Helping current and future students while honoring his mother’s legacy
October 2024 – Drew University alum, employee, and now donor, Ryan Tumulty C’22 has established the Patricia Marie Dowd Memorial Scholarship.
The scholarship, named in honor of his late mother, is intended to be awarded to a current student or students in Drew’s College of Liberal Arts or Caspersen School of Graduate Studies with a demonstrated financial need. Additional consideration will be given to students from New Jersey and students who are pursuing studies in business.
“Education is a way for individuals to express knowledge and understanding—and Drew supports students from all over the world with different abilities and identities to be successful,” said Tumulty. “I hope to make accessing this great education a little easier for future students who see themselves at Drew and need extra financial support.”
Tumulty earned a business degree at Drew and is currently a student accounts representative with Drew’s Student Financial Services. “I feel a connection to Drew—I made lifelong friends, received a great degree, had great professors, and wanted to stay to make a difference in the lives of other students,” he said.
Tumulty’s mother, who passed away during his junior year at Drew, inspired him to create the scholarship. “My mom taught me the importance of annual donations to organizations or charities that I researched and felt aligned with my values,” he said. “Being a former student and current employee, I knew starting this scholarship would support of her legacy.”
“She was my biggest fan and she helped raise me to the man I am today,” continued Tumulty. “The dean, professors, and staff were super supportive of me during that time and made sure I made it to graduation day.”
Tumulty came to Drew because of its proximity to his hometown, and its small, intimate size. “Drew is very supportive, accessible, small, and close enough to home,” he said. “I felt really comfortable there and knew I would get the support I needed to be successful.”
“I just hope to inspire others to help give back to Drew and the Drew community.”
