Ada Meloy, Esq., Class of 1967
“It’s been nearly ten years since we lost our dear friend and classmate, Ada Meloy. Driving on Thanksgiving Day to a gathering near Bethlehem PA, she encountered a fatal accident, ending a life filled with contribution and service to others. As a strenuous advocate for students, faculty, and the higher education communities which she served; her achievements as a lawyer representing New York University, and in her final years, as General Counsel for a higher education advocacy group in Washington, DC. As a co-founder of The Prisoners’ Reading Encouragement Project, Ada Meloy took on the issues affecting increased justice for incarcerated Americans, a venture which paralleled her continual regard for others.
Ada joined the Class of 1967 in our freshman year, making her new home in a charming, antique house on Main Street. In a short amount of time, Ada became known for her love of learning and her love for her new friends. As a scholarly and gifted student, her mission was clear: Ada would become a lawyer.
At the June 1967 graduation, Ada was honored as the Class’s Salutatorian. And for those of us lucky enough to have been her good friends, we were aware of last minute effects, silently assuring (her) the second academic spot; that rather than becoming Valedictorian, she would allow one of her friends, a boy, the honor – that in those days, a young man’s future would have secured greater opportunities with “Valedictorian” on his resume, than it would have been for Ada. This was how she excelled, even early on as a young adult, as the wonderful and woman whom she would become.
Within three years from Hamburg High School, Ada would be graduating from the esteemed Wellesley College For Women, and in another three years, leaving NYU’s Law School, achieving her J.D. – and on to her journey of profound concern and enduring service to others.”