Pat and her team secured many new sources of funding for innovations in education. One of Pat's greatest contributions-and one of the most memorable to her-was helping to secure the Gates Foundation Model School District grant. It was the first grant of its kind for the Gates Foundation. "It was a privilege to be involved in something that big, that comprehensive, and that important," said Pat recently. Pat's involvement on the grant spanned seven years, during which time she was a consistent advocate for transforming schools so that all students can achieve.

Pat was beloved at the Alliance for her sharp wit and all-around good nature; Pat had the ability to serve up the right line at the right time. Her door was always open to staff in need of help on difficult issues, and she would strike just the right balance between pushing people to do their best and giving them room to navigate their own way. "I'm a people person - particularly in crisis situations," Pat said. "Organizations won't work well if people don't feel cared about. You have to deal with the baggage people bring with them."

Pat was also a favorite resource for the staff about the art of writing, her own written work setting an example of excellence. She helped many staff members strengthen grant requests and various reports. Pat's teammates were known to challenge her on questions of grammar, to which Pat nearly always knew the right answer.

Having served through four different superintendents and many district changes-for example, that from centralized management of schools to site-based management and back again-Pat would remind new staff members that if you work in education reform, you have to be in it for the long haul. "Profound changes, fundamental changes, take 10 to 20 years of sustained effort," observed Pat. "It requires a high level of commitment."

Pat would also pass on another observation that sums up what it was like to work with her: "It doesn't cost any more to be hopeful." Pat's great spirit will go toward helping other nonprofit organizations in the future.