Thomas M. Bagley ‘90, a highly successful fashion designer, sadly passed away at the age of 42 on Nov. 14, 2009. He was the youngest of five children of the late Leon Bagley and Rachael Bagley.  The family has endowed a scholarship at Philadelphia University in Thomas’ memory. The scholarship will benefit a male fashion design student from the greater Philadelphia area for their four years at Philadelphia University.

The family joined President Spinelli at a recognition luncheon earlier this year to announce the scholarship and present a check for $50,000. In addition, the General Electric Foundation provided matching funds, bringing the scholarship to $100,000 (Both Mr. and Mrs. Bagley retired from General Electric).

“Philadelphia University gave Tom the opportunity to fulfill his ambition to be a fashion designer,” Rachael Bagley noted. “We, as a family, feel it is time to help another student in fashion design accomplish this goal.”

“We are extremely moved by the generosity of Rachael Bagley and her family in making this scholarship possible,” said President Spinelli. “Because of this, one of our highly talented fashion design students will be able to realize their dream and perhaps someday follow in Tom Bagley’s footsteps. It will be a lifelong testament to his memory.”

Thomas Bagley specialized in denim and sportswear, working for such organizations as Polo Jeans, Perry Ellis, Bugle Boy, Group Three Design, The Li&Fung Group and Jeetish Designs, Inc. He grew up in the Phoenixville, Pa., area.

At Philadelphia University, Bagley was a lifelong member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Most recently, he lived in New Jersey with his life partner, Rob Lopez, who is vice president and general manager of RCC Consultants, Inc., a telecommunications company.

According to his family, he loved art, Broadway musicals, old Hollywood memorabilia and new Hollywood gossip. Always with a sketchpad by this side, Bagley was quick to bring new designs to life with a few skilled strokes of his pencil. “Tom was always ready with a smile and had a quick wit few could match,” says Lopez. “He is deeply missed.”

The late Thomas M. Bagley’s family and his life partner, Rob Lopez (far right), stand with his mother, Rachael Bagley (center), and President Spinelli, during their visit to campus to announce the Thomas M. Bagley Scholarship.