Diane O’Neill

For as far back as Diane O’Neill can trace, members of her family have gone to Catholic schools. The Upper Manhattan native, who graduated from Good Shepherd Elementary School, Academy of Mount St. Ursula, and Loyola University with a degree in accounting, figures that at least three or four generations have experienced a traditional Catholic education.

“We had the benefit of Catholic schools,” she says. “We had such a great experience.” Diane credits the consistency of the curriculum, and believes it provided her with the foundations for life: confidence, determination, and an understanding that success comes when you work hard and apply yourself. Diane, who now works in finance for Mercer, a business of Marsh McLennan, says she had great teachers throughout her years in Catholic schools. It’s part of the reason why she now supports Inner-City
Scholarship Fund.

“We were taught this sense of service and giving back to the community,” she says. “I’m able to contribute. I wouldn’t have this career if I didn’t have the education.” While New York City has changed, so too have the populations served by the schools in the Archdiocese of New York. But the mission has remained consistent
over generations, Diane notes. She also understands that it has become increasingly difficult for people to attend Catholic or private school due to financial reasons, which is why she has been supporting Inner-City and sponsoring students since 2007.

“I had this impactful experience, and I wanted to share my support,” she says. “It’s a special opportunity to shepherd along the next generation.”