News for O'Dowd alumni, parents, and friends
Finding God in All Things
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"KINSHIP WITH CREATION" CURRICULUM INSPIRES EDUCATORS ACROSS CALIFORNIA
Since the sixties, O’Dowd has been at the forefront of environmental activism. From our first Ecology Club, to the development of our 4-acre Living Lab and LEED Platinum Certified Center for Environmental Studies, the school’s commitment to kinship with creation has earned us national recognition as a Green Ribbon School. Now Michael Downs, Director of Justice and Kinship, is leading the California Catholic Conference’s Committee on Environmental Stewardship. Learn more.
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O'DOWD CENTER: TOPPING OFF CELEBRATION
Last week, the new O’Dowd Center reached an important milestone. The construction crew placed the roof’s final beam, while O’Dowd alumni, donors, and staff looked on and cheered. The beam was lovingly signed by students, faculty/staff, and families who contributed to build the Center. “It’s so exciting that next June we’ll be able to walk through the new Center together,” said President J.D. Childs. “We’re so grateful for everyone who gave to make this community dream a reality.” Watch the video!
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All Souls' Day, November 2, is an occasion of prayer and remembrance for our departed loved ones. We invite you to honor your deceased relatives and friends by sharing their names for Father Jim Sullivan to include in his prayers on this special day. Please submit names by October 28, including class year for deceased alumni.
Grant them eternal rest, o Lord,
And let perpetual light shine upon them. Rest in peace.
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DRAGON TO DRAGON: CAREER DAY LEADS TO LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Logging on to virtual Career Day last spring, Cordelia Kuiper Rauch ’22 and Gianna Galvan ’23 had no idea they were about to meet their new mentor and discover a new passion. But Elizabeth Leslie ’89, Communications and Partnerships Manager for the League of Women Voters of California, immediately drew Cordelia and Gianna in. Today they are leading voter registration on campus. Read the full story!
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DRAGON ALUM ANNOUNCED AS CEO OF CCB
Adam Briones '02 is the new CEO of California Community Builders, an organization that works to expand access to homeownership in communities of color. “While it’s somewhat overwhelming to think of the scale of the problems that we’re facing,” Adam says, “the racial wealth gap, climate change, ongoing threats to our basic civil rights, CCB’s staff and I are privileged to be able to stand up right now for what is just.” In his role, Adam will help create pathways out of poverty for families across California.
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YOU ARE INVITED TO THE 2021 TRANSFORMING LIVES DINNER
“O’Dowd has given me so many different opportunities, on campus and beyond. Every teacher believes so much in us, their students. It makes me want to take on more challenges and risks. And that’s the greatest gift. The chance to discover who I am.”
-Mary Lee ’22
Learn more about Mary and the importance of tuition assistance. Join us on November 4 at 7:00pm for this year’s virtual Transforming Lives Dinner! Sign up now!
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DRAGON NAMED NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP SEMIFINALIST
Toby Yegian ’22 qualified as a semifinalist for the National Merit Scholarship Competition! Toby is one of over 1.5 million students who entered by taking the 2020 PSAT/NMSQT. He will advance to the finals and compete against 15,000 students for 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $30 million. We are so proud of you, Toby! Go Dragons!
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ALL AMERICAN DRAGONS
Congratulations to Jonathan Schoenbelen '22, Fiona Corbett ’23, Sofia Corbett’23, and Harper Casey-Housand ’23 for being awarded Academic All Americans by USA Water Polo! These Dragons worked hard in the classroom and in the pool to receive this honor. Congratulations! We are so proud of you!
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DAY OF ACTION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
This month, our Eco Leaders and Solidarity in Action teams guided our entire community to take action for environmental justice. We learned how to advocate for local and national change, and heard from the West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project, the California Coastal Commission, East Oakland Collective, and Oakland Council member Treva Reid.
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MICHAEL ROCHE '85, an architect, was featured in the Napa Valley Register for his direct influence growing brands around the Bay Area and globally, including The Gap. He is the Chief Creative Officer at Decide & Company and the co-founder of Life and Branding, where he offers a diverse selection of design services.
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HANS RIEMER '90 is a current member of the Montgomery City Council and is now running for Montgomery County Executive on a platform for social and economic change. He is the founder of 2030 Center, a nonprofit organization that aims to save social security for Generation X.
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JOSE FERMOSO '98 is a reporter and a recent recipient of the Knight Wallace fellowship from the University of Michigan. His work focuses on the systemic causes of violence in Oakland’s streets.
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LAUREN SUGAYAN ’03 is the new Deputy City Manager of the City of Martinez. Lauren oversees economic development, community outreach, senior services, and recreation services for youth and families.
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KAAMIL AL-HASSAN '09 is the new Diversity and Inclusion Business Partner at Genentech. Prior to her new role, Kaamil has worked in education, non-profit organizations, and technology.
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A.J. ROBERT '13, writer and educator, published a new book "Prayers: Finding Power in Vulnerability." A.J. is an ordained minister and is currently pursuing his second master’s degree in Education from UC Berkeley.
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Upcoming Events
October
November
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TOGETHER WE ARE TRANSFORMING THE LIVES OF ALL STUDENTS
Join us from the comfort of your home on November 4 at 7:00pm to hear from distinguished alumni and students about the power of an O’Dowd education. Join us to ensure that all students can access the joys and experiences of O’Dowd.
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