Paddy McGuire ’81, P’11

The Jeff Little ’71
2024 Volunteer of the Year Award
Citation for Paddy McGuire ’81, P’11

It sometimes seems you have a one-word vocabulary when it comes to Hamilton, and that word is “yes.”

Perhaps one word is a bit of an exaggeration.

You also have been known to say “of course,” “sure thing,” “why not,” “happy to help,” and “what else can I do.”

Whether it’s one word or more, the sentiment is always one of affirmation and affection when your alma mater comes calling.

As a result, it seems you’ve held almost every volunteer position that exists: class president and class correspondent; president for two regional chapters of the Alumni Association; member of the Nominations Committee; chair of the Regional Affairs Committee; vice chair and then chair of the Alumni Council; president of the Alumni Association; and one of the lead authors for the rewrite of the governing documents for the Alumni Council and the Alumni Association.

See what happens when you can’t say “no?”

In truth, you did say “no” once, but that was so that someone else could step into the leadership role that you held at the time. Actually, when you think about it, that was you saying “yes” again, as in, “yes, I’ll step aside so that someone else can serve Hamilton and derive the joy I feel when helping my alma mater.” Of course, you then took on a new, but unofficial, role as mentor, confidant, ally, and champion for your successor.

You epitomize the aphorism that the more you volunteer for Hamilton, the closer you are to Hamilton.

You are also an extraordinarily loyal and generous donor — as evidenced by your longstanding membership in the 1812 Leadership Circle — proving that you not only say “yes” when Hamilton asks for your time, but also when Hamilton expresses a need for your financial support.

Perhaps your biggest “yes” came when your daughter Katie told you she wanted to join Hamilton’s Class of 2011.

With that same enthusiasm and love, we present you with the 2024 Jeff Little ’71 Volunteer of the Year Award.

Presented by
Josie Collier ’97, P’14
Member of the Board of Trustees and
Past President of the Alumni Association
September 26, 2024

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