Patrick J. McBride, 71, a longtime University of Nebraska–Lincoln administrator who helped guide new students for more than three decades, died March 10, at his home in Lincoln.
Born in Blue Hill, Nebraska, to Jim and Dorothy (Smalley) McBride, he grew up with five siblings. McBride was known for his playful storytelling, organizing neighborhood games, tending sheep and fences, and enjoying baseball in the side yard. He graduated from Aurora High School as senior class president in 1972.
McBride met his wife, Mary Pat, at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. The couple shared 41 years of marriage, six children, countless family adventures — from trips to Niobrara State Park and Washington, D.C., to bike rides, Dairy Store visits, and pool outings — all the while offering a home filled with laughter and love.
McBride earned a master's degree in higher education from Southern Illinois University. He worked at Benedictine College for nine years before joining the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1988 as director of New Student Enrollment. For more than 31 years, he collaborated with faculty and staff to provide new students a welcoming experience and mentored hundreds of orientation leaders, emphasizing integrity, accountability and care for others.
He received several honors for his work with students, including the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Chancellor’s Exemplary Service to Students Award in 2000 and a University of Nebraska Board of Regents commendation for meritorious service in 2014.
“Pat’s impact on New Student Enrollment and UNL cannot be measured," said Jenni Brost, who served with McBride and is now director of New Student Enrollment. "He will always influence generations of orientation leaders and student staff. He cared deeply about helping incoming students transition to UNL and showing them the support the university had to offer.”
Outside work, McBride enjoyed card games, cycling scenic trails, roller coasters, cooking, reading and gardening. In retirement, he mentored through the TeamMates program, volunteered at St. Teresa’s Thriftshop and cherished time with his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister-in-law Denise McBride, and in-laws Frank and Betty Cooney and their son Eddie. He is survived by his wife, Mary Pat; children Colleen McBride (Andrew Hammack), Michaela Cerrato (Chris), Jim McBride (Elizabeth Hawks), Kathleen Kaiserski (Phillip), Theresa McBride (Derrick Goss), and Laura McBride; grandchildren Rhonan, Charlie, Bennett, Amelia, and Zoe; siblings Steve (Peggy), Susan (Dennis) Paine, Terry, Jane (Mark) Sullivan, and John (Kerry); and numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Visitation will be noon to 4 p.m. March 15, at Butherus, Maser and Love Funeral Home in Lincoln, followed by a 7 p.m. rosary. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. March 16 at St. Teresa Catholic Church, with burial at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The University of Nebraska Foundation for the Pat McBride NSE Excellence Fund, 1010 Lincoln Mall No. 300, Lincoln, NE 68508, or to Benedictine College for the James and Dorothy McBride Scholarship Fund, 1020 N. 2nd St., Atchison, KS 66002.
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