For Patrick "Pat" Dugan '71, Saint Michael's College is Like Another Family!
When asked what motivated Pat and Karen Dugan to make a planned gift to Saint Michael's College in the form of a bequest expectancy, Pat replied, "The College is so much more to us than an educational institution. It's like another family, and it holds a very important place in both our lives." He continued, "The Saint Michael's experience is something that cannot be measured in terms of cost. It is something to be cherished."
The Dugans acknowledged that the wonderful thing about estate planning is knowing that when you are gone, you're leaving a piece of yourselves behind. A portion of your earnings becomes your legacy and those who come after will profit from your generosity. "It's a way to give back to a place that has given so much to us."
Pat fondly remembers the College as being this wonderful blend of talented individuals making life better for young people. His memories include his classmates, his extraordinarily committed teachers, the behind-the-scenes staff who kept the College running from day-to-day, and the wonderful band of brothers who are the Edmundites.
When asked who were his most influential people on campus, he immediately mentions Fr. Ray Doherty, Prof. Cleveland Williams, and Don "Pappy" Sutton.
Says Pat, "Fr. Ray represents all that is good about priests and the priesthood." He remembers him most on the baseball field, where he worked out with the team and played ball with them. "And Fr. Ray's homilies were always inspirational! Few people can deliver a homily as wonderfully as he does."
Pat distinctly remembers his sophomore year and a constitutional law course taught by Cleveland Williams. He was a unique, well-educated man; a man of substance and character. Professor Williams emphasized that the law must be just and applied fairly. He opened Pat's eyes to the study of law and is the reason he became an assistant district attorney and career prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney's Office for 36 years.
Another standout individual for Pat was Don Sutton, who came to Saint Michael's as the cafeteria director. Having to feed hundreds of guys every day was an important job. Before he became known as "Pappy," he was "Mr. Sutton," the dean of men (the College became co-ed in Pat's senior year). "Mr. Sutton" was like an older brother to the guys, with discipline when warranted and a pat on the back when needed. He always had a smile, a joke, or a thoughtful word, and he took a genuine interest in what everyone was doing.
In his retirement, Pat is voluntarily chairing the curriculum committee for the Christopher Wren Association. It is a lifelong learning program with more than 1,400 students, Pat's age, who continue to take courses, both academic and some unique to the College of William and Mary, of which it is part. He also volunteers with Literacy for Life, teaching English to non-native speakers. His student of three years from Vietnam just passed his GED, was admitted to a community college and recently became a U.S. citizen!
When asked what advice he would have for today's Saint Michaels students Pat says, "Take it as slowly as possible and enjoy every minute. Cherish the friends you make because they will be friends for life. Remember the Edmundites, your dedicated teachers, and the staff; all of whom contribute to your education and influence who you will become. Though your college experience lasts but four short years, it will stay with you for a lifetime."
Make Your Impact for Students
If Saint Michael's College has touched your life and you want to ensure that future students can benefit from that same experience, contact Carla Francis at 802-654-2618 or cfrancis@smcvt.edu today to explore ways to give a gift that endures.
Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. California residents: Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. Oklahoma residents: A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. South Dakota residents: Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.