When asked why she is class fund agent, Helen responds,
“I want a new generation to receive the same
education I received. It’s wonderful and admirable
that the Mount provides opportunities for students who
qualify for admission but don’t necessarily
have
the money to attend college. I know this does not happen
at every school.” She goes on to say,
“I love my classmates! Our class made an extra
effort to stay close when we were students and as a
result, 50 years later, we all know each other
well.”
Helen encouraged classmates to give generously during their 50th reunion year in 2005, and they exceeded their class gift goal of $30,000. Helen was then unanimously reelected fund agent. The fund agent job does have its challenges. “My only disappointment is when a classmate promises me they’re going to give and then they do not. I feel bad because I know the College needs that support.”
Helen’s volunteering does not end with the Mount.
She is involved with organizations near her home in
Bronxville, New York. She is president of the St.
Joseph’s Church Auxiliary, volunteers at Lawrence
Hospital, and is treasurer of the Auxiliary. If
you’re in
Lawrence Hospital on a Friday night, you’re likely
to meet Helen at the information desk, where she’s
been volunteering since 1963. She notes,
“I’ll probably be buried at that information
desk.”
Helen came to the Mount from Dominican Academy in Manhattan and “the minute we drove through the gate, I knew this was where I wanted to be. I loved the Sisters of Charity. They were so practical. They gave us down-to-earth answers to life’s problems.”
After graduating with a math degree in 1955, Helen was
hired by JP Morgan. Her work included tax preparation,
trust and estate administration, and private banking. She
remained at JP Morgan until retiring as vice president in
1987.
“Asking people for money is not as gruesome as some
think,” Helen jokes. “It gives me a great
opportunity to stay in touch with my class, and I’m
happy to help the College.”
