Evelyn M. Conley Scholarship
About the Scholarship
The Evelyn M. Conley Scholarship for the Study of Law was created in 1989 by Karin Douglas and is named after the wife of the first President of Sacred Heart University. This scholarship is awarded to full-time students in their senior year, who are majoring in paralegal studies and have applied to and been accepted to a law school.
Student Recipients
Kimberly Hylan '19
Hometown: Bristol, CT
Major: Political Science
"When I graduate I will miss many things about SHU community, but the professors and the friendships I have built is something I will definitely remember forever. The professors I have had over the past three years at SHU have truly made my college experience that much better. They are always willing to help me with a project, stay after office hours, or come in early to meet me. My professors are always reaching out to me with information about networking opportunities or even just to check-in on how my semester is going.
When I started my freshman year at SHU I was nervous on whether I would make any new friendships. I have always grown up and been around a strong group of friends, and when I first left for college, I was terrified to leave them. However, I quickly learned that my fear was unnecessary. The friends I have made here at SHU have become lifelong friends. Becoming a member of the SHU community truly is something special.
Looking into the future, I want to be remembered as someone who made a difference. This thought ultimately lead me to my decision to pursue a legal education. One day I hope to be a successful lawyer, who adds value and makes a positive impact on people's lives through my personal development and work. By declaring a major in Political Science, as well as double minoring in Criminal Justice and Human Rights & Social Justice I have had the opportunity to gain an understanding of many different laws and full use of my mental capabilities.
Being a part of the Women’s Swim and Dive team has to be the experience I most enjoyed outside the classrooms of SHU. Never in a million years did I ever think I would achieve my childhood dream of being an NCAA Division I Athlete. Few experiences outside the classrooms at SHU will live up to the feeling of accomplishment whenever I finish a race or when our 400 freestyle relay out-touched our rival team.
I wish to extend my appreciation of your generous contribution to the scholarship I have been awarded. As one of this year’s recipients, I am grateful for the opportunities this award will provide me. Receiving this scholarship will help reduce my financial burdens and provide assistance for me as I pursue my legal education. After graduation from Sacred Heart University this May, I plan to attend Columbus School of Law – the law school of The Catholic University of America. This scholarship will allow me to focus more on my studies and projects. Thank you again for your generous support.”
Meagan Schantz '19
Hometown: Bayport, NY
Major: History
"Sacred Heart has become my home and it will be difficult to leave it in a few weeks. This school has provided me with incredible opportunities that I could not have anticipated four years ago. My professors, along with the invaluable faculty at the Career Development Center, in the Student Life Office, and in countless other departments across campus, have guided me throughout my college career and have played a large role in shaping me into the student and person that I have become. Beyond the academic and career guidance that Sacred Heart has provided, I have loved being a part of such a kind and enthusiastic student body. Through my involvement in the Orientation program, along with my participation in various clubs and Greek Life, I have gotten to know a number of amazing, reliable, bright, and dedicated students who have challenged me to be the best version of myself. I have undoubtedly made long-term friendships and am proud to have been part of such a supportive community.
I hope to become a national security lawyer after I complete law school. Growing up in a small suburb of Long Island, I witnessed the impacts of September 11th firsthand. Although I was very young, my understanding of that day has continued to crystallize as I’ve grown and I hope to contribute my knowledge and dedication to keeping the country safe. Pursing a JD in this field enables me to combine my passion for the law with my interest in national security.
As a history major, I had the opportunity to take courses in foreign policy, which helped me gain a greater comprehension of the historical and socioeconomic factors that have led to the global circumstances and connections that exist today. These classes peaked my interest initially in pursuing a career in international law. In conjunction with my major, I declared a minor in Global Studies. The curriculum encompassed within this minor enabled me to narrow my focus on certain regions of the world. As part of the outlined requirements, I decided to study Latin America and the Middle East. These two regions are important in the current discussion of national security and allowed me to focus on some of the pressing modern dialogue surrounding border security, terrorism and immigration. My undergraduate classes have provided me with a solid understanding of this field.
My favorite experiences I have had at Sacred Heart include becoming the Chair of the Orientation program, serving as the President of the Pre-Law Club and History Club, becoming a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, playing on the Club Tennis Team, being a member of the Honors Program and the Honors Council, and studying abroad in Dingle, Ireland.
Thank you so much for choosing me to be the recipient of this scholarship. Words cannot even express how appreciative I am for your generosity. Law school is obviously a significant financial commitment, and this scholarship will alleviate some of the costs associated with tuition and supplies. I am eager to take full advantage of my education, as I did in my undergraduate career, and prepare to become the most effective lawyer I can be. Thank you for playing a role in helping me reach my professional goals.”
Donate
To make a donation to the Evelyn M. Conley Scholarship for the Study of Law, make check payable to Sacred Heart University and mail to:
Sacred Heart University
University Advancement
5151 Park Avenue
Fairfield, CT 06825