’s and made lifelong friends in the process.
Those lessons have stayed with me in both my personal life and career.
What is one memory that has stayed with you?
I will always remember how many St Catherine’s students included me in trips to their homes or regional areas, so I could experience the places they loved.
That generosity meant a great deal to me and gave me a deeper connection to Australia beyond College life.
How has that shaped your life since?
Since returning home to the United States, I have tried to extend that same welcoming hospitality to others visiting my area.
The kindness I experienced at St Catherine’s became something I wanted to carry forward.
Do you still keep in touch with your St Catherine’s community?
Yes, I remain occasionally in contact with friends I made during that time. Some have even come to visit me in the United States.
I also recently returned to Australia after many years and was able to reconnect, which was very special.
What advice would you give to current students?
Live in the moment. Find things you love to do and pursue them.
Work hard, be adaptable, and make genuine friendships with an open and giving spirit. Good outcomes will follow.
View Brian’s St Catherine’s memories from 1988.
