News for O'Dowd alumni, parents, and friends
Finding God in All Things
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MAKING AN O'DOWD EDUCATION ACCESSIBLE
The generosity of our community transforms lives, opening doors to opportunity and shaping future leaders. An O'Dowd education prepares students to step confidently into the world. Thanks to donor support, 30% of O'Dowd families receive tuition assistance, giving their children the life-changing opportunity to attend our school. The Transforming Lives Dinner plays a critical role in sustaining this support, ensuring diversity, inclusivity, and community continue to thrive on our campus. Purchase tickets today to make a difference!
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HANDS-ON LEARNING IN AP PSYCHOLOGY
From case studies and research projects to immersive learning experiences, our AP Psychology students receive an impactful education. “The human experience is a lived experience, and psychology should be a lived study as well,” says teacher Mark Kushner ’01. Students have created collaborative posters modeling neural networks, explored the cerebral cortex with wearable brain caps, and even dissected sheep brains to deepen their understanding of brain structure—all designed to bring the study of psychology to life.
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ALUMNUS SUPPORTS FUTURE DRAGONS
Phil Marrow ’75 found his place at O’Dowd through basketball, helping secure the 1975 California Athletic League Championship. Now, he’s giving back by including O'Dowd in his estate plans, creating the Philip Marrow ’75 Scholarship Fund. Inspired by his experience, Phil aims to give future students the same opportunities. His legacy gift will provide access to education and help students achieve their dreams. "I want young kids to reach their greatest heights," Phil shares. Learn more about Legacy Giving.
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DRAMA PROGRAM PROVIDES NEW OPPORTUNITIES
Drama students are busy this fall with performance opportunities in the Erin Jaeb and Kelly Family Black Box Theater and the James T. Bill ’55 Theater. “Our actors and tech crew are dedicated to building their craft and taking on leadership opportunities,” says Meredith Barnidge, Drama Production Manager. Honors Drama will have a one-night Theatre Sports performance in the Black Box Theater at 7:00pm on October 18. Our fall production The Play That Goes Wrong will open November 8. Purchase tickets.
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CALL FOR PRAYER - ALL SOULS' DAY
All Souls' Day, November 2, is an occasion of prayer and remembrance for our departed loved ones. Each year, Dragons share the names of loved ones who have passed for our chaplain Fr. Jim Sullivan to include in his prayers on this special day. This tradition reminds us of the power of prayer and community support. Please submit names by October 29, including class year for deceased alumni.
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DRAGON ALUM WINS GOLD
Jennifer Hwang ’10 swam in the US Masters Swimming National Championships and brought home gold in 100M Breaststroke, silver in Women’s 4 x 50M Free Relay, and bronze in 50M Breaststroke. She will swim at the World Masters Games in 2025 in Taipei, Taiwan and plans to break more national records. Jennifer has also been the only Taiwan Masters swimmer to successfully break her own record.
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FAMILY DAYS
This fall, we held our annual O’Dowd Family Days, celebrating the diversity of our Dragon community. Across four weekends, students, families, and faculty/staff gathered on the CES Patio for lively celebrations through games, music, student programs, and delicious food.
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DEBATE TAKES HOME AWARDS
The O’Dowd Debate Team had a strong first tournament of the year in September, with 17 students competing in an all-day parliamentary-style debate. Team Captains Kai Schneider ’25 and Eli McKoy Beiser ’25 scored 4-0, one of only three Varsity teams at the competition to do so.
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THREE LESSONS FROM ST. FRANCIS: CELEBRATING THE SEASON OF CREATION
Each year, from September 1 to October 4, faith communities worldwide unite in prayer, advocacy, and action to protect Earth, our common home. This year, our community reflected on the lessons of St. Francis of Assisi, which call us to kinship with creation through service and faith formation. Read more.
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DANESHA "DEE DEE" SIMON ’87 received the Golden Buzzer and went on to be among 10 finalists on America's Got Talent Season 19.
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LIAM ZARRI ’09 earned his PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Cornell University and is continuing on to a postdoc with the Smithsonian. Dr. Zarri studies fish evolution and credits Mr. Newman and Ms. Prutzman for inspiring him along his academic path.
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TAMARIK RABB ’17 has been awarded the Dean's Fellowship and is attending MIT Sloan to pursue his MBA.
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GRACE DAUM ’20 started a new position as Business Development Representative at Adobe.
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October
18 Theatre Sports: A Night of Improv (7:00pm) Pay at the Door
25 Homecoming Football Game (7:00pm)
27 Harvest Festival (1:00-4:00pm)
November
8-10 The Play That Goes Wrong (7:00pm) Purchase Tickets
14 Transforming Lives Dinner (6:00pm) Purchase Tickets
15-16 The Play That Goes Wrong (7:00pm) Purchase Tickets
16-17 The Play That Goes Wrong (2:00pm) Purchase Tickets
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TRANSFORMING LIVES DINNER TICKETS NOW ON SALE
Join us on November 14 in the Bishop John S. Cummins Center for our annual Transforming Lives Dinner as we celebrate the impact of an O’Dowd education and support our tuition assistance program.
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