May 2019
Incoming Principal Chris Smart Ready to Hit the Ground Running

Newly selected principal Chris Smart made several visits to campus this spring, getting to know the O'Dowd community prior to his official start of service on July 1. A highlight of his time here was attending the Multicultural Assembly and getting a glimpse of the heritage and tradition of O’Dowd. He was equally inspired during his visits to classrooms, witnessing the enthusiasm O'Dowd teachers and students have for learning.
Are you Ready to Party on the Quad?

The Alumni Grand Reunion promises to be the event of the year! This weekend, the Quad will be transformed into a fabulous party space with music, fun games and activities as well as delicious food and beverages. Alumni from 10 classes, as well as faculty and staff guests including Dean Gary Mason , social studies teacher Tony Green , Director of Counseling Fran Warmerdam , former science teacher Tom Tyler and Associate Principal Brian Judd .
O'Dowd Students Take Over KQED Airwaves

O’Dowd students have a lot to say about the issues facing them and their peers. Earlier this month, inspiring stories and commentaries produced by four seniors in Molleen-Dupree Dominguez’s Justice in Action course were featured live on KQED shows as part of the KQED Youth Takeove r project . Check out all of the O’Dowd student-produced media .
O'Dowd is Tops!

We’re proud to announce that Bishop O'Dowd High School won "Best Private High School" in Oakland magazine's 2019 Best of Oakland and the East Bay annual readers' poll for the sixth consecutive year! This wasn’t a surprise to Fred Sunio ‘82 who commented on our Facebook post announcing the news, “Not much of a surprise. I knew this 40 years ago.” We agree with Fred - O’Dowd has been tops for a long time!




Past Parent Opens Door to People in Need

When Terrence McGrath read about a homeless couple who had been living on the streets for almost 10 years, he made a bold move - he invited them to share his Piedmont home. “I cannot avoid the responsibility I have to life around me. I have a personal obligation to take responsibility when I see injustices. And to me, this is a clear injustice,” he said.
Keeping YOU in the Loop

We are excited to include you in our monthly O’Dowd Online audience! Many of you have been receiving the weekly Wednesday e-newsletter, which has transitioned into a current student and family-focused communication filled with practical, time-sensitive information about activities that require action. Our monthly O’Dowd Online created for the broader O’Dowd community includes feature stories, campus and alumni news. If you decide you don’t want to receive both publications, it’s easy to change your preferences by clicking on the “update profile” link in the footer of the weekly e-newsletter. You will receive an email that allows you to change your interest category. Happy reading!
Campus News

  • From the Parade of Flags to the student performances, our beautiful Community in Diversity was on display at the Multicultural Assembly - Read more
  • Courtney Welch ‘05 gives keynote at ASB Nominating Convention - Read more
  • Superior Scholars Recognized - Read more
  • Students participate in Holocaust Study Tour - Read more
  • Economics students demonstrate financial mettle - Read more
  • Mission Drive raises $4,000 for Kiva - Read more
  • Band/Orchestra travels to Disneyland, participates in recording session and attends a master class - Read more
  • Class of 2023 welcomed to O'Dowd - Read more
  • Student-Athletes sign National Letters of Intent - Read more
Upcoming Events

  • Grand Reunion: Party on the Quad - May 18, 2019 - Get details
  • Alumni Summit - September 10, 2019
  • Alumni Beer Garden - October 18, 2019
  • Transforming Lives Dinner - November 7, 2019
Alumni News & Notes
Alum of the Month

As an O’Dowd student, Dominique Drakeford ’06 was greatly influenced by courses she took in Earth Science, AP Environmental Science and African American History, and inspired by the teachers of these courses – Tom Tyler , Jeff Beeby and Tony Green . Today an advocate for sustainable fashion and education, Drakeford says the marriage of these classes was a significant part of her career foundation.
Notes

  • Alumni Meet Up in New York City - Read more
  • Oakland A's Vice President of Stadium Operations David Rinetti '82 featured in New York Times article - Read more
  • Bassist and composer Amina Scott '12 to perform at the 2019 Jacksonville Jazz Festival, taking place on Memorial Day weekend - Read more
  • Alumni return to campus for Night at the Theater - Read more
  • "Real Jungle Tales," a children's book written by author Jesse Byrd '05, was awarded the 2018 Picture Book of the Year in London - Read more
  • Emma Shilliday '15 graduated from Belmont University in December with a degree in songwriting and now works for Epic Sound in New York - Read more
  • Cal basketball star Asha Thomas '15 a fiery competitor just like her brother - Read more
  • Fine artist Ryan Jones '99 creates large format paintings that are included in a number of prestigious private collections - Read more