Remembering Pat Fogarty
March 24, 1949 - August 21, 2023
Alfred State lost one of its biggest supporters with the passing of Patricia (Pat) Fogarty. Pat spent most of the last four decades serving and dedicating her time to the success of Alfred State College. Her passion for the mission of the college and for the students was evident in everything she did.
“It does not take long to capture what Pat was all about,” commented ASC President Dr. Steve Mauro. “She was an honest hardworking woman who has given her life for everybody else. She was not afraid to advocate on behalf of others and many times that included Alfred State. She embodied what Alfred State is all about. She has helped shape the character of the college.”
“Pat was the essential continuity for the ASC Council and its relationship with college administration, faculty, and students over many years. Pat developed close one-on-one relationships with each ASC president and was able to inform and guide the college Council on key developments and decisions required. I always marveled how connected Pat was with the ASC Community.”Charlie Craig – College Council Member
In 1984, Fogarty was appointed to the Alfred State College Council by Governor Mario Cuomo. She served as chair from 1993 to 2000 and served on the Council until 2001. After a brief break, she returned in 2008 and later that year reassumed the position of chair. She served as chair until recently when her health declined.
On top of the countless hours spent on the College Council, she was a member of the Board of Directors of the Educational Foundation of Alfred, Inc. and on the Board of Directors of the Alfred State Development Fund. Fogarty also served on numerous committees at Alfred State including chairing the last two Presidential searches for the college.
“I was immediately struck by her genuine interest in what we were doing here, and we really hit it off, stated past ASC President John Anderson. “I was just so impressed with her articulate advocacy of the college. Every Chancellor knew who she was, every elected official knew who she was, and she represented Alfred State. She did it with passion and dignity and with a lot of credibility. She was everywhere and she loved the students, loved the faculty, and loved this community.”
“She certainly had an impact on my life and many others. We are so fortunate to have had the opportunity to know and work with Pat but more importantly learn from her unwavering dedication. I truly believe that Alfred is what it is today to a certain degree because of her.”Bill Snyder – Development Board Member
Fogarty was proud to represent ASC by attending as many college events as possible. She was a constant at academic, alumni, and athletic events along with any college ceremonies and celebrations. When she was given the chance to speak, she consistently spoke on the importance of the work done by the students, the faculty, and the staff at the college. She genuinely believed in the college and was one of the college's biggest advocates.
For her steady and consistent support of the college, Fogarty was awarded the Alfred State College President's Medallion in 2012 and the Alfred State Outstanding Service Award in 2001.
Acting Chair of the College Council Ron Nasca expressed the Council's appreciation for her dedication. “Pat had unwavering loyalty and passion for this institution. Pat put her all into this college and asked nothing in return. What a legacy she has left.”
Fogarty received a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Juris Doctor degree from the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC in 1974. She was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1975. A first assistant public defender at the Allegany County Public Defender's Office, Fogarty has also served as an assistant public defender, as president of Serra & Fogarty P.C., and as the Allegany County district attorney.
“There has been no greater supporter of Alfred State College, the ASC students, and the faculty and staff. She always had the heart of Pioneer!”Skip Sullivan - Former Alfred State President
On top of all her service to Alfred State, Fogarty has a long history of civic activities with other local organizations. She served on the boards of the Allegany County United Way, Southern Tier Traveling Teachers, Catholic Charities of Buffalo, and the Bishop's Council of the Laity for the Diocese of Buffalo.
“Pat really embodied the college's core values, respect, service, integrity, and dedication,” commented Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Greg Sammons. “Those things really are Pat. She was a great fit for us because she was all those things. She led an incredible life, and she is irreplaceable in many ways.”
“Pat gave our family such a warm welcome,” added current First Lady Melissa Mauro “I remember her showing up with Easter baskets over flowing for the boys and we hadn’t even met her yet. That was Pat, always reaching out and embracing families.”
Mauro continues, “She was always here and always present for all events. I think she did it because she knew the great potential that was present in every human being. She really strove to bring people and organizations to their greatest potential.”
“As much as I and many others love Alfred State, no one loved Alfred State College more than Pat,” commented Vice President for Institutional Advancement Danielle White. “She made the college a top priority in her life, and everyone knew it and was grateful for her time and dedication. She was always there cheering on our students, offering words of wisdom, and supporting our faculty and staff. She is irreplaceable.
Alfred State held a memorial service to honor Pat's legacy and announced two initiatives to ensure her service and dedication to college will always be honored. The civic engagement leadership suite located on the fourth floor of the Student Leadership Center has been named after her and a scholarship has been established in her honor. The scholarship fund will focus on giving awards to civic-minded students.
“From cheering on the baseball team up that dirt road to being part of academic processionals during COVID that consisted of her, the president, and myself, her support was endless. Being with Pat was often joyful because it was for Alfred.”Aniko Constantine – SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor
In speaking about the newly established scholarship, Mauro said, “I am grateful for Annie Constantine for stepping up and being the first supporter of the fund. We hope that can create the new leaders of tomorrow, the new generation of Pat Fogarty's.”
If you would like to donate to the Patricia K. Fogarty Memorial Scholarship, please visit this page and select Pat's scholarship under the Restrict My Gift menu option. Thank you for your support!
