Dr. Macchiarola receives papal honor from Pope Benedict

October 25, 2012 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, bishop of Brooklyn, announced that His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has bestowed upon Brooklyn civic leader Dr. Frank J. Macchiarola the Papal Honor of Knight Commander of the Holy Order of St. Gregory the Great.

The Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great was established on September 1, 1831, by Pope Gregory XVI; it is one of five pontifical orders of knighthood in the Catholic Church. The order is bestowed on Catholic men and women – in rare cases, non-Catholic men may be honored – in recognition of their service to the Church.

Macchiarola joined St. Francis College, his alma mater, as president in July 1996. He served in that role until 2008 when he stepped down to become the chancellor of the college.

Previously, Macchiarola served as dean and professor of law at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law of Yeshiva University (1991-96), where he taught legal process, contracts and legal writing.

He also served as professor of business in Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business, where he taught business law, government regulation of business and nonprofit management (1988-91). He also taught at City College, Baruch College and City University Graduate School.

In addition, he has also been a professor of education at Teachers College of Columbia University and has been president of The Academy of Political Science. He has served as counsel to the New York State Assembly Committee on Codes and Special Counsel and director of the Housing Study Group of the Scott Commission.

From 1983 to 1988, Dr. Macchiarola was president and chief executive officer of the New York City Partnership, Inc., a business and civic organization consisting of a board of 120 leaders in New York City dedicated to improving economic and social conditions in the city. The group was responsible for programs in youth employment, housing education and public safety.
From 1978-83, he served as chancellor of the New York City Public School System, supervising the educational program of nearly one million students. He was also deputy director of the New York State Emergency Financial Control Board for New York City.

Regarding the honor, Bishop DiMarzio said, “Dr. Macchiarola is a major figure in the public forum, particularly in New York City, and especially in the education of the millions of children of our city. At the same time, he has been an admirable Catholic, and I am delighted that Dr. Macchiarola has been honored by this award.”

Dr. Macchiarola’s installation into the Order will take place during Vespers at St. James Cathedral Basilica, 250 Cathedral Place, Downtown Brooklyn, this Sunday, October 28., at 4 p.m.