Even though Rep. Joseph Moakley (D-Mass.) is retiring after 15 terms in Congress, his legacy of public service will continue for years to come thanks to the newly established John Joseph Moakley Charitable Foundation.
The nonprofit group plans to award at least 10 college scholarships and grants based on need, academic achievement, leadership and commitment to community service to Bay State residents beginning next year.
“This is something [Moakley] felt very strongly about,” said foundation spokesman Sean Ryan. “He was able to attend college because of the GI Bill and having that opportunity really changed his life.”
Two upcoming events that will raise money for the foundation will be held on Wednesday in Washington and on April 18 at the Hynes Convention Center, following the dedication of the new federal courthouse named for the South Boston Democrat, who is retiring because he has leukemia.
“Joe [Moakley] has really compiled an extraordinary public service record, and this is a way that we can keep contributing in his name,” Ryan said.
The foundation, which was Moakley’s own idea, will be run by a group of his friends, who will sit on a board of directors.
Moakley attended the University of Miami and received a law degree from Suffolk University Law School, where there is a library named for him. He also serves on the Law School’s Board of Trustees.
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