President Joseph Nyre and his wife, Kelli Nyre, have gifted $500,000 to Seton Hall University. – SETON HALL
Seton Hall University President Joseph Nyre and his wife, Kelli Nyre, have gifted $500,000 to the university to underwrite scholarships, research and instructional activities of faculty, the school announced Feb. 14.
The Nyres meet regularly with Seton Hall donors and, according to the university, are “intimately aware” of the “tremendous impact of philanthropic gifts” on the university community.
“We are very fortunate to be part of the Seton Hall community and to see first-hand the transformation that takes place on our campuses,” said Kelli Nyre. “If we’re asking people to give to Seton Hall, we need to show that we believe in Seton Hall and its people, 100%.”
The gift will be added to the university endowment.
“When it comes to helping students with financial need, for us it’s personal,” said Kelli Nyre. “I remember our discussions when Joe was in graduate school about someday having the opportunity to help students struggling financially.”
Joseph Nyre became a first-generation college student after joining the U.S. Navy and benefiting from the federal GI Bill. At Seton Hall, 35% of its incoming freshman class this year identify as first generation.
“For President and Mrs. Nyre to grant a generous donation to students in need like myself shows the commitment that our president has made to see us succeed at our full potential,” Akaysha Palmer, a senior in Seton Hall’s School of Diplomacy and International Relations, said in a prepared statement. “Contributions like these have allowed me to focus on my education as a first-generation American and college student, with the goal of pursuing a career within foreign service. The opportunity to receive a Catholic education is a privilege that students at Seton Hall are able to experience because of contributions like these, and we will forever be grateful.”
The Nyres also noted that financial support of faculty is important, and although once in the endowment they have no control of where their donation goes, faculty financial support is part of its intention.
“When Kelli and I sat down in December to discuss this gift with university officials, we talked about how the faculty we encountered throughout our college careers made learning exciting, challenged us and helped us navigate our paths,” said Joseph Nyre. “Faculty are vital to delivering the mission of Seton Hall, a premiere Catholic university, and we are pleased to support them through this gift and through the work we do each day.”
