Forging a Future in History
St. Joseph’s University, New York is proud to announce the establishment of the Monica A. Brennan, Ph.D., History Endowed Award, a new scholarship that will be presented to one history major and/or minor from the Long Island and Brooklyn campuses.
The award is in honor of Professor Emeritus and former Chair of the History Department Monica A. Brennan, Ph.D., who dedicated more than 40 years to teaching and mentoring students at SJNY. It’s purpose is to recognize undergraduate students in their senior year who demonstrate intellectual rigor, creativity and originality in the field of history.
“As a student, I remember Monica’s kindness so clearly. Even though she was not my professor, she always took the time to be warm and encouraging,” said Lisa Galasso-Werner ’08, MS, MBA ’13, Director of Development & Consortium Giving at the University. “That is something I have never forgotten. Helping to establish this endowed award is a meaningful way to honor her, and I encourage others who were touched by her life and work to consider contributing.”
Leading the initiative are James Blakeley, Ph.D., current Chair of the Department of History, and Wendy Turgeon, Ph.D., Professor and Chair of the Philosophy Department.
In Memory of Dr. Monica A. Brennan
The scholarship is further supported by Brennan’s family, friends, former colleagues and alumni — reflecting her longstanding legacy as a beloved educator and mentor during her time at St. Joseph’s University, New York.
According to Dr. Blakeley, who was a close friends and colleague, Dr. Brennan was recognized as a “rigorous instructor” who was deeply dedicated to the Sisters of St. Joseph and their mission. “That was reflected in her approach to students,” Dr. Blakeley said. “There was another side of Monica that we all knew and loved — her wit and sense of humor. She knew how to lighten the mood with a well-timed observation that not only put a smile on one’s face but usually held a kernel of wisdom or sharp insight.”
Dr. Turgeon remembers Dr. Brennan as a “warm, witty and inspiring mentor,” who served on every important committee and gave her heart and soul to her students. “When the Honors students went to Ireland a number of times, she was the perfect co-leader, gently correcting some of the wilder tales told by our guides,” Dr. Turgeon shared. “She was my true friend and colleague.”
Similar sentiments are expressed by former students of Dr. Brennan, including Chander Mallhotra ’11, MA ’14, who now works as a high school teacher and adjunct instructor at SJNY.
“Dr. Brennan was a tough professor, and you were thankful for it. She demanded excellence and accepted nothing less. Dr. Brennan saw this excellence in each of us and helped us find it in ourselves. In my years as a student, and my later years as a professor, I never met an academic who did not have the utmost respect for Monica Brennan,” Dr. Malhotra said.
Scholarship Information
A candidate must be a full-time undergraduate student in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and at least 90 completed credits to be eligible. Every April, recipients will be selected by the Chair of the History Department, along with faculty committees on each campus.
The endowed award will be funded through individual gifts and pledges, with a minimum goal of $25,000 to be reached by March 9, 2031. Donations for the Monica A. Brennan, Ph.D. History Endowed Award can be made by clicking here.
