Alumna Constance Young ’49 Celebrates 105 Years

Saint Elizabeth University proudly celebrates alumna Constance “Connie” Young ’49, who marked her 105th birthday on February 18 surrounded by family, friends, and members of her West Caldwell community.

On hand to present an official proclamation was Joseph Tempesta Jr., Mayor of West Caldwell, honoring Connie’s extraordinary lifetime of service, leadership, and civic engagement.

Calling the gathering “a very special event,” Mayor Tempesta reflected on Connie’s enduring presence in the community before formally recognizing her life’s achievements. The proclamation traced a journey that began on February 18, 1921, in Saint Paul, Minnesota; one that would span military service, family devotion, professional accomplishment, and decades of volunteer leadership.

During World War II, Connie answered the nation’s call by enlisting as a WAVE in the United States Navy. She served as a captain’s yeoman at Hunter College boot camp and later contributed her skills to an important anti-submarine missile project with the Bureau of Ordnance, part of the vital wartime effort that shaped a generation.

After the war, Connie and her husband, Roger, made their home in Montclair, New Jersey, where they raised four children and rooted themselves deeply in community life. While raising her family, Connie earned her degree in economics from Saint Elizabeth University in 1949, a testament to her intellectual curiosity and determination.

Throughout her life, Connie exemplified the University’s commitment to leadership and service. She served as president of the College Women’s Club of Montclair and co-chaired its long-running used book and music sale. She later dedicated six years as vice president of the New Jersey Division of the American Association of University Women, advancing educational opportunities for women across the state.

Her interests extended to horticulture and the arts. Connie served as president of both the Garden Club of Montclair and the Verona Garden Club, held leadership roles on the State Board of Garden Clubs of New Jersey, and worked for twelve years on the staff of the Montclair Art Museum.

Now a resident of Crane’s Mill in West Caldwell, Connie continues to live with the same energy and joy that have defined her life. Even after moving to assisted living at age 103, she remains an active participant in morning exercise, word games, table games, pottery, art and painting classes, and summer walks in the courtyard. She has served as secretary for three community committees and generously supports the Crane’s Mill gift shop enterprise. A longtime member of the Three O’Clock Club of Montclair and an academic writing group, she continues to engage her mind and creativity daily.

She is also the proud grandmother of eleven and great-grandmother of nine (and counting!)

On behalf of Saint Elizabeth University, Michael K. Smullen, Vice President of University Advancement, joined the celebration and shared:

“I was delighted to join Connie Young! As a graduate from the Class of 1949, Connie is a living example of a life well-lived. Her life’s accomplishments are extraordinary and impactful. As a leader, an author, and a beautiful person, we couldn’t be more proud to celebrate this incredible milestone!”

At 105 years young, Connie embodies the enduring spirit of Saint Elizabeth University — a life grounded in faith, strengthened by education, and dedicated to serving others. Her remarkable story stands as an inspiration to current students, alumni, and the entire SEU community.