2025 Alumni of Distinction Honoree

Patricia Ahearn Mastellon, CNR SAS '65
Retired Teacher

 

Patricia (Pat) Ahearn Mastellon received her bachelor’s degree in English from the College of New Rochelle (CNR) in 1965 and received her Master of Liberal Studies from Ramapo College in 2000.

 

During her more than 30-year career as a teacher, which began in New Rochelle, NY and ended in New Jersey retiring in 2009, Pat was a dedicated, involved, and very much-loved educator who went beyond expectations to help her students achieve their goals. Her impact has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless students she has taught over the years to the point where she is frequently recognized and lauded by former students in their 40s and 50s during casual encounters.

 

In her role as an educator, Pat was a member of the Middle States evaluation team, head teacher for Huntington Learning Center, and taught SAT/GRE programs. In 1996, she was recognized by her peers and community with the Golden Apple Teacher's Award from the New Jersey Cable Television Network. Additionally, she has multiple listings in Who's Who Among America's Teachers.

 

Pat’s commitment to education extends to her family. Both of her daughters, Meghan and Noreen, are graduates of CNR, following in their mother's footsteps. Noreen, who graduated in 1993, passed away, but her legacy, along with Meghan (a 1990 graduate), continues to be an important part of Pat’s family connection to CNR.

Deeply committed to CNR’s motto, Serviam or ‘I will serve,' Pat is an active volunteer, which stems from her days at CNR. She has been a Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) teacher, a member of various Parent Teacher Associations (PTA) and served as PTA President, a Girl Scout leader, a member of the former CNR Alumni Association Board, and a representative for the CNR reunion weekends.

Today, Pat dedicates her time volunteering with food pantries in New Jersey, is a member of the CNR Alumni Legacy Council at Mercy University, and is a deeply dedicated champion and supporter of Mercy’s food and resource pantry, the Mav Market. Though Pat summers on Cape Cod, she continues to serve those in need. During the day she volunteers at the Wellfleet Food Pantry and at Mass Appeal, an organization that provides free clothing and other items to residents of the Outer Cape in a store-like setting. At night, she volunteers as a jack-of-all trade with three local non-profit performing arts centers, Payomet Performing Arts Center, Harbor Stage Company and Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater. She also serves on various committees at her local summer parish, Our Lady of Lourdes.

Pat has embraced Serviam throughout her life and has instilled a philosophy in her students - one that we can all appreciate: Bloom Where You Are Planted.