News for O'Dowd alumni, parents, and friends
Finding God in All Things
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REMEMBERING GARY "MACE" MASON
With great sadness we share that our beloved Dean, Gary Mason, passed away this past weekend. Gary served our O’Dowd community with pride and distinction for over 37 years. Known as “Mace,” he showed our students steady compassion, fairness, and love. We will always remember him for the joy he carried, the leadership he brought to our community, and the great love he gave students. Rest in Peace, Gary Mason. Please share your prayers and memories of Mace here.
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NCS CHAMPIONS
We are thrilled to congratulate both our boys soccer and girls basketball teams on winning their North Coast Section Championships! The boys team went on to compete in the first round of the CIF NorCal playoffs, while the girls team played in the first two rounds, showcasing their talent and determination on the court. Check out Crozier journalist Raven Robinson ‘24 for insights and reflections on the teams’ seasons.
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WELCOME NEXT PRESIDENT
It is with great pleasure we announce that Kim Walsh has accepted the offer from Bishop Michael Barber, S.J, to become O’Dowd’s next president. Kim is known in our community as an attentive listener and collaborator. We know she will thoughtfully step into her new role in July, prepared to lead with head and heart, purpose and conviction, with deep commitment to our shared values, and unwavering dedication to our mission and Charism. Read more.
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ALUMNUS STUDIES TURTLE POPULATIONS
Scott Eanes '99 founded The Hawksbill Project in 2022 to protect threatened and endangered sea turtles in the Caribbean. Conducting research in Carriacou, Grenada and the US Virgin Islands, Scott works with fellow scientists to assess the number of critically endangered Hawksbill turtles in previously unexamined marine habitats. “O’Dowd’s education gave me the ability and confidence to pursue any level of higher education,” says Scott.
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ANOTHER CRACKIN' GOOD TIME!
Last weekend our campus gathered in the Cummins Center for the 54th annual Crab Feed and Auction, joyfully celebrating our community and supporting our co-curricular programs. It was wonderful for so many familiar faces and new friends to come together for a delicious meal and great company, raising $205,000 for our students. Thank you, Dragon Family. Your support helps O’Dowd to provide important programs and resources to our students. We are grateful to everyone for making this year's event such a success! View event photos.
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DEEPENING OUR FAITH THIS LENT
As we journey through this Lenten season, our Campus Ministry offers a variety of activities for students to deepen their faith and engage in spiritual reflection. From weekly mass and weekly Lenten reflections, there are opportunities for every student to connect with their spirituality in a meaningful way. “The Lenten Reflections have been a great opportunity to step away from our busy lives and focus on finding God in all things, even when times get tough,” shares Diana Olmos ’25. “The reflections are a powerful way to enrich and nourish our faith as a community.”
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ENSURING A HOME FOR FUTURE DRAGONS
When students graduate from O’Dowd, they are Dragons forever. To celebrate their 25th reunion, the class of 1988 is establishing an endowment to ensure an O’Dowd experience for future Dragons. “While students at O’Dowd we were inspired to find ways to make a difference,” says Jason Mack ’88. “We came together for Spirit Week back in the day and now we come together to raise funds so that other kids can have the great O’Dowd experience that we all had.”
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DRAGONS CREATE ORIGINAL FABLES
Our Children’s Literature class has been learning about myths and folktales, working in groups to compose original fables to tell a lesson or moral important to a child’s development. The groups then performed their fables as shadow puppet skits.
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BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATION
Our Black Student Union performed the 37th annual Black History Celebration - Sankofa: Who We Are - Past, Present, and Future. Students shared their talents, celebrated our collective ancestry, and honored pivotal points in Black History. The students also learned from guest performer Massamba Diop, a renowned West African musician. View the celebration!
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APRIL 28 - CALLING ALL SOFTBALL AND BASEBALL ALUMNI
Rally your fellow alumni and join us on Friday, April 28 at 4:00pm to watch our softball and baseball varsity teams play on the newly renovated Upper Field. For the first time in O’Dowd’s history, our softball teams will practice and compete on campus! You’ll also have a chance to take tours of the Cummins Center and grab snacks between games. Let’s show our Dragon pride by supporting our student-athletes! Register now!
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DESIREE BUSSIERE ’75 retired from the San Ramon Valley Unified School District after working in Special Education for eight years, following 22 years as a civil litigation paralegal and licensed real estate agent.
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ESTEVAN GONZALEZ ’06 started a new position as Graphic Designer & Content Creator at Devil Mountain Wholesale Nursery in San Ramon.
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BONNIE McDONALD ’12 was promoted to tug boat captain with Foss Maritime Company in Richmond, joining a small group of female tug operators.
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COLIN McMAHON ’22 displayed his artwork 'For My People' in the NBA All Star HBCU Student Art Showcase.
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APRIL
22 Living Lab Service Day with Alumni (9:00am - 2:00pm)
28 Softball & Baseball Alumni Games (4:00 - 7:00pm)
MAY
6 Save the Date! O’Dowd Reunion (3:00-7:00pm)
All Alumni (21+) Welcome
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APRIL 22 - ALUMNI LIVING LAB SERVICE DAY
Join us at O'Dowd on Earth Day as we celebrate more than two decades of creation and care for the Living Lab! We will care for the gardens from 9:00am to 12:00pm, followed by a lunch and special program until 2:00pm.
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