Sister Connolly: Living Ignatian Values
Sister Joanne Connolly and Jose Aguila ’20, student recipient
Long before former LMU Regent Dr. Steve Peters ’88 was an invasive cardiologist and vice chief of staff at Sutter Roseville Medical Center in Northern California, he was resident director of Tenderich Apartments. There he worked closely with Joanne Connolly, S.S.L., to build better relations with LMU’s Westchester neighbors. Sister Joanne quickly became a fixture in Steve’s life; even attending his graduation from medical school. It’s not surprising that Steve wanted to honor her lasting impact on his life by helping establish the Joanne Connolly, S.S.L. Scholarship with another lead donor and former LMU Regent, Robert “Bob” Kerslake ’58.* Bob Kerslake also had a long-lasting friendship with Sister Joanne.
“Sister Joanne has always been keenly aware of those people in the margins; she’s had a soft spot for the people that the world has passed by,” said Peters. “She’s been a good role model for deeply Ignatian values. You can talk about it, but then I’d go back to the dorm and I’d see someone like her living those values.”
It was Sister Joanne’s idea that the scholarship be awarded to first-generation students. In addition to living and working in the dorms, she also was a licensed marriage and family therapist in Student Psychological Services and chaplain to the Student Workers, all of whom were on scholarship.
“My dream wish is for those who are marginalized and have a desire for education can have the opportunity to obtain it,” said Sister Joanne. “This desire was instilled in me by my parents who sacrificed and obtained scholarships so that all five of their children could receive an education.”
“For me, scholarship is a gift that will multiply,” Peters said. “The most exciting thing for me about a scholarship is not the fact that students can go to school for less, but that in 10, 15, 20 years they will look back and think, ‘Some anonymous person made this possible for me, and I need to make it possible for someone else.’ I’m almost certain that someone will make a decision to help someone else out and the circle of generosity will live on.”
“It means a great deal to me that Dr. Steve Peters and Mr. Bob Kerslake wanted to honor me when I retired with a scholarship in my name,” said Sister Joanne. “The fact that this scholarship will help a first-generation student financially excites me tremendously. It’s a lifeline for these young women and men.”
To support students through the Joanne Connolly S.S.L. Scholarship, visit here. To learn how to create a new scholarship in honor of a friend or family member please contact Kristin Love at 310.338.6554 or kristin.love@lmu.edu.
*Editor’s Note: Robert “Bob” Kerslake ’58, P ’83 passed away on March 8, 2021. In addition to helping establish the Joanne Connolly, S.S.L. Scholarship, Kerslake supported LMU Athletics, Mission & Ministry, LMU’s School of Education (SOE), Student Affairs among other areas on campus. He served as a member of LMU’s Board of Regents and LMU’s SOE Board of Visitors, was inducted into LMU Athletics Hall of Fame for baseball and received the university’s distinguished alumni I AM LMU designation.