Webster Remembers Nancy (Fennelly) Pavanello

The Webster University community mourns the passing of Nancy (Fenelly) Pavanello, the co-director of the Career Services Office at Webster Geneva, adjunct professor and alumna.

After a highly successful business career, Nancy chose to pursue a new career and enrolled in the MA in Counselling Program at Webster University Geneva, graduating with honors in 2002. During her studies, she had the inspiration to create the Career Services Practicum to cover career counselling needs for Webster University Geneva students and recent alumni. In 2006, Nancy co-founded the Webster University Geneva Career Services Office, which she co-directed for 15 years.

She worked tirelessly and patiently in a highly motivating manner with students and recent alumni to source opportunities matching their career aspirations, thereby positively affecting Webster students’ and alumni career development.

From that celebratory first job or internship offer, or the times over the years that a student has entered an interview with confidence, poised and ready to share their talents and skills with the world, so many have benefitted from Nancy’s direct encouragement, guidance and counselling. The career starts of those hundreds of alums represent a great part of her legacy.

Nancy also built bridges to the professional world, creating and maintaining relations with many NGOs and companies who later hired interns or employed alumni and who remain active partners of Webster University.

In addition, as an adjunct professor at Webster Geneva, Nancy created and delivered undergraduate management and psychology courses and workshops in leadership, change and career development topics.

Nancy will be remembered for her commitment to students’ success and for her highly intelligent, dedicated, humorous and charismatic nature, passionately searching for ways to advance student and recent graduate career potential.

She was also greatly loved as a trusted colleague and friend who was always fully present, ready with an open ear or shoulder to lean on.

Nancy passed away on Aug. 7, 2021, as a result of an illness. Her husband and daughter were by her bedside. The funeral was attended by close family and friends. Condolences can be sent to Nancy’s family using the following email: rememberingnancy21@gmail.com