The Rosemont Community Mourns the Loss of Some of its Most Beloved Members
Margaret M. Healy, PhD
Dr. Healy served as Rosemont’s 11th President from 1995-2001. Margaret M. Healy, PhD, known to all as Peg, died peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 11, at the age of 87 after battling brain cancer. Peg’s long career in higher education included roles as a philosophy professor, university treasurer, academic dean, and trustee of several universities. Born in Chicago to Nora M. and Patrick J. Healy, emigrants from Ireland, Peg was one of three sisters. She graduated from Rosary College with degrees in philosophy and mathematics. She earned an additional degree in philosophy as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Louvain, Belgium, and obtained her MA in philosophy from St. John's University in New York. In 1969, she was awarded her PhD in philosophy from Bryn Mawr College. In 1964, Rosemont College welcomed Dr. Healy as a lecturer in philosophy. From 1969 to 1976, she became Rosemont's academic dean and associate professor of philosophy. Following these assignments, Peg began a distinguished 19-year career at Bryn Mawr College where she was director of financial planning, acting treasurer, and then, treasurer. Dr. Healy had been serving on Rosemont's Board of Trustees when, in
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1995, the College needed a new president. Peg served as interim president (taking a leave of absence from Bryn Mawr) before assuming the role of President in 1996. Rosemont, again, became her focal point. Peg's contributions to the life of the College were many, but the most significant challenge was to rebuild its endowment, which she did fivefold. On the educational front, clear distinctions were made between the Undergraduate Women's College, the School of Continuing Studies, and the School of Graduate Studies. The accelerated degree program within Continuing Studies expanded to three additional locations: Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Allentown. During her tenure, there was an increase in concentrations in the master's degree program. Peg also oversaw several campus facility enhancements, such as the installation of air conditioning in the Kistler Library; installation of the Alumni Terrace; and construction of the Bill and Rosemarie Seydel McCloskey Fitness Center. Peg also introduced the community-based program called Summer Success. She encouraged art and music.
The grand finale to her career at Rosemont was raising funds for the restoration of Main Building (Rathalla) in 2000. Brought back to its former glory, Main Building was also brought up to date. It is still the site for special events, but it also serves as offices for Admissions, Public Relations, Financial Aid, Institutional Advancement, and Alumni Relations. Seeing the changes to completion, Peg retired in 2001. “Peg gave herself wholeheartedly to our College, and we will be forever grateful,” said Jayson Boyers, current President of Rosemont College. “I will remember her kindness toward me as a new president and her impact as told to me through stories from the alums who personally experienced her leadership and her mentorship.” Peg served with distinction in the field of higher education for many years. She served as a trustee of seven colleges and universities, including College of the Holy Cross, Sarah Lawrence College, St. John’s University, and Villanova University. Peg also served on the board of the Blind Relief Fund of Philadelphia; Project HOME, a Philadelphia nonprofit that aids people experiencing homelessness; and on the Finance Committee of the American Philosophical Society. Awarded five honorary doctorates and numerous national awards, Peg was loved for her belief in the goodness of people, her generosity, her zest for life, and her wonderful parties with friends and family. Predeceased by her sister Nora, Peg is survived by her sister Eileen; Nora's partner, Terry Gonzalez; her friend of more than 60 years, Mary Patterson McPherson, President of Bryn Mawr College during Peg's years as Treasurer; and many other friends, old and new. Her funeral Mass was held on Wednesday, December 15 at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception. Friends are invited to a Memorial Celebration on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 11:00 am, also at Rosemont College. Masks will be required. Memorial gifts may be made to Project HOME, 1515 Fairmount Ave, Phila., PA 19130.
