Julia Steckel Fleischner '95, P'24

Julia Steckel Fleischner has been a loyal Laurentian and active member of both the St. Lawrence and her local communities since her Commencement in 1995. An English writing major at St. Lawrence, she was a member of Calling All Saints, The Hill News, the Big Brother-Big Sister Program, and studied abroad in London. 

Julia met her husband, David Fleischner ’95, in their first year on campus in 1991. They married in 1998, and welcomed two daughters, Margaret and Caroline, in the years that follow. Their St. Lawrence story continued with a new, exciting chapter as parents of a Saint when Margaret enrolled with the Class of 2024.

A thoughtful philanthropist and volunteer, Julia’s service spans several charitable and civic organizations, mostly centered in her home-city of Philadelphia. Following a career in the arts and development sectors for non-profits, she and David continue to support the arts and education, as well as health and wellness. She serves on the board of the Bryn Mawr Hospital Foundation and the Advisory Board of the Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance (MANNA) in downtown Philadelphia. A trustee at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Mural Arts, the nation’s largest public art organization, she served as the group’s first female board chair. She has been involved in key fundraising campaigns for these organizations, as well as The Farm Institute and the West Tisbury Library on Martha’s Vineyard.

St. Lawrence, too, has benefitted from her involvement. Julia and David have hosted and attended several Laurentian events, served as members of the Parents Committee during Margaret’s time on campus, and have been generous supporters of the University. They enjoyed their trips to the North Country to visit as Margaret competed on the Saints squash team, as well as a trip to visit her in Kenya while studying abroad. The Fleischners have generously supported the St. Lawrence Fund, as well as the squash program and new enrollment initiatives at the University. 

Julia and David are proud to support St. Lawrence and treasure the education they received as well as the lifelong friendships they made. Julia, who has given back to St. Lawrence every year since her graduation, summed it up this way: “Giving back is easy when you realize how much your alma mater gave to you and truly laid the groundwork for your life.”