The one thing that those who knew Emily Zeman remember about her is that she felt she owed a debt of gratitude to her alma mater—DePaul University. Zeman, who graduated from DePaul in 1942 and became a teacher, more than paid what she believed was due by leaving $2.3 million to the university. The bequest will fund a variety of scholarships and inspire a new generation of students to live their dreams through education. DePaul will receive the final installment of the Zeman endowment in December.

Most who remember Zeman recall that she was quiet, reserved and classy. The daughter of Czechoslovakian immigrants, she amassed her small fortune while teaching elementary school in Cicero, Ill. She had two deceased brothers and no other family except for nieces whom she had not seen in over 40 years.

But while Zeman, who was in her 80s when she died, may have outlived those who knew her best, there is no mistaking the things that were closest to her heart—her parents and DePaul University. In her will, Zeman thanked her parents for immigrating to the United States and DePaul for giving her the opportunity to do the thing she loved most—teach children.

“I am grateful to DePaul for making it possible for me to graduate from the University,” she wrote. “I am grateful for my many years as a grade school teacher and so enjoyed teaching each and every child in the first and third grades. I give all my residuary estate…to DePaul as an endowment.” It was Zeman’s wish that the endowment be used to help students pay tuition, books and other expenses.

By giving back in this very special way, Zeman may inspire others to do work that makes their lives complete. “You could tell she really loved to teach because she talked about it all the time when I would visit her,” recalls Susan Sherock, an assistant deputy in the Cook County Public Guardian’s office and one of the few people who visited regularly with Zeman during the twilight of her life. “I think education was her passion and as a result, teaching was her life. From what I could tell, she was very dedicated to her students and they were what her life was all about.”

According to the Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M., DePaul’s president, the gift from the DePaul graduate about whom not much is known, will help others unlock the opportunities that an education can offer. About $1.5 million of the donation will fund undergraduate scholarships university-wide and the remainder will endow graduate scholarships. “Emily Zeman will live on in the lives of students who will benefit greatly from her generosity,” said Holtschneider. “DePaul helped Emily achieve her dream, and Emily in turn will make it possible for our students to achieve their dreams.”

The first $500,000 installment of the gift will fuel scholarships for students in DePaul’s School of Education. It is a fitting place to begin using the money because Zeman’s true passion in life was being a teacher. “The $500,000 allocated to the School of Education will create the Frank and Frances Zeman Memorial Endowed Graduate Fellowship in Education,” said Clara Jennings, dean of the School of Education. “The scholarship is named for Ms. Zeman’s parents and it will benefit teachers currently enrolled in our graduate programs.” The School Education fellowships will begin being offered during the 2006-07 academic year.

When Zeman died in February of 2004, without family or lifelong friends by her side, her dying wish was honored and DePaul became the beneficiary of her estate. “When she thought of where to leave her money, DePaul is where her heart and passion was,” said Sherock.