Donor and Scholarship Recipient Share a Love of the Bronx

Oriana Scotland and Joseph Kelleher

Mercy College senior Oriana Scotland is one step closer to her dream of becoming a professional writer, thanks to the Hutchinson Metro Center Bronx Leadership Endowed Scholarship Fund. The English major recently had the chance to meet the founder of the scholarship, Joseph Kelleher, president of Simone Metro Properties. With the view of the Bronx skyline behind them, the two chatted about college, careers, and growing up in the Bronx.

“Meeting Mr. Kelleher was a true honor,” Scotland said. “I loved talking to him about my life’s goals and dreams. It is because of his scholarship that I am able to finish my degree here at Mercy College. I am eternally grateful.”

The scholarship is given out yearly to a high-achieving Mercy College undergraduate student who is a Bronx County resident as well as a Bronx high school graduate. Scotland said she is inspired by Kelleher’s long commitment to the borough she loves.

“Ms. Scotland is smart and charming,” Kelleher said. “I’m impressed by her dedication to her studies and her community. I expect great things from her in the future.”

Kelleher brings more than 30 years of property management expertise to Simone Development Companies, which he joined in 2003 to direct the Hutchinson Metro Center, the company’s highly visible office complex in the Pelham Bay section of the Bronx. He also serves as chairman of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce and president of the Boy Scouts of America, Bronx Council.

“Seeing Mr. Kelleher interact with Oriana was a joy,” said Mercy College Office of Planned Giving Director Phillip Keefe. “I know they will be friends for years to come.”