William John Fitzpatrick, Ph.D. '49Ed, '52G was inducted into the
Heritage Circle of St. John’s University at the 28th Annual Alumni
Convocation on Friday, May 29, 2009.
A double alumnus of St. John’s University, he received his B.A.
from The School of Education in 1949 and his M.A. in 1952.
Firm in the belief that education is indeed the most precious
and lasting of gifts, he has spent his life sharing that gift with
others, as a teacher in the Levittown Public Schools and as a
Professor at Seton Hall University and the University of
Massachusetts at Boston. His lengthy career in the
classroom has allowed him to mentor countless young men and women
who have carried his inspiration and guidance with them into their
own illustrious careers.
His commitment to the Vincentian value of service, instilled in
him during his college days, is evidenced by his work as a
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine Teacher in St. Mary’s Parish in
Manhasset, his presidency of his parish Holy Name Society, his
membership in the Knights of Columbus and his participation in
Legatus Catholic Executive Association.
His outstanding efforts have garnered numerous awards, including
recognition from Nassau County and the Town of North
Hempstead. A loyal son of alma mater, he is a
recipient of the Pietas Medal and a member of The Loughlin
Society.
“This is a tremendous honor for me,” he said. “I go back
with St. John’s a long time, back to Lewis Avenue. We’ve come
a long way since those days and I’m very glad to be a part of this
great University.”
Induction into the Heritage Circle is reserved for alumni who
have graduated 40 or more years ago and have maintained a close
association with the University in a unique and extraordinary
way.