Fr. Rashford’s influence on the future of business extended well beyond Hawk Hill. In 1988, Gov. Bob Casey Sr. appointed him as chairman of the Delaware River Port Authority, a role that enabled Fr. Rashford to shape the economic development of the City of Philadelphia. Among his notable contributions was the introduction of stacked shipping — a move that saved the region’s railroad freight business.

In recognition of his accomplishments, Fr. Rashford was awarded a Golden Amtrak pass, which granted him unlimited travel along the passenger rail. It was a fitting honor for the train-loving president who proudly displayed a model train set in Regis Hall.

Fr. Rashford also played a critical role in founding the City Avenue District, which he chaired for four years. It was his vision to make the City Avenue District the entrance to the City of Philadelphia, starting with the construction of McShain Bridge, which quite literally connected Lower Merion to Philadelphia.

A farsighted leader, the Jesuit priest was always making connections. He was instrumental in forging partnerships with the Irish and Italian governments that benefited the Haub School and its students, including an agreement with Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, that allowed St. Joe’s students to conduct internships in Ireland. Simultaneously, he created international programs in China, Italy, Germany and Ireland that increased the number of international students on Hawk Hill.

“With Fr. Rashford, no stone was ever left unturned,” says Joseph DiAngelo Jr., BS ’70, EdD, dean of the Haub School of Business. “It was his brainchild to establish cooperative agreements with universities in Italy and Ireland, including the University of College Cork and University of Bologna. He recognized the need for students to immerse themselves in the global community and to learn from cultures around the world.”

Saint Joseph’s benefited in countless other ways from Fr. Rashford’s prescience, becoming synonymous with top business education and graduating a record number of student-athletes. He also oversaw the addition of five varsity sports programs, the renovation of Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse (now Hagan Arena), and construction of the Robert M. Gillin Jr. Boathouse — the first boathouse to be built on the Schuylkill River in 98 years.

“Fr. Rashford was a true visionary when it came to athletics, as evidenced by his longtime membership on the NCAA President's Commission, along with being chairman of the Atlantic 10 Presidents Council,” says Don DiJulia, advancement officer and former vice president of athletics during Fr. Rashford’s tenure. “He strongly believed in athletics’ value to the University and in providing student-athletes the opportunities to learn and grow by moving the needle on facility enhancements and scholarship opportunities.”

After stepping down as president in 2003, Fr. Rashford remained at SJU as University professor of management until 2021. He is remembered around campus as a devoted mentor and advisor to decades of Hawks, preferring to meet with students than to be isolated in his office. He also served as visiting professor at Universidad Alberto Hurtado in Santiago, Chile, and at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, where he held dual citizenship.

Fr. Rashford’s two loves, photography and travel, informed many of his on- and off-hours at SJU. He was often found on the sidelines at Hawks basketball games snapping pictures of players and fans, and photography from his international travels continues to grace the walls and halls of many SJU buildings today. 

“Fr. Nicholas Rashford is one of those rare individuals who define a new era. His impact on higher education, the Philadelphia business community and global educational partnerships created new horizons for us all,” says Daniel R.J. Joyce, S.J., BA ’88, vice president of mission and ministry.

Condolences may be sent to: The Rashford Family, c/o Loyola Center Jesuit Community, 261 City Avenue, Merion Station, PA 19066-1835