The University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford has established a memorial fund in honor of former President Winifred E. Coleman who passed away on Friday, June 19, 2015.
Former University of Saint Joseph President Winifred E. Coleman died on June 19, 2015. Submitted photo
Submitted
The University of Saint Joseph community sadly reports the passing of past President Winifred E. Coleman, D.H.L., who died on Friday morning, June 19, 2015, in Liverpool, NY. A visionary leader, President Coleman led the University from 1991-2004, stewarding it through significant academic, cultural, and fiscal growth. She was named President Emerita upon her retirement in 2004.
President Coleman guided the University through two capital campaigns, which resulted in the construction of the O’Connell Athletic Center, the Carol Autorino Center for the Arts and Humanities, the School for Young Children at Beach Park, and expanded support for faculty development, student scholarships, the annual fund, and the endowment.
Under President Coleman’s leadership, the University enjoyed steady recognition from U.S. News & World Report as a Top Tier institution, as well as distinction by the NCAA and USA Today for having the highest graduation rate of scholar athletes among Division III institutions in the U.S.
“Those privileged to know and work with Winnie, remember her keen intelligence, sharp wit, and visionary leadership,” said USJ President Pamela Trotman Reid, Ph.D. “She built a lasting legacy that positioned the University as a leading institution in the 21stcentury.”
Prior to joining USJ, President Coleman served 14 years a dean of students at Cazenovia College, 10 years as dean of students at Trinity College in Washington D.C., and five years as executive director of the National Council of Catholic Women. She held a bachelor’s degree in English from Le Moyne College and master’s degree in Guidance and Student Personnel from Marquette University.
President Coleman received honorary degrees from Le Moyne College (1993) and the University of Hartford (2004). Locally, she was honored by the Central Connecticut Celtic Cultural Committee, the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame, and the Connecticut Valley Girl Scout Council. The Student Union at Cazenovia College is named in her honor, as is the lobby of USJ’s Bruyette Athenaeum.
The family will hold calling hours on Monday, June 22, 2015 from 4-7 p.m. at the Edward Ryan Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Avenue, Syracuse, NY. A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday. The University of Saint Joseph will also hold memorial Mass in the fall.
In her honor, the University established the Winifred E. Coleman Memorial Fund, which will be used to fund a student scholarship, as well as a portrait to be hung at the University. Contributions to the Winfred E. Coleman Memorial Fund may be sent to the Office of Institutional Advancement, University of Saint Joseph, 1678 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, CT.
