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

Finding God in All Things

April 2024

KAIROS RETREAT EXPANDING

Each year, O’Dowd juniors are given the opportunity to experience the transformative power of the Kairos Retreat, which offers a profound journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth. O’Dowd is now expanding the most popular retreat program to include an additional retreat section starting next school year. This multi-day retreat will now be available to an additional 55 students each year. O’Dowd is grateful to the donors who are supporting this important program expansion, including the creation of a Kairos Retreat Endowment Fund. 

MAY 4 - REUNION DAY!

On May 4 we will welcome alumni back to campus for our annual Reunion Day. Celebrating classes ending in 4s and 9s, we’ll honor their milestone anniversaries since graduating from O’Dowd. The afternoon includes a special 50th reunion for the Class of 1974, and a big celebration for all other classes. “I’m looking forward to seeing old friends and classmates at the reunion," says Michael Valva ’74. Purchase tickets by April 27! Questions? Contact Maurita Toler ’07, Director of Alumni Engagement.

O’DOWD DRAMA PRESENTS MAMMA MIA

This year’s spring musical Mamma Mia tells the hilarious story of a young woman's quest to discover the identity of her father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on the eve of her wedding, bringing three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable production. This can’t-miss show will run May 3-12. Purchase tickets.

STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE: O’DOWD FACULTY EARNS EPI FELLOWSHIP

Earlier this year, Ecology Project International selected Science Teacher Kaylinda Ellenwood as a fellow! As part of the program, she traveled to La Paz and Espiritu Santo Island in Mexico to learn key teaching practices to support student field research. “Place-based learning can have a powerful impact on the way students see themselves and connect with the surrounding world,” shares Kaylinda. Read more.

ALUMNUS FEATURE SPEAKER AT CAREER DAY

The campus was buzzing as we welcomed more than 35 parents/guardians and alumni to O’Dowd to speak at Career Day for our 11th graders. To kick off the day-long event, Matts Benson ’17 spoke to our students about the power of being curious and finding your passion. “Whatever it is that you are passionate about, wake up every day and find ways to achieve your goals." 

DRAGON PRIDE CHALLENGE

Whoever you are, whatever your story, O’Dowd is where your passion was unlocked, your friendships began, and your dreams took flight. Give our students the very best experience by joining our third annual Dragon Pride Challenge. You can invest in the programs you're most passionate about AND your gift will be matched $1 for $1 by fellow alumni and O’Dowd families! Show your Dragon Pride and make your gift today!

Campus News

A SPACE TO BELONG

We love seeing our Dragons build community and collaborate with one another in our new spaces around campus. From the Adirondack chairs on the Quad to the cozy couches and tables throughout the Cummins Center, our Dragons enjoy being together!

APRIL 26 - MAY 5 - SPRING ART SHOW

Stop by the Large Gym to celebrate O’Dowd artists! Artwork across all classes will be displayed for our community’s enjoyment. "I am humbled every day by the skill, creativity, and dedication of our fine arts students,” says Department Chair Briana Loewinsohn. “The Spring Art Show is a chance for our entire community to celebrate these artists."

SUMMER ACADEMY REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

O’Dowd’s Summer Academy is designed to offer fun enrichment and inspiring advancement opportunities for middle school and high school students throughout the Bay Area. Registration is now open! Sign your student up for fun and engaging classes including yoga, hip hop literacy, soccer, and photography. Don't wait - classes are filling up quickly!

VOTE FOR O'DOWD - BEST PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL

We are in the running for Oakland Magazine's "Best Private High School." We are proud of our students, faculty, alumni, and community who make O'Dowd a special place to learn and work. Vote for O'Dowd!

Alumni News

ALBERT HODGE ’95 was cast as an understudy for the character Thought 4 in the West Coast premiere of A Strange Loop at the Toni Rembe Theater in San Francisco.

JANE BEERY-BEESLEY ’07 spent the last seven years in recruiting for Amazon and was recently promoted to Recruiting Business Partner.

DEZMOND CHATMAN ’14 started a new position as Program Assistant for Warriors Basketball Academy at Golden State Warriors.

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Upcoming Events

April

26 Art Show Gallery Opens


May

4 Reunion Day (3:00-6:30pm) Purchase Tickets

3-12 Spring Musical - Mamma Mia Purchase Tickets

5 Final Day of Art Show

16 Instrumental Music Spring Concert (7:00pm)


June

17-28 Summer Academy Register


July

1-3 Summer Academy Mini Camp Register

8-18 Summer Academy Register

A LIFELONG CONNECTION, AN ENDURING GIFT

Matt Heafey ’84 built lifelong friendships at O’Dowd, which also helped lead to a strong professional network. This community has been a pillar in Matt’s life - and that’s one reason he is a generous legacy donor to O’Dowd. Read how Matt is making a difference — both now and in the years to come, and consider joining the Dragon Legacy Circle today! 

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