News for O'Dowd alumni, parents, and friends
Finding God in All Things
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Dear Dragon Community,
As we prepare to celebrate Catholic Schools Week 2025, I invite you to join us in reflecting on this year’s theme, “United in Faith and Community.” This theme beautifully captures the heart of Catholic education and the spirit of our mission here at O’Dowd.
Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration of the unique and transformative role Catholic schools play in shaping the minds, bodies, and spirits of young people. It is a time for us to honor the traditions that sustain us, the values that guide us, and this vibrant Dragon community - always empowering us to grow in faith and service.
This month, I have seen our students, faculty, and staff unite in faith and community to respond to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. In partnership with Catholic Charities USA, our school community raised more than $4,200 for dedicated humanitarian relief to assist the thousands of people who have been displaced and are suffering because of the fires. In the wake of this tragedy, it has been powerful to watch our students rise as thoughtful leaders and compassionate members of society.
Thank you to our alumni, parents, faculty/staff, and friends who continue to strengthen O’Dowd’s mission through your support and prayers. It is your commitment to O’Dowd that enables us to provide an education that not only prepares students for success but also calls them to lives of deep purpose. Each and every one of you are an integral part of the O’Dowd community. Together, united in values of love and service, we are shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
With gratitude,
President Kim Walsh
Bishop O’Dowd High School
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ATTENTION ALUMNI!
Join us for the Alumni Happy Hour on Wednesday, February 5, from 4:30-7:00pm in the Cummins Center. Tickets are $20 each and include snacks, beer/wine, and tickets to the boys and girls basketball games vs. Piedmont High School. Visit Alumni Happy Hour for tickets and more information. This is a 21+ event. Let’s show our #DragonPride! Questions? Contact Megan Cannon, Alumni Giving and Engagement Associate.
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CMT HOLDS FUNDRAISER TO SUPPORT LA FIRE RELIEF
In response to the fires in Southern California, our Campus Ministry Team held a special student fundraising campaign to support Catholic Charities of LA who are working to care for all those who have been displaced from their homes.
Lord, be with all those who have been affected by the fires in Southern California.
Lay your healing hands on them and allow the Holy Spirit to work through us so that all those in need may feel love and hope during this time. Amen
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DRAGON ALUM HONORED WITH TEACHER AWARD
The Diocese of Oakland has announced this year’s St. Francis de Sales Teacher Awards, which included Diane Songey Twomey ’71. She has been the middle school math teacher and religious coordinator at Corpus Christi School for 27 years, educating more than 900 students during her tenure. “I am humbled to receive this special recognition,” shares Diane. “I am blessed to serve the Corpus Christi community, where so many graduates go on to become O’Dowd Dragons!”
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HONORING GARY "MACE" MASON
Earlier this month, our faculty and staff gathered at the steps of Hurley Hall for a special dedication in honor of Gary "Mace" Mason, our former dean of students who passed away in 2023. We were honored to have Mr. Mason's family in attendance for the plaque dedication and blessing. Following his unexpected passing, we started the Gary & Debbie Mason Angel Fund Endowment, which has raised more than $325,000 in gifts and pledges. Support the Mason Angel Fund.
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DREAM A DREAM - FALL SHOWCASE DELIGHTS AUDIENCES
In December, our Cabaret Club hosted its fall showcase featuring music from the musical Les Miserables in the Erin Jaeb and Kelly Family Black Box Studio. Students rehearsed in preparation for the showcase throughout the fall semester, culminating in a spectacular event for family and friends to enjoy. "The showcases are a fun way to feature our incredible talent in an immersive environment, shares club president Keira Kennedy ’26."
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CRAB FEED TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY, JANUARY 27!
Parents, alumni, and friends are invited to our favorite event of the year - the 2025 Crab Feed & Auction! Join us on Saturday, March 15 at 5:00pm to celebrate and support our co-curricular programs and show our Dragon Pride. The evening includes games, raffles, all-you-can-eat crab, a live auction, and paddle raise! Tickets always sell out quickly! Be sure to look for the email on Monday with the link to purchase your tickets.
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YOUTH GROUP
Our Youth Group welcomes students to explore their spirituality and faith from a variety of perspectives. Each month focuses on a different theme, with activities ranging from reflections or hikes to games and discussions.
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FACULTY AND STAFF TAKE A HIKE AND GET CONNECTED
To kick off the new semester, faculty and staff grounded themselves in faith, nature, and hope. We embarked on pilgrimages across the beautiful East Bay to reflect, reconnect, and renew our sense of purpose as educators. These pilgrimages served as a reminder of the many blessings around us and the sacred duty we have in shaping the lives of our students.
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DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. SPOKEN WORD CELEBRATION
Earlier this month, our community gathered to celebrate the life and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s theme, “Freedom, the Soul of Dr. King” was celebrated through dance, poems, and spoken word.
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SERVICE LEARNING IN ACTION
Our students complete 100+ hours of service while attending O'Dowd, integrating classroom learning with community-based action and reflection. Over the break a group of 9th graders served at the Alameda Food Bank. Keep up the great work, Dragons!
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DR. KARL LAMPLEY ’89 is releasing his second book this month entitled A Black Theology of the American Empire.
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ALIYAH TURNER ’16 will be on STARZ Power Book III: Raising Kanan where she will be featured on 8 of 10 episodes this season.
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BEN HUNTINGTON ’20 started a new position as SOAR Coordinator at Park Center. The goal of the program is to support people in achieving stepping stones to permanent stable housing in their community.
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January
27 Crab Feed Tickets On Sale! - Look for an email with the ticket link
February
5 Alumni Happy Hour (4:30-7:00pm) - Purchase Tickets
7-16 Winter Production - "All My Sons" - Purchase Tickets
March
15 O' Dowd Crab Feed (6:00-9:00pm)
May
3 Alumni Reunion (2:00-7:00pm) - Purchase Tickets
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O'DOWD REUNION DAY - SATURDAY, MAY 3
We will celebrate milestones for the classes ending in 0s and 5s, with a special ceremony honoring the Class of 1975's 50th reunion and its first year into the Golden Era of celebrations, with a special invitation for classes 1955-75 to join us. The 50th will be followed by the reunion celebrations for the classes of 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020. This is a 21+ event. Purchase tickets.
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