From Molloy’s Pioneer class to its University “chapter,” one family has been a part of Molloy since its inception 70 years ago.
One of those family members, Jeanne Franz, ’95BS, said, “Whenever I tell people that my mom was in the first class at Molloy College and my son was in the first class at Molloy University, they are always like, that is so cool. You have so much history in this one place.”
Back in 1955, when Molloy was just beginning, Jeanne’s mom, Geraldine Burchell Dwyer Riveiro, was part of the first incoming class of what was then called Molloy Catholic College for Women. At the time, the classes were taught in a house in RVC because the campus was still being constructed. Recently, Geraldine said of that experience:
“It was exciting to be part of the Pioneer class. There was no one ahead of us. We had advantages as part of this class. We got to set examples for the Molloy students of the future. It was thrilling to watch the campus being constructed. We wondered what the campus would look like when it was completed. Moving from the house on N. Village Ave. RVC to the newly erected buildings was a change from taking classes in the house. It was exciting also when the next year’s class joined us on campus. The faculty also began growing as more students were on campus. Everything was new and we were aware that we were forging the way for the future.”
Geraldine had to leave Molloy in 1957 because she was getting married and back then Molloy students had to be single women. But she brought her children back often to meet up with her former teachers, never guessing that her connection with Molloy would inspire another two generations of her family to attend.
Jeanne feels that Molloy provided her family with a community that supports challenges and lifts one another up. “My experiences here have shaped who I am, not just as an alum and parent, but as a person. The school has come a long way from the little white house on Village Ave., as my mom always likes to say. Watching Molloy grow and evolve while still holding onto its values has been something truly special. It’s been incredible to see how far we’ve come, and to feel like we’ve been a part of that journey. Molloy has given us history, pride, friendships that feel like family, and a sense of belonging that will stay with us long after we leave.”
One of Geraldine’s other daughters is also a Molloy grad. Diane M. Dwyer-Rao, Esq, ‘80BS, recalls:
“While growing up, I spent time on the Molloy campus. My mother was in the first class, and she met my father on campus. He was working in construction at the time and built the former tennis courts (where the Casey building is now located). My mother would bring me up to campus as a child and we would meet with her former teachers and professors. I always felt comfortable on campus and I chose to attend Molloy. I also liked the idea of attending the college where my mother started her college education and being on a campus that my father helped to build.”
Diane went on to be awarded Molloy’s prestigious Veritas Award as well as the Distinguished Alumni Award and feels that the Molloy spirit inhabits all of the Molloy grads in her family. “We live the Molloy goals of compassion for others and respect for the dignity and worth of every individual,” she concluded.
James Franz, ‘27BS, Diane’s nephew and Jeanne’s son, the first family member to attend Molloy University, also feels that he is part of the Molloy family. “The relationships I’ve built here, with classmates, teammates, and professors,” he said, “have truly shaped who I am today. Molloy has provided me with opportunities to grow both academically and personally, pushing me to become more confident, disciplined, and compassionate. It has also given me a deep sense of belonging and pride, knowing that I’m continuing my family’s legacy while creating my own path. More than just an education, Molloy has given me a community that will stay with me long after graduation.”
Unfortunately, Geraldine’s husband, Joe Dwyer, passed away in 1986. But in 1993, Geraldine married Joseph Riveiro and their granddaughter also fell in love with Molloy.
Megan (Riveiro) Asmar, ‘17BSN, stated, “I’m incredibly proud to be part of a multigenerational Molloy family. Being part of a multigenerational Molloy family (my grandmother, aunts, myself, and currently-enrolled cousin) reminds me that a great education doesn’t just change one life, it can shape generations. I once won a Molloy contest that asked students to answer why they chose Molloy. My response was, ‘It’s in my blood.’ Once you’re part of the Molloy family, you’re part of something lasting. I hope our story inspires future students to see what’s possible when you’re part of the Molloy community, as well as help others utilize all the benefits Molloy has to offer.”
Read Geraldine’s Pioneer Class remembrances already published by Molloy.