A Legacy of Purpose

Great institutions are built on bricks and mortar, but they are sustained by love, gratitude, and vision. For Saint Elizabeth University, known fondly to generations of graduates as the College of Saint Elizabeth, that enduring spirit lives through the stories of two remarkable alumnae.

Though their life journeys took different paths, their shared devotion to their alma mater has converged to create a transformative impact for the students of today. At a time when young people need financial support and encouragement more than ever, their extraordinary gifts light the way forward.

Honoring a Lifelong Devotion: Eileen Murphy Connelly ’67

When Eileen Murphy walked the campus at Convent Station in the mid-1960s as a history major, she formed a connection to the college that lasted a lifetime. After graduating in 1967, Eileen dedicated her life to shaping young minds. She became a beloved teacher in 1968 and later served as Principal of Sea Cliff Elementary School in New York, leaving an indelible mark on countless students and families.

Following Eileen’s passing in May 2025, her devoted husband of 54 years, George  sought a meaningful way to honor her memory and her profound love for Saint Elizabeth. Working closely with the University, George established two meaningful tributes in her name:

• The George and Eileen '67 Connelly Impact Scholarship for Education and History Majors: A $50,000 commitment providing immediate-use annual scholarships of $8,000 per year (from Fall 2026 through Fall 2029) to full-time sophomore or junior undergraduate students demonstrating academic promise, leadership, and service. In honor of Eileen’s legacy as a female leader, special preference is given to female students and those with strong community engagement.
• The Eileen Murphy Connelly '67 Archive Office: A comprehensive restoration of the University’s long-dormant archives housed on the second floor of Mahoney Library. Led by volunteer archivist Jennifer A. Hanselman '93, this project revives SEU's institutional memory, preserving the history of the Sisters of Charity, early curricula, and female leadership. The $50,000 renovation will feature a new room added to the archive, digitization software, and a commemorative plaque with Eileen's yearbook portrait, and a personal dedication from George.

Through George’s loving gift, Eileen’s dedication to education and history will inspire students for generations to come.

For another anonymous donor, giving back was not something to postpone, it was a calling for right now.  This alum made a $100,000 gift to Saint Elizabeth University, strategically structured across three vital areas:

• Speech-Language Pathology Program ($40,000): Supporting the "Voices of Promise, Voices of Hope" campaign via the program’s discretionary account.
• "Big Ideas" Impact Scholarship ($30,000): Providing direct financial support over three academic years (2026–2029) to academically excellent students who present a compelling essay detailing their "Big Idea" and how they will use their SEU education to accomplish their goals.
• Sister Frances Raftery "Big Ideas" Scholarship for Leaders ($30,000): A lead gift to establish an endowed scholarship honoring her friend and role model, former SEU President Sister Frances Raftery, with the goal of reaching full endowment at $50,000 by Fall 2029.

This gift ensures that today’s students have the resources to think big, lead courageously, and carry SEU’s mission into the future.

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A Call to Action: How Will You Pay It Forward?

Separated by nearly a decade in their graduation years, Eileen Murphy Connelly ’67 and the anonymous donor embody the very best of Saint Elizabeth University. Eileen’s memory, lovingly enshrined by her husband George, reminds us that the bonds formed at Convent Station endure beyond a lifetime. The anonymous alumna's, forward-looking gift shows us the immense joy of investing in young minds today and watching them soar.  In addition these benefactors can look forward to attending future events on campus where they will meet the students who have benefitted from their generosity.  

Today, our students need our support more than ever. Rising costs and economic pressures mean that for many promising scholars, financial aid and scholarship support are the deciding factors in completing their degree.

Whether through establishing a scholarship, supporting campus renovations, or contributing to the Annual Fund, every gift creates a ripple effect of opportunity.

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Will you follow in the inspiring footsteps of Eileen's husband and our anonymous donor?

To learn how you can create an impact scholarship, establish a legacy gift, or support current SEU students, please contact the Office of Advancement today or visit our giving page. Together, we can ensure that the light of a Saint Elizabeth education continues to shine brightly for generations to come.