Dr. Faye Pappalardo

Dr. Faye Pappalardo, 92, passed away on August 22, 2024, at her home in Westminster, MD. Born September 25, 1931, in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late Gregory Pappalardo and the late Helen (DeGregorio) Pappalardo. She was pre-deceased by her brother, Samuel Pappalardo.

Dr. Pappalardo served as the second President of Carroll Community College, in Westminster, MD. She first joined Carroll Community College in 1988. After many years in progressively responsible leadership positions (including Executive Vice-President) under the College’s first President, Dr. Joseph Shields. Dr. Pappalardo was appointed to serve as President in 1999. She retired in 2014 at which time she was awarded President Emerita status by the board of trustees in recognition of her outstanding leadership of the College.

Dr. Pappalardo was passionate about offering a wide range of credit and noncredit educational options to students from all walks of life and all backgrounds. Dr. Pappalardo was particularly proud of implementing the Nursing Program and the Pappalardo Honors Program at Carroll Community College. She and her executive team expanded the number of credit and noncredit programs; achieved accreditation for the college from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education; and established extensive partnerships with community-based organizations. She was also responsible for developing new facilities to accommodate the growing utilization of the 80-acre campus. The Nursing and Healthcare Building now bears her name. Dr. Pappalardo also initiated efforts to expand donor support of the College and improve the student scholarship funding base via the Carroll Community College Foundation.

Student success and acknowledging their hard work and sacrifice to attend college were core priorities of Dr. Pappalardo’s presidency. Her open-door policy, warm smile, and engaging personality were among the many personal characteristics that ignited her student-first philosophy. She worked tirelessly with her staff to develop innovative student support programs which earned recognition for the College and continuous praise from the student body.

Dr. Pappalardo was also well known for her exceptionally gracious and caring nature, as well as for her generosity in support of important community organizations. She served on many boards and organizations, including the Carroll County Economic Development Commission, the Board of Directors of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, the Carroll County Literacy Council, and the Board of Carroll Hospice. She was very active in her support of the Boys and Girls Club of Westminster and Saint John’s Catholic Church. Dr. Pappalardo was also named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women by The Daily Record and was chosen by the Rotary Club as Citizen of the Year, among many other community recognitions.

During her early adult years, Faye Papalardo devoted 20 years to religious life with the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia. During those years she taught elementary and high school students in Baltimore. Upon leaving religious life, she became the Dean of Bay College of Baltimore and subsequently served as Dean at Baltimore City Community College prior to arriving at Carroll CC in 1988.

Her educational credentials include a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from Mt. Saint Mary’s College; a Master of Science degree in Higher Education from John Hopkins University; a Master of Arts degree in Higher Adult Education from Columbia University; and a Doctorate in Higher and Adult Education from Columbia University. She completed Harvard University’s Institute for Management of Lifelong Education and received a certificate in French Studies from L’Institut Catholique de Paris.

Dr. Pappalardo enjoyed visits from and vacations with her many close friends, and second cousin Jane Hullings and Jane’s daughter Cara Hullings. She is also survived by her Goddaughter Lisa Porter, and many first and second cousins.

The family extends its deepest gratitude to Dr. Pappalardo’s caregiver, Mercy Mensah, of Elders-Choice of Maryland. Mercy’s loving and compassionate care was a blessing to Dr. Pappalardo, and to her family and friends. The family also extends its sincere thanks to Jill Rosner of Rosner Healthcare Navigation, whose care is beyond compare.

A Memorial Mass will be held September 4, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church located at 43 Monroe St. Westminster MD 21157. Interment will be held at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Dr. Pappalardo’s hometown of Philadelphia on September 5, at 11:00 a.m.  The cemetery is located at 626 Bailey Road, Yeadon, PA 19050. Attendees should park at the Cemetery Office and will be escorted to the gravesite.

In lieu of flowers, donations in support the Pappalardo Honors Program are being accepted by the Carroll Community College Foundation. To donate, please visit:  https://onecau.se/pappalardohonors. Online condolences may be made at www.myersdurborawfh.com. Arrangements and inquiries to Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home, P.A of Westminster.