Remembering Patricia C. Weaver
I first met Pat Weaver at the Waffle Shop restaurant in State College. In hindsight, this was an appropriate place for an introduction, as we returned together many times over the years. Over breakfast, she described Juniata and its community in great detail. I walked away thinking that Juniata was probably a special place, but I didn’t yet realize how special, nor that I had met the person who would become my greatest mentor and a dear friend.
As a mentor to faculty and students, there are none better than Pat. She gave generously of her time to all who asked. As a new teacher, her advice was invaluable to me. She taught me how to listen to students, how to weave storytelling into my teaching, and how to design assessments. She shared her joy of teaching and her love for Juniata students in numerous ways, but mostly by her laughter, smiles, and distribution of DVDs. Her signature course, Managerial Accounting, challenged students but rewarded them as alumni, as they eventually realized the value of her demanding assignments. She possessed legendary writing and editing skills, and all ABE department members took a deep breath before sending documents knowing that they would be returned with copious feedback. But she provided honest, nonjudgmental advice backed with her full support.
As a leader of the business department, she was a force of nature. It is impossible to overstate the magnitude of her influence and inspiration. She encouraged faculty to innovate. She challenged us to be better. And she did this in a quiet, unassuming way that created an environment of mutual respect and admiration. She was recognized with the Beachley Award for Distinguished Teaching and the Beachley Award for Distinguished Academic Service.
However, she did not want attention for herself and was known for walking at the very end of the graduation processional- not in the front where her years of service and status as a full professor entitled her to be.
If it was time to celebrate, her favorite drink was the Mangopolitan at Mimi’s. This led to afternoons sitting at Mimi’s bar, sharing stories, laughing, and, in one instance, taking notes on how they prepared our drinks. In the end, we were successful in creating a decent replica of her favorite cocktail. Whether celebrating or not, Pat was easily recognized by her colorful Crocs — she possessed over one hundred pairs!
I don’t know how to summarize the meaning and depth of Pat’s influence in 450 words, but I bet she could have done it. Pat’s dedication and love for the Juniata College community sets a powerful example for all of us. I feel truly blessed to have known her as a teacher, leader, mentor, and friend. She will be greatly missed.
—By Kathy Baughman, Swigart Professor of Business & Economics; Chair, Accounting, Business and Economics
Patricia C. Weaver
Jan. 10, 2023 — Pat earned a bachelor’s degree in English in 1963 at Penn State University, followed by a master’s degree in English in 1965. She later returned to Penn State and earned a master’s degree in business administration in 1991. Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, and stepdaughter, Karen Mitchell. She is survived by her son, Adam; daughter, Amy, and granddaughters.