James D. Kiley '74 Endowed Scholarship
Why did you choose to create a scholarship at Saint Leo University?
We chose to create the James D. Kiley ’74 Endowed Scholarship to remember Jim and to honor his dedication to scholarship and his love of Saint Leo.
What would you want the recipient to know about the person for whom this scholarship is named?
JAMES DONALD KILEY Born in New York City in 1952, the third of six children, Jim grew up in Fairfield and Greenwich, Connecticut. He attended Saint Mary’s High School in Greenwich, where he was a superb student and a star athlete. In 1970, Jim received a full basketball scholarship to Saint Leo College, where he pursued his academic and athletic endeavors in earnest. He was recognized for his efforts by being named Saint Leo’s first NCAA Academic All-American. In 1974, he was graduated Magna Cum Laude, as a philosophy major, with a well-rounded liberal arts education. After college, Jim continued his studies, pursuing an MBA at Iona College and studying accounting. For most of his professional career, Jim served as an accountant or accounting director at a number of hospitals in New York and New Jersey. He also served honorably with the Internal Revenue Service. He was a dedicated family man and father of two children. Jim continued his intellectual interests, reading widely in many subjects, particularly history. He was a tough competitor in sports, but, in his personal life, Jim was a kind and sincere gentleman. He had a good heart and a generous spirit. Above all, he valued family, faith and friends. Jim passed away in 2013. He fought the good fight, he finished the course, he kept the faith.
What is your favorite Saint Leo story, tradition, or what Saint Leo has meant to you?
Saint Leo gave me and my brother Jim a life-long love of learning. He and I valued Saint Leo’s history, its Benedictine heritage, its continued commitment to excellence in academics and athletics, and the many caring and dedicated Saint Leo people who helped enrich our lives.
What do you hope recipients gain through this scholarship support?
The Kiley family hopes that this support will help students pursue their education, enabling them to lead productive and meaningful lives.