In Memoriam: Judson Shaver, Former MMC President, 2001-2015

Judson R. Shaver

President Shaver began his MMC presidency in 2001, only a couple of months before the 9/11 attacks. He steered the institution through that challenging time with his characteristic resolve and profound concern for the community. His formal inauguration ceremony had to be postponed until the following year; one of the individuals who co-chaired the inauguration committee now leads the College.

“With a steady hand, Jud guided the College through difficult periods and made sure that we were stronger when we emerged from them,” said Peter Naccarato, Interim President of MMC. “Jud saw the tremendous potential of MMC and dedicated all his efforts to making the College the best it could be.”

In his 14 years leading MMC, President Shaver facilitated College-wide planning efforts that led to the creation and successful implementation of a facilities master plan and three comprehensive strategic plans, each rooted in the heritage, values, and strengths of Marymount Manhattan. His deep-seated commitment to improving the College’s academic quality was realized in a larger, accomplished full-time faculty that enhanced the curriculum, worked intensively with students, and produced an impressive body of scholarly and artistic work.

Among President Shaver’s many accomplishments during his presidency were the purchase and renovation of the townhouse at 255 East 71st Street, the creation of the Lowerre Family Terrace, the support of the Bedford Hills College Program, and the successful completion of a fundraising campaign. That campaign, called This is the Day, was the largest in the College’s history, raising $37 million for MMC.

In a tribute video produced near the end of his tenure, members of the MMC Board of Trustees spoke about President Shaver’s impact and values:

“I think he has been engaged and in love with the College from the moment he got here…and really was able to embrace the mission of the College,” said Anne C. Flannery ’73, former chair of the MMC Board of Trustees.

“He kept his eye strongly on the liberal arts tradition,” said Catherine Patten, RSHM, Ph.D. “He understood about academic excellence. He cared about the mission. He cared about our connection with the city.”

President Shaver received a B.A. summa cum laude in Religious Studies from Southern California College and earned his M.A. and Ph.D., with distinction, in Christianity and Judaism in Antiquity at the University of Notre Dame. Prior to joining MMC, he held leadership positions at Iona College and Regis University, among other institutions.

The College plans to hold a memorial service during the spring 2025 semester to honor President Shaver and his many contributions to the MMC community.

Published: November 20, 2024