June 29, 2020
Alumni tributes to Father Shanley
He embodied providence for our school
As a member of the Providence College Class of 2014, I enjoyed four years of Father Shanley’s tenure as president. Throughout the four years I served as a member of the Friars Club and was the president of the organization as a senior.
Each year, taking prospective students around campus, our tour changed. From renovations in Harkins Hall early and the opening of the Ruane Center for the Humanities late, I watched a campus begin its transformation under Father Shanley’s guidance. The campus continues to grow exponentially in its resources and beauty.
Father Shanley’s biggest accomplishment, however, lies in what persists amid these changes. The sense of family and community, dedication to the liberal arts, and Dominican values endured during this transformation. Father Shanley embodied “providence” for our school: guiding us towards something greater, knowing we only made it there together, and remembering that what sustains us is not just beautiful buildings, but dedicated people.
In doing so, he helped create a home for students at PC. And that is what has always made it a special and memorable place.
– Matthew C. Santos, M.D. ’14
PC stronger and more devoted than ever
Father Shanley inspired me to look beyond my four years at Providence College to truly appreciate what it meant to be a Friar. I remember him commenting on our “Done with CIV” T-shirts, saying, “You will never be done with CIV. That’s the point, and why we teach it.” I think he also meant, you will never be done with Providence College.
Two years later at our commencement, he reminded us that we were not celebrating our four years, but celebrating the start of a journey that our classmates, faculty, and alumni had prepared us for. This message inspired me to stay close and loyal to the Providence College community in the years since I have graduated. It is a community that I am proud to be part of … with much thanks to Father Shanley’s leadership over the past 15 years.
Father Shanley’s focus on inclusion has made me most proud to be a Friar. Thank you, Father Shanley, for leaving the College and the PC community stronger and more devoted than ever.
– Katie Breen ’08
His presence is woven into everyTHING
It’s difficult to find ways in which the College has NOT improved since Father Shanley took charge. His impact on the community (students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni) is significant and will be treasured forever.
I had the pleasure of experiencing his inauguration while a student and then engaging with him at countless events as an alum — from exceptional and intimate events like Cape Cod summer outings and St. Dominic weekends to the grand galas like A Night in Black & White and reunion celebrations.
I’ve admired his ability to connect with each of us so personally and his genuine interest in our lives and interests. I’ll also never forget catching a foul ball in my drink cup at Fenway Park sitting alongside him! He laughed, and it reminded me how special moments and opportunities like these are so unique to being a Friar.
His presence is truly everywhere and woven into everyTHING. Not a day goes by where I don’t credit my friendships, life skills, well-rounded education, and of course, meeting my husband (Daniel Gleason ’05) to PC. And I’m forever grateful to Father Shanley for continuing to support programs — like the arts (my personal passion) — and maintaining such a standard of excellence, which makes all of us so proud of our alma mater.
– Katelyn (MacLean) Gleason ’08
Thank you for your kind-hearted leadership
Father Shanley,
Your openness to meet with students for lunch over some meaningful conversations at Ray was admirable. Your constant involvement with Student Congress was notable. Your accessibility to students will always distinguish you as the president of the College. Through your attendance, and insightful thoughts and well-intended actions, you have undoubtedly left an excellent impression on the PC community. Thank you for your kind-hearted leadership and profound wisdom.
Thoughtfully,
— Phionna-Cayola Claude ’18 & ’21G
