Seton Hall Law Alumna Establishes Scholarship in Honor of Grandfather

Family. Education. Helping Others. Three core values that define Donald B. Hannon, Sr. and that he has instilled in his family.

Brianna Kostecka ’10, along with her sister, Kerry Kostecka, and cousin, Donald Hannon, III, grew up with encouragement and support from their family and especially their grandfather, Donald, Sr. Although Mr. Hannon, one of five sons, was not afforded the opportunity to attend college himself, he believed that with a quality education, his grandchildren could do anything they set their minds to.

Brianna recalls her grandfather being the first person ever to suggest that she could one day be a lawyer – a goal she was able to accomplish thanks to the support she received from him for her undergraduate degree and from the scholarships awarded to her at Seton Hall Law. Brianna is currently a Senior Associate at King and Spalding and a member of their International Arbitration practice in New York. She also remains engaged with the Law School serving as a moot court coach. Brianna is grateful for the opportunities afforded to her by the generous support of others, which allowed her to further her education and pursue the dream of becoming a lawyer without the financial burden.

Recognizing the importance of scholarship support as a former beneficiary at Seton Hall Law, Brianna together with Kerry and Donald, III, were inspired to pay it forward with the establishment of an annual scholarship at Brianna’s alma mater to assist a deserving student attend the Law School and accomplish the dream of becoming a lawyer. “The Donald B. Hannon, Sr. Annual Scholarship,” named in honor of their grandfather, is a tribute to the values that their grandfather lives by and has always instilled in his family, particularly the values learned from Luke 12:48 which reads: “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.” Brianna, Kerry and Donald recognize the importance of philanthropic support and look forward to assisting deserving students while honoring their grandfather’s legacy and values.