alumni news
In 1993, when Jennifer “Jen” Ricciardi, MEd ’95, came to Suffolk—working in Student Financial Services and attending graduate school part-time at night—little did she know she was at the beginning of what would become a three-decade-plus career, one that has had a significant impact on thousands of Suffolk students and families.
Ricciardi was also at the beginning of a lifelong friendship with a fellow grad student working in that office. Domenic Marinelli, BSBA ’93, MBA ’95, and Ricciardi formed a bond as they worked together and earned their graduate degrees. Marinelli went on to his own more than 30-year career at Morgan Stanley, where he is now a managing director in wealth management and financial advising, as well as a financial planning specialist. He is also a Summa Society Dean’s Circle donor and Sawyer Business School Dean’s Cabinet member.
Both have dedicated their careers to helping others achieve important life goals, and built an impressive legacy in their respective fields and communities. When Ricciardi concluded her career as Suffolk’s director of student financial services, colleagues, friends, and family gathered in December to honor her. President Marisa Kelly surprised Ricciardi with the announcement of one particularly special honor: Marinelli had established the Jennifer Ricciardi Legacy Scholarship Fund with a $75,000 contribution to Suffolk.
“Dom’s history of supporting Suffolk’s scholarship programs goes back many years, but this was truly unexpected,” Ricciardi says. “Both Dom and I believe strongly in providing students who may not have the ability to afford a college education with the opportunity to obtain a Suffolk degree. I am extremely proud this scholarship will help Suffolk continue its mission of providing students in need with access to an excellent education.” Since learning of the scholarship, 31 additional members of the Suffolk community—alumni, colleagues, and friends—have contributed, including Ricciardi herself, who is a Summa Society Gleason Archer Circle donor.
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spring 2025
President Marisa Kelly with Jennifer Ricciardi and Domenic Martinelli at Ricciardi’s retirement ceremony. Photograph by Michael J. Clarke
