ADVANCEMENT NEWS

PICTURED: Maureen Kennedy in the 1996 Harcum College Yearbook.

A Shining Light to a Generation

“A very caring and devoted teacher…who gave us courage, dedication…to work hard and never give up.” That is how Fashion Design graduate Heather Reese ’96 described her former professor Maureen Kennedy in the 1996 yearbook.

A bright light in the firmament of Harcum professors, Maureen Kennedy taught fashion design, fashion merchandising, and English classes at the College from 1971 to 1995. In the lower corner of the yearbook page dedicated to Ms. Kennedy is a hand-drawn cross, a testament to her 16 years as a Sister of St. Francis in Williamsville, New York.

After leaving the convent, the New York native moved to Philadelphia, obtained a master’s in design from Drexel University, and began teaching at Harcum, where she spent the next 24 years.

Through mutual friends, Dr. Janet Schwengber, who served briefly as the academic dean at Harcum, met Maureen Kennedy at a Christmas party in 1994. “She was the most gentle person, so spiritually endowed,” Dr. Schwengber said of her spouse and dearest friend. “She was extremely influential in the kindest, most selfless way. She made deep and lasting connections with her students, recognizing each as an individual.”

Maureen Kennedy passed away on September 2, 2021, in Cooperstown, New York. In honor of her life and enduring friendship, Dr. Schwengber established the Maureen M. Kennedy Scholarship to recognize her extraordinary devotion to a generation of Harcum students. The new scholarship will be awarded to second-year fashion design students with a preference for students of color and international students, with the first award to be made in Fall 2022.

“Maureen was dedicated to Harcum. She was teaching her students to be women of contribution,” Dr. Schwengber said, “to embrace their potential roles in the professional world,” a value that has carried forth and illuminates Harcum College’s path and purpose today.

CONSIDER CREATING A LEGACY AT HARCUM WITH AN IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER Did you know that you can give any amount (up to a maximum of $100,000) per year from your IRA directly to a qualified charity such as Harcum College without having to pay income taxes on the contribution? Through this popular gift option, commonly called the IRA charitable rollover or QCD, you pay neither taxable income nor a tax deduction, so you benefit even if you do not itemize your deductions.

This gift does not count as income so it can reduce your annual income level, may lower your Medicare premiums, and decrease the amount of Social Security that is subject to tax. Please call Brooke Walker, Vice President of Institutional Advancement to create your legacy gift at Harcum at 610-312-3385.