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Elaine Tweedus ’66

A New Meaning for the Term, “Angel Investor”

In this season of giving, it is a blessing to celebrate a remarkable gift Caldwell is receiving, thanks to the phenomenal generosity of Elaine Tweedus ’66.

As many alumni are aware, in 2015, Elaine pledged a transformational gift of $500,000 to help create a permanent place of worship on campus, named for her beloved “Aunt Mary,” who had been a Dominican Sister at Caldwell. The Sister Mary Dominic Tweedus Chapel, dedicated in September of 2019, proclaims Caldwell’s Dominican Catholic identity and serves as its spiritual center. As the Chapel’s lead benefactor, Elaine inspired many alumni to step forward and lend their support to the project.

With her pledge to the Chapel fulfilled, Elaine has decided to do even more, by becoming a “guardian angel” for Caldwell’s students during this challenging time. By agreeing to renew her commitment, Elaine will provide an additional $500,000 over five years to fund scholarships, beginning in 2021, with a pledge payment of $100,000.

Elaine’s sustained investment in Caldwell speaks to values that have been with her throughout her life. “I deeply believe that the greatest gift a person can give is the gift of an education,” she says, affirming her heartfelt belief that both current and future students should have access to the same kind of education she received at Caldwell.

“The theme of our fundraising effort this year is “A Call to Action: Imagine Your Impact,” says Kevin Boyle, Vice President of Development and Alumni Affairs, “and the entire Caldwell community is grateful beyond measure to Elaine, for the Chapel, and her renewed commitment. Her philanthropy, which will continue to improve the lives of generations of students, is an incredible legacy.”

Why I Give: An Interview with Elaine Tweedus ‘66

MARY SELLITTO-CURCIO ‘83

Why I Give:

I give because I am committed to the vision of Caldwell University. I believe in the mission.
It is important for me to give back to the school because it has given so much to me. During my college years, I began each day with joy, as I looked forward to another day of learning from the Sisters of Saint Dominic and the faculty. This small liberal arts university prepared me to be successful, teaching me how to communicate and think critically.

My parents instilled the gift of commitment to service and the intellectual life in me. CU enhanced these values.

As CU students/alums we are charged with the pursuit of truth and contributing to a just society. We are taught to respect the sacred dignity of all creation, value diversity, value collaboration and inclusivity acknowledging that each person has a role in creating a just and compassionate global community.

I want CU, our beloved Catholic, Dominican institution to continue to educate our students with these values and skills, so that they may carry this passion into the world to make it a better, more just place. I want Caldwell University to be here for a long time.

The importance of giving has been magnified during this time of a global pandemic. I invite my fellow alums to take the opportunity and join me in giving back. Together we can reach out and support our students who may be in a position of need. We are all here for such a short time. Let’s share our blessings.

Lindsay Hulin ‘14

We love to know about our donors. Tell us about your life.

This year will be my 7th year teaching. I am currently a special education teacher at Parsippany High School and an advisor for their Key Club, a service club under Kiwanis International. I am also a member of the Dominican Young Adults Caldwell chapter & a Eucharistic Minister at my parish St. Peter the Apostle in Parsippany.

Thank you for supporting Caldwell University. What inspired your gift?

I was so blessed to have amazing teachers and incredibly supportive school communities at every level of my education who never hesitated to make sure my needs were taken care of when my family faced challenging times. Now that I am in a position to give back, I want to continue the tradition of unconditionally giving and serving that was so generously shown to me and my family. Additionally, as a first-generation college student, I am immensely grateful for my time at Caldwell and want to help ensure other young adults who may be in the same position have the resources and opportunities they need to successfully complete their degree.

Do you have a favorite or meaningful experience from your time at Caldwell? Tell us!

There are so many, it’s hard to choose! I would have to say my top two are: my senior History Outcomes class with Dr. Marie Mullaney and going on the college’s first service trip to Belize in 2013.