In 1897 Patrick Grace’s great-grandfather, William R. Grace—the first Catholic Mayor of the City of New York—established the Grace Institute. During its early years, the Grace Institute taught immigrant and underprivileged women practical skills and trades such as dressmaking, stenography, typewriting, and bookkeeping to help them support their families. William Grace placed the organization, which was tuition free and supported solely by the Grace family, in the charge of the Sisters of Charity. William Grace believed in the mission of the Sisters of Charity, and Patrick has inherited this belief.
As a trustee of the College and a Co-Chair of Building Our Future, Patrick Grace now works to ensure that the future of the College is secure and that it incorporates the rich tradition of it founders. Patrick Grace knows that the Campaign’s initiatives will enable the College to continue to educate its students with its strong dedication to the liberal arts. Mount Saint Vincent’s concern for each student as a unique and responsible individual is just one of the reasons that four generations of Patrick Grace’s family have supported the work of the College. “My family’s long time commitment to the Sisters of Charity extends to the College because of the people it serves, the diversity, and the quality of the education,”Grace says.
By supporting Building Our Future, Patrick Grace is honoring his family and their history of helping immigrant families. Mount Saint Vincent today continues its historic tradition of educating talented students, many of whom are the first-generation in their families to attend college. And many of these students would not be able to avail themselves of a Mount education without the generous support of friends such as Patrick Grace. Gifts to the Capital Campaign will help to establish endowed scholarships, opening the door to more of these talented and deserving students, and ensure that the Grace family legacy started back in 1897 will continue at Mount Saint Vincent.
