A son’s gift of $630,000 to Fordham University’s scholarship
programs will not only honor his mother, but will also help
first-generation students achieve their educational goals.
According
to a news release on the school's website, James J. Houlihan, a 1974
graduate of Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business, has allocated
$280,000 to the Founder’s Undergraduate Scholarship fund, with an
additional $250,000 given to establish a fellowship in honor of his
mother, Mary Murray Houlihan, in the Graduate School of Social
Service.
“The Founder’s scholarship has always been a great
program for many of Fordham’s first-generation students, just like
my mom,” Houlihan said.
Houlihan’s 89-year-old mother earned a
Ph.D. from Fordham in 1986 and, along with her three brothers who
also graduated from Fordham, was the first generation of her
Irish-immigrant family to attend college. Her granddaughter earned a
master’s degree from the Graduate School of Social Service earlier
this year.
“This scholarship will support many students in their
pursuit of masters and doctorates in social work,” Debra McPhee,
GSS dean, said. “Many of these students come from first-generation
families, and pursing their degree is often at great sacrifice to
themselves and their families.”
Son honors mother with gift to Fordham’s scholarships
