September 2018
Supporting the Success and Growth of the Alumni Community

More than 25 alumni gathered for the 3rd annual O'Dowd Alumni Summit, held at the Center for Environmental Studies on August 29, to learn about the Alumni Strategic Plan and the school’s efforts to actively engage its valued alumni in the life of the school. Attendees also heard from fellow alumni who attended the Grand Reunion in June.
Rising for Climate, Jobs and Justice

O’Dowd educates its students towards creating a just, sustainable and economically prosperous civilization. Students from the Solidarity in Action and EcoLeaders groups recently walked the talk, mobilizing others to participate in a global day of action to demand elected leaders commit to no new fossil fuels and a just and fair transition to 100% renewable energy.
Living the O'Dowd Charism of Social Justice

Service Learning that focuses on social justice is a key element in O’Dowd’s transformative charism, or core values. This defining aspect of our educational program allows students to foster relationships with those most marginalized and thereby gain a personal understanding of the Christian call to reach out to those on the edges. Read one student’s story about the impact the Service Learning program had on her .
Dennis Kohles '69 Sets High Bar for Drama Department

Head of the O'Dowd Drama Department since 1985, Dennis Dennis Kohles '69 sets a high bar.
Emmy-award winning actor Michael Goorjian '89 says Kohles
" taught me how to struggle and not settle for being so-so ... I would not have been able to become a working actor, write and direct my own films, write a friggin’ novel, if it wasn’t for the work ethic he drilled into me.”
Encouraging Exploration of Academic Interest and Passion

An O’Dowd education emphasizes academic excellence and critical thinking, as well as encourages students to pursue additional educational opportunities that increase competencies and fuel passion. Read about several students who participated in selective summer science programs.
Alumni Beer Garden Tradition Going Strong

The O’Dowd Alumni Relations Office continues to host on campus events that help alumni grow their connections with each other and the school. One of the most popular is the Alumni Beer Garden, held annually in conjunction with the Homecoming football game. This year, the aquatics teams will be recognized and honored at the event. Do you remember these coaches?

Campus News

  • President James Childs announced last week that O'Dowd has initiated a nationwide search to identify the school's next principal, who will begin service in July 2019 and lead O'Dowd at this time of unprecedented growth and opportunity - Read more
  • O'Dowd staff member Meghan Bailey Wallingford '89 and her children Declan '22 and Grace '19 (pictured at right) brought up the gifts at the Mass of the Holy Spirit - Read more
  • O'Dowd students named National Merit Semifinalists - Read more
  • Cast of Once Upon a Mattress Announced - Read more
  • Athletic Department launches new software program to assist students in playing at the next level - Read more
Upcoming Events

  • Alumni Beer Garden & Homecoming Game - October 19, 2018
  • Transforming Lives Dinner - October 25, 2018
  • Open House - November 4, 2018
  • Grand Reunion: Party on the Quad - May 18, 2019
Alumni News & Notes

Alum of the Month

Jasmine Guillory '93 finds creative outlet in writing.
Notes

  • A film directed by Tevin Tavares '12 won Best Documentary Short at the 2018 Long Beach Indie International Film Festival - Watch film
  • Cal State Monterey Bay head water polo coach Emily Schmit ‘00 featured in Swimming World Magazine - Read more
  • Rudy Grasseschi '55, along with his family, celebrated three generations of business ownership with a 60th anniversary celebration this past June in Hayward - Read more
  • The latest book by storyteller Jesse Byrd '05, Real Jungle Tales, is a 2018 Mom's Choice Award-Winner - Read more
  • Lucas Cortez '14 talks about the continuing impact of an O'Dowd education - Read more
  • Alyssa Rollins '12 pens a love letter to Ireland - Read more
  • Sabrina Farrell '90 promoted to Assistant District Attorney - Read more