Crowley Speech

Kathleen Crowley’s Speech

Fordham Graduate School of Education

2012 Zoller Scholarship Recipient

Good evening Richard, Judy, Richard Jr., the Zoller family and friends,

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Zoller Family, and every one of you

here this evening, for being part of this memorial event in honor of Joseph Zoller.

From the overwhelming spirit here in this room, and from the way each and every one of you

carry Joseph in your heart, I know his presence is with us here tonight.

My name is Kathleen Jane Crowley, and just a few weeks ago I received a phone call from

Fordham University informing me that I had been chosen as the recipient of the Zoller

Scholarship. In that very moment, I knew my prayers had been answered.

For the past several months, I’ve been consistently praying, attending morning mass, reciting the

Rosary, and sitting before the Blessed Sacrament asking God for the direction, wisdom, and

strength to make a difference. I placed all my trust in God, and truly believed He would send a

sure sign of what He wanted of me.

To be honored as the recipient of this year’s Zoller Scholarship was an absolute miracle. For not

only was it a reassurance from God that education is my true mission in life, but it was the

opportunity to pursue my dreams of inspiring and bringing hope to the youth of our world as a

Fordham Educator.

Joseph Zoller had a sincere understanding of the power of faith and education – two elements

that have changed, and continue to change, my life every day. I too lost someone very close to

me, both tragically and unexpectedly. Two months before graduating high school, my father

passed away from an unexpected heart attack. Right during the time everyone was choosing

where they were attending college, I did not think I had the strength to finish my senior year,

nonetheless leave my family and go away to school.

My grandmother always told me that I could go anywhere in the world with God and a strong

education, and how important it was for me to have faith and persevere. So in this time of doubt,

sorrow and weakness, I turned towards faith and education, and was able to overcome my

obstacles and pursue my dreams.

With faith and education, I was able to see that anything is possible with God. Like the Zoller

Family, I turned a tragic loss into something inspirational by using my father’s spirit as a guiding

light and inspiration to devote my life to helping others.

As a Fordham educator, I know I will have the potential to change lives everyday. This amazing

responsibility would not have been possible had I pursued any other career. It will be through my

everyday teaching and learning that Joseph Zoller’s spirit will continue to live on and touch the

lives of every child I am blessed to inspire.

As a Zoller Scholar, I promise to live Joseph’s dreams, aspirations and devotion to education

every day of my life. I promise to give back all the miracles, hope and inspiration I received here

tonight by staying forever committed to inspiring the youth of our world.

Once again, to the Zoller Family and Foundation, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for

giving me this life changing opportunity I will never forget.

I will forever keep the Zoller Family in my daily prayers, and I will carry Joesph’s passion and

love for teaching in my heart for the rest of my life.

As a Fordham Educator, determined to inspire the youth in urban city schools, I promise to make

you proud.

Thank you.