Ilion High School - Class of 1909

The Ilion Sentinel - February 10, 1949

Interesting Ilionites

James Leo Fitzgerald

Article 5

Interesting Ilionites

Special to the Sentinel

EDITOR'S NOTE - A week from Friday is the birthday of a native Ilionite who is nationally recognized in the field of education. He is James Leo Fitzgerald, college professor, who was born Feb. 18, 1891, at Ilion. The Sentinel takes pleasure in presenting a personal sketch of the life of Professor Fitzgerald.

James Leo Fitzgerald is recognized nationally as a distinguished educator and economist. The son of William and Mary (Kelly) Fitzgerald, he attended Union College, Schenectady. N. Y., receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1915, and thereupon started his teaching career as a high school in Martinsburg, W. Va. Two years later he transferred to Schenectady N. Y. in a similar capacity, and then served likewise until 1926 at Loeminster, Mass. and Bloomfield, N. J.

However, it as a member the faculty of Manhattan College, New York City that Professor Fitzgerald is most widely known. Starting as instructor in 1926, he organized its School of Business in 1927 and has since been dean and professor of economics. Incidentally, it should be noted that he also is professor of banking and dean of the Westchester County (N. Y.) Chapter of the American Institute of Banking.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of his career is the fact that he has not ceased studying or attending classes. For example, at certain periods between the years of 1916 to 1941, he pursued graduate studies at the University of Virginia School of Education, New York State Teachers College, Columbia University School of Business, New York University School of Education and Fordham University School of Economics; and, as a consequence, Fordham University awarded the degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy to him in 1924 and 1946 respectively.

As may be expected, Dr. Fitzgerald is a member of the American Economic Association, American Management. Association and the Academy of Political Science. In addition, he is active in the affairs of his church, holding membership in the National Catholic Welfare Conference and the National Catholic Education Association. He is also a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Married to Margaret Louise Hope in 1917 and the father of two daughters, Dr. Fitzgerald makes his home in Yonkers. N. Y.