Sister Laureen A. Fitzgerald, third President of Maria College, passed away on November 11, 2019.
Sr. Laureen became a Sister of Mercy on September 8, 1958 (the Feast of our Lady) and celebrated her 60-year Jubilee last year. With 39 years of leadership at Maria College, she served as Vice President (1973-1977), Director of Continuing Education and Summer Session (1974-1976), Acting Dean for Academic Affairs (1976-1978), and President (1977-2012).
Sr. Laureen was instrumental in creating the institution we are today and our campus was blessed by her vision and her presence. On September 18, 2018 at Maria’s 50th Gala Anniversary Celebration, the space in historic Marian Hall, formally known as The Monastery of Immaculate Conception, was named Fitzgerald Court in her honor. To this day, the space is used to host many campus events and is used by many students as a collaborative study space.
On May 3, 2017, Sister Laureen was honored as President Emerita for her leadership and as a shining light of Mercy for the Maria community fostering a lifelong commitment to Mercy ideals for thousands of students.
Eternal Rest grant unto her, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.