Saint Joseph's University, 2007–08 - With Faith and Strength to Dare ...

campaigndonors | Bernadette and James J. Nealis ’69
Faculty Support
When the company that James J. Nealis ’69 (B.S.) worked for was seeking to expand into new
global areas, it put out a call to its employees: Anybody know anything about Asia? Having taken
two classes about China during his time at Saint Joseph’s, Nealis raised his hand and instantly
became the company’s go-to guy with respect to Chinese matters.
Nealis was prepared for his immersion into Asian commerce not only by those two courses, but
also by the entire academic mindset of the University.
“I’ve always said that one of the benefits of my St. Joe’s education was that I learned how to
think there, more than at any other time in my education process,” he says. “You have to sit back
and say, how do you start identifying important data, how do you analyze it, and how do you bring
it all together and come to a conclusion?”
When it came time to give back to Saint Joseph’s — something he and his wife, Bernadette, were
determined to do — Nealis’ career and education were at the forefront of the couple’s mind. Their
generosity launched a new academic program that is greatly expanding the University’s global focus
and reach.
Through a gift and bequest, the Nealises are supporting the Bernadette B. and James J. Nealis III ’69
Program in Asian Studies, an interdisciplinary major within the College of Arts and Sciences that
began in the 2008-09 academic year and replaces the minor and certificate program currently offered.
They also are funding the creation of a new, endowed faculty chair and two dedicated faculty positions
in Asian Studies.
This strong level of support and commitment reflects Nealis’ belief that increased diversity in the nation’s classrooms, workplaces and communities,
which includes immigrants from many different Asian countries, required a greater understanding of a myriad of cultures.
“Those with knowledge of world history, languages, global health and international affairs will be able to make informed decisions regarding
domestic issues influenced by global circumstances,” he said. “By the same token, with an entire generation lacking in this knowledge, the United States
is in danger of putting itself at a competitive disadvantage.”
why we give
“
Joseph’s played an important role in my ove“Saint
rall
development ... The ability to think and analyze data
helped make me a successful person.
James J. Nealis ’69
2007–08
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