Robert (Bob) McCooey played a pivotal role in Mercy University’s history. He joined the Board of Trustees in 1967 as one of its first lay members and became Board Chair in 1970, bringing valuable experience as Mercy navigated its transition to becoming a private higher education institution. Bob remained Chairman for nearly a decade, guiding the university through a period of significant growth. Under his leadership, Mercy’s enrollment grew from 750 to 11,000 students, making it the largest school in Westchester County, with five campuses. The average age of students at the time was 27, reflecting the national trend of adults returning to college to complete their degrees. Bob believed in providing a quality education at an affordable cost, stating, “We believe in providing a quality education for the least amount of money, and we’re now working on upgrading the value of the Mercy diploma.” His work included expanding the curriculum, upgrading faculty, and enhancing library facilities. In recognition of his contributions, Mercy awarded Bob an honorary degree in 1979.

In addition to his work at Mercy, Bob served on the Board of Trustees at The College of New Rochelle (CNR) from 1967 to 1975, honoring the legacy of his mother, Elizabeth Gennerich ’21, who was a graduate of CNR.

Bob’s career in finance was equally distinguished. He was a partner at Henderson Brothers, Inc., a New York Stock Exchange specialist firm, beginning his career on Wall Street as an independent broker. In 1988, Bob and his children co-founded The Griswold Company, which quickly grew into one of the largest independent brokerage firms on the New York Stock Exchange.

Throughout his life, Bob was deeply committed to his faith, family, and a wide range of charitable organizations. In addition to his involvement with Mercy and CNR, he was actively engaged with Lincoln Hall, the New York Foundling Hospital, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Iona Preparatory School, Catholic Big Brothers, the Boy Scouts of America, and many other causes.

Mary Joyce McCooey, dedicated to her family, was a passionate volunteer, especially involved in supporting the lives of their six children. A devoted Catholic, Mary and her family were deeply engaged in their church community. After her children grew up, Mary shifted her focus to community service. She served on the Board of Councillors for the Order of Malta and was elected as Hospitalier for the Order. Mary was also a board member for the Sisters of Life, Rosalie Hall, the Inner City Scholarship Fund of New York, Iona Preparatory School, the College of Mount St. Vincent, and other organizations.

Bob graduated from Iona Preparatory School and The College of the Holy Cross, and Mary from the Convent of the Sacred Heart and the Duchesne Residence School. Bob served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1954. Together, they raised six children—Robert Jr., Mark, Michael, Timothy, Mary Catherine and Kevin—and were blessed with 18 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Bob passed away in 2001.