Award for CNR Legacy
Eileen Niedzwiecki CNR SAS '72

Eileen Niedzwiecki’s journey with The College of New Rochelle (CNR) began as a prospective student in the fall of 1967 and continues to today. The beauty, warmth and energy radiating from the campus were magnetic. The intellectual rigor and proximity to New York City were irresistible, and a scholarship opened a whole new world to the first-generation college student from New Britain, Connecticut. During the political unrest and social change that marked the 60s and 70s, faculty role models, mentors and friends were instrumental in exploring and expanding the personal and professional values that would serve as a lifetime foundation. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1972 and began her career at CNR immediately after graduation as Residence Director of Maura Hall where she and her husband Michael lived and welcomed their first child. They moved off campus when the family expanded to four and within a few months, Niedzwiecki was back as Director of Residence Life for the College. From 1980 to 1992, the family adventures included relocation to Chicago, London, San Francisco, a return to New Rochelle, a second move to London, a final return to New York and two more children. At each stop, as Niedzwiecki worked to acclimate the family, she immersed herself in community activities and leadership roles in schools, libraries, churches and as president of the American Women’s Club in England. CNR remained a constant as she organized and hosted alumni events. Shortly after returning to the U.S., Niedzwiecki was appointed Director of Alumni Relations at CNR and remained in that role until 2005 when she left for a life-changing position as a patient advocate at St. Vincent’s Midtown Hospital in New York City, the first inter-disciplinary treatment center for HIV-AIDS patients in New York State. Subsequent positions included Director of Development for the National Pastoral Life Center in Manhattan, Director of Advancement at The Ursuline School in New Rochelle, Director of Development at Mercy Center in the South Bronx, and a return in 2015 to CNR as Director of Major Gifts and Associate Vice President for Advancement.

Niedzwiecki is a recipient of the CNR Ursula Laurus Award for service to her community, her church and the College. She served the campus on the College Senate and as Chair of the Professional Staff Council. She is also a founding trustee of Storefront Academy Charter Schools of the South Bronx and Harlem.

In the last six months before CNR closed its doors, Niedzwiecki served in the Office of the President assisting with plans for graduating students, teach-out transitions for continuing students, the varied details involved in closing the College and the final ceremonies to commemorate the very rich 115-year history.

When Mercy College pledged to honor and preserve the legacy of CNR as well as transition continuing students to complete their degrees, Niedzwiecki was engaged to reimagine a CNR alumni relations program at Mercy. She proudly leads the efforts of alumni on the CNR Legacy Council to maintain connections with alumni, reinforce the unity of the missions of both schools and reinterpret the meaning of Serviam, “I will serve”, in their new home at Mercy College.