In Memory of President Emeritus, Dr. Donald T. McNelis
STAC Family,
It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the passing of our beloved sixth president of St. Thomas Aquinas College, Dr. Donald T. McNelis.
Dr. McNelis, age 91, passed comfortably this morning with his loving wife, Romaine, and his son, John, by his side after a wonderful life of higher education leadership, service to others, and commitment and care for family. Don was married to Romaine — our original First Lady — for 54 years and they loved living on their sprawling farm in Markham, Virginia. The joy of their lives has always been their two beautiful granddaughters, Avery and Megan, and spending time with friends and family.
President Daly spoke with Dr. McNelis regularly and spent a beautiful weekend reminiscing, listening, and learning from him and Romaine in Virginia earlier this year. Dr. Fitzpatrick followed Dr. McNelis as president after he led the College from 1974 – 1995, serving 21 years as the first lay president under our founding Dominican Sisters. Prior to his appointment as president, Dr. McNelis served at the College from 1970 – 1974. He was just returning from his honeymoon with his lovely bride, Romaine, when Sister Mary Ann Biller, the Fifth President of the College, appointed him as academic dean. He took on this role wholeheartedly and established innovative ways to involve all constituents of the STAC community to address present and future challenges.
A native of Plymouth, PA, Dr. McNelis was a professor of Education at Lock Haven State College in PA and Chairperson of the Division of Professional Studies at the College of Steubenville in Ohio prior to coming to STAC. He brought with him extensive experience in teaching and administration. His tenure at the College proved him to be a conscientious leader, as well as a caring and generous human being. Highlights of Dr. McNelis’ presidency include increasing student enrollment, launching new academic programs, and expanding the campus with new buildings including the McNelis Commons.
Dr. McNelis was heartened when the College received accolades and once shared the following words:
“We discovered the operative formula — if we provide a quality education at an affordable cost in a caring, embracing environment on a beautiful, state-of-the-art campus, the students will seek us out!”
These words are more true now than ever thanks to the tremendous vision of our predecessor and mentor, Dr. McNelis. Together, the three of us led the College for the past 50 years guided by this philosophy. We have been blessed to follow in the footsteps of a great leader who built the foundations of the College … and a great man who exemplified our enduring Mission of care and service to students.
We offer our deepest condolences to Romaine and their beautiful family. On behalf of our founding Dominican Sisters, we will invite the entire STAC community to join us as we remember and celebrate the life of our dear friend Don at a special Memorial service here at the College in the Fall.
Warm Regards,
President Ken Daly and President Emerita Margaret Fitzpatrick