The Maureen Shanahan Memorial Scholarship is an endowed scholarship for St. Bonaventure University students.
The Shanahan family established the scholarship that is now grandfathered in annually in honor of Maureen “Mo” Shanahan, a Bonaventure student who died suddenly while studying at the university’s summer program at Oxford University.
Shanahan, 19, died from undiagnosed acute leukemia in 1987. She was a heavily involved on campus, and her scholarship recipients are meant to embody this as well.
“Maureen was an extraordinary student,” said Kathleen M. Ryan, assistant director of Development for Stewardship University Advancement.
Shanahan was the manager for the Lady Bonnies basketball team, the manager for the men’s baseball team, an editor for The Bona Venture newspaper and an accounting and journalism double major with a 3.97 GPA.
Following her tragic death, The Bona Venture published an article in Shanahan’s memory. Mary Jane “M.J.” Telfold, class of ‘75 and the Lady Bonnies basketball head coach from 1975 to 1993, discussed her beloved manager with great admiration.
“Maureen certainly was a wonderful, wonderful young lady who, I think, impressed everyone with whom she came in contact,” said Telford. “Anything she touched was something that was done perfectly. She was my right hand all the time. She would just say ‘Coach, I’ll do this,” and never again would I ever have to worry about it.”
The 2019 scholarship application is due today. Students who resemble Shanahan’s outstanding qualities and achievements are encouraged to apply.
“Juniors and seniors are eligible to apply,” said Susan van der Horst, from the Office of Financial Aid. “They typically pick seniors.”
Students can be considered through a nomination by a specific organization or department or through a self-initiated application. The application includes two sections: academic honors and achievements and extra-curricular participation. If a student is being nominated, the nominator may also provide a statement regarding the student’s candidacy.
“The scholarship amount changes every year, but it runs between $7,000 and $8,000,” said Van der Horst.
The notice for the scholarship was sent to students through the Notice Board. After the applications are received by the financial aid department, they are sent to the Shanahan family to review and select the recipient.
The Shanahan family typically chooses the scholarship recipient in March.
By Julia Schnieder, Staff Writer
schneije18@bonaventure.edu
