A Faithful Farewell
July 16, 2025 | Foundations in Education | News Newsletters
Foundations in Education (FIE) announces with gratitude the retirement of two long-serving Trustees: Dr. Julia M. McNamara, effective June 30, 2025, and Mr. Michael Hanlon, CPA, effective December 1, 2024. Each has completed nearly a decade of dedicated service to the organization.
Dr. Julia M. McNamara, President Emerita Albertus Magnus College, became a member of the FIE Board of Trustees in October 2015. Former Chair of the Yale-New Haven Hospital Board of Trustees and a member of several Boards in the community, Dr. McNamara is also the recipient of many community service awards over the course of her career. Dr. McNamara acted as Chair of FIE’s Innovation & Leadership Grants Committee from the program’s inception in 2018 to 2024. Her leadership has been integral to the awarding of more than 176 grants for innovation and leadership projects
presented by teachers and administrators of our Catholic schools for the benefit of students across the Diocese.
Michael Hanlon, CPA, retired Chief Financial Officer of the Diocese of Bridgeport, also joined the Board in 2015 and served faithfully until his retirement in December 2024. As Board Treasurer, Mr. Hanlon brought decades of financial leadership and a deep understanding of the Diocese’s needs. His fiscal stewardship was instrumental in guiding FIE through a period of meaningful growth and organizational development, helping to ensure resources were managed responsibly and transparently in support of its mission.
“The Foundations in Education Board of Trustees is comprised of extraordinary individuals,” said Board Chair Joe Purcell. “Dr. McNamara and Mr. Hanlon have contributed in remarkable ways to the advancement of our mission. We are deeply grateful for their many years of dedicated service and leadership.”
Foundations in Education bids a fond farewell to one of its earliest team members, Theresa
Sciallo, who concludes her service on July 18. Theresa joined FIE in September 2017 as the
third employee and quickly became a cornerstone of our mission as Associate Director for
Scholarships and Grants.
Over the past eight years, Theresa’s dedication, professionalism, and compassion have left an indelible mark on the FIE family. She became the face of the Bishop’s Scholarship Fund, further refining and expanding the program to better serve the Diocese of Bridgeport Catholic Schools. Through her tireless efforts, she became a trusted bridge between the diocese, our schools, and the families we serve, facilitating children’s access to quality Catholic education with grace and empathy.
Theresa’s departure comes as she and her husband, Michael, prepare to relocate to Charlotte, NC, following Michael’s transfer with ESPN. While we are saddened to see her go, we are excited for this new chapter in their lives.
Theresa, thank you for your years of service, your unwavering commitment to our mission, and the contributions you made to our programs. Your legacy will continue through the thousands of students whose lives you’ve helped shape. You will always be a part of the Foundations in Education story. Godspeed, Theresa—you will be missed!