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Seton Hall University

Fundraiser Held in Support of the Mary Jennings Memorial Scholarship  

Bleechers at the Mary Jennings Memorial Soccer GameThe stands were full on Saturday at Seton Hall Women's Soccer game vs. St. John's, all in support of former Seton Hall student Mary Jennings who lost her battle with cancer in 2006 at the age of 21. The fundraiser was held to raise money for the scholarship established in her name for undergraduate education majors.

Mary L. Jennings was an academically talented Secondary Education/History major and tenacious athlete on Seton Hall University’s Women’s Soccer Team. She was committed to a life of service to others, brought love, laughter and learning wherever she went and made an indelible mark on the lives of so many students, both at Seton Hall and in our local schools.

At the beginning of the game the announcer read fond words about Mary, written by CEHS Associate Dean Dr. Joseph Martinelli:

"Today’s game is very special as we will be celebrating the life and memory of student athlete and education major Mary Jennings.

Mary was the epitome of what it means to be a student-athlete, she was a fierce competitor on the field who was well respected by both her teammates and opponents alike. Her passion for the game came to full force every time she crossed the white lines onto the field of play. For Mary it was all about the game and giving everything she had to bring Seton Hall to victory.

Interestingly, Mary harnessed that passion for success on the playing field into the classroom, where she quickly became a beloved member of the College of Education family. Her passion for teaching and working with students was strongly reflected in her success in the classroom. Another thing that made Mary so loved by her fellow education majors was her engaging smile and ability to make everyone feel welcomed and comfortable. Mary Jennings during her tenure as a Pirate made an impact at Seton Hall University and by contributing to the Mary Jennings Scholarship you are ensuring that her presence at The Hall will continue.

Once a Pirate, Always a Pirate! We miss and love Mary Jennings."

Through the hard work and dedicated fundraising efforts of Mary's fellow classmates, Seton Hall administration, faculty, staff and various community members, the Mary L. Jennings Memorial Scholarship was created. Since 2008, this endowed scholarship has been awarded annually to the Seton Hall University student who best exemplifies the spirit and dedication to education exhibited by Mary Jennings. Recipients must be enrolled full-time in the College of Education and Human Services, participate in sports and demonstrate financial need as well as academic merit.

Our Seton Hall family continues to come together in a strong collaborative effort to raise awareness and funds for the Mary L. Jennings Scholarship and to ensure that future students at Seton Hall will be able to pursue their dreams with the same passion Mary possessed.

The Department of Athletics and the College of Education and Human Services are extremely grateful to all SHU organizations and department co-sponsors who supported this memorial scholarship fundraiser via attendance, donations and various activities promoting Pirate Pride:

  • Alpha Kappa Psi
  • Alpha Phi
  • Alpha Sigma Phi
  • Alumni Relations
  • Black Men of Standard
  • Colleges Against Cancer
  • Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Association
  • Freshman Studies
  • Greek Life
  • Housing and Residence Life
  • Kappa Delta Pi
  • Print Shop
  • Student Activities Board
  • Student Alumni Association

Donate to the Mary Jennings Memorial Scholarship Fund »