This article was updated on May 13 to reflect updated service information.
Patricia J. "Trish" Parson, a business leader and DePaul alumna and Life Trustee, died on April 18, after decades of entrepreneurship and advocacy.
Parson was a lifelong business person who ascended in the corporate world. She graduated from DePaul's School of New Learning, now the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, in 1978. Shortly after earning her degree, in 1983 she co-founded AmerInd, Inc., an award winning, Virginia-based information technology and e-learning services company.
Abbreviated from “American Indian," the company name reflected her Cherokee and Caddo heritage. The company grew to more than 200 employees and 14 sites nationwide. Parson went on to serve as president, CEO and chairman of the board for the organization.
In 2002 while leading AmerInd, Inc., Parson accepted a position on DePaul's Board of Trustees. In 2011 she became a Life Trustee, having demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment to the university's campus and community. Established in her name, the Patricia Mason Parson Endowed Scholarship provides aid to students enrolled in DePaul's SCPS, with preference given to students who are single parents.
Throughout her life, she was active in seven professional associations and served on the board for three nonprofit enterprises. Beyond her business ventures, she dedicated much of her efforts to the promotion and advancement of Native American educational opportunities and outreach programs.
Parson's family will host memorial services in Georgetown on May 7.
A memorial Mass for Trish will be celebrated in the St. Louise de Marillac Chapel, located on the first floor of the Lincoln Park Student Center, on Monday, May 16. Fr. Memo Campuzano, C.M., vice president of Mission and Ministry, will preside over the Mass, set to begin at 10 a.m.