Greenwich couple pledges $10 million gift for Niagara University; business college renamed in their honor

In recognition of the generous gift, the university is renaming its business college to the Holzschuh College of Business Administration.

“Mary Helen and I are honored to have the family name on the College of Business. Niagara University is a special place for both of us, and we are grateful for the experience of our Vincentian education,” said Jeff Holzschuh. “We feel very fortunate to be able to share our experience and to give back to support student scholarships for business and nursing students, as well as Purple Eagle student-athletes.”

The Rev. James J. Maher, president of Niagara University, said he was “truly humbled” by their incredible generosity, “which will benefit the students of Niagara University for years to come.”

“What is even more impressive than their gift and their support is the manner in which they live their lives,” Maher said of the Greenwich couple. “Despite their incredible personal and professional success, they remain committed to serving others in a quiet and humble manner, reflective of their Vincentian hearts.”

Jeffrey R. Holzschuh, Class of 1982, is a managing director and chairman of Morgan Stanley’s Institutional Securities Group, as well as a member of the firm’s management committee. He is also chairman of Morgan Stanley’s global power and utility group.

Also, he has been active with the Metropolitan Golf Association for 30 years, serving on the board, the foundation board, and as its 61st president. He also serves on the national advisory board for Youth INC, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of New York City’s youth.

In 1994, he returned to serve on the university’s Board of Trustees and, in 2010 was elected as the chairman. For his service to Niagara, Holzschuh was presented with the Dunleavy Award in 1992, an honorary doctor of commercial science in 2000, and the Dean’s Award from the College of Business Administration in 2007.

As an economics student at Niagara, Holzschuh served as class president for three years and was elected Student Government Association president his senior year. He captained the Purple Eagles basketball team. Holzschuh excelled academically and was so involved in campus activities that he was awarded the President’s Medal, the university’s highest honor, at his commencement.

Mary Helen Holzschuh, Class of 1982, earned a bachelor of science in nursing from Niagara before working as a pediatric nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.Y., and then in pediatric oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. She later served as an operating room nurse in Los Angeles.

As a volunteer, she also devoted time to school boards; the religious education program at her parish; with the Junior League of Greenwich; and with the Breast Cancer Alliance and Vermont Academy.

Honoring their programs of study at Niagara, a major portion of their gift will be used to support the university’s Trustee Scholarship Program for students in the Holzschuh College of Business Administration and the College of Nursing. In addition, a portion of the gift will be used to support the men’s and women’s basketball programs.

Founded by the Vincentian community in 1856, Niagara University blends a liberal arts and professional education, grounded in a Catholic tradition and embodying the vision of St. Vincent de Paul.

Greenwich Hospital holds stroke symposium

An in-depth look at preventing and treating stroke — the nation’s leading cause of disability and fifth leading cause of death — was the focus of Greenwich Hospital’s first annual Stroke Symposium on Advances in Stroke Management and Prevention.

“Early recognition of stroke is key to a successful outcome,” Dr. Paul Lleva, director of Greenwich Hospital’s stroke program, told the crowd at the symposium at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Old Greenwich on May 12.

“Stroke incidence and mortality have declined in recent decades, thanks to improved awareness and treatments. To continue this trend, healthcare providers must remain committed, open and up to date on best practices for management of stroke,” he said.

Dr. Lleva, a Yale Medicine vascular neurologist, and Dr. Akli Zetchi, a Yale Medicine cerebrovascular neurosurgeon, were co-directors of the free event, which drew more than 150 health-care professionals.

Panelists included representatives from Greenwich Hospital, Yale Medicine and Burke Rehabilitation Hospital.

Focusing on stroke care and prevention is particularly relevant during the pandemic because COVID-19 is one of the many causes of stroke. May is also national Stroke Awareness Month.

“We wanted to spread knowledge in the community about lowering risk factors as well enhancing the skill of the healthcare providers involved in stroke care,” said Lleva.

The Greenwich Hospital Stroke Center is at the forefront of stroke care, integrating the most updated medical knowledge and a specialized team approach.

Colgate honors local students for academic excellence

Colgate University in Hamilton, N.Y., is honoring a number of local students for academic excellence during the fall 2021 semester.

Students with a term grade point average of 3.3 or higher earned the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence.

The local students who earned that award are Lillian Saleeby of Cos Cob, majoring in psychology; Ada Shaffer of Greenwich, majoring in psychology; Sean Amill of Greenwich, majoring in English; Matthew Sisca of Riverside, majoring in economics; and Caroline Sweeney of Greenwich, majoring in political science.

Also earning the award are Lauren Wakeman of Greenwich, majoring in environmental studies; Marcus Ng of Greenwich, majoring in environmental studies and economics; Max Mindich of Greenwich, majoring in economics; Peter Mullen of Riverside, majoring in history; and Segundo Rienhardt of Cos Cob, majoring in classical studies and international relations.

Students with a term grade point average of 3.6 or higher earned the Dean’s Award with Distinction.

The local students who earned that award are Kate Anderson of Greenwich, majoring in mathematical economics; Katia Jacovides of Greenwich, majoring in molecular biology; Nicholas Veronis of Greenwich, majoring in mathematical economics; Sara Wilson of Cos Cob, majoring in philosophy and psychological science; Emma Gallagher of Greenwich, majoring in film & media studies; and Holly Johnson of Greenwich, majoring in computer science.

Also earning the award are Ella Fugelsang of Riverside, majoring in Africana & Latin American Studies; Abigail Knight of Old Greenwich, majoring in biology; Caroline Baird of Old Greenwich, majoring in English; Grace Ha of Greenwich, majoring in religion; and Oscar Mindich of Greenwich, majoring in computer science.