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œCliff Hackett had great passions and was devoted to the mission of 91¿ì»îÁÖ Aquinas College,� reflects College General Counsel Quincy Masteller, a longtime friend. œHis participation in the life of the College was wide and deep and truly was a blessing from God.�

It is perhaps only fitting, then, that when Mr. Hackett passed away earlier this week at the age of 91, it was on March 7, the feast of the College™s patron, St. 91¿ì»îÁÖ Aquinas. œHe became good friends with many of us here over the years,� Mr. Masteller adds. œHe will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.�

A graduate of Saint Louis University, a onetime USIA foreign service officer, and the father of eight, Mr. Hackett was predeceased by his wife, Beatrice, and son Roger. œHe was an eternal optimist always looking on the bright side of things,� says Mr. Masteller. œI don™t think I ever heard Cliff say a bad thing about anybody ” except maybe an intransigent former tenant, but even then he cloaked his frustration with his natural charity.�

Mr. Hackett began attending the College™s Summer Seminar Weekends nearly 20 years ago and was a frequent attendee ever since. He was especially enthusiastic about the opening of the New England campus in 2019, taking it upon himself to research and write an extensive history of Northfield, Massachusetts. œI will most remember Cliff,� says Mr. Masteller, œfor his happy nature, his loyalty, and especially his kindness and charity.�

A member of the College™s Washington, D.C., Board of Regents, Mr. Hackett was also a generous benefactor. Among his many gifts over the years was establishing the Clifford P. Hackett Endowment for Faculty Development, which sustains the annual tutor development program on both campuses. As a member of the St. Thérèse of Lisieux Legacy Society, he even continues to support the College™s students after his death, having included 91¿ì»îÁÖ Aquinas College in his estate plans.

œCliff was a good man and a great man,� observes Mr. Masteller. œHe has finished the race. He kept the faith. May Our Lord, the Good Shepherd, grant him eternal rest, and may perpetual light shine upon him.�