Iona celebrated the legacy of Sr. Patricia McGinley, longtime special assistant to the president on Aug. 28. McGinley was an instrumental part of the president’s office and played an important role in the search for a new president after Br. James Liguori left the position in 2011.

Speakers at the event included Senior Director Office of Student Success Br. Kevin Devlin, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Jim Hynes, and the former Dean of the School of Arts & Science Alexander Eodice, all of whom praised McGinley for her dedication to the Iona community.

She was also presented with many gifts, such as season tickets to both the men’s and women’s basketball games, a basketball game dedicated to her, an iPad, and the painting by Br. Kenneth Chapman that hung in her office.

McGinley worked in the president’s office for six years. She has also served as senior policy advisor and board secretary and been on many committees.

McGinley had the chance to speak at the event as well.

“Faculty, you are the absolute best…Students gave me energy to keep me young, helped me to live life to the fullest. That’s what it means when you say it’s a great day to be a Gael,” McGinley said.

She also acknowledged her family, including 27 nieces and nephews who often received Iona apparel as gifts.

She also told the audience that she was happy to help with the presidential search and loves Iona President Dr. Joseph Nyre and his family.

In addition to this event, Iona established a scholarship fund in McGinley’s honor. She is leaving Iona to take the position of pastoral associate at Christ the King Parish in Haddonfield, NJ later this month.