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| The late Paul Collins with his wife, Margaret, following their wedding in May 2001. |
As the College celebrated the achievements of its May 2002 graduates, the La Roche community also took the time to honor the memory of a former staff member and student. Monsignor William Kerr, president of La Roche College, awarded Paul Collins an honorary bachelor's degree during the commencement exercises. Collins, a member of the College's housekeeping staff for nearly eight years, was also a returning adult student, pursuing a degree in religious studies at La Roche. He was killed in a traffic accident in November 2001. At the time of his death, Collins had completed 87 out of the necessary 120 credits required to graduate. He had a 4.0 GPA.
The Student Government Association (SGA) of La Roche College suggested that Collins receive a post- humous honorary degree. Monsignor Kerr presented the degree to Collins' widow, Margaret, at commencement ceremonies on May 4.
"Paul had a tremendous gift for making everyone and anyone feel special," said Margaret Collins. She and her late husband met while working at the Church Army, a charity dedicated to helping the less fortunate. They married in May of 2001. Though they were only married for a few months before Collins' death, Margaret considers her short time with Paul to have been a blessing. She remembers his love for God, for life and his love and appreciation for people.
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| Margaret Collins receives an honorary degree for her husband, Paul, at commencement ceremonies. |
"The degree confirmed the wonderful man that Paul was and still is to us all," said Margaret Collins. "I liken it to the tin man receiving his heart or the scarecrow his brain. Paul had within him the qualities of having completed the degree. He just didn't have the paper to confirm it."
"Students, faculty, and staff benefited from Paul's positive example," said Natasha Polas, president of the La Roche College SGA. "His volunteer work at the Church Army of Pittsburgh, local homeless shelters, and food banks exemplified his giving and supportive nature. Always offering a helping hand, he never asked anything in return." SGA members also made a donation to the Church Army in Collins' name.
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