Mourning the Loss of Beloved Rosemont Members

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 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.

Dennis Dougherty, EdD

Dennis Dougherty, EdD, former Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies, died at home on November 13, 2021, after an eight-year battle with cancer. Dr. Dougherty served as Dean of the SGPS from 2011 until his retirement in 2018. During Dennis’ tenure as Dean, the School of Graduate and Professional Studies launched the Homeland Security/ Emergency Management and the Healthcare Administration Master’s Degree Programs, reinvigorated the Global Studies Program, developed numerous partnerships for the Counseling Master’s Degree Program, established an exclusive on-site partnership with Independence Blue Cross for the Business Programs, and helped to create the Women’s Leadership Forum for the College.

Dennis was born on August 9, 1946, in Conshohocken, PA to the late Winfield and Mary (Spina) Dougherty. He was a

Richard James Donagher, PhD

Richard James Donagher, a beloved Rosemont professor for 41 years, passed away on November 16, 2021. Dr. Donagher, of Newtown Square, PA, and formerly of Radnor, PA, was 83. Born November 2, 1938, in Bronx, New York City, NY, Dick was the sole surviving member of his family, preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary (née McGarty) Donagher, his brothers, John Donagher, Thomas Donagher, and sister, Maureen DiSteffeno. Dick was a graduate of the Adam Clayton Powell Elementary School and High School in New York City, NY. He received his BA and PhD (History) from Fordham University. A college professor of American and European history, Dick taught for 41 years at Rosemont College, beloved by his fellow colleagues and students alike. He was a life-long educator who took on the many challenges brought by teaching in the classroom setting. He took a keen interest in U.S. history, mapping especially the evolution of our 1964 graduate of St. Matthew’s Catholic High School in Conshohocken, PA. He received his EdD in Organizational Behavior and Leadership from Temple University in 1990 and retired from a 30-year career in higher education.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Gaye (Parker) Dougherty, children Kristin Dunn, Danielle Dougherty, and Brendan (Kaitlyn) Dougherty, brothers Winfield (Doris) Dougherty and George Dougherty, grandchildren Alek Dunn and Margo Dougherty, and many nieces, nephews, and loved ones.

Dennis coached men’s basketball for nearly 40 years, including stints as Assistant Coach at Alvernia University and Archbishop Kennedy High School, five years as Head Coach at Spring Garden College, and three years as Head Coach at Fleetwood Area High School. He will be remembered fondly by many as a mentor, coach, and teacher.

democratic process and civic arrangement. He continued teaching classes at Main Line Night School after his retirement from Rosemont, with a special emphasis on teaching the History of the Main Line. These courses were then developed into a popular television series. Dick was a passionate New York Yankees fan and had an open, yet always respectful, dislike of the Boston Red Sox! Dick is survived by his many friends and former students. “Dick was the consummate professional--a true role model for young faculty,” said Dr. Richard Leiby, Professor of History. “Whether in his role as faculty member, Interim Dean, or Dean of Graduate Studies, Dick always served with skill and thoughtfulness. I never heard him utter an unkind word about anyone or lose his temper. Outside of the College, he was the most affable man you could ever meet. His smile and his laugh were infectious. He was my mentor, my golf buddy, and my friend. I will miss him.”