NORTH EAST, MD — The Cecil College Foundation has announced the creation of the Professor John Kelleher Memorial Scholarship, a new award established by faculty to honor the late Associate Professor of History, John Paul Kelleher. The scholarship aims to support students who share his passion for history and commitment to education.
Kelleher, who taught at Cecil College from 2017 until his passing in 2025, was remembered by colleagues and students as a dedicated educator and compassionate mentor. “Professor John Paul Kelleher’s kindness towards his students and passion for history not only rebuilt my self-confidence as a returning adult student, but it also showed me how to be a truly great teacher,” said Scott Simpson, a recent Cecil College graduate. “I have become a more forgiving and understanding person who hopes to inspire people as a history teacher, just like Professor Kelleher inspired me.”
The memorial scholarship will assist students who demonstrate enthusiasm for the study of history, with preference given to those intending to teach or pursue related fields. Applicants must have completed at least one history course at Cecil College and earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 in that class. Selection will be based on academic performance and a demonstrated commitment to history, education, and service.
Kelleher’s academic career reflected his broad international perspective. He earned a B.A. in History from Drew University, an M.A. in Soviet and Russian History from Indiana University, and pursued doctoral studies in American Urban History at Loyola University Chicago. Before joining Cecil College, he taught in the United States and abroad, including positions in the Czech Republic, Spain, and Germany, and at the Moscow Energy Institute.
Donations to the scholarship may be made online at www.cecil.edu/donate or by mail to the Cecil College Foundation. Applications for the Fall 2026 academic year are now open through www.cecil.edu/scholarships.
Founded in 1968, Cecil College serves the greater Cecil County region and remains committed to academic excellence and community engagement through degree programs, workforce development, and lifelong learning opportunities.
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