Heidi Kenny ’76
Our family connection to the college began in 1920, when my uncle Howard Farrell enrolled. My father, Jake (Joe) Kenny ’44, and his three brothers John, Bernie, and Howard graduated from PC. John (Didy) and Bernie went on to become Dominican priests and were assigned to PC. My uncle Didy was chair of the philosophy department for several years, and Bernie headed up the tutorial center.
My father died when I was 2 years old, and my two Dominican uncles stepped in and toted three toddlers—all under the age of 6—to countless PC events through the years. As a result the person I am today was shaped by the values and unselfish generosity of not only my uncles but the countless other Dominicans, faculty, and staff who influenced me (and my siblings) along the way.
Both my brother and I attended PC on scholarships. Fr. John Peterson even arranged for me to live on campus my junior and senior years so that I would have the experience of dorm life.
PC is family and has been a part of my estate planning for years. However, it wasn’t until last year that I realized the importance of making the College aware of my intentions so that the College can plan and continue to carry on PC’s mission and traditions for the next 100 years.
For me Providence College is the one special place in the world that brings me nourishment every time I have the privilege to be on campus.
Heidi Kenny serves as chair of the Catholic and Dominican mission committee while also offering wise counsel and valuable input to the development and alumni affairs, executive, and varsity athletics committees. Heidi served her alma mater as a member of the board of trustees from 2011-2020.
Heidi’s planned gift established the Heidi M. Kenny ’76 Scholarship Fund to support the women’s ice hockey program. Providence College is fortunate to have the loyalty and friendship of such a committed alumna.