HACKENSACK, N.J. – FDU Athletics mourns the passing of Mary Kay Mastronardy Stratis, a beloved alumna, trustee, philanthropist, and devoted supporter of the University and its student-athletes. Stratis passed away Monday, May 19.  

"A loyal daughter of FDU, BA'69 (Ruth), MAT'71 (Metro), Mary Kay believed strongly in the transformational power of education", FDU President Michael Avaltroni wrote in a note sent to the campus community. "She taught high-school math until stepping back to care for her own young children. Yet she always remained actively involved in education on the Parent Faculty Association of Pascack Hills High School in Montvale, N.J."

Stratis earned a Bachelor of Arts in secondary education from FDU in 1969. Two years later, she completed graduate courses in the MAT program. An extremely involved student, Stratis was a member of the Class Council, Student Education Association and Dean's Advisory Committee. It was during her time on the Rutherford Campus that Mary Kay met her husband Elia G. Stratis, a member of the FDU soccer and track team.

Stratis remained dedicated to her alma mater long after her days as a student were over. She became the first FDU graduate to serve as a voting member of the Board of Trustees and graced the position of President of the Alumni Association. Stratis' service to the University and its students extended beyond positions she held, or committees she sat on. Mary Kay and Elia G. welcomed international students to FDU and opened their home to many of these students.

Elia G. Stratis tragically passed away in 1988 as a victim of the PanAm Flight 103 bombing. Mary Kay preserved his legacy and memory through tremendous support of FDU Athletics. 

In addition to being on the Board of Trustees, she served faithfully on the Academic Advisory Council. Together with her family, she made significant philanthropic contributions that profoundly impacted the FDU community. These include the creation of the Elia G. Stratis Head Coach of Cross Country, Track and Field Endowment, announced on November 30, 2023, as well as funding for scholarship support, the Stratis Lounge, and the indoor track in the Bogota Savings Bank Center. In recognition of these generous gifts, FDU named the playing area in the Bogota Savings Bank Center "Stratis Arena." Additionally, the family established the Elia G. Stratis Endowed Scholarship, one of the largest endowed scholarships at the University, which provides vital support to accounting students and track and field athletes.

"Mary Kay profoundly impacted the lives of so many Knights," said FDU Senior Associate Vice President/Director of Athletics Bradford Hurlbut. "While she will be deeply missed, her service to our University leaves behind an unforgettable legacy that we will cherish for years to come. I will personally miss our talks and correspondences. The wisdom, advice and support she gave to me were immeasurable.  I have lost a friend and confidant."

Stratis' extraordinary charity and commitment to FDU led to her induction into the Knights Hall of Fame in 2004. She also received an honorary degree at FDU's commencement in 2017.

FDU Athletics is deeply grateful for her decades of service and steadfast dedication, which have left an indelible mark on our community.