;)
The University of Saint Joseph community remembers Trustee Emerita Patricia J. Rooney, RSM, ’58, M’72, DAA’00, who died on Monday, Oct. 26., at the age of 90.
Sister Pat was a proud alumna, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees here. She was a recipient of the University of Saint Joseph M. Rosa McDonough Distinguished Alumna Award in 2000.
Her Mercy ministry was focused on education and bolstering non-profit organizations; she started out as an English teacher, became the Founding Chief Administrator at Mercy Center at Madison, and held development roles at the Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall and the University of New Haven.
Sister Pat was one of the longest-serving Trustees in the University of Saint Joseph’s history, having been on the Board for 24 years, during which time she also served as Board Secretary (2014-2017) and Vice Chair (2017-2020). The Board named her Trustee Emerita in 2020. Additionally, she served on a wide variety of community organizations, including the Boards of Trustees of Mercy Community Health, Mercy Housing and Shelter, and Our Lady of Mercy School.
Sister Pat’s generous spirit, commitment to mentoring others, and enthusiastic affection for her alma mater (especially her role as “Number One Fan” of men’s basketball) will long be remembered – she will be greatly missed.