1930s

37 Class Secretary — Kathleen Coverick ’08;

kathleen.coverick@gmail.com

 

38 Class Secretary — Meg Julian ’03, ’06JD;

804 Jersey Ave., Spring Lake NJ 07762; 646-246-5480; megjulian@gmail.com

 

39 Always Learning

There are many pleasurable moments during one’s undergraduate experience. Although learning itself may not be at the top of everyone’s list, connecting with others is certainly a highlight of time on campus for many. Writing this column has provided much satisfaction through connections made with those who share a love for this University. It is uplifting to know we have readers out there and I have enjoyed learning more about those we’ve remembered on these pages. Frank O’Malley ’32, who lived in the dorms from the time he arrived on campus in 1928 until his death in 1974, was a man who came to Notre Dame and stayed, despite many opportunities for professional advancement elsewhere. He focused on the fundamentals of teaching for teaching’s sake and being loyal to the men of Notre Dame. He is remembered fondly because of it. Patrick Kelly ’66, emeritus professor of drama at U of Dallas, wrote to share his memory of Professor O’Malley living in Morrissey, not Sorin, and noted that O’Malley’s presence on campus was so strong that even those who never “made the cut for his literature classes” enjoyed stories of his tenure. While trying to verify where this well regarded (so much so that in 1991 a two-day posthumous tribute was hosted on campus) professor lived, I came across a post from John Hickey ’69 on the well-managed Class of 1969 blog stating O’Malley lived in Lyons. There are many stories written by alumni and former students, including a 1991 biography and several pieces online from Scholastic, Newsweek, and the Chicago Tribune. One of the best anecdotes suggests that O’Malley once sent a list to the dean giving more A grades than students enrolled. The master’s response when questioned: “give the extras to the boys who need them.” No matter which dorm Professor O’Malley resided in during life (perhaps he moved through the years), he rests forever in Holy Cross Cemetery, one of the few laymen to be buried there, and he, like so many others in their unique ways, remain part of Notre Dame’s lore. In a future column, I’d like to recognize any living members or spouses of the Class of 1939 and formally remember any who have passed away in the last five years. Please reach out if you have any news to this effect. Go Irish. — Seth O’Donnell ’04; 17 Marion St., East Greenwich RI 02818, 603-828-7335; seth.odonnell@gmail.com