A meaningful chapter in Stonehill history was written on Saturday, September 20, as the College officially established the Paul Finn '71 Head Football Coach Endowment Fund. This fund creates a newly named coaching position, serving as an enduring tribute to the football program Finn helped form in 1970. It also marks the first-ever endowed role within Stonehill Athletics.
A founding member of Stonehill's club football team, the Knights—which paved the way for football to become a varsity sport in 1988—Finn has remained a dedicated supporter of the program since his time on the field. His longstanding commitment has paralleled the team's growth over the decades, culminating in its 2022 transition to NCAA Division I as a member of the Northeast Conference (NEC).
"Stonehill College shaped who I am," said Finn, who was a captain of that first team and played left tackle and right end on defense. "Establishing the football club and putting together the first season with a full schedule has been one of the most enduring accomplishments of my life. I want to give back to the program what the program gave to me."
Prior to the football game against the University of Pennsylvania on September 20, the Skyhawks hosted an event to announce the creation of the Paul Finn Head Coach position. The honor was bestowed upon current Head Coach Eli Gardner, recognizing his energy, vision and commitment to student-athlete development.
"I'm incredibly honored to be the first to hold this title," said Coach Gardner. "Paul's generosity is a testament to the power and legacy of Stonehill football and the lifelong impact it has on our players. We're building something special here, and this gift helps us take it to the next level."
Director of Athletics Dean O'Keefe '94 emphasized the long-term significance of Finn's support and philanthropy. "This game-changing gift will have a transformative effect on our Skyhawk football program and recognizes the vital role our coaches play in shaping student-athletes," he said. "We're deeply grateful to Paul for his enduring support and commitment."
An attorney and former Stonehill trustee, Finn began his legal career as a partner at Berks & Finn. He served there from 1978 to 1992 before becoming president of Commonwealth Mediation & Conciliation Inc., where he has since mediated thousands of claims and played a key role in managing high-profile cases. Finn is affiliated with several legal and mediation organizations and authors the Massachusetts Practice Series, Volume 47, Mediation & Arbitration. He was also recognized as one of the Lawyers of the Year by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. In addition to a bachelor's degree in history from Stonehill, Finn earned a master's degree in government administration from Harvard University Extension School and a Juris Doctor from New England School of Law.
In 2017, Finn delivered the acceptance speech when Stonehill inducted the 1970 Knights into the College's Athletic Hall of Fame.
