Ellen Garshgo McConnell '72

Ellen Garshgo McConnell has been a loyal and generous donor to the Kean University Foundation since she graduated in 1972. Philanthropic support and service to others have always been among her top priorities. Ellen and her husband, Jim, care deeply about giving back to organizations that have touched their lives in meaningful ways. The list of charities they support is long, but they have never forgotten Kean.

Ellen's ultimate gift to her beloved alma mater will come through a bequest in her will. When she looks back on her young adult years, Ellen recognizes the significant influence that both her parents had on her pursuit of a college degree. Higher education was something that Ellen's parents valued immensely, particularly because they were not afforded the opportunity themselves. Ellen's father worked in a laboratory at DuPont, while her mother worked as a nursing assistant until finally earning her LPN degree at the age of fifty.

As a young child Ellen learned about the value of hard work, as well as the precious and transformative gift of education through her parents' perspective. Ellen's father, the son of immigrants, was unable to finish high school because he had to work to help support his family. Despite their humble beginnings, Ellen's parents prioritized giving to charity and serving others and instilled the same values in their daughters.

A native of Old Bridge, New Jersey, Ellen taught in Old Bridge public schools for nearly four decades as a special education teacher. She is grateful to Kean for the education she received which resulted in a fulfilling career and lifelong friendships. She acknowledges that without a college education, she would not have had the same level of career satisfaction or security and believes it's important to provide this same opportunity to future generations. When reflecting on the impact of her time at Kean, Ellen shared, "Without the education that I received at Kean University, I wouldn't have had a career that I truly loved for 36 years."

Ellen's decision to include Kean University in her estate plans is not only a testament to her gratitude for the education she received at Kean but is a way to pay tribute to her parents' unwavering support of higher education.

There is no doubt that Ellen's testamentary gift will have a significant impact on future students and afford those in need with the transformative gift of education.