Kean University Medallion Society Announces the Creation of the Sara D. Wheelwright Endowed Scholarship Fund at Kean University

Kean University Medallion Society Announces the Creation of the
Sara D. Wheelwright Endowed Scholarship Fund at Kean University

October 2, 2025

Sara Wheelwright ’14

Keeping Sara’s Light Alive and Empowering Kean Students

Adrienne and Robert Wheelwright have pledged their support to establish the Sara D. Wheelwright Endowed Scholarship Fund at Kean University in honor of their late daughter, ensuring that future advertising and graphic design students can pursue their dreams. In addition, the couple has included the Kean University Foundation in their estate plans with a bequest to further benefit Michael Graves College.

Their daughter, Sara Danielle Wheelwright ’14, was a graduate of the Michael Graves College at Kean University. She lived with creativity, purpose, strong friendships and a love of travel. She earned her bachelor’s degree in graphic design, making the Dean’s List every year. As an active member of student government, she led the redesign of campus communication materials. Her talent for visual storytelling launched a promising career, and just before her passing, she was accepted into a master’s program in User Interface Design at Rutgers University.

“She was a generous collaborator and a creative force, exactly the kind of student who lifts everyone around her,” said Rose Gonnella, Associate Dean, Michael Graves College at Kean University.

Distinguished Professor Robin Landa added, “Sara was deeply intelligent, endlessly talented, and profoundly kind. She approached design with both rigor and imagination, and life with a rare blend of courage and compassion. The generosity with which she shared her gifts continues to inspire, and her legacy will live on in the students who follow in her path.”

Friends remember her with equal admiration. Nekeisha Blandin ’08 called her “a bright light—always encouraging, always thoughtful.” Classmate, Jamie Williams ’12, recalled Sara’s boldness about life and shared, “Sara was always up for a creative challenge and approached each project with confidence and dedication. We collaborated on a project she later expanded in her portfolio, turning Ninja Babies into a believable kids’ brand.”

Through their generosity, the Wheelwrights are making sure that Sara’s name and the values she embodied will continue to inspire and uplift generations of Kean students.

If you would like to make a gift in memory of Sara, please click the “GIVE TODAY” button below. Once redirected, please select “Other” from the drop-down menu and manually enter Sara D. Wheelwright Endowed Scholarship in the box below to direct your donation accordingly.

GIVE TODAY

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May 2021

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