Villanova Scholarship
The Jennifer L. Kane Endowed University Scholarship at Villanova University
Introduction:
On September 11, 2001, the United States met great tragedy as an act of terrorism sent two hijacked commercial airliners into the World Trade Center, the heart of the business financial center in New York City. Jennifer L. Kane, 26, was a bright and shining Villanova alumna who lost her life on this day that will bear remembrance. A 1997 graduate of the College of Commerce and Finance, Jennifer became a certified public accountant and worked for Marsh & McLennan on the 100th floor of the north tower. Jennifer was greatly admired as a committed employee, a mentor, and a special, devoted and loving family-oriented person.
Fittingly, Jennifer’s fist word was “light” and one of her favorite songs from early childhood was “You Light up My Life” as throughout her life, her shining personality brightened everyone’s day. Jennifer excelled academically, athletically, professionally and socially. Her love of family and friends, her humor, and her belief in the importance of traditional values, as well as her strong academic and professional work ethic, were evident in Jennifer’s personality, character and grace. At a prayer service in remembrance and in thanksgiving for Jennifer’s life, a family member said Jennifer lit up all of the lives she touched. “Character, inner beauty, love, grace, friendliness, compassion, kindness – all these are outpourings of something greater than ourselves – a reflection of the One who The Light of the World. Jen knew and reflected that Light by the way that she touched many lives.
In the aftermath of this terrible tragedy, Jennifer’s parents, George and Faye, and two brothers, Matthew and Timothy, suffered a pervading sense of sorrow. In remembrance and in celebration of Jennifer’s life and in honor of her character, as well as in response to the outpouring of love and support from family, friends, colleagues and neighbors, the Kane family established the Jennifer L. Kane Endowed University Scholarship at Villanova University. The University will be pleased to bestow the honor of being a Jennifer L. Kane Endowed University Scholarship recipients to those accomplished students who also possess those qualities Jennifer exemplified that made her a person others cherished knowing. Through this scholarship, Jennifer’s legacy will continue in perpetuity and other young women will be able to pursue the dream of a Villanova education and reach their full potential for a bright future.
Purpose:
The purpose of establishing an endowed scholarship in tribute to Jennifer as a devoted and loving daughter and sister, to her beautiful personality that enriched those fortunate to have known her, and to her successful academic, athletic and professional achievements is to ensure that good prevails over the tragic events of September 11, 2001. In reflection of Jennifer’s enthusiastic and positive nature, the Kane family channeled their sadness and grief in a new direction by extending the opportunity for young women like Jennifer to fully flourish at Villanova. The Jennifer L. Kane Endowed University Scholarship shall annually provide a partial tuition award.