The family and friends of Jessica Marulli are proud to announce the formation of a scholarship fund to benefit students excelling in the Art & Sciences. Through the creation of this scholarship, we hope to honor Jessica’s boundless spirit, while providing deserving students with the ability to pursue their dreams, with the same passion Jessica pursued hers. Jessica was an avid learner who embraced the arts, athletics, science and business. As a young girl she loved classical pursuits such as ballet and piano, but also embraced the adrenaline rush of skiing, skydiving and boating.

Born in Connecticut and raised in Palm Beach, Florida, she was the oldest daughter of five siblings. After graduating at the top her class at Rollins College with a degree in Marine Biology, she ventured to New York City, working as an executive at Katz Communication. Upon returning to Palm Beach, Jessica embraced real estate, becoming a successful agent at Sothebys; donated her time as Eucharistic Minster at St. Edwards Catholic Church; and found the love of her life, John Criddle.

The couple married in 2014 at a glorious ceremony at St. Edwards. Unfortunately, their happiness was shattered when just a few months into their marriage they received the devastating news that Jessica, now expecting their first child, was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. Jessica battled courageously for 13 months, before being called home to God. For family and friends, who constantly speak of Jessica’s bright smile, boundless energy and enthusiasm for life, this scholarship is one of the ways we share her light with those who never had the privilege to know her.

Franklin Pierce University is the alma mater of Jessica’s father, Al Marulli, Class of 1969. The Marulli family is deeply grateful to Dr. Yvonne Boice and her husband and FPU board member, Al Zucaro, for conceptualizing this scholarship.  And special thanks to the entire Board of Trustees at Franklin Pierce University for helping to ensure Jessica’s memory lives on.