O'Donnell Family Scholarship

O’Donnell Family Scholarship

Thomas J. O’Donnell ’73 established the O’Donnell Family Scholarship at SUNY Brockport to recognize outstanding students enrolled in the College’s Washington Internship Program who demonstrate leadership while preparing for a career in public service.

Mr. O’Donnell, who has more than three decades experience in government policy expertise, co-founded Gephardt Government Affairs in 2007 and serves as the firm’s managing partner. He represents Fortune 500 corporations, small companies, and coalitions on legislative and regulatory issues.

In addition to his bachelor’s degree from Brockport in political science, Mr. O’Donnell earned his PhD from American University. He served as chief of staff to House Majority Leader Dick Gephardt from 1989 to 1997. From 1997 to 2007, he was a partner at Doak, Carrier, O’Donnell and Goldman, a political consulting firm. At Gephardt Government Affairs, Mr. O’Donnell regularly receives mention as a top lobbyist by Washington trade publications.

Applicants who qualify for the O’Donnell Family Scholarship are students at Brockport and its Washington Internship Program. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence as well as leadership within and outside the College community and a commitment for preparing for a career in any type of public service, including social work, public health, nursing, education, or government. They must also exhibit a willingness to serve as an ambassador to the Washington Internship Program after graduation by mentoring or advising potential or enrolled students in the program. Preference will be given to students demonstrating a need for financial assistance as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).