The Brendan J. Giblin Memorial Fund is able to contribute to multiple organizations and institutions that were important to Brendan, thanks in part to your generous donations.
Schools and Organizations We Support
St. Joseph Preparatory School
1733 W. Girard Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Jewish Family Children’s Services of South Jersey
1301 Springdale Road, Suite 150
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
The University of Scranton
800 Linden Street
Scranton, PA 18510
MDA/ALS Center of Hope at Temple University
3401 N. Broad Street
Ambulatory Care Center
Suite D-100
Philadelphia, PA 19140
Make a donation.
University of Scranton Scholarship Recipients
Robert J. Della Polla
Science Accounting & MBA
Class of 2013 & G’2014
Bobby currently lives in Springfield, PA with his wife, Christine (nee Moleti), ‘13, DPT ‘16, and their newborn daughter, Emelia “Emmie” Grace (hopefully, Class of 2043!). After graduating from the University’s combined BS/MBA program in 2014, he worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers for 3 years in their Philadelphia office. He is currently employed by the Phillies in their finance department where is has worked for over 3 years. His hobbies include coaching a travel baseball team, staying active (loves his Peloton!), and spending time with his wife/daughter/family/friends. Once the pandemic ends, he is looking forward to traveling.
Christina F. (Lennon) Johnson
Elementary Education & Special Education Major
Class of 2012
Christina grew up in the Northeast section of Philadelphia and attended Presentation B.V.M elementary school and Cardinal Dougherty High School. She then went on to The University of Scranton where she studied elementary and special education. After graduating from Scranton in 2012, she went on to teach in Philadelphia working in Catholic and public schools and is currently employed as an Autistic Support Teacher at a school in the School District of Philadelphia, Charles W. Henry. She is married and has two little boys- Conor and William who was recently born on February 18, 2021. While they certainly keep her busy, when she has time to herself, she enjoys running, cooking and spending time with loved ones. Alongside some of her former high school classmates, she serves as a chairperson for a scholarship foundation in honor of her late teacher. She began the scholarship foundation five years ago and it has already awarded scholarships to 10 students for Catholic High School.
Charlotte C. Banzhof
Health Sciences & Occupational Therapy
Class of 2016 & G’2017
Since graduating from The University of Scranton in 2017 with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, Charlotte moved to Philadelphia and began working at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital. Charlotte works with adults after sustaining various neurological injuries, including brain injury, stroke, and spinal cord injury, during their recoveries. In her free time, Charlotte enjoys reading, going to the beach, and going on walks with friends.
Taylor V. Schuck
Early & Primary Teacher Education
Class of 2016
Taylor began her career by giving back to her community, teaching pre-k and kindergarten at the Gesu School on the grounds of St. Joe’s Prep in North Philadelphia.
Kimberly Baxter
Political Science & Criminal Justice Major
Class of 2020
Kimberly is currently a first year public interest scholar at Villanova University’s Charles Widger School of Law. She is enjoying her experience at Villanova especially her classes on Civil and Criminal Procedures. She is involved in the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) and volunteers at the Villanova Law tax clinic. Most recently, she accepted an internship with the Montgomery County DAs office for the summer of 2021. She is working towards her law degree to pursue a career in public service.
Justyn C. Choc
Biomathematics Major
Class of 2020
“I am grateful to the Giblin Family for helping me pay for my time at Scranton. Going into higher education was always more a financial question than one of ability, and has often led to stressful moments when preparing for school. The opportunity that the scholarship allows me has given me more than an education, but experiences to grow and express myself through leadership, joining and being active in teams, and going on service trips. I appreciate the Giblin scholarship for giving me one less thing to worry about, while I continue to grow and strive for excellence.”
Margaret R. McGrath
Biology Major
Class of 2022
Margaret was a biology and philosophy major with a minor in French at the University of Scranton. She was also part of several University academic programs including the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors program, the Magis Honors Program in STEM, the University Honors Program as well as the Health Professions Organization. Margaret was also captain of the Scranton women’s crew teams.
Brendan J. Giblin Endowed Scholar Recipients
St. Joseph’s Preparatory School
Nikolas Craven Haralambous
Class of 2024
Niko is a good student coming to the Prep from St. Ephrem School in Bensalem, PA where he is very involved in his community. Niko is a member of the Scouts of America which has inspired him to actively participate in several veteran facing organizations via service projects and memorial services. Through the Scouts and the Travis Manion Foundation, Niko has partnered with veterans to clean up beaches, place wreaths and flowers on graves of veterans on holidays with Wreaths Across America, and also volunteers with Guardians of the National Cemetery.
Niko’s community involvement in the community and the classroom has earned him the Christian Peacemaker award from St. Ephram School for embodying the qualities of a caring leader, displaying kindness, and possessing the drive to help his fellow students. Outside of his volunteering, Niko plays the saxophone, swims for three teams, and plays defense in Lacrosse. At the Prep, Niko is looking to get involved with the Swim, Crew and Lacrosse teams as well as playing in the school band and participating in Forensics.
Here’s a message from Niko!
Danny Montvydas
Class of 2020
Danny is a fine young man who enjoyed participating in community service through the Prep. He was a proud member of the Prep’s swim team, swimming all four years. While he had several college offers and scholarships, he felt the calling to serve his country. He recently reported to Fort Bragg as a member of the United States Army.
Danny is an excellent writer and has two books published; Phighter, a story about a Northeast Philadelphia teen who has one fight that changes his life. He also wrote Unto Dust They Shall Return.
Tim Rafter
Class of 2016
During his time at The Prep, Tim was Vice President of the Student Council, captain of the swimming and cross country teams, and board member of the mission and ministry board. He attended Xavier University of Louisiana.