Shelagh Heffernan O'Neill ’59: SJC Distinguished Alumna
In keeping with the namesake of the Mary Rosa McDonough Award, Shelagh Heffernan O'Neill '59 is a woman of integrity, principle and distinction. Throughout her impressive career as an attorney, her continual involvement in community, and her commitment to her alma mater, Shelagh has modeled the life of a concerned and engaged citizen. From her early days as an attorney to her later work as a founding partner of the all-female law firm Leete, O'Neill and Kostco, Shelagh viewed the world through a broad-based lens wherein the actions of one person affect the lives of many. An invaluable member of the Saint Joseph College community, Shelagh has served as a Trustee since 2002. She is, as Sister Mary Ellen Murphy '50 noted in her nomination, "Everything that Saint Joseph College educates its students to be."
"It is indeed humbling to receive this award. I was one of first non-traditional students to come to Saint Joseph College, as a wife and mother in 1957. I am so grateful for the support I received. Sister Mary Theodore, especially, was an ongoing source of support. When I didn't want to take gym class she said, 'Okay, we'll count housework.' She was with me even until my last exam. I woke up that morning to discover my seven-year old daughter had German Measles. I put her in the car to drive over and tell Sister Theodore I couldn't take the exam. I remember she said, 'Pull the car up under my window and I'll watch her,' and so she did! I'm very grateful to Sister Theodore and to Sister Consolata who convinced me to take the Graduate Record Exams which led me to law school. My years as a Trustee have drawn me closer to this College and I love it more than ever."- Shelagh Heffernan O'Neill '59, accepting the Mary Rosa McDonough Award.
