Patricia Gallagher, C'97, receives Gibb Family Distinguished Alumni Award

May 11, 2012

During May 5 Commencement exercises for the University of Richmond School of Continuing Studies, Patricia Gallagher, C’97, was named the 2012 recipient of the Gibb Family Distinguished Alumni Award. Gallagher chairs the School of Continuing Studies Dean’s Advisory Council.

Gallagher, who graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from the School, also earned a certificate from the American Banking Institute through the University and a master’s degree in business administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. She remains an engaged learner in non-credit Think Again and Osher Institute courses offered through the School.

Gallagher now serves as senior vice president of Eastern Virginia Bank, where she directs strategic planning, marketing, public relations, and government relations. She also handles shareholder relations and serves as corporate secretary to the bank’s board of directors.

She also volunteers in her local Tappahannock community and here in Richmond. She serves on the vestry at St. John’s Episcopal Church and is active with her local arts guild and the Tappahannock Chamber of Commerce.

In her acceptance speech during Commencement, Gallagher challenged graduates to build upon the bonding relationships developed at the university. “The same people who have served as guideposts, mentors, and trusted advisors are here to shepherd you through the next phase of your life. This is the ‘value add’ that the University of Richmond brings to its graduates.”

She reminded graduates that they are “among a distinguished group” of adult learners who sought and obtained the “academic beacon” of a diploma from the University of Richmond.

She closed her address by inviting graduates to champion the School, to advocate for the School, and to “inspire others to believe in themselves so that they, too, can follow their dreams.”

Gallagher joins a distinguished group of 17 other alumni who previously have earned this honor. The Gibb Family Distinguished Alumni Award is bestowed annually upon a graduate of University College or the School of Continuing Studies who remains dedicated to representing the school in the Richmond and broader community.