By Teddie Gallagher, Director of Communications
On Thursday, April 27th, 2017, Patty and Jay Wright graciously and humbly received the Inaugural Saint Augustine Medal, presented by Father Michael Di Gregorio, O.S.A., Prior Provincial of the East Coast Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova. Jay spoke with humor and conviction to the enthusiastic crowd amid thunderous applause. His final words summed up what the night was all about for him and Patty:
"One of the things I always say to our players is that the greatest gift I can give you as a player, as a coach, as a mentor is the truth...and I want to do that here tonight... You are all here because you're friends of ours, you're friends of the Augustinians...We're all here because we need these men in our world. We need more of them...This night is about us always remembering... to keep this world getting better we need to keep the Augustinians strong. I thank you for understanding that. Let's all make a commitment to ourselves tonight, that in all the charitable work we do, there's always a significant place for the Augustinians...This one is worth it. The Augustinians are worth it." —Jay Wright
The event, held at 583 PARK AVENUE, a landmark building on Park Avenue at 63rd in New York City, drew over 500 guests, mostly alumni of Villanova University, Merrimack College, Malvern Prep, Saint Augustine Prep and members of Augustinian parishes. Hosted by basketball analyst and former college basketball coach, Bill Raftery, the evening featured several of Coach Wright's former basketball players who gave moving testimonials about what Patty and Jay Wright mean to them. Father Rob Hagan, O.S.A., Chaplain for Villanova's Men's basketball and football programs, described Patty and Jay Wright's impactful presence to him and to the players and alumni as models for Augustinian values.
Please click on a link below to view video of evening's event and speeches:
Saint Augustine Medal Dinner & Speeches
