Hall of Fame
Hugh McNeilly has served Point Loma for most if its San Diego life. In August of 1974 he joined the business operations as controller. He remained in that key position until October 1989 when tried he to retire. In September of 1990 he came back as acting vice president of financial affairs for a four month period before he retired a second time. In the interim he served as a consultant. It was clear, the college could not do without McNeilly.
McNeilly took special interest as a servant for the Crusader Sports Associates and the athletic program. He performed tirelessly for more than a decade as a treasurer, board member, golf committee member and tournament chair. The execution and following of all the CSA financial matters and the financial reports brought a new level of efficiency into the CSA operations. The membership treatment became timely and a budgetary operational base was established under McNeilly. The W. Shelburne Brown Golf Classic policy and development guide were developed under his leadership as the golf committee chair. He computed and filed those years to verify the non-profit tax exempt status of CSA. During this time, the W. Shelburne Brown endowment fund had grown to more than $200,000.
McNeilly has given an incredible and unbelievable number of hours to assist CSA in every aspect. Beyond that, he and his wife Maxine, attended most of the events and were often the host and hostess providing refreshments in the hospitality centers.
Carroll Land remembers a slogan on McNeilly’s desk. He loved it, except when it was targeted at him. It read: “Failure to plan on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.” There was more bite than truth in the statement, but it did give you pause. It didn’t really fit however. McNeilly has given endlessly of himself in a true servant capacity and rescued many along the way who could have given more attention to planning.
McNeilly started college in Utah in 1939-40. School was interrupted by service in World War II. He returned for a year after the war, then came to San Diego.
The Award for Meritorious Service was presented to McNeilly by Bob Brower.
