Pat Schulze graduated from St. Lawrence 1972 with a major in Government. While a student, she was active in her sorority, Tri Delta serving as rush chair and president. She also served as an orientation leader, played varsity tennis for four years and was a member of Mortar Board Society, now ODK. She also worked at the Dean Eaton reception desk for three years where she met Professor Al Schwartz and Dean of Freshman Women, Ginny Schwartz, who became lifelong friends. She is proud to be included as part of the 40 percent of her classmates who made a gift their first year out of school. Pat returned to campus two years later as the first woman in St. Lawrence’s advancement office where she served until 1980 managing the parent philanthropy and the alumni fund.
One of her fondest memories associated with the University is the day she learned she was accepted. “I still remember the day when the late Peter Van de Water ’58, then University Dean of Admissions phoned to offer me a spot, coming off the Waitlist, as one of the happiest days of my life,” Pat said. She continues, “SLU nurtured me, helped me develop self-confidence and leadership skills. I am passionate about what we offer to our students and alumni and in a small way, I try to pay it forward with my modest gifts and my work encouraging others to give generously. I have come to appreciate the transformational role that charitable giving plays for individuals as well as institutions. I trust St. Lawrence to be responsible and thoughtful with my gifts. I am privileged to be part of this loyal, generous, and fun- loving community.”
Her volunteer activities began soon after graduation when she served on the Commission on Coeducation formed by President Piskor to look at all aspects of the experiences and opportunities for women on campus. Over the years, she chaired her reunion gift committees, contributed to the Annual Fund, recommended prospective students, and attended events. She has organized reunions with her sorority sisters who remain lifelong friends.
Professionally, she continued her advancement career at numerous colleges, universities, art museums and galleries. Pat culminated her career as a consultant for a national firm before creating her own consulting business and moving back west.
Watch video of Pat Welch Schulze ’72, the 2022 Manley Society Achievement Award Recipient and BJ Schaefer Blodgett ’72, the 2022 Alumni Citation Recipient.