In Memoriam: Anita Gomez-Palacio ’65Ed, ’89PD

St. John’s University mourns the passing of Anita Gomez-Palacio ’65Ed, ’89PD, a former member of the Board of Trustees, Board of Governors, and Equity and Inclusion Council. Ms. Gomez-Palacio was a proud graduate, a generous benefactor, and an engaged and forward-thinking trustee.

At the 2022 President’s Dinner, the University bestowed Ms. Gomez-Palacio with the Spirit of Service Award and announced the establishment of the Anita Gomez-Palacio Endowed Scholarship.

Ms. Gomez-Palacio earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from St. John’s University in 1965. That year, she began her teaching career as a French and Spanish teacher in New York City schools until 1970, when she traveled to Spain to teach for another 10 years.

Upon her return from Europe, she was awarded three consecutive Title VII scholarships and attended Teachers College, Columbia University, earning both an M.A. in Bilingual Education and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), and an Ed.M. in Instructional Technology. These degrees were followed by a Professional Diploma in Administration and Supervision from St. John’s University.

After serving as a teacher and administrator in Community School District 25 in Queens for 15 years, she was appointed Principal of Marie Curie Middle School in Bayside, NY, in 1995. In 2001, Ms. Gomez-Palacio became Executive Director of Operations at the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators; she retired in 2013.

Ms. Gomez-Palacio is survived by a son, Armando; a daughter, Ariana; and three grandchildren.

Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Services have been privately held.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to
Office of the President
Newman Hall, Third Floor