Maria Galassi of Allentown Awarded Full-Tuition Scholarship to Saint Joseph's University

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PHILADELPHIA, PA (09/15/2011)(readMedia)-- Saint Joseph's University and Anne Welsh McNulty have announced the third cohort of young women to receive the John P. McNulty Scholarship for Excellence in Science and Math. Maria Galassi of Allentown, Pa., a graduate of Allentown Central Catholic High School, is among the three recipients who will each receive a four-year, full-tuition, merit-based scholarship and participate in an intensive mentoring and research program.

"McNulty Scholars are young women who dare to be the best," says McNulty, a former managing director of Goldman Sachs, whose generous support of the program honors her late husband, alumnus John P. McNulty '74. "John exuded energy, creativity and ambition. Through this program, we hope to ignite the same extraordinary spirit in others."

The scholarship program is on the leading edge of the University's efforts to nurture the professional success of women. "The McNulty Scholars are immersed in a challenging learning environment that is designed to inspire its recipients to seek and assume leadership roles at the top of these professions," says Christina King Smith, Ph.D., professor of biology and director of the scholarship program. Even as more women pursue an education in mathematics and the sciences, they are still underrepresented in leadership positions in industry and academia. "Because hands-on experience is a critical component of success, the scholars engage in full-time, faculty-mentored research in mathematics, computer science, actuarial science or one of the natural sciences," says King Smith.

The scholars will each work with a faculty mentor. Eileen Grogan, Ph.D., professor of biology, will mentor Galassi, who is majoring in biology.

King Smith adds that in addition to hands-on study, scholars will pursue internships in research and business settings, complete a senior capstone experience and engage in professional development activities designed to bolster networking, marketing and communication skills.

This academic year, the first and second cohort of scholars – who are now sophomores and juniors – will move into mentorship roles for the third cohort. "These mentorship experiences will also help prepare them to be leaders in these highly competitive fields that are so vital to the national economy," King Smith says.

"John was a firm believer in the power of women to achieve greatness in their chosen fields," says McNulty. "He inspired them to take risks, and challenged them to tackle problems creatively and enthusiastically."

Alumnus John P. McNulty '74 is remembered for his leadership at Goldman Sachs, where he headed the Investment Management Division and served as a member of the Management Committee. He is also known for his leadership in philanthropy, especially his dedication to Saint Joseph's University. As an undergraduate accounting major, McNulty served as student body president and later became a respected member of the Saint Joseph's University Board of Trustees, managing the University endowment and leading the formation of the New York Council of SJU alumni, parents and friends. Throughout his life, he sought to mentor younger associates and to challenge women to achieve their fullest potential.