PLEASANTVILLE, NY - The Pace University Department of Athletics has selected Jerry McAuliffe '86 and Brenda MacAdam McAuliffe '88 as recipients of the Peter X. Finnerty Leadership Award. The McAuliffes will be just the 11th recipients of this prestigious award and will be recognized as part of the 2025 Pace Athletics Hall of Fame Brunch and Awards Ceremony on Sunday, October 19th, at Kessel Student Center on the Pleasantville Campus.

The Peter X. Finnerty Leadership Award is presented to a member or members of the Pace University athletics community for outstanding leadership and service to the University or to society as a whole. Peter X. Finnerty, former Director of Athletics, Director of Alumni Relations, athlete, professor, coach, and inductee of the Pace University Hall of Fame, established the Athletics and Recreation Program at Pace University in 1947.

Jerry was a member of the Pace Football team from 1982 to 1985. Both he and Brenda earned their bachelor's and master's degrees from Pace University before beginning their successful professional careers. Jerry began his career in accounting and finance and later became an educator, most recently serving as an Adjunct Accounting Professor at   Wentworth Institute of Technology, where he also assisted with the men's basketball program. Brenda joined the accounting firm of Ernst and Young immediately after graduation in 1988 and has been a partner in the firm since 2001. The couple has remained closely connected to Pace and the Athletics Department over the years and has always been committed to philanthropic efforts. In 2006, they established the Brenda and Jerry McAuliffe Endowed Scholarship for accounting students who demonstrate financial need and are participating in athletics at Pace.

Brenda is a member of Pace University's President's Council, and Jerry has served as an active member of the Pace Athletics Alumni Board, providing special initiatives leadership for the department on alumni engagement and fundraising to enhance the experience for Pace student-athletes. Jerry and Brenda continue to provide dedicated support to Pace and are present at numerous alumni events. The couple has also been leaders during university giving days such as Giving Tuesday and the 1906 Challenge, making matching gift challenges, inspiring others to provide financial support to Pace Athletics and the Football program.
 
"For nearly four decades, Brenda and Jerry McAuliffe have been pillars of leadership and generosity within Pace Athletics," Athletic Director Mark Brown stated. "Their commitment to access and excellence has opened doors for countless student-athletes through their scholarship fund, active participation in key events, and dedicated service on both Athletics Alumni Boards and the Pace University President's Council. This well-earned recognition of their extraordinary legacy and unwavering support to our student-athletes reinforces the transformative role athletics plays in shaping students' academic, athletic, and leadership success."

Jerry and Brenda McAuliffe will be recognized alongside the Pace Athletics Hall of Fame's Class of 2025. The newest inductees are Jhalen Bien-Aime '18 (Football), Liam Brennan '18 (Men's Lacrosse), Jocelyne Greco '07 (Women's Soccer), Annabel Keppel-Palmer '21 (Swimming), and Peyton Wejnert '20 (Men's Basketball).

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