If it wasn’t for financial aid, Deirdre Reilly Prescott ’85 and her brother, Robert ’86, might not have completed their degrees at Providence College. As it was, financial aid came to their assistance and the Reillys both earned bachelor’s degrees—Deirdre in accountancy, Robert in finance.

Deirdre and Robert have parlayed their PC educations into successful careers in finance at Lehman Brothers, Inc. in Boston, Mass. Deirdre is senior vice president for finance and Robert is managing director.

Neither has forgotten that Providence College was the springboard of their good fortune. As a means to show their gratitude, they have established the Reilly Family Scholarship Fund.

The Reillys, who have long been active and generous supporters of PC, say they plan to have the endowed scholarship fund fully funded ($50,000) in five years. They have placed no restrictions on or stipulations about how the aid is to be used, other than that the funds should be made available to needy and deserving students.

"We created the scholarship," said Robert, "with the mindset that this was a good way to give back to the College the same way the College gave to us . . . to help some needy students who would benefit from some financial aid to get through college."

Robert, who has served on the Annual Fund Committee, added, "The $50,000 is just the base level. Hopefully, we’ll continue to contribute to it on a yearly basis."

The new fund is fully endorsed as well by Robert’s wife, Nicole Lynch Reilly, who received a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from PC in 1988. She recalled her feelings as a student who needed financial aid to achieve her educational goals.

"I remember thinking that it’s great to know that there are people who care about education," said Nicole. "Along with Rob and Deirdre, it’s my hope that the Reilly Family Scholarship Fund will do its part in opening the door for future students to attend Providence College."

Deirdre, meanwhile, emphasized that the family hopes its action will "motivate others to create similar funds."