Senator Edward M. Kennedy Remembered

August 26, 2009

From his earliest days as a senator, Edward Kennedy enjoyed a close relationship with Stonehill. Whether visiting the campus to speak to students, helping the College forge ties with a university in Russia, enjoying the Irish Festival, winning funding for the Center for Nonprofit Management or advocating for student scholarships, he knew our community and worked diligently to support the College on many fronts.

"His heart was with people who were struggling," said Stonehill President Rev. Mark Cregan, C.S.C. '78. "He was a compassionate man who was committed to making sure higher education was accessible and affordable."

Sen. Kennedy's connection to Stonehill dates back to 1964 when, at the age of 32, he received an honorary doctor of laws degree, just two years after becoming a United States Senator. Following a 1968 visit to Vietnam, he returned to campus to discuss the deteriorating political situation in Southeast Asia.

Throughout his 47 years as a member of the Senate, Sen. Kennedy was noted for his unparalleled influence on social legislation, particularly in the areas of education and health care.

"Senator Kennedy always took great interest in the College and was helpful to us in many ways, from the legislation involving the Martin Institute to our ties with Yaroslavl State University in the former Soviet Union. I felt that we were always on his radar and I heard him speak well about Stonehill, our students and faculty, at many external forums," recalls President Emeritus Rev. Bartley MacPhaídín, C.S.C.

In fact, in 1990 the agreement between Stonehill and Yaroslavl was signed by President MacPhaidin and the rector of Yaroslavl in Sen. Kennedy's Washington, D.C. office.

Recalling the Senator's backing for the Martin Institute, its Director Peter Ubertaccio says:

"His assistance is demonstrative of his passion for public service. In many ways, the Martin Institute's mission to prepare students for lives as active citizens is modeled after his lifelong devotion to public service and social justice. His work on behalf of the Institute, named after a former Republican Speaker of the House also highlights the Senator's unique ability to work across the partisan lines to achieve his goals."

As the former Chair of the National Direct Student Loan Coalition, Eileen O'Leary worked closely with Sen. Kennedy on financial aid legislation. In reflecting on that collaboration, the Associate Vice President for Student Financial Services notes:

"I am honored to have worked with the Senator for the past 12 years, beginning with my internship as a research assistant on his Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee during the 1998 Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, to participation in Senate Hearings and televised forums. He was a true champion for students, understanding their needs and dreams, working to make their futures brighter through education."

more>>>