Student Spotlight: Nicholas Berardi
Meet Nicholas Berardi, a senior at Texas State University double majoring in Information Systems and Finance with a potential minor in Psychology. Originally from Austin, Texas, he chose Texas State because of the location, the people, and the diversity of the campus community.
Throughout his time at Texas State, Nicholas has sought out opportunities to connect with others and push himself beyond the classroom. He’s an active member of the Financial Management Association (FMA) and the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO), both of which give students exposure to leaders in the business world. He’s attended guest lectures from CEOs, project managers, and business owners—opportunities that have expanded his perspective and allowed him to build relationships. He values these organizations not only for the networking but for the friendships, travel, and learning experiences they’ve made possible.
Nicholas’s accomplishments reflect his strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. As a student, he launched a profitable e-commerce business flipping boats and jet skis on eBay. Additionally, he volunteered in his community, became a finalist in the ITSA security competition, and secured a position at Marsh, a global risk and insurance firm. He is also the 2025 Bill Hogue Memorial Scholarship recipient! A $15,000 honor recognizing students who embody Texas State pride and leadership.
Following graduation, Nicholas has plans to pursue a path that few take: becoming a Navy SEAL. For him, it’s about more than the challenge; he wants to leave a lasting influence.
“Life is short, and I want to make a big impact” -Nicholas Berardia
This sense of purpose drives his long-term vision, which includes learning more about leadership, eventually attending law school, and starting his own law firm. His goals are ambitious, but grounded in a desire to serve, lead, and leave a lasting legacy. What drives Nicholas is the desire to make a difference, whether through service, innovation, or leadership. Raised primarily by a single mother, he learned resilience, perseverance, and the value of hard work early on.
At Texas State, he has developed grit, patience, and confidence in stepping outside his comfort zone. He’s known for being witty, driven, and a bit of a perfectionist- traits that reflect his deep commitment to meaningful work.
In his downtime, you’ll find Nicholas engaging in hobbies that keep him grounded, such as working on jet skis, boats, or his car. Whether it’s in the classroom or out in the world, he approaches every challenge with purpose, and he’s just getting started.
Story by Stelos Fellow: Ainsley Svitenko
