October 2005

Eileen C. McDonnell, M.B.A. \ M.A.

Class of 1984 – Math

Eileen C. McDonnell ’84 has held the position as President, New England Financial, a MetLife Company, as well as Senior Vice President posts at both Metlife and Guardian Life Insurance Companies.  In addition, over the past three years, she has been an active and extremely supportive member of the Molloy College Board of Trustees. However, her college career did not start very different from any undergraduate student trying to decide what their future might hold.  “I must admit that when I was declaring a major in college I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.  I knew that I would work hard at being the ‘best’ at whatever I did.”  Her journey through college had its typical bumps.  “I started as a nursing major but really didn’t feel excited about that as a career so I changed my major and studied computers.” 

Upon graduation, Eileen spent a brief period of time in the computer industry.  However, it is in the insurance field that she has spent over two decades. “I’ve had the good fortune of being a senior executive in a Fortune 50 firm, traveling and meeting many business legends.”  Eileen knows firsthand that you can always make changes in your life similar to her decision to change from nursing to computer science.  After working for these prestigious companies in highly visible positions, right now she is taking a sabbatical from work and anxiously awaiting the arrival of her adopted daughter from Russia.  Eileen will be honored at this year’s Annual Ball with the “Distinguished Alumni Award.”  The Ball this year will celebrate Molloy’s 50th Anniversary and will be held on November 5th at the Garden City Hotel.

Q. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Eileen: I’ve been in the insurance industry for over twenty years.  It is an industry where you can actually see how you help individuals and families in times of need.  Through adequate planning people can live with dignity.  It became crystal clear to the public after 9\11 just how powerful life insurance really is. It was comforting to know that I worked in an industry that helped to rebuild families by providing the financial strength to move forward. 

Q. Who were, or are, your role models?

Eileen:  There have been many influential people in my life and I seek to incorporate the best of each into how I live my life. I consider myself to be a work in progress and remain open to varying styles and points of view. I do believe that I inherited this trait from my late Father.

Q. How do you balance work and home?

Eileen: I don’t know that you can ever truly declare victory in this area. The two are interconnected because it’s hard to separate ourselves into two personas. At any given time your work responsibilities or personal obligations will require a disproportionate amount of your time. Knowing your physical and emotional limitations is important. Trust your instincts and then set realistic expectations to avoid disappointment.

Q. What advice would you give to current students?

Eileen: My advice to students would be to make sure you are passionate about what you are studying or preparing to do after graduation. When you are passionate about what you do you have boundless energy and a desire for even more knowledge.  Don’t think of your years at Molloy and graduation as a “destination” but rather just part of your personal journey in life.