STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Wagner mourns the passing of longtime supporter, Hall of Famer, and Seahawks Touchdown Club founder Elsie Schatz Love, who passed away on March 28, 2026, at the age of 97.
Born on August 5, 1928, in Methuen, Massachusetts, Elsie was the beloved only child of Arthur and Elsie von Dohrmann Schatz.
A proud member of Wagner College's Class of 1950, Elsie met her husband of 47 years, Arthur Ellison Love Jr., while attending Wagner. She later earned her Master's degree in Education and spent 37 years teaching at the elementary, junior high, high school, and collegiate levels across Staten Island. Her passion for education and creativity led to her being featured in a PBS classroom special.
Following her teaching career, Elsie served on the Wagner Board of Trustees, was a founding member of the Seahawks Touchdown Club, and became its president for two years — the only woman to ever hold that position. In recognition of her lasting impact on the Wagner community, she was inducted into the Wagner Athletics Hall of Fame in 2002.
"Elsie meant so much to the Wagner Touchdown Club and to our program," said Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and Interim Athletic Director Walt Hameline. "She cared deeply about Wagner and our student-athletes, and she was an incredible leader and person. I'm personally grateful for her many contributions and her unwavering dedication to Wagner College over the years. She was truly special, and her impact on Wagner will never be forgotten."
Elsie loved to travel, whether supporting Wagner teams across the country, exploring Europe, enjoying cruises, or driving to Florida with her husband Artie as "Ma and Pa Kettle" behind the wheel.
Elsie is survived by the thousands of lives she touched through her unwavering faith, generosity, enthusiasm, and zest for life. She often wondered why God had kept her here so long, but to those who knew her, the answer was clear — she served as a guiding light whose influence enriched countless lives.
Donations in Elsie's memory may be made to the Wagner Seahawks Touchdown Club or St. Mark Village. Celebrate Elsie by enjoying dessert — and don't forget the whipped cream… lots of it.
