Two million dollars and a desire to help physically disabled students achieve their dreams by furthering their education.
That’s what Frieda Englberger had when she decided to gift her money to St. Joseph’s College as part of her estate plan before she died Nov. 20, 2020, at the age of 94.
The gift has allowed the College to establish the Frieda Englberger Endowed Scholarship Fund, which will benefit SJC Long Island students with one or more physical disability who are in need of financial assistance to continue their education at St. Joseph’s.
“As one of the single largest gifts that the College has ever received, this funding will help countless students through our Office of Student Accessibility Services,” SJC President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., said.
“Throughout her life, Ms. Englberger was generous and devoted to service,” Dr. Boomgaarden added. “We mourn her loss and commit ourselves to honoring her memory through the future generations of students who will benefit from her incredible generosity.”
Continuing Her Generosity
Raised in Brooklyn, Englberger was born premature with a physical disability, and she wasn’t expected to survive. Defying odds, she did, though she struggled with mobility issues. A car accident at an early age further restricted her ability to walk. Her parents, who emigrated from Germany to the United States, taught Englberger the importance of helping others in need, as they ran a boarding house and raised foster children.
As an adult, Englberger moved to Long Island, where she worked as a biology associate at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Before that, she worked as a medical technician in New York City hospitals. Gracious and always willing to help, she liked giving to veterans, who held a special place in her heart; she always took in cats and dogs; and she was passionate about gardening.
Englberger knew of St. Joseph’s commitment to its students and to service. And as someone physically disabled who dedicated her own life to service and generosity, Englberger knew her money would help support the dreams of hard-working, like-minded individuals by benefiting students at St. Joseph’s.
“We are incredibly grateful for (Frieda’s) generosity, and are committed to honoring her legacy for many years to come,” Dr. Boomgaarden said.
