In Memoriam: Paul Galvin

Educator and Professional Counselor, Beloved Colleague and Friend to Many

ABOUT PAUL GALVIN’S EXEMPLARY PROFESSIONAL LIFE

Paul Galvin has been a counseling advocate, a VCA leader, a mentor, a friend and colleague to so many counseling professionals over so many years. He was the consummate counseling professional. Paul has been involved in education and counseling more than 40 years. He worked as a Minister of Religious Education for 14 years and as a Middle School math teacher and counselor for Fairfax County Public Schools for 27 years. His years of service to the students and families at Glasgow and Rocky Run Middle Schools, were a labor of love, commanding respect and admiration from parents, students, and school staff.

No matter which organization he was a part of, he was always an active member, whose contributions to the organizations made a difference.  To borrow a phrase, “when Paul spoke, everyone listened”.  What he chose to say, mattered.  His distinctive voice and towering presence among his colleagues projected self-confidence, respect for all, and passion for his beliefs. Paul was highly respected and respectful to friends and even political adversaries. Those who knew Paul experienced a kind, patient, giving, caring person with compassion, conviction, and a genuine concern for people. His sense of humor and his laughter could warm a meeting room as he presided, even when dealing with weighty matters. 

Paul was a life member of National Education (NEA), was active in the Fairfax Education Association, and the Virginia Education Association. As a professional counselor, Paul was affiliated with American Counseling Association (ACA) and American School Counseling Association (ASCA). The Virginiauntil his retirement in 1996.

Paul served in numerous roles in the counseling profession of Virginia, too many to list here, but the highlights of his professional career as a counselor included:

• Treasurer for Northern Virginia Counselors Association (NVCA), the Virginia Specialists in Group Work Association (VASGW), the Virginia School Counselor Association (VSCA), and the VCA Challenge Fund (Advocacy). VCA as Co-Chair of Government Relations for NVCA, VSCA and VCA; He brought integrity to the position of Treasurer, because care about an organization money, as much as he cared about his own.
• President of the Virginia Counselors Association (. Northern VCA Chapter, the Virginia Schooll Counselor Association, and the
• Government Relations Coordinator for the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), following his retirement from Fairfax County Public Schools.
• As VCA President (2000), Paul affiliated VCA with the Virginia Coalition for Education , a collection of statewide educational association leaders, which still meets periodically to discuss and advocate for common issues affecting all students. He invited the Virginia School Counselor Association President at that time, to sit at the table with him with other educational leaders, to address the standards for school counselors in Virginia schools, counselor ratios, and the role of counselors.
• Director, VCA Foundation Board, after which he was bestowed the honor of Director Emeritus. He was a strong supporter regular donor of the Foundation.
• Awarded the VCA’s John Cook Award in 2008 “In appreciation for long and meritorious service to the Association and the Counseling Profession”, 2008.
• Honored by the Virginia Counselors Association as a VCA Member Emeritus , upon his retirement as a Professional School Counselor at Rocky Run Middle School, in Chantilly, VA.

Paul’s interest in advocating for Counselors was intense and constant.  He was an ever-present participant in the annual VCA Legislative Day in Richmond, and frequently lobbied members of Congress with ACA and ASCA Government Relations events, as a representative of VCA.  What was a great learning experience for colleagues who lobbied with Paul, was his thorough engagement of his local representatives when he visited the Capital Buildings in Washington or the Delegate Assembly in Richmond.  Even though his representative may not have been on the same side of issues, he treated his adversaries with respect, calling for appointments in advance, meeting with aides or elected officials, focused on the issues at hand and trying to win over worthy adversaries.  Paul was a master class in how to deal with political issues with governmental representatives.   

In summary, Paul Galvin distinguished himself as a “counselor’s counselor” worthy of emulation and deep respect. He took his professional responsibilities seriously always, but always in a personally unassuming way, focusing on the people he represented and the organization involved rather than himself. The VCA, VCA Foundation and other organizations, have lost a champion, esteemed colleague, and friend. The VCA Foundation expresses gratitude for Paul’s very eventful term as a Director of the Foundation Board. We convey deep and sincere condolences to the extended Galvin family for their personal loss.

May Paul Galvin rest in peace. A life well lived, with respect for all. He cared a lot for his work and his profession, and always tried to make a difference.

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In Their Own Words:  Tributes from Longtime VCA Colleagues of Paul Galvin

We have been sincerely saddened by the passing of our long-term colleague and emeritus board member Paul Galvin, and we are indebted to his service and grateful for his legacy.  My enduring memory of Paul was of a welcoming, reassuring presence as I navigated my first VCA convention, many years ago! He made a point of saying hello, inquiring about my experience, and making sure I felt at home. He will certainly be missed.

Renee Staton, President, VCA Foundation & VCA Past-President

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It was 1987 and I was attending my very first VCA Board meeting as a graduate student.  Nervous and wondering if I hadn’t made a mistake, I entered the room full of strangers.  Immediately a tall bearded man with a warm, open smile approached me, stuck out his hand and said, “hi, I’m Paul Galvin.”  That was the beginning of my decades long Paul Galvin fan club.

Over the next 25 years we worked on projects and committees too numerous to list.  Paul’s quiet strength always added calm to tense situations.  His patience, wisdom and ability to see things from differing perspectives made him an invaluable asset on any team.  Paul was selfless.  He lived the principles of social justice long before the term became popular.  To Paul, ALL people were valued and worthy of making contributions.

It was no surprise to learn that his life beyond the professional world was filled with the love of his family, church and community.  Paul is the model of a life well-lived.  He will be missed, but I know that there is a special place in heaven where he and Doris are once again reunited.

Linda Grubba, VCA Foundation Secretary & VCA Past-President

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Paul was such an amazing person, as a true friend and as a knowledgeable and active VCA member.  I am 10 years younger than Paul, so he did a lot in encouraging me and in setting an example of how to be involved in counseling matters and how to get things accomplished. He was truly dedicated to our organization’s success and involved in VCA Chapter and Division work. He encouraged people to take leadership roles and it was scary for me to say yes to this, but Paul was an outstanding mentor and always worked with me instead of just giving suggestions.  I remember working on various issues in VCA, VSCA and VASC and he always had the answer to any questions or concerns and information on how to proceed.  Paul also shared his humor which made meetings entertaining. 

There are some pairs of friends that you never forget:  Paul and Manny, Delna and Judy and Pat and me!  Fun conventions and fun national meetings where we met and socialized again and again. These memories of laughter and hard work will be with me forever and I cherish every moment I had with Paul and so many special friends through VCA.  It is so sad to say goodbye but his legacy will live on in VCA.

– Sandy Hite, VSCA Past President

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We have lost a giant of a man in our field and a genuine kind and caring person…

I will always remember how it felt to be in his presence.

Celeste J. Hall, VCA Foundation, Director Emeritus & Past-Secretary;  
VSCA Past-President

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For more about Paul’s life and contributions please visit:

• Obituary on Echovita:  https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/va/manassas/paul-william-galvin-17756086
• Obituary on Pierce Funeral Home: https://www.piercefh.com/obituaries/Paul-Galvin-2/#!/Obituary