Bishop Feehan High School is proud to announce that Michael McGrath ’67 and Jerry Flanagan ’67 will be honored with the school’s Patricia M. Harrington, RSM Hero of Catholic Education Award during the “Setting Our Hearts” Gala on Saturday, March 6, 2027 at Gillette Stadium.
Classmates from the Feehan Class of 1967, Michael and Jerry are lifelong friends whose devotion to one another, to Catholic education and to Bishop Feehan exemplifies the best of the Feehan spirit. For decades, in very different ways, each has stayed close to the school that shaped them, and each has made a lasting difference for Feehan and for Catholic education.
Jerry recently retired after a legendary career as admissions director at St. Michael’s College in Vermont, where he guided tens of thousands of young people to mission-first Catholic higher education. Closer to home, he has long been a trusted advisor to Feehan’s leadership, offering counsel to President Tim Sullivan and to his predecessor, Chris Servant ’66, for decades. Michael, an entrepreneur, board member and investor since soon after his graduation days, has likewise never forgotten his Feehan roots. Recently, Michael and his wife, Diane, became the first donors to surpass $1 million in cumulative giving to Feehan, a milestone in the school’s history. Like Jerry, Mike’s counsel has quietly guided Feehan’s path for decades.
“This is an award that is always about mission impact at Feehan and across the Catholic education landscape,” says Feehan President Tim Sullivan. “Together, Michael and Jerry embody the Feehan spirit in every way. Sixty years after their graduation, their loyalty and care for their alma mater sets an example that all alumni can aspire to.”
Michael and Jerry join a distinguished list of past recipients that includes former Feehan president Chris Servant ’66, Fall River Bishop Edgar da Cunha, past parents Jan and Bill Walsh, former teachers Neil Loew and Joan Drobnis and several more.
The Patricia M. Harrington, RSM Hero of Catholic Education Award was established by Bishop Feehan High School in 2017 to honor a champion of Catholic education who makes significant contributions in service of Catholic schools and the Church. Sister Pat, who passed away in 2015, was a legendary figure in the Feehan community: her example of faith, love and mercy set a standard at Feehan for nearly 40 years and will be remembered always. Sister Pat herself (posthumously) was the first recipient of the award.
The Gala has become the central annual community event of the Feehan year, welcoming more than 600 people to celebrate the Feehan community and support the school.
In addition to the Hero of Catholic Education award, highlights of the evening include an elegant dinner, a limited live auction, a $10,000 cash raffle, a live band, dancing and a host of surprises. For more information, to purchase tickets or tables, or for information on honoring our honorees, visit BishopFeehan.com/gala or contact Jennifer L. Smith ’06, Director of Special Events and Volunteer Management at 508-226-6223 x132 or [email protected].