Saint Joseph’s Unveils McConnell Scholars Program
The four year co-curricular program honors SJU’s first woman president, Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD, and focuses on advancing gender equity.
Incoming Saint Joseph's University students with an interest in gender equity will have a unique opportunity to participate in the newly unveiled McConnell Scholars Program. Named for the University's first woman president, Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD, the scholarship and the program gives participants exclusive opportunities to participate in research, workshops and leadership conferences that contribute to gender justice and equity initiatives.
Each McConnell Scholar will receive a $35,000 annual scholarship worth up to $140,000 over four years of program participation. Scholars also receive priority class registration and guaranteed housing in a learning community within the new Sister Thea Bowman Residence Hall, which will be open for the fall 2025 semester. President McConnell will personally teach the first course, Inequality in America, for the inaugural cohort. The application deadline is Feb. 15, 2025, and 13-15 Hawk Hill undergraduate students will be selected. If awarded, this scholarship will supersede any other scholarship or award offers students may have previously received.
McConnell Scholars will be supported by faculty and staff mentors throughout their time in the program. Saint Joseph’s Women’s Center will serve as a central hub for the Scholars, where they can study, socialize and lead gender equality initiatives sponsored by the Center.
“I’m eager to welcome our first cohort of McConnell Scholars to Hawk Hill next fall,” remarks Dr. McConnell. “Gender equity and justice are subjects that are critically important to me – I could not be more proud of Saint Joseph’s for creating these pathways for the high-achieving Hawks of the future.”
