Seton Hall announced a $1 million estate gift on Thursday from New Jersey native and nurse Shirley Croteau to advance the university’s nursing scholarships.
The gift will “provide scholarship to support incoming students in the College of Nursing,” a university-issued press release said.
In an email to the SHU community, Vice President of University Advancement Jon Paparsenos said he and President Msgr. Joseph Reilly expressed their “heartfelt gratitude” to Croteau.
“Her generosity will open doors for talented students and help prepare nurses who are ready to serve their communities with compassion, skill and care,” Paparsenos wrote.
Croteau, who passed away in 2023, served as chair of the Jersey City RN Alumni Association and the Somerset County Retired Nurses Association. She was “respected for her commitment to mentorship and service,” the press release said.
Although she wasn’t an alumna of SHU, the press release said Croteau respected the College of Nursing for its strength and reputation.
Croteau’s estate gift advances SHU’s For All, Forever Campaign, supporting the pillar that focuses on expanding access to scholarship support.
U.S. News and World Report ranked SHU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program as No. 1 in New Jersey among private universities in 2025. The College of Nursing is in the top 17% nationwide as well.
Dominique Mercadante is the Editor-in-Chief of The Setonian. She can be reached at dominique.mercadante@student.shu.edu.
