Dear Members of the Monmouth University Community:
It is with great sadness that I write to share news of the passing of trustee emeritus and former Board Chair Paul S. Doherty, Jr. a beloved alumnus of the Class of 1967. His contributions to the University were immeasurable, and his unwavering dedication to its success will be deeply missed.
As a Board Chair, Paul helmed the successful Vision for Distinction fundraising campaign. Along with his wife, Diane, he established the Doherty Family Endowed Scholarship, and provided vital support for the president’s residence on campus, Doherty House, which is named in their honor. In recognition of his many contributions to the University, Paul was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 2004 and was elected a Life Trustee the same year.
As a student, Paul was deeply involved in campus life, serving as a class officer, a member of the Phi Delta Sigma fraternity, and a passionate athlete who participated in intramural sports. Later, as an active alumnus, he was instrumental in bringing football to Monmouth’s campus as a charter member of The Touchdown Club, for which he was inducted into the Monmouth Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022.
Paul and Diane later contributed generously to the construction of the OceanFirst Bank Center and Kessler Stadium, which is home to The Doherty Family Deck on the second floor. We are fortunate that Paul’s enormously successful business career was matched by his passionate connection with Monmouth University, and we are grateful for all that he has done to support the University and its mission.
As a tribute to Paul’s life and his lasting legacy on our university community, the Monmouth University flag will be flown at half-staff.
We extend our deepest condolences to Diane, the Doherty family, his alumni community, friends, and all those who knew Paul. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on in the many ways he helped to shape Monmouth University.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President