Who Are Our Sustaining Saints?
Sean Kelly ’15 has made a gift to St. Lawrence University’s annual fund every year since graduating. Here, he shares his memories of St. Lawrence, his reasons for giving back, and how he keeps the spirit of community alive in some surprising ways.
Both of my parents went to St. Lawrence and I grew up hearing all about it. I promised them I would visit before committing elsewhere. But from the moment I stayed at Commons College during my overnight visit, I knew this was the place for me. The people were genuine, fun, and welcoming. It just felt like home right away.
From the start, I loved the energy and authenticity. There was this shared sense of community that made me feel like I belonged. The friendships I made during my First-Year Program (FYP) are still some of my closest connections today.
My orientation leaders inspired me with the idea of leaving St. Lawrence better than I found it. That pushed me to become an orientation leader for three years, which was a great experience. I also had a show at KSLU, the radio station, and I worked on getting Beta Theta Pi, a fraternity, recognized again on campus. It was all about finding ways to make a positive impact.
I chose to major in economics because it challenged me and made me think in new ways, not because I was naturally good at it. That problem-solving mindset and ability to listen to others has really helped me in my career.
For me, it’s about paying it forward. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support and guidance I received from my St. Lawrence peers and fellow alumni. The people I meet, the conversations I have, and the experiences I go through continue to shape who I am—and St. Lawrence continues to play a big role.
When it comes time to give, I think about keeping that support system alive for future students. It’s a way to ensure that others can have the same supportive and authentic experience I did.
The Kenya Semester Program was incredible and it opened my eyes to international work. After graduating, I became really focused on finding a career that connected me in some way, shape or form to East Africa. That led me to jobs that took me to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and other countries. The work I’m doing now at USAID is incredibly meaningful, and I can trace it all back to St. Lawrence.
Stevie’s Biscuit Bar is named after my dog, Stevie. It’s a little stop outside my house here in D.C. where neighborhood dogs can get a treat. My dad built it for me, and it’s become a real community spot. Dogs and their owners stop by all the time. In a place like D.C., where things can get pretty tense, it’s nice to have something that reminds people to slow down and smile.
St. Lawrence taught me the value of building community and leaving a place better than I found it. Whether it’s helping out students through the alumni network or bringing a smile to someone’s face with a dog treat, I try to keep that mentality alive.
