For Bill McGinnis ’82, supporting Bonner & Prendie is rooted in gratitude for the education that shaped his character, discipline, and work ethic. Those lessons, he says, stayed with him long after graduation and guided the course of his life.
Growing up in Upper Darby, Bill and his four siblings each attended Bonner or Prendie, part of a family tradition grounded in faith and Catholic education.
“Our Catholic faith inspired my parents to send all of us. The respect promoted within Catholic education was important to them. It instilled character.”
At Bonner, those lessons were reinforced through structure, accountability, and high expectations.
“The Augustinians didn’t put up with any nonsense. We understood that attending Bonner was both a privilege and a responsibility. That mindset of discipline and respect stayed with me long after graduation.”
A Foundation That Shaped His Path
After high school, and a few years as a journeyman plumber, Bill initially planned to join in his father’s plumbing work, but decided instead to pursue nursing, earning his degree from Delaware County Community College. He went on to work in cardiac care at Delaware County Memorial Hospital and Fitzgerald Mercy.
Bill later returned to Saint Joseph’s University at night to study Finance. That uncommon combination of clinical and financial expertise ultimately led him into laboratory medicine.
“Because of my associates degree in nursing, focused mainly on the sciences, I graduated with a BS in Finance, which was pretty unusual at the time,” Bill recalls with a laugh.
That uncommon combination led him into laboratory medicine, where he spent 30 years working in diagnostics and clinical testing.
“If you’ve ever had bloodwork or a biopsy done, chances are it went through a commercial lab.”
At the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bill was working with national physician groups and health systems. “I worked some pretty long days covering the east and west coasts for 18 months,” Bill recalls.
After the intensity of that period and some time for reflection, he ultimately chose to retire earlier than planned, but this time remains a chapter he reflects on with pride.
Why He Gives Back
Bill became even more focused on his support during a period of uncertainty for Bonner & Prendie.
“When it was clear they were going to survive, I became more intentional about my support.”
For Bill, giving reflects both gratitude and conviction.
“When I look at the educational system today, it would struggle if Catholic schools weren’t around. Public schools are already overwhelmed.”
He believes Catholic schools play a vital role not only in instilling values, but in strengthening the broader educational landscape by providing families with accessible, values-based learning environments.
“Supporting Catholic schools isn’t only about religion. It is quality private education at an affordable cost. If more people could support Catholic schools, everyone benefits.”
How He Gives: BLOCS
Bill gives annually through BLOCS (Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools), a Pennsylvania tax credit program he learned about through his accountant.
“I got interested in BLOCS about ten years ago. I have to pay taxes one way or another. Having the ability to direct how some of my tax dollars are spent was very appealing.”
Rather than leaving those dollars entirely to state allocation, BLOCS allows Bill to support schools he believes in. “It gives you control, which I appreciate.”
Because Bill and his wife both have meaningful ties to several Catholic schools, they divide their BLOCS contributions among Bonner & Prendie, O’Hara, and West Catholic.
“It’s nice that you can split it up and help multiple schools.”
Easier Than You Expect
Over the years, Bill has encouraged friends to take a closer look at the program. Many assume the process is complicated, but he is quick to explain that getting started is straightforward, the paperwork is minimal, and donors can designate exactly where their contribution goes.
“It’s incredibly easy to participate,” he says. “The biggest challenge for people is the hurdle of writing that first donation check. But with some pre planning, it works great.”
From Bill’s perspective, BLOCS represents both practical financial stewardship and meaningful philanthropy.
“You get back the vast majority of what you contribute a year later,” he explains. “For me, it is an easy decision to support schools I believe in. Once you understand how it works, it is pretty much a no brainer. The school thrives and continues to educate another generation.”