Benefactor Spotlight

John P. and Jean Sweeney, The 2015 Society

Jean Sweeney, Sister Mary Reap, IHM, and John P. Sweeney

Marywood benefactors and 2015 Society members, John P. and Jean Blackledge Sweeney, have supported capital projects and scholarships for Marywood students for many years. When asked to share an insight into their motivation for support, Mr. and Mrs. Sweeney stress the importance of education, noting, "Giving the gift of education allows individuals to build their dreams."

Jack and Jean Sweeney’s first major gift to Marywood was in support of the Early Childhood Center. This was soon followed by the establishment of the Claire Ginty Edwards Endowed Scholarship. Named in memory of their beloved aunt, this scholarship provides financial assistance to a qualifying student in the Music Department. Their most recent gift to Marywood, the John Blackledge and Jean Blackledge Hitzel ’75 Endowed Scholarship is named in memory of Mrs. Sweeney’s parents and provides financial aid to deserving students majoring in Elementary or Secondary Education.

The philanthropic support of the entire Sweeney family has been vital to many dedicated Marywood students earning degrees they may not have been able to complete without the support of University benefactors.

The 2015 Society sets the stage for a momentous anniversary, by honoring Marywood University's most generous annual benefactors. Members can contribute at varying levels of support, with a minimum annual Society gift of $1,500 in fiscal year 2009-2010.