HARTSDALE — For more than 35 years, only students from the all-boys Stepinac High School were the recipients of The Donald R. Broderick Memorial Scholarship that enabled them to continue their education at Manhattan College. But that tradition dramatically changed recently when Irene Papakanakis of Yonkers, a senior student at the all-girls Maria Regina High School, was named the first female recipient of the four-year Broderick Scholarship.

The change means that going forward, a student from Maria Regina along with two students from Stepinac—both renowned Catholic high schools—will be selected each year to pursue their post-secondary interests at the iconic, 170-year-old, Catholic liberal arts Manhattan College. Irene plans to major in education when she enrolls as a freshman at Manhattan College for the 2023-24 academic school year.

The Broderick Scholarship’s tradition evolved as a result of unique circumstances starting in 1986 when Donald Broderick, a graduate of Stepinac, tragically passed away at a young age shortly after graduating from Manhattan College. His parents, Fran and Ray Broderick, had requested that “in lieu of flowers,” contributions be made in memory of their son to create an endowed scholarship in his name. Since its inception, the fund has raised more than $1,000,000, providing a quality Manhattan College education for 22 graduates. Irene will join seven other Broderick Scholarship students in continuing their academic studies at Manhattan College.

Because their son graduated from Stepinac and their ties to Stepinac were very close, the scholarship was awarded only to graduates of that school. But, the catalyst for broadening the scholarship’s outreach began with conversations that Elizabeth O’Keeffe Cleary, Maria Regina’s Director of Advancement, had with Mrs. Broderick, whose husband, Ray, passed away in October 2022.  “As a graduate of Manhattan College, myself, I already knew about this scholarship and it seemed very natural to ask her if she would consider opening the scholarship to Maria Regina applicants,” adding: “I was thrilled when she answered, Yes, it was long overdue!”

On hand at a recent ceremony to congratulate and welcome Irene to Manhattan College were Mrs. Broderick and Thomas Avezzano, Donald’s roommate and football teammate at Manhattan College. Ms. Elizabeth O’Keeffe Cleary noted: “Tom has been an integral part of the scholarship since its inception and has worked closely with Mrs. Broderick to select the students. He also runs the college’s Annual Golf Outing to raise the funds.”

Anna Parra, Maria Regina President, said: “Maria Regina is very honored to continue Donald’s legacy in the years ahead as our students will proudly join the ranks of Manhattan College’s outstanding students.”

Maria Regina High School is a Catholic school where young women are encouraged to achieve academic excellence, empowered to be compassionate, empowered to be compassionate leaders, and enriched with the Spirit to live a life of Charity, Truth, and Service to others. To learn more, visit www.mariaregina.org.