Dr. Frank Macchiarola, president of St. Francis College, his alma mater and the school he never felt his family could afford, is retiring after serving 12 years.

The 1962 graduate of the Franciscan Brothers’ school in Brooklyn Heights, will be succeeded by Brendan J. Dugan, Class of 1968, who is chairman and chief executive officer of Metro New York/New Jersey Division of Sovereign Bancorp.

Dugan assumes his position July 1.

Macchiarola will be honored next Tuesday night at the school’s 47th annual Charter Award Dinner at Cipriani 42nd St., Manhattan. Dugan will be formally introduced at the same event.

After completing his studies for his B.A. which he received magna cum laude as a history major, Macchiarola attended Columbia University School of Law where he earned his LL.B. in 1965.

A Ph.D. from Columbia University Graduate Faculties, Department of Public Law and Government, followed five years later.

Since assuming the presidency at his alma mater, Dr. Macchiarola has added more than 150 endowed scholarships.

He oversaw a $40 million fundraising campaign and the construction of both the Anthony J. Genovesi Athletic Center and the Academic Center which contains the library theater, the HDTV Production Studio and Smart Classrooms.

St. Francis ranked among the best comprehensive colleges in the North by U.S. News and World Report from 2005 to 2007.

As busy as he was, Frank still found time for additional academic and non-academic endeavors, including chairing the New York City Charter Revision Commission and mediating the 2003 strike of Local 802 Musicians Union against the League of American Theaters and Producers.

Prior to St. Francis, he was Dean of Yeshiva University- Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, 1991-96; acted as special referee in redrawing 1992 NYS congressional lines; chaired the 1991 City Council NYC Districting Commission; was Professor of Business at Columbia University Graduate School, 1987-91; served as President and CEO of the NYC Partnership, Inc., 1983-1988; served as NYC Public Schools Chancellor, 1978-83; was Deputy Director of the NYS Emergency Financial Control Board for NYC, 1975-1976; and was a faculty member at CUNY, 1964-85.

Questioned about why he entered the field of education, Dr. Macchiarola responded, “The example set for me when I was an undergraduate student. I learned because of the teachers that I had at St. Francis College.”

Changing the subject to his health, Frank, who suffered a mild stroke a year ago on St. Patrick’s Day, revealed, “That knocked me for a loop. It did not show in my face and my speech was not slurred, but my left hand did not function well.

“The whole left side of my face was bad. Plus, I got tired easily and that concerned me because I was always tireless.”

It was then that Brendan Dugan, a good friend, stepped forward and stated he was available any time for any thing.

“I had brought him to college staff meetings and events,” continued the retiring president, “and I realized how much I trusted him.

“Brendan knew our mission…and the college. Our graduation rate is better than any unit of the CUNY system. We have increased our faculty by one and one-half members each year.

“The student-faculty ratio is 16-1. The average class size is 22. Plus we help students with their academic schedules.”

Pausing, Dr. Macchiarola added, “I realized that if I were going to step down that Brendan would be a good choice to succeed me. I could not be more pleased. He has integrity, character and ability.”

To which Brother Leonard Conway, O.S.F., Class of 1971 and vice chairman of the St. Francis College Board of Trustees, added, “There is no one better qualified to fill the shoes of Frank Macchiarola.”

Dugan was chairman of the $40 million Campaign for Big Dreams which resulted in the Genovesi Center and the Academic Center.

“Dr. Macchiarola has guided St. Francis through an amazing 12 years,” stated Dugan.

“It’s an honor for me to follow in his footsteps and to build on his work.”

Returning to one of his favorite topics – scholarships – which he touched on briefly, Macchiarola recalled Brother Cecilian of Jesus, F.S.C., guidance counselor at St. Augustine H.S.

“I was one of his students,” explained Macchiarola, “and one day he asked me where I was going to college. I told him Brooklyn College.

“There were three other brothers behind me in the family and I explained, money was tight.

“To which he replied ‘You are not going to Brooklyn College. I am going to give you a principal’s scholarship to St. Francis’.”

That has not been lost on Frank and he now has established the Brother Cecilian Scholarship to St. Francis College.