Kathleen E. Rourke '75

Much of whom I have become is due to the experiences, the learning, and the people I met while a Nazareth student, and I always wanted to pay that forward. A few years ago I was pleased to discover that you really don’t need much money to start a scholarship, so that is what I did. Each year I contribute an amount to the Ruth E. and John L. Rourke scholarship, presently named in honor of my parents, that enables an English student to receive funds to help pay some of his or her expenses at Nazareth.

In addition, when I retired from my position as an editor at Cornell University, I started an annuity at Nazareth that pays out each year, providing me with tax benefits. A portion of my estate is designated to be added to this principal so that the Rourke Scholarship will continue in perpetuity.

I am proud to be a graduate of Nazareth and feel blessed that I can give back to my alma mater in this way, helping future generations of Nazareth graduates. One of the benefits of this gift is being able to either meet the scholarship recipients in person or read their letters of thanks each year. It is rewarding to see the Nazareth tradition continuing.