Sydney Ledoux '22 Memorial Scholarship

Through the support of Sydney's family and friends, the Sydney Ledoux '22 Memorial Scholarship will be established at Stonehill College with the goal of giving back to the educational journeys of Stonehill students - supporting students who embody Sydney's spirit through compassionate leadership, academic excellence, and advocacy for inclusivity in all they do.

The Sydney Ledoux '22 Memorial Scholarship

Sydney at graduation
Sydney at her Stonehill graduation in 2022

Sydney Ledoux was born on June 4, 2000 and raised in Bolton, Connecticut. According to Sydney’s friends and family, she was well known for her radiant and uplifting spirit; like a sunflower in bloom or a rainbow after rain, she brought light, warmth, and color to the lives of everyone around her.

Her shining personality was ever present during her time as a Resident Assistant for two years at Stonehill where she hosted exciting community events, created elaborate door-tags, and nourished lasting friendships in the halls. 

In her time on campus, Sydney was heavily involved in extracurriculars including service as the President and Programming Chair of the Residence Hall Association, Outreach Communications Coordinator for the Student Alumni Association, Resident Assistant in the Pilgrim Heights and O’Hara Hall, four-year club soccer player and team captain, and Spirit Chair within the Student Government Association. Sydney dedicated much of her time outside of the classroom to charitable causes, most notably in her volunteer work with the Charity Guild, My Brother’s Keeper, and Habitat for Humanity. 

Sydney at O'Hara
Sydney at O'Hara Hall

Sydney was a passionate advocate for inclusivity and accessibility. Her efforts were instrumental in advancing key initiatives on campus, including the successful recognition of American Sign Language (ASL) as fulfilling the foreign language requirement. This achievement continues to benefit students and elevate the visibility of Deaf culture within the academic community, and simultaneously reflects her deep commitment to communication in all its forms.

She graduated from Stonehill in 2022 with a major in Biology and a minor in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Upon graduation, Sydney went on to pursue her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Emerson College while working as a bilingual (English-Spanish) Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, at the elementary level, in the New London Public Schools. She died unexpectedly on November 26, 2023. Sydney’s family and friends have remained closely connected to Stonehill and the community she cherished by honoring her memory in meaningful ways: a memorial bench outside the MacPhaidin Library, commemorative plaques in Shields Science Center and the Meehan School of Business, and the establishment of this scholarship to continue her legacy.

There is no better way to honor Sydney’s impact on the Stonehill community than to give back to those who embody her spirit: students who lead with compassion, pursue academic excellence, and advocate for inclusivity in all they do.

Scholarship Gratitude and Reflection on Stonehill Journey

Words of Thanks

At Stonehill, 99% of the student body receives financial aid. During her time at Stonehill, Sydney was a scholarship recipient and shared the following reflections on her gratitude and her Stonehill journey with the donors who supported her Stonehill education.

What does scholarship support mean to you and your family, and what words of gratitude would you like to share?

This scholarship is the main reason I am at this school. By being awarded this scholarship, I am able to continue to further my undergraduate education. I would like to sincerely thank you for all of the help you have provided me with over the past four years.

What will be one of your biggest takeaways from your time at Stonehill?

The biggest takeaway from my time here at Stonehill would have to be the support and consideration of the people and the groups I've met and interacted with here on campus. I considered transferring out during my freshman year because I felt as if I didn't fit in. But, over the past three years, I have involved myself in groups such as the Resident Hall Association, The National Honorary of Hall Councils, Student Alumni Association, Club Soccer, Resident Assistance, and much more. All of these groups have one thing in common, the diverse people throughout. The people I have interacted with have shown me that it is okay to fail because I can get right back up. While I might feel like I'm drowning in work, it will all be worth it in the end, and most importantly I have a support system that I can lean back on.

As you reflect on Stonehill College's mission statement, what aspects have resonated most with you during your time at the College?

I think that the part of the mission statement that states: “Stonehill College educates the whole person so that each Stonehill graduate thinks, acts, and leads with courage” resonates the most with me because of a few keywords. These words are, 'acts', 'leads', and 'courage.' These relate to my experience here at Stonehill because over my past four years I have had to pull all three of these traits out of myself and I have had to build the 'courage' to be able to 'act and lead' throughout the many positions I've held on campus. I have had to force myself out of my comfort zone to be a better version of myself, and I genuinely do not think that would have been possible without the support system that Stonehill has provided me.

In your time at Stonehill, what professor/course has had the greatest impact on you?

In my time here, the professor that has had the greatest impact on me was Professor Robin Goldberg. I took her Intro to Speech class freshman year and fell in love so much so that I went to her for advising and she encouraged me to take Speech and Language Pathology as a minor. At the time she was an adjunct professor, and there were only 5 of us in the minor. However, this did not stop her from building a relationship with me and from taking me under her wing as I began this new journey that would soon navigate my future. Now, as a senior I have her again for my Phonetics class and I couldn't be happier. This year I have leaned on her more than in previous years. This year she has taken the role of helping me apply to graduate school and has taken time out of her non-work day to sit down with me and discuss all my options, guide me, and be a listening ear as I begin my application.

If you could accomplish one thing in life, what would it be?

If I could accomplish one thing in life, it would be to give back to those who have supported me my whole life. I would also like to give back to those who are less fortunate. If I could accomplish one thing, it would be to give all I can, whether it is money, advice, or simply my time.

Sydney's plaque in the Meehan School of Business

In Honor Of
Sydney Elizabeth Ledoux '22

A selfless and compassionate student leader and mentor, who devoted her four years to making Stonehill College a better place.

Dedicated by her friends, family, and classmates.

Sydney's plaque in the Shields Science Center

In Loving Memory Of
Sydney Elizabeth Ledoux '22
Biology major, beloved student leader, and aspiring Speech-Language Pathologist

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