The Leahy Legacy
“Ed and Patricia Leahy have consistently answered the University’s call for support from capital campaigns and annual giving to scholarship appeals and special projects. However, their philanthropic support is only part of the story. Throughout their lives, they have engaged with the University in impactful ways.”
Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J.
On April 23, 2024, the University renamed the Panuska College of Professional Studies the “Leahy College of Health Sciences,” in honor of longtime University benefactors Edward ’68, H’01 and Patricia Leahy, and their son, Edward, Jr.
Edward R. Leahy, of Scranton’s Class of 1968, served as chair of the University’s Board of Trustees.
The University has recognized his achievements and service through the Alumni Achievement Award for Distinguished and Exceptional Attainment, given in 1993, with an Honorary Degree, bestowed in 2001, and with the Frank J. O’Hara Distinguished Alumni Award in 2008.
In 2015, the University dedicated Edward R. Leahy Jr. Hall in honor of their late son.
In 2023, he and Patricia received the University’s President’s Medal, which recognizes individuals who have achieved excellence in their fields and demonstrated extraordinary compassion for others, representing lifetime achievements that reflect the University’s mission of Catholic and Jesuit excellence and service.
The Leahys have supported and passionately advocated for a number of University priorities including:
- The Edward P. Leahy Scholarship in memory of Mr. Leahy’s uncle.
- The Edward R. Leahy Jr. Endowment, which is among largest endowments at Scranton.
- Annual U.S. Conference on Disability.
- The Edward R. Leahy Jr. Clinic for the Uninsured, which includes a medical clinic, physical therapy, occupational therapy and counseling and behavioral health clinics.
At the 2023 public launch of the University’s “A Fire That Kindles Other Fires Campaign,” Father Marina announced a $10 million gift from the Leahys, which was the largest single-donation in the University’s history at that time.