La Salle University has received a $1.25 million endowment commitment from Conshohocken’s Maguire Foundation, which will provide permanent financial support to La Salle students who are Maguire Scholars.

La Salle will match, dollar-for-dollar, this commitment to create the $2.5 million Maguire Endowed Scholars Program – one of the largest endowed scholarships in the university’s history.

The Maguire Foundation is a nonprofit that invests in the education of Philadelphia-area youth, and provides financial assistance to students from kindergarten through college.

Started by James J. and Frances M. Maguire in 2000, the foundation partners with 28 colleges and universities on the east coast and currently supports more than 300 Maguire College Scholars at these institutions.

The Maguire Foundation’s relationship with La Salle began four years ago, and has blossomed since.

“The generous gift from the Maguire Foundation will help La Salle further the education of even more Maguire Scholars for years to come,” said La Salle President Colleen Hanycz. “Our first Maguire Scholars completed their four-year journey at Commencement in May, and we are excited to welcome more this fall, and further the impact of the Maguire Foundation.

“What makes the endowment so special is that the Maguire Foundation is based on many of the same principles of our Lasallian heritage: the importance of education and service to others.”

James Maguire’s story and appreciation for the value of education and giving back is deeply aligned with the mission of St. John Baptist de La Salle. Born in the Philadelphia neighborhood of Germantown, Maguire had a difficult time in school growing up.

After serving in the Korean War, he enrolled at Saint Joseph’s University where he continued to struggle until he met Reverend Hunter Guthrie, who was able to recognize Maguire was dyslexic. Guthrie stuck by Maguire throughout college and helped him with his reading and comprehension skills through graduation.

Knowing that hard work, determination, and the kindness of others helped him reach his goals, Maguire values the importance of contributing to the education of students who show promise.