Thoughts from Jim Husson,
Senior Vice President of University Advancement
-Published April 27,2020
I write today with the sad news that Patrick F. Cadigan BA’57, PhD passed away last week. Pat was a beloved member of the Boston College and BC High communities, a dedicated leader whose extraordinary philanthropy and commitment created a remarkable legacy at the Heights and for whom the Cadigan Alumni Center is named.
In my role as senior vice president for university advancement, I was fortunate enough to benefit from Pat’s friendship and wisdom over his many years of thoughtful engagement with the University. And like anyone who knew him, I was both inspired and impressed by his love for his family and friends, his deep affection for BC High and Boston College, and his genuine character.
Pat had a transformational impact on the University through his $15 million gift that made possible the construction of the new Cadigan Alumni Center, home of the Office of University Advancement. Pat saw his gift as a way to give back to those who had played such an important role in shaping his life, saying at the time, “My education at Boston College was a great experience that taught me the importance of hard work and instilled in me values and discipline that stayed with me throughout my years.” Named in honor of Pat, the Cadigan Alumni Center serves as a welcoming space open to all alumni, parents, and friends, and I cannot think of a better reflection of his warm and caring spirit.
A native of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Pat was the son of Irish immigrants, and studied and worked hard to attend BC High and pay his way through Boston College. He worked part-time at his father’s business, a Cambridge staple officially named the Celtic Café, but known to locals simply as Cadigan’s. He went on to receive an MBA from Boston University, a degree from Harvard University’s Advanced Management Program, and a master’s degree and PhD from Claremont Graduate University, where he studied under the late, renowned business philosopher Peter Drucker.
Pat’s professional pursuits were equally as impressive. He worked as a product manager at Sylvania Electronic Systems in Waltham before relocating to the West Coast to oversee sales and marketing for the Electronic Engineering Company of California (EECO). He rose rapidly through the ranks, becoming the company’s president and CEO and leading the firm for nearly 20 years. During this time, he served on the boards of more than a dozen high-tech and electronics firms. After his wife, Barbara, was diagnosed with terminal cancer, Pat retired from EECO and later served as chairman and CEO of several public companies. He was also a longstanding investor in Orange County’s real estate market for 40 years, which was his primary focus following his retirement.
Throughout his life and career, Pat attributed so much of his success and happiness to the values instilled in him during his early, formative years and his Jesuit, Catholic education. Father Leahy and I enjoyed a wonderful visit with Pat and his daughter Maria at his home in California not long ago, and it was wonderful to hear Pat’s many memories of BC and his desire to ensure that future Eagles enjoyed the same opportunity he had. The Cadigan Alumni Center was a special source of pride for him, and I know I speak for everyone in University Advancement when I say that we are truly honored to have his name grace our building.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Pat’s family: his children, Ann; David, a former professional football player for the New York Jets and Cincinnati Bengals; and Maria Cadigan, a BC graduate of the Class of 1991; as well as his grandson, Patrick.
I hope you will join me—and so many of us at the Heights—in remembering Pat, in celebrating his life and many contributions to the Boston College community, and in carrying on his indelible legacy of kindness and generosity.