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Francis X. Linnehan, Ph.D.
Francis X. Linnehan, Ph.D.
Francis X. Linnehan, Ph.D., has seen firsthand how a financial shortfall can derail the education of even the most promising student.
The retired dean of Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business thrived on the energy and optimism of his students – and never wanted any young person to be forced to relinquish the chance to earn a degree from Drexel.
“I’ve seen students who were seniors, maxed out on their loans, and had no more money,’’ Frank says. “For other students, circumstances change – a parent loses a job or, worse, passes away. They want to stay in school but need money to do that. We’re always trying to help students in those types of situations.’’
This strong desire to help Drexel students motivated Frank to pledge a substantial legacy gift to the Francis X. Linnehan Endowed Scholarship Fund, initially established by a group of Drexel alumni who teamed up to donate funds to create a scholarship in Frank’s honor. The fund will provide financial aid to LeBow students far into the future.
“That was an incredibly generous gesture, so I thought I would match that and an estate gift made the most sense to me,’’ Frank explains.
As a former University administrator, Frank knows that making a bequest is one of the best ways to ensure that help is always available.
“What I like about leaving a legacy gift is that the funds go to the endowment,’’ Frank notes. “The body of the gift will be there forever. Each year, the return on that investment will be given to students in need of financial aid. That makes an enormous difference in the lives of Drexel students.’’
The Cherry Hill resident’s 20-year tenure in academia was the second phase of his career life, with the first part being spent in financial services, primarily working for GE capital. He earned his Ph.D. in 1995 in Human Resources Administration and came to work at Drexel in 1997 as a tenure-track assistant profession, moving up through the ranks to eventually lead LeBow College of Business.
Two of this three children are Drexel graduates – another factor that led to his decision to bequeath a portion of his estate to the University.
“I believe in the mission of the University because of its focus on both the practice and the academic side in preparing students for their future lives,’’ Frank says. “What satisfied me the most over the years was working with the students. They’re hard working and have an incredible spirit of optimism. If we can do anything at all to continue that optimistic sense and help them get where they want to go, that makes it all worthwhile.’’