Driven by his passion to make a positive impact in the lives of others and to give back to an institution that he credits with transforming his life, alumnus Stephen Somers ’82 has made an astounding $1 million gift to St. Joseph’s University, New York.
His donation will be used to establish endowed student scholarships for the Brooklyn Campus ACES program, as well as the nursing programs at St. Joseph’s Brooklyn and Long Island campuses.
Through his incredible generosity, the Somers ACES Endowed Scholarship provides $500,000 for student scholarships that will benefit students enrolled in the Brooklyn Campus’ ACES program, an intensive reading and writing learning community for high-achieving immigrant students for whom English is a new language.
Similarly, the Somers Endowed Nursing Scholarship provides $500,000 for undergraduate student scholarships for high-need, high-achieving upper level nursing students during their junior and senior years.
“I chose these programs because I identify myself with the financial challenges the ACES students encounter, yet the extreme motivation and commitment they have to their studies with a dream to have a successful professional career in the future,” Somers said.
“I have been part of this program in a smaller way in the past and I still hear from students today who have received help,” he continued. “For nursing, I saw first-hand how amazing nurses are during COVID, when both my mother and mother-in-law were going through difficult times. The nurses were truly beyond caring and it is a true vocation the way they give of themselves and care for their patients the way they do.”
Because these new scholarships are endowed, they will be awarded for generations, benefitting countless students. Endowed scholarships help strengthen the institution and provide much needed financial support for students on an ongoing basis.
“This gift is a testament to Steve’s belief and commitment to a St. Joseph’s education,” said Rory Shaffer-Walsh, the University’s vice president for institutional advancement. “Thanks to his generosity, the University will be able to provide impactful opportunities to students, and we are forever grateful.”
Somers came from humble beginnings in Whitestone, Queens. One of four children, he was the first to attend college. His parents were hardworking people, his father often juggling three jobs to support his family, while his mother instilled in him his strong faith and connection to God.
Originally considering entering the priesthood, Somers graduated from Cathedral Preparatory School and Seminary in Elmhurst, Queens. After discerning that God was not calling him to the priesthood, he had plans to attend another local university to play baseball. But an injury and a last-minute change of plans led him to St. Joseph’s, where he received an academic scholarship and was able to play varsity basketball.
“I hope the students who receive these scholarships realize the gift they have been given and reach back to support the University with whatever help they can give,” Somers said. “That may be their time, talent, mentorship or financial gifts. If you have the good fortune to live your dreams like I have, then in turn, you need to pay it forward so others can do the same.”
During his sophomore year at St. Joseph’s, Somers met his wife, Sharon Petty Somers ’82, a child study major. He also received life-changing mentorship that elevated chemistry from difficult to fun.
He graduated from the Brooklyn Campus in 1982 with a B.S. in Chemistry and began his career in the flavor and fragrance industry. He went on to earn a master’s degree in analytical chemistry from St. John’s University and eventually purchased Vigon International, Inc., in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
Under Somers’ leadership, the company became one of the industry’s fastest growing companies and the leading manufacturer of high-quality flavor and fragrance ingredients. He sold the company in 2021 but remains involved, serving as head of technology. In living out a lifelong dream and his love of baseball, he recently became an ownership partner with the Fenway Sports Group, owners of the Boston Red Sox.
“On behalf of everyone at the University, I would like to extend my gratitude to Steve Somers for the incredible opportunities he is creating for future students,” St. Joseph’s University President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D. said. “Steve’s impressive accomplishments underscore the fact that our graduates can go on to have wonderful careers and make a lasting impact in our community.”
With a long history of philanthropic giving to St. Joseph’s, these are the fourth and fifth scholarships that Somers’ donations have established for the University.
In addition to these two newest scholarships, there are the Somers Scholarship for students from Cathedral Preparatory School and Seminary entering as freshman on the Brooklyn Campus; the S. Mary Maier Scholarship for Brooklyn Campus science majors, in honor of Somers’ beloved chemistry professor, S. Mary Maier; and the S. St. Francis Scholarship, also for science majors on the Brooklyn Campus and also in honor of his beloved professor, S. St. Francis.
Somers has been a loyal and generous supporter of the University throughout the years, always with his greatest passion towards helping students achieve a degree with less debt. His impactful giving, along with scholarships, has supported the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF) Program, the Brooklyn Chapel, and university-sponsored galas and golf outings.
“My father taught me to dream big and never forget the people who helped along the way,” Somers said. “Not only did I fall in love at St. Joseph’s, but I met so many of the people who would help me on my journey. I can still hear S. Mary Maier’s laugh, and how S. St. Francis taught me what it takes to be successful, not only in the classroom but in life.”
Like Somers, many students who attend St. Joseph’s are the first in their family to attend college. Gifts from donors help many gifted students cover the cost of attending St. Joseph’s. Nearly 94 percent of undergraduate students received aid last year.
“The generosity of donors like Mr. Somers plays a vital role in advancing the mission and vision of St. Joseph’s University, ensuring that we can continue to provide a high-quality education,” said Heather Barry, Ph.D., St. Joseph’s University’s provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Their support fosters academic excellence, enriches the student experience, and contributes to the long-term success of our graduates.”
Somers has worked hard to be able to make an impact for others and ease some of the financial hardship for students who feel burdened. He wants his legacy to include the importance of giving back, and that is something he instills in his two grown children. His son, Stephen Jr., is following in his footsteps by giving back to his own alma mater.
For current students, Somers offers this advice: “Find the thing you love to do because it is possible to wake up every day and live your dream. It won’t happen immediately. I was 37 when it happened for me, but I never gave up. People will always tell you what you can’t do, but you need to drown out those voices and overcome the fear as it truly is the enemy.
“You need to find a way to maximize the gifts you have received, live your dream and in the process, never forget those that helped you along the way, like St. Joe’s.”
