O'Dowd in Brief 
News for O'Dowd alumni, parents, and friends

Finding God in All Things
December 2019 - Merry Christmas!
A JOYFUL CHRISTMAS
FROM O'DOWD TO YOUR FAMILY
A Letter from President J.D. Childs  

Dear O'Dowd Alumni, Parents, and Friends,

As a Catholic school that embraces joy among its charism values, we find many ways to acknowledge this Advent season--a time of excitement and anticipation leading up to the celebration of Christ’s birth, as well as a time of reflection in these shorter days of December with a new year coming. From California wildfires and flash floods to immigrants suffering at our borders and deepening socioeconomic disparities, at times our world seems impossibly fragile. In looking ahead to the next semester and 2020, I’ve been reflecting on what brings and sustains authentic joy in such times and how the the central gift of Jesus’ life—infinite generosity made real through boundless compassion, forgiveness, and fellowship--may offer hope.   Read full letter
O'DOWD STUDENTS IN D.C. FOR SOLIDARITY AND JUSTICE
 From November 16 to 18, nearly 2,000 individuals, including an O’Dowd delegation led by Director of Justice and Kinship Michael Downs and English teacher Kate Cunnane, attended the annual Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice in Washington, D.C., the theme of which was “Radical Hope, Prophetic Action.” O'Dowd students presented and participated in a number of sessions, including
ALUM LO TONEY: VENTURE CAPITAL, EQUITY LENS, AND $42.5M FUND
Lo is a former Google Ventures Partner and founder of Plexo Capital, which just closed its first fund of $42.5 million. Lo shared, "While Plexo Capital plans to invest in all types of startups and founders, its thesis is that women and people of color inherently have differentiated networks and a different lens to evaluate deals..." Thanks to Lo for helping to ensure the VC world gains traction in funding the amazing work of women and people of color! Read more
COURTNEY WILLIAMS '12 MAKES HER 'EMPIRE' DEBUT
Courtney made her debut as "Young Cookie" on this season’s "Empire" on Fox. Listen to how she got into acting and how she landed this by listening to her interview on WiLD 94.9 with alumna Crystal Rosas '12. Listen now
O'DOWD WINTER CONCERT
The O'Dowd Winter Concert featured O'Dowd's talented musicians in String Orchestra, Symphonic Band, and three jazz ensembles performing more than 15 beautiful arrangements of classical, jazz, and seasonal selections. Watch now
In Gratitude
2018-2019 Annual Report and Honor Roll of Donors
As we celebrate the spirit of generosity, are sharing our 2018-2019 Annual Report and Honor Roll of Donors to once again express our gratitude for the philanthropy that strengthens every aspect of O'Dowd's programs and community.
Campus News
Olivia Sally ‘20: Scholar Extraordinaire Olivia was selected as a Semifinalist in the 2019-2020 Coca-Cola Scholars Program. Just 1,928 Semifinalists were chosen among over 93,000 applicants for their outstanding leadership, academic achievements, and dedication. Olivia was also honored by the California Department of Education as one of four California high school students included in the 2020 U.S. Senate Youth. Read the CDE Press Release
O'Dowd Hits 7th Place in Nation in Parliamentary Debate Dragon teams have had incredible performances this fall, including UC Berkeley and Evergreen Invitationals, the latter of which was won by O'Dowd debaters. O'Dowd is now 7th in the nation, with two teams--Gratia O'Rafferty '21 and Paulina Harding '21 and Lucy Barretto '21 and Connor Whitehill '20--in the top 15 of 405 parliamentary teams at schools. O'Dowd currently outpaces Berkeley High, Bentley, Lowell, and Archbishop Mitty.
Aidan McCarthy ’21: 2020 National YoungArts Winner A group of 686 of the nation’s most promising young artists in the visual, literary and performing arts were selected from thousands of applications representing 40 states and six countries. Aidan was selected for his talent playing the double bass. At O’Dowd, Aidan also plays vibraphone and drums. Fred Randolph, O’Dowd’s Director of Instrumental Music, shared this about Aidan: “Aidan has been a wonderful addition to O’Dowd’s music program. A highly motivated and dedicated musician, he excels not only as a bassist but also as a drummer and vibraphonist. Aidan is not only a member of our Advanced Jazz Band, he also leads our jazz combo and performs with Jazz School ensembles and the Kyle Athayde Big Band among others. We are excited to be a part of Aidan’s development and look forward to following his career in the future.”
Jalen Lewis '23: MVP in Tip-Off Classic Freshman Jalen Lewis led his team to victory over Modesto Christian in the Tip-Off Classic in December to create a strong start to the 2019-2020 Men's Basketball season. Read more
GIVE THE GIFT OF AN
O'DOWD EDUCATION TODAY
Your gift contributes to the stellar academics, spiritual development, service opportunities, exceptional athletics and arts programs that allow students to explore, expand, and express their interests. Please consider making a gift before December 31. Thank you!
Alumni News
Michael Tucevich ’66 served as a federal judge for more than 28 years and recently retired. Prior, he served as a Counsel to the House Judiciary Committee in DC and was responsible for FBI oversight and the ABSCAM review. He co-authored the Missing Children’s Bill signed into law by then President Reagan. Michael's daughter Morgan graduated from Chapman University and he lives in Scottsdale, Arizona and has traveled to Chile, Peru, Poland, and the Czech Republic to teach English since retirement.
Deirdre Duffy Black ’79 recently returned from a year of volunteering in Ghana. With all their kids out of the house, Deirdre and her husband Fraser applied to the Stanford Institute for Innovation in Developing Economies. This organization partners with entrepreneurs in emerging markets to build thriving enterprises that transform lives. Deirde's husband was selected to work with the program and she found a number of local NGOs to work with. Deirdre is a dedicated volunteer committed to improving education, protecting the environment, and advancing social justice.
Diane Mascote McRae ’81 married David Lencioni in October. David and Diane were introduced by Leslie Sims Robertson’s ’81, who was present at their wedding along with alumni Nicki DeMarais Shaw ’81, Kathy Cunningham Alexander ’81, Tanya Butler ’81, Rod Roche ’81, Kathy Huaco Kirby ’81, Michael Sanchez ’89, Jill Sanchez Stokes ’92, Jordan Gibbs ’09, and Travis Robertson ’15.
Nicholas Williams '90 was featured in Oakland Magazine in an article titled, "Hustle and Heart." From the article: "Some of Nicholas Williams’ fondest memories are of spending time with his father, a public school teacher, at Oakland public parks, where he learned how to ride a bike and throw a ball. Now Oakland’s director of the Department of Parks, Recreation, & Youth Development, Williams has deep roots in the city..." Read more
Isabella Brusco '19 , a four-year runner and team captain at O'Dowd, is now crushing her season at Scripps, and was voted "SCIAC Newcomer of the Year" for the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps women's cross country team in a vote of the league's coaches. Read more
Upcoming Events
January 12, Anna Costa '90 Memorial Tree Planting, 1:00 - 4:00pm   If you wish to honor Anna Costa '90 or family and friends you have lost, please join us for the Anna Costa Memorial Tree Planting. We will plant 20 trees chosen for their ability to adapt to our changing climate, including drought, disease and fire resistance. If you wish to support the event, you may make a gift  online  or bring a check to the event, designating "Anna's Trees." For more event information, contact Sustainability Programs Coordinator  Isabel Rodriguez-Vega
January 17-19, 24-26 Winter Musical Cabaret In a Berlin nightclub, as the 1920s draw to a close, Cliff Bradshaw, an English author working on a novel in pre-WWII Berlin, falls in love with the vivacious American Sally Bowles, a singer at the local Kit Kat Klub. Their dream-like romance is tested by the political upheaval that changes their lives dramatically. Cabaret explores the tumultuous life of Berlin’s natives and expatriates as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich. Even after fifty years, this classic Tony Award-winning musical remains painfully prophetic, reminding us what horrors humans are capable of, lest we ever forget. Book by Joe Masteroff; based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood; music by John Kander; lyrics by Fred Ebb. Directed by Associate Directors Amiee Peri '95 and Brad Crooker. Friday, Saturday performances 7:30pm, Sunday performances 2:00pm.
February 1 Crab & Pasta Feed - Event is full! The annual Crab & Pasta Feed raises funds to support co-curricular activities including athletics, drama, debate, retreats, and more than 60 clubs that provide creative outlets and leadership skills. Donate or sponsor
March 28 Dragon Hoops Book Release, 4:00pm Join us for an evening with New York Times bestselling author, former O'Dowd teacher, and MacArthur Fellow Gene Luen Yang. Yang, O'Dowd Varsity Men's Basketball Coach Lou Richie, and Art Department Chair Thien Pham will discuss Dragon Hoops , Yang's newest graphic novel about friendship, family, and O'Dowd's amazing 2015 basketball season. Stay tuned for information about tickets.
Save the Date
May 1 Alumni Night at the Theater
May 1-3, 8-10 Spring Musical
May 16 Grand Reunion : Celebrating Classes of '55,'60,'65, '70, '75, '80, '85, '90, '95, '00, '05, '10, '15
DOUBLE THE IMPACT OF YOUR GIFT
Did you know that many companies match donations made by their employees to Bishop O’Dowd High School? By completing a matching gift form, you may be able to double, or even triple, your gift. You can  search here  to find out if your employer offers a matching gift program. Although companies vary, many require requests by e nd of calendar year . For more information contact Director of Annual Giving Nicole Ferdinando (or 510-553-8669). 
Bishop O'Dowd High School