Bay Path University

21 www.baypath.edu In Memoriam S. Prestley Blake 1914-2021 S. Prestley Blake, co-founder of Friendly Ice Cream, trustee emeritus at Bay Path, and beloved philanthropist, died on February 11, 2021, at the age of 106. For half a century, S. Prestley "Pres" Blake was an inspiration to the Bay Path community. Trustee, advisor, and a great benefactor, Pres Blake's influence has been broad and deep. First elected to the University's Board in 1959, he served as chairman of the board from 1970–1979. With enthusiasm and spirit, he became one of our greatest advocates, tirelessly promoting and supporting the University at every opportunity. From being a pivotal force in expanding the presence of Bay Path in the region to providing architectural standards that have defined our campus, he helped us shape a warm and welcoming place for our students to have an exceptional educational experience. Over the years, his countless silent and generous acts of kindness, and unflagging encouragement of our students defined the true measure of this great man. He was part of our Bay Path family for over fifty years. Fittingly, the Blake name graces one of the most prominent buildings on campus, the Blake Student Center, and one of our most significant scholarship funds for our students: The S. Prestley Blake Scholarship. In 1993, S. Prestley Blake received an honorary doctorate degree from Bay Path, and in 2009, the Trustee Service Award. An honest, forthright businessman who espoused strong ethics, his passing is truly an end of an era in Bay Path's history. Please click here to read his obituary. Philip H. Ryan 1933-2021 Philip H. Ryan was a constant supporter of Bay Path for over twenty-five years. Originally named to the Bay Path College Advisory Council in 1989, he became a member of the Bay Path Board of Trustees in 1990 and served for fifteen years. Recognizing the importance of fitness in the lives of our students, he was an avid benefactor of Bay Path's athletic programs, and the Ryan Soccer Field, dedicated in 2004, was named in honor of Mr. Ryan and his close friend Helen Boron Modzelewski '39. A successful businessman, he was the owner and treasurer of Ballard International Corporation. Mr. Ryan also shared his time and talents in a number of organizations, including the National Association of Accountants, Civitan Club, and the AAA of Pioneer Valley. Due to his generous gift in support of a new health science center, the University broke ground and opened in 2014 the Philip H. Ryan Health Science Center. We are pleased to have his name grace this building for generations to come. A quiet and unassuming gentleman, he was a dedicated friend of Bay Path. Please click here to read his obituary. Professor Charles Page 1937-2020 A much-beloved faculty member for generations of Bay Path alumna, Professor Charles Page used the common language of music to create lasting bonds within the University community. Originally earning a degree in business, a chance visit to the Old First Church in Springfield, Massachusetts, led to him follow his passion—music. He was accepted into the Master of Music program at Yale University, and it was there that he also became a master of the organ, a complex and demanding instrument. After graduation, he received a Fulbright Scholarship allowing him to student and travel in Europe. On his return, Professor Page became the organist and choirmaster at Old First Church, serving for forty-five years. Bay Path also benefited from his remarkable career, and for over thirty-five years, he taught music and led the choirs. For his dedication and his unwavering enthusiasm for both song and the arts, the Page Singers were created to honor his legacy. In the words of a recent article on his passing, Professor Page now has "the best choir he could ever have…the Choir of Angels." Please click here to read his obituary. Professor Paul Kalill 1942-2020 Professor Paul Kalill, a prominent attorney in Springfield and former faculty member at Bay Path, and husband of Allison Gearing-Kalill, former vice president for Development and Planned Giving at Bay Path, tragically died of COVID on April 7, 2020. He was instrumental in the research and development of the MS in Cybersecurity Management graduate degree, and then shared his expertise in law and justice as the interim chair of the BS in Legal Studies and BS Criminal Justice programs. Much loved by the students, his door was always open, and he could frequently be found eating lunch with students in the dining commons. Early on, he recognized the need in our country's legal and justice system to shift perspectives, as well as include more diverse professionals in its ranks. As a result, Professor Kalill did a feasibility study for Bay Path's BA in Justice Studies, now offered at the University in place of criminal justice. Professor Paul Kalill will be remembered for his kindness, openness, and sense of humor. His presence will be greatly missed by Bay Path and the Springfield community. Please click here to read his obituary.

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