In 1994, Brother Alan Parham graduated from Christian Brothers University (CBU) with a degree in Religion/Philosophy. He was the only Brother and the only student receiving a degree in this field that year. Reflecting on his achievement, Brother Parham noted that he was 44 years old at the time and had joined the Brothers at age 42. He described earning the degree as an important step on his journey to becoming a fully professed Brother.

Brother Parham recalled his time at CBU as a new Brother and as the only one among the students as very positive. He said he enjoyed interacting with students, some of whom became friends, and appreciated the support and advice from other Brothers at Lambert Hall. During his senior year, he led ten students on a mission trip to Ashley County, Arkansas, where they worked with migrant workers and local Latino residents. The group collaborated with the Glenmary Fathers and Brothers and the Daughters of Charity.

Brother Parham later returned to CBU to work in Campus Ministry, remaining there for four and a half years until he turned 75 in January. He began his ministry work in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant much of his initial experience was virtual.

Expressing appreciation for his ongoing connection to CBU, Brother Parham referenced Brother Vincent Malham, who died in a car accident in 2008: “I bleed red.” He recounted passing by CBU in 1970 while visiting his brother at the Millington Naval Base and having an unexplained feeling that he would return to the university one day. In 1992, this feeling was realized when he began his life as a Christian Brother at CBU. He concluded by expressing gratitude for all that has happened since that time.