Portrait of Marijo

Marijo and son James

Marijo and Jon Stewart at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum

Dean O'Grady receives an award from Pace President Marvin Krislov and Pace mascot

Dean O'Grady at the NASPA Launch of her book she coauthored, Crisis, Compasion, and Resiliency in Student Affairs

Marijo, son James, and husband Mark in Lower Manhattan

Marijo and neice Jennifer at the Irish Hunger Memorial

Dean O'Grady giving a Presentation at Pace University

Marijo, her father Jerry Russell, and son James

Marijo on her wedding July 1991

Marijo with James, New Years Day 2000 on Brooklyn Bridge with Twin Towers in the background
MS Art Education, Buffalo State College 1985
BS Art Therapy, Buffalo State College 1983
Marijo was born in December of 1960 in the small rural town of Sherman, NY. There is one school K-12, and no stop lights in Sherman. She was very proud of her town and often shared countless stories and pictures of Sherman and kept in close contact with many friends.
After graduation from Sherman Central School, Marijo went on to college and received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from Buffalo State University in Art Education with a concentration in Art Therapy. Early in her career she worked in Student Affairs at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, Rivier University in Nashua, NH, before moving to New York City in 1989 to work at New York University and begin a PhD program in Higher Education Administration.
Since June 1998 Marijo served as the Associate Vice President/Dean for Students at Pace University in NY and oversaw the areas of Student Development and Campus Activities, Orientation, Housing and Residential Life counseling services, disabilities and wellness, Multicultural Affairs, the student information desk, and judicial affairs.
In 2001, she was awarded the Irish Voice, Irish Educator of the Year Award and by Pace University in 2016, the Bronze Jefferson Award, the Nobel Prize for Community & Public Service.
In March of 2019 Marijo co-authored and edited the book Crisis, Compassion and Resiliency in Student Affairs.
In 1991 Marijo married Mark O’Grady, a professor at Pratt Institute, there son James Russell O’Grady was born in 1999, and they lived, worked, and raised their family in lower Manhattan. Marijo was active in their community, serving on the board of the Downtown Little League, PS 234 Elementary School, the WTC Health Community Advisory Board, along with many other civic organizations.
She enjoyed cooking and while at Pace University she created the You Tube series Cooking With the Dean specifically for students to help them to learn to create healthy meals on a student budget. She also enjoyed gardening and was a member of the Liberty Community Gardens in lower Manhattan.
Marijo passed away after a recurrence of breast cancer in August 2020. She was a highly successful and respected Dean for Students, a devoted wife, caring mom, and true friend to all.
Marijo
Marijo
Marijo O'Grady
I miss my inspiration
My Mentor and Friend
Whenever I tell someone about my career in higher education. I always go way back to 1994 when I became President of NYU’s Inter-Residence Hall Council. When I began my year as President, I was informed that my advisor would be Marijo. From the moment I met her - my 6’2” compared to her….well, slightly shorter than me - I understood the power she had to bring people into her sphere, no matter if they were new to knowing her or not. She quickly became a confidant and mentor for me. When the time came for me to decide my future, she recommended I visit the MA in Higher Ed program at NYU, which I did, and the rest is history.
Marijo is THE reason I am where I am today. She gave me confidence, direction, and friendship that helped guide my life. No matter where I am, and no matter what I do, Marijo will always be a part of my life story.
Even though we fell out of contact, I always loved watching her successes at Pace and in her personal life with Mark and James. Her story continues even though she is no longer with us. I miss her but I know her soul is always present inside of me.
Love,
Dr. Jason Beckerman
For all the kind things you’ve done for others!
Marijo
Reflections on Marijo's legacy
Remembering Marijo
7,271 Days.
My friend, Marijo Russell O’Grady, was full of energy and possessed a zest for life unmatched. For those who did not know my friend, you missed so much. She was a mom, a wife, an educator, a friend and so much more to so many. She had a way about her that mixed determination and commitment to advancing the betterment of others, whether it be for family, friends, students, staff or strangers.
She resided and worked in lower Manhattan for over 20 years. She was in her office the morning of September 11, 2001. On that date she experienced and was exposed to the horrors of that day. As was her nature, she responded with swift speed to the deadly crisis. Ensuring her loved ones along with students and staff were safe and secure. Little did she know her health had been placed in jeopardy from those planes crashing into the buildings.
Marijo died of cancer-related to 9/11, on August 8, 2020. Between 9/11/01 and 8/8/20, she lived 7,271 days or 19 years, 10 months and 28 days. Those 7,271 days were filled with determination and commitment to make a difference. You did Marijo, your little frame made a big difference for so many. Thank you. We miss you Mojo, rest in peace.
XO, smooch Kimbo
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