Congratulations to Dan!

We had a busy weekend--filled with happy and sad. For now I will just focus on the happy as Dan was awarded the Ignatius Award at St. Joe's on Sunday. It was a beautiful day--mass, awards ceremony and brunch. Dan has always been involved at St Joe's since he graduated in 1994 and made a lot of great memories while there as a student. Also where Dan and I met after college, got engaged and have spent many date nights at Hawks basketball games. I have included Dan's acceptance speech below--he did an amazing job. We were so proud of him. I will post more pictures of the day when we receive them from SJU. Thanks to everyone who came to support Dan--it really meant a lot.


My favorite road is West River Drive. If you catch it just at the right time on the right day, you are blessed to see the colors of the morning glory – the crimson and the gray – dawn the skyline.
It symbolizes life.
It symbolizes hope.
It symbolizes belief that with each new day comes new possibilities.
In the 1950’s a radio program entitled This I Believe began a phenomenon of short essays that expressed thoughts, ideas and feelings about individual beliefs.
My time on Hawk Hill taught me to both believe for myself as well as believe in myself. It made me who I am. It affirmed what I believe.
I believe everything happens for a reason. I believe you don’t always know why at that time, and it’s not always good news, but God has a plan for all of us. The reason I applied to SJU was out of courtesy for my parents – Phil (class of 64) and Judy (class of 74). Had it not been for the love and respect I have for my parents, I would have never applied or become a Hawk. Thank you mom and dad.

Similarly, I believe the only reason a young Suzanne Cogan took a job in the SJU Admissions Office was because her dad (Knute ’63) had attended Hawk Hill and thus she “felt a vibe.” Had it not been for the Hawk’s backup third baseman – I would never have sat behind Suzanne at the Mass of the Holy Spirit in 1998. Thank you dad. And more importantly, thank you Suzanne!

I believe critical thinking and magis create strong personal leadership. In my Moral Philosophy class at SJU I remember a classmate writing an essay about the Pink Floyd song “On the Turning Away”. Odd? Not completely. Her point was that the lyrics embodied a Jesuit flavor. “Don’t accept that what’s happening, is just a case of understanding, or you’ll find that you’re on the turning away.” I’ve never forgotten that moment from Bellarmine 116. It was then I recognized that this place was different and I was being asked to think different, to question different and to lead different. Throughout my career I have learned that questioning with the curiosity and fearlessness of a five year old (or twin five year olds!) is key --- but doing it in a way that serves others is even more key.

I believe Hawks are taught to have an opinion based on both logic and values. I believe magis (more for the good of others) is what makes our critical thinking contagious.

I believe Saint Joseph’s University is great because of the people. For each of us there may be different people that are great but what’s amazing is that Hawks are willing to do anything for other Hawks. For me, there are five alumni who I believe made that difference for me.
I believe the value that Don DiJulia and Dave Dorsey have created for this University will never truly be able to be measured but it will always be admired. I am lucky to call them both friends.

I believe John Thinnes was the single most significant teacher I ever had in that he called my bluff to help me grow.

I believe Marty Farrell prepared me for life with a non-accredited curriculum delivered on his Drexel Hill porch with an adjunct professor named Sam Adams.

I believe Jack Gallagher is the greatest Hawk alumni ever and I think of him every day when I see my son Jack Gallagher.
I’d like to thank Pat McGrory for nominating me for the Ignatius Award and more importantly for his friendship.
I’d also like to thank the Alumni Association as well as congratulate Lesley on the work she is doing to serve those in need in New Jersey.
I’d like to thank my sons: Jack, Luke and Quinn. I love you more than outer space, Arizona and Ocean City.
I’d like to thank Father Lannon for his years of service as President of this great University. You have moved us forward and I wish you well as you move forward to your alma mater.

Lastly, while I’m one to never question the rivalry of the Hawks and the Wildcats, I’d like to dedicate this award to my favorite Wildcat – my Uncle Ed. Having overcome a lousy education and several other more serious life obstacles, his life of service to others would make any Jesuit proud. He taught me the power of looking forward. I believe he is the strongest person I know and he is now in a better place.

I believe we are all blessed.

I believe the Hawk will never die.

I believe my time is up.

Thank you.