O'DOWD FEATURED ON KQED

Last month our pilot AP African American History class was accompanied by a KQED reporter as they explored historic Black sites in Oakland, including Defermery Park, the West Oakland Mural Project, and Lois the Pie Queen. “This field trip brought to life the important historical topics we discussed in the classroom,” said Audrey Ohwebete ’23. “We saw how social and political events, whether from 10 years ago or 400 years ago, still affect people today. It was eye-opening, and proves that history is constantly being written.” Listen to the KQED story!

REUNION DAY: MAY 6!

We are excited to invite our alumni back to campus to reminisce with old friends and connect with new ones for O’Dowd Reunion Day on May 6! We will have a special celebration for our milestone reunion classes ending in 3s and 8s, beginning with a Golden Celebration at 2:00pm for classes up to 1973, and a Milestone Celebration beginning at 3:00pm for all alumni and guests (21+). “I can’t wait to see my fellow classmates at the reunion,” shares Starr Gray ’98. Learn more or volunteer with us!

THE HEART OF A DRAGON: HONORING GARY MASON'S IMPACT ON O'DOWD

We are honoring the life and legacy of our long-time Dean of Students Gary Mason. Over 37 years he was an influential presence to more than 11,000 students. In honor of his commitment to O’Dowd, and in recognition of his family’s commitment to supporting all students, we have created the Gary and Debbie Mason Angel Fund. The endowment will support students who need financial assistance to participate fully in all that O’Dowd offers, from polos and lunch to textbooks, athletic equipment, and prom. Support the Gary and Debbie Angel Fund.

SWEENEY PERFORMANCE LAB SUPPORTS STUDENT-ATHLETES TO EXCEL

O’Dowd’s new performance lab is more than just a place to workout, it’s a space to grow and improve, both mentally and physically. “We’ve been able to double the number of students we’re able to serve and now have over 190 students in the lab each week,” shares Jay Beito ’92, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach. Jay creates personalized conditioning programs catered to each team and is known for supporting student-athletes to return to the field after an injury. “Mr. Beito helped me turn my injury into a learning opportunity,” says football player Sean Ramirez-Pacheco ’23.

O’DOWD’S CHAMPION PIZZA MAKER OPENS SHOP IN BERKELEY

Last month, Laura Meyer ’06 opened Pizzeria da Laura in Berkeley, her first restaurant. Since she was a student at O’Dowd, Laura worked for and learned from Tony Gemignani from Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, gaining all the skills to become a pizza master. In 2013, she won Napoli’s World Pizza Championship, the first woman and first American to win in the pan pizza category. Pizzeria da Laura has already received rave reviews from local publications, including SF Gate. 

TAKE ALUMNI TO THE BALLGAME!

Rally your fellow alumni and join us on Friday, April 28 at 4:00pm to watch our varsity softball and baseball teams play on our newly renovated Upper Field. Take tours of the Cummins Center, grab snacks between games, and root our Dragons on in this special double-header. “It is truly great to bring the O'Dowd softball team home!” exclaims Softball Head Coach Cody Strubb. “No one around us has a field like this. It will give the D1 O'Dowd softball team a true home field advantage!” Register now!