Greatest Educator of Business and Life

I met Father Rashford in 2011 as he interviewed me for his EMBA program. He was kind and impressive and I knew I was in the right place. I was fortunate that my class (EMBA 2013) was the final class he taught. That blessing not only allowed me to learn from a brilliant business educator, but I'm honored to say that we became friends and he was a new mentor on life for me.

I'm sure everyone who knew him will say this, but he made you feel that you were the most important person to him as he listened and then advised. 

As a senior executive in the healthcare industry, I hear his words in my mind and use my learnings from him daily. He will be missed, but he lives on in his teaching.

- Thomas Eicke

Sunday Mass

As a student at Saint Joseph's University (BS '97), one of the most peaceful moments in my week was attending Sunday Mass. I’d sometimes go to the 11 a.m. service, especially when Fr. Rashford was presiding. His homilies were filled with love, hope and inspiration — and always left a lasting impression. At the end of each Mass, he would recite the Irish Blessing. That prayer came to mean so much to me that, when I graduated, my mom gave me a plaque engraved with it. It’s hung in my kitchen ever since, where I see it every day and am reminded of those meaningful moments. May the road rise up to meet you, Fr. Rashford. We were truly fortunate to have you as part of our lives.

- Kristin Lawrence

The CEO of SJU

I was privileged to serve as a Trustee on the Board when Nick was president. Those intense eyes could read a room in a heartbeat, yet his warm handshake and hug gave away his huge heart. A leader with a clear and determined vision for the University, he led with the certainty of a seasoned CEO and laid the path for future leaders…and all of us. He loved Ireland, poetry, art…and, most of all, St. Joe’s and his God. Nick, rest in peace. And thank you.

- Mary Lou Quinlan

Memory About Father Rashford

I was privileged to know and work with Father Rashford for several years. I managed the Beneficial Bank Foundation, Father Rashford served as a director on the Foundation’s Board. He cared very much about the community, especially for those underserved. He was very supportive and complimentary of the work done by the Beneficial Foundation. I was always grateful for his support and relieved when he would compliment the report, knowing it was free of spelling or grammatical errors. The Foundation for years had a scholarship named after Father Rashford, awarded to a SJU student in the Business School. May his soul rest in peace and perpetual light shine upon him.

- Robert Juliano

Fond Memories and Friendship with Fr. Nick.

I am saddened for the passing of Fr. Rashford. A great man, friend and leader of the Jesuits and of SJU.

So many great memories from that groundbreaking day for the Haub School, Mandeville Hall to being able to sit on the bench with "Fr. Nick" at the Palestra for a Temple Big Five game as his camera never stopped taking great photos. Since my days as CEO at Ferrero USA Group, Fr. Nick was there for discussions and instrumental in guidance and enabling balanced options to help get to a conclusion.

Fr. Nick had so many great talents. Our family Christmas tree is decorated every year with the SJU ornaments received each year along with the beautiful card from his photography choice of the year. Fr. Nick will always be honored and missed. May he rest in peace with the Lord. Thank you Fr. Nick for all you were, all you accomplished and all you served over the years.

- Michael Gilmore

Fr. Rashford tribute

One of the most influential individuals in St Joe's history!

Visionary, bold decision maker, impactful, his love of teaching and photography, and a caring faith-filled priest.

Recall his priorities--campus beautification, wiring for the internet, a Chapel, a School of Business, growing undergraduate enrollment, expanding graduate offerings, expanded opportunities outside the classroom, a player in the Philly community, engaged new alumni, expanded the Board, record setting campaigns, the Bridge, McShain Hall, the Gillin Boathouse, member of the early years of the NCAA Presidents' Commission, etc....we learned from you, thank you and rest in Peace!

- Don DiJulia

Rest in Peace Father Rashford

Orientation - August 1994.

Father Rashford greeted the incoming freshmen and their parents while sitting on a folding chair in the middle of the field house court with a stuffed frog on his head. I remember he gained the respect of my father (a dad of 6) by telling us all how he had put two young men through college.

- Anne McManus Von Thaden

A Lasting Impact on How We Teach and Learn

A little known fact about Fr. Rashford is that it was his direct intervention that helped launch the Office of Teaching and Learning.

Many years after retiring as President, he was still supporting the institution behind the scenes.

When I was first tapped to set up the OTL, Nick encouraged me to reach out to his good friend Mike Morris for the initial funds. Provost Jeanne Brady, Marty Farrell, and I met with Mr. Morris on multiple occasions to discuss our vision for improving the student experience by providing hands-on training and mentoring to the faculty. But it was Nick's enthusiasm for the creation of the office that most resonated with Mr. Morris and encouraged him to make the early gifts that gave that 1-person office its start. Nick mentored me in the gentlest possible way, always curious to hear my ideas, attending the annual Teaching and Learning Fora to show his support, and ensuring the OTL had the institutional backing it needed to flourish.

This is the end of an era. Fr. Rashford will be missed.

- Usha Rao

Fr. Nick

I met Father Rashford over 30 years ago. He instantly became intertwined in my life and family. He married my wife and I, baptized our three children and blessed our home.

He remained a confident, adviser and friend until the end. His humor and insight and kindness will have me smiling for the rest of my days.

I was honored to have known him.

-Robert Goggin

Thanks From the Class of 1990

Father Rashford started the same year I entered SJU and I still remember his energy from freshman orientation in the summer of 1986. His vision, positive outlook and wonderful humor and storytelling abilities will be something I remember in fondness. My husband was able to enjoy the Haub School of Business and the executive MBA program along with Fr. Rashford as a professor. He made an impression on us both and we are thankful for his time spent growing Hawk Hill.

- Kate Clark

Three Things Father Nick Taught Me

Father Nick made time for me. I felt like I was the only one he was coaching even though he was mentoring dozens of student at a time. 

He taught me what it was to be a mentor, although I didn’t know it then. Almost every conversation I had with him ended with him saying “So, what did you learn?” or “I learned something talking with you.” 

Three things I learned from Nick:

1) If you don’t ask or try, the answer is always no. 

2) A good radiologist looks in the shadows. You should, too. (in other words, look beyond the obvious to get a complete view).

3) Be bold, be bigger. 

Bonus - You’re Irish. It’ll be ok. 

Thanks for helping me achieve more than I knew I could when we met in 1986.

- Patrick Durbin

Freshman Orientation-8/1986. Class of 90

I had the honor of starting my freshmen year with Father Rashford in August of 1986. We had just completed freshmen orientation activities prior to an evening dance in the commuter cafe. Father Rashford, newly appointed President, walked into the cafe with a stuffed frog on his head! I’ll never forget it. He made it a point to warmly welcome all of us and connected our togetherness. He, as newly appointed President and we as the class of 90. All of us starting a new chapter in our lives. While using humor, he made no joke about our purpose in life and the positive impact we would make on our world!

Fr. Rashford was one of a kind in spirit, commitment, perseverance, dedication and inspiration to all he knew and served on Hawk Hill.

I was blessed to learn and study at SJU under Fr. Rashford’s visionary leadership and love. ❤️

- Re-Re (Rosemarie) Finn-Torchia

Nick Rashford Was a Good Friend

I first got to know Nick Rashford when we were both young Jesuits studying philosophy at St. Louis University. We became good friends there. So I was not surprised when as President at Saint Joseph's he invited me to serve on the St. Joe's board. Our work together for Saint Joseph's deepened our friendship. So I, like many others, will miss him very much. I am sure he is resting in peace in the hands of God.

- David Hollenbach, S.J.

Fr. Rashford

To say Father Rashford played a large part in my life would be an understatement.

He presided at my parent's wedding, and a family funeral. He was (and is) a close family friend.

At my family's suggestion, I visited him my freshman year. I hadn't seen him in literal decades, more than half my lifetime, but thanks to his wit and warmth, it didn't feel like that at all.

What sticks with me is that he took time to find a class portrait from my father's photography class - something I never knew he'd taken - and had a print made for me to keep.

Father Rashford was an awesome person and a wonderful human being. He really embodied everything I love about Jesuits, and - those aren't just nice-sounding words. He was the ideal in motion.

- Makenzie Gallagher

My Best Friend

Fr Nick and I were best friends forever. We started at Ting school in pre kindergarten in 1945. We remained together through grade school at St John’s and high school at Spalding Institute in Peoria, IL. In May of 1959, we were at Steak and Shake. Fr Nick was trying to decide what direction his life was going to go and doing it with a nickel. Heads to the Jesuits or tails to the Navy. It came up tails. We both enlisted in the Navy the next day. We remained friends, but our lives went in different ways. I stayed in the Navy. Nick did four years, and went to work for a communications firm. But God always had plans for Nick. He went to his true calling as a Jesuits. Fr Nick became a good priest, a good teacher and a great leader, and a great example for all who meet him. 

I know now he is resting in peace with God.

- John A (Tony) Grow

Father Nick RIP

I was always amazed how Father Nick was a priest but so much more - a businessman and a future thinking teacher, consultant and president. 

He will be missed, and leaves behind so much to past, current and future students and SJU. 

In my undergraduate and graduate years at SJU, Father Nick’s class (real business leader problem solving) was the best class in all my years. 

RIP

- Frank Fazio

A Good Irishman

Father Rashford was proud of his Irish roots. When I arrived at St. Joe’s on a basketball scholarship in 1998, he was genuinely pleased to have someone from Ireland on the team and made a point of welcoming me. He also showed great kindness to my family during their visits, often inviting them into his home. It meant a lot to know that someone was looking out for me—especially someone in his role as university president. He will be missed on Hawk Hill. 

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

- Susan Lavin

So Many Ways That Nick Rashford Positively Impacted My Life

Nick hired me as the second dean of the business school effective July 1, 1987, but just before that, he asked me to go to Ireland on some university business where we met up and traveled there and back home together. That was the beginning of a very close relationship that lasted until recently when I was not on campus much and his health was deteriorating. He was a great mentor, a great friend, and a great leader. At his behest, the business chairs created and launched our EMBA program in which Nick played a huge role as both "executive" of the program and faculty member. Much of the success of this program, now over 35 years old, is attributable to Nick's guidance, support and presence. Beyond our professional and personal relationship on Hawk Hill, Nick visited our house for dinner on a couple of occasions and even went trick-or-treating with me and our youngest son Ryan, now 40, but at the time a preschool kid with special needs. By the way, Nick dressed up as a Jesuit. Later, Nick became my personal confessor. In that role, he was kind, understanding and offered both encouragement as well as guidance. Nick's presence at SJU has been huge and his presence in my life and that of my family was equally significant. I will miss him. Rest in peace, Father. You deserve it.

- John Lord

Reminding Me That We Are All Called to Serve

While getting my EMBA at SJU I started to go through a very messy and bitter divorce, and I contemplated dropping out of the program. Visibly distraught, one of the faculty suggested I speak to Father Rashford for emotional (and spiritual) guidance.

Over the next several months, Father Nick spent countless hours listening, counseling, privately coaching and guiding me through what at the times seemed like the hardest time in my life.

With his guidance, I ultimately stayed in the program earning a MBA in the Spring of 2014, and we’ve kept in touch since then, each time our conversations ending with his typical words of encouragement and care.

I am indebted to Father Nick for his patience, kindness, counsel and wisdom in those times when I needed it most. He’s taught me to be a better student, coworker, friend and parent - and that sometimes in life, we can’t make it through the hard times without the help and charity of others. So equally, we are all called to serve and be that help for others.

Rest in Peace and Thank You, Father Nick - and may Christ the true Shepherd embrace you as one of his flock and welcome you into his paradise, Amen.

- Christopher Lopez

Learning (To Teach) from Father Rashford

In 2010, when I was a pre-tenure assistant professor, I was assigned to co-teach an Executive MBA (EMBA) management class with Father Rashford. I was, to say the least, a bit intimidated. I would be teaching a class alongside the man who developed it, in the academic program he had championed, using the book he had written, in the moot boardroom classroom he had designed, inside the building (Mandeville Hall) he had built. He was the larger-than-life former university president who was admired, respected, and loved by the students... and I was a junior professor whom students likely saw as an afterthought.

My intimidation dissipated within the very first minute of sitting with Father Rashford to discuss the course. "Here's the syllabus I've used in the past. What do you think? What changes would you like to make?" he asked. The larger-than-life former university president treated me like a peer, a colleague, a companion in the work. I offered my recommendations, and he said, "Sounds good. Let's do it."

I know the students learned quite a bit from the class, developing knowledge about organizational systems and dynamics. What I learned from Father Rashford was how to ask better questions. He had a powerful approach of asking pointed and probing questions while still being very open and curious. And, of course, closing each session with the question, "What have you learned?" This began my personal journey to realizing it is much better for students to leave a class with one or two deep insights rather than superficially "learning" 10-20 disparate bits of knowledge.

"What have you learned?" From that one semester co-teaching experience with Father Rashford, I learned pedagogical approaches that I continue to use today. And, more importantly, I learned the power of humility in the classroom. Being a companion in the work is the best way to serve others.

- Ron Dufresne

Class of 2018

Father Rashford put me on a plan of success.

He pried out of me confidence and strength.

He illuminated everyone he met.

- Harrison Reggie

Uncle Nick

To his Irish family he was affectionately known as Uncle Nick. Uncle Nick was very proud of his Irish family and will be sadly missed by his many relatives and friends in Ireland. Uncle Nick inspired and encouraged me to study at St. Joe’s. I am excited to start my journey as a freshman this Fall and honour his legacy. While visiting him on campus, he shared his love of poetry and many stories about his remarkable life. As an uncle he was a great conversationalist, had a great sense of humour and was much loved. 

 “Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h’anam dílis”☘️

- Mia Walsh

The Power of Three

Having you for a mentor for nearly a decade as SJU's EMBA director was a profound gift in my Higher Ed career. Grateful thanks for everything. I especially loved our daily Diet Cokes and conversation.

Three "Classic 'Nick' Lessons" that still give me pause to this day:

- "If you are going to swim with the sharks you had better not bleed."
- "Learn as much as you can from everyone, especially your students."
- "Synthesize your message into three distinct parts, or even better, three words."

Rest. In. Peace. Father Nick.

- Terese Waldron

God Bless You

I saw Father Rashford at every basketball game for almost 27 years. He would stop at our seat and say hello. It was such an honor to shake his hand or engage in a conversation. His dedication and love for the University was plain to see. Most recently I've had the honor and privilege of being with him and serving him at Manresa Hall. He always had a smile for me and a warm word. His trains were the highlight of Manresa at the holiday season and to see his face light up as they were around the track brightened everyone's day. I will miss him dearly. Well done my good and faithful servant.

- Catherine Houpt

Rest in Peace Father Nick

Al and I first met Father Rashford at our daughter Terri's Orientation in 1994. I can still see him sitting on a chair with a stuffed frog on his head telling so many impressive, inspiring and funny stories and earning the respect of all who attended; most especially from Al and myself. From that day on a beautiful friendship ensued. We enjoyed many Christmas dinners together at our home in West Chester with our children and grandchildren along with Ed and Marilyn Trainor and Michael and Marie Tegler, followed by almost weekly memorable dinners with him at his favorite restaurants. Five of our six children attended SJU while Father was President and were so honored to have known him. Everyone knows how much Father loved his trains and we were so honored when he allowed us to keep them on loan for a short time until he wanted them back. Then, I think it was in 2022 he wanted to display them again, so we returned them and the look on his face to see them displayed once again was unforgettable filled with so much Pride and Happiness.

God Bless you Father Nick! Thank you for your wonderful friendship and the precious memories you left with us. You will be forever missed. I know that Al will be overjoyed to see you. 

Our Love and Prayers 

- Janet Tegler and Family