John and Laura Kelly
Alumni Relations - October 13, 2016
Laura and John Kelly of Villanova, Pennsylvania have been long-time friends, neighbors, and supporters of Rosemont College. John is Director of Property Management for Brandywine Realty Trust.
Laura is the owner of The Handwork Studio, a kids’ needle arts, machine sewing, and fashion camp that makes Rosemont College one if its homes each summer. They’ve been married 27 years and have known each other since they were 10 years old while growing up in the Rockland County area of New York.
Together they have two children Ryan, 23 and Devon, 21. John and Laura are interested in travel, the arts, food, and their three dogs. RoCo sat down with Laura and John to learn more about them and their connection to Rosemont, and why the College plays such an important role in their lives.
How did you discover Rosemont? How did you know it was the right place for you and The Handwork Studio?
We live a few streets over from Rosemont College. We always knew it was a beautiful campus right in our back yard but didn’t know the “heart” of Rosemont College until my business, The Handwork Studio, started holding summer camp on the campus. Only once we started working with the people of Rosemont College, did we truly realize how incredible a place it is.
What does “the POWER of small” mean to you?
It’s easy to see how hard Rosemont works to make college special for each of its students. Because of its intimate size, each student is given the opportunity to shine. And don’t be fooled by its size, Rosemont offers great opportunities and resources that are available to everyone.
What is the most valuable thing Rosemont has provided to you and The Handwork Studio?
Rosemont has enriched our lives. Being part of the Rosemont community has afforded us the opportunity to hear interesting lectures, see great art shows, take non-credit life-enriching classes, participate in holiday festivities and become part of a community that centers on youth and human development. Once you get to know Rosemont, you feel like you are family.
Why did you decide to make a pledge to the Campaign?
Rosemont College is a very special place to us and we want to be sure that it can continue its mission of providing affordable, academic excellence to its students, and enrich the lives of its neighbors and friends through its cultural and religious offerings.
What are your hopes for Rosemont in the future?
Our hope is that Rosemont continues to thrive and provide an environment that is culturally enriching, and academically challenging.
What would you say to someone considering making a gift to Rosemont?
A gift to Rosemont is an investment in the local community, and more importantly in the future of young adults who might not otherwise have a chance to go to college, earn a degree and make a contribution to society.
Describe your current passions – projects, organizations, etc.
We are involved in numerous business, non-profit and charitable organizations in the Philadelphia area.