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O'Dowd in Brief
News for O'Dowd alumni, parents, and friends

Finding God in All Things

September 2024

TRANSFORMING LIVES DINNER - TICKETS ON SALE

We are proud of our deep commitment to tuition assistance, which supports nearly one-third of our students. Each year, through the generosity of our parents, alumni, past parents, and sponsors, our Transforming Lives Dinner raises over $550,000 for O’Dowd Tuition Assistance. Together, we ensure all 1,250 students benefit from the experience of a campus community enriched with socio-economic diversity. Purchase tickets for the 2024 Transforming Lives Dinner today!

PHOTOGRAPHY STUDENTS FIND THEIR FOCUS

From using different types of cameras to experimenting with cyanotypes and drones, O’Dowd photography students are learning new skills from a variety of tools. As a cornerstone of our digital arts program, our photography class elevates students’ use of cameras to fine art. “This unique medium truly allows the artist to show the viewer the world through their eyes,” says Fine Arts Chair Briana Loewinsohn. “O'Dowd seeks to enhance their skills to meet their vision.” Read more.

ALUMNUS HELPS LAUNCH MOBILE CLINIC

Alec Bradbury ’13, a nurse practitioner at Celebrating Life Community Health Center, recently helped launch CalOptima’s new mobile health clinic on the streets of Costa Mesa. This street medicine program provides medical care to Costa Mesa’s unhoused community out of a fully equipped van that Alec operates. “Street medicine is imperative for our unhoused population to gain access to respectful medical, psychiatric, and substance use services by bringing those services directly to them,” reflects Alec.

CAMPUS MINISTRY TEAM LEADS THROUGH FAITH

Our Campus Ministry Team creates original skits for all-school liturgies, making God’s Word and the Catholic faith relatable to students. “The group works together to make scripture accessible and inclusive,” says Campus Ministry Director Ryan Dilag. The team thinks of a year-long theme to use during each liturgy’s skit, which is based on the Gospel reading of the Mass. This year’s skit theme is inspired by the 90’s slogan “WWJD - What Would Jesus Do?”

EXPANDING AP LANGUAGE OFFERINGS

This year, we introduced Advanced Placement Chinese Language & Culture to our World Languages curriculum. This college-level course helps students develop valuable academic and social skills through interactive projects, written assignments, and conversation simulations. “Students learn about Chinese customs, history, and art,” says teacher Fei Wang, adding that the course has a lifelong impact while preparing students for the AP Exam. Alongside AP Spanish and French, it completes our full offering of AP World Languages classes.

BUILDING STRONG TEAM CULTURES

On and off the field, our student-athletes and coaches are committed to creating a positive team culture. “Our coaches connect with players through one-on-one and small group meetings to foster trust and strong relationships,” says Associate Director of Athletics and Cross Country Coach Hillary Kigar. Teams are also working with Mental Skills Coach Ariana French to strengthen their mindset and team unity. View the fall season schedule and catch the action!

Campus News

BEST OF THE EAST BAY

We won Gold for “Best Private High School” by East Bay Express! We are continually honored by all who believe in our mission - inspiring students to build a more just, joyful, and sustainable world.

PRE-GAME WITH FR. LEO

Our Varsity Football Team held a special team Mass to kick off the 2024 season. Celebrant Father Leo Edgerly led prayer, asking for the team's health and safety. Quarterback Devin Wilson ’25 and tight end Evan Garrison ’25 were the readers during the special liturgy. The Dragons went on to defeat Tamalpais, 51-13.

CLUB FAIR

Our Quad was filled with 99 clubs, with students signing up throughout lunch. We are proud to celebrate the diverse interests, cultures, and identities that make up our community! 


Alumni News

JASEN POWELL ’90, Director of Medical Services / Head Athletic Trainer for the Los Angeles Clippers, was an athletic trainer for the United States Men’s Basketball National Team, supporting the team to win the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.


ELISE ZARRI ’11 earned her PhD in Wildlife Biology with an emphasis on avian ecology from the University of Montana in Missoula and is continuing to a postdoc with the Working Lands for Wildlife organization.

MAGGIE BAUTISTA ’19 graduated this spring from Columbia University with her master’s in Social Work with a specialty area in Leadership, Management and Entrepreneurialism for Equity, Inclusion and Diversity.

UPDATE YOUR ALUMNI PROFILE

Upcoming Events

September

21 Asian American Pacific Islander Family Day (1:00-3:00pm)

28 Latino Family Day (1:00-3:00pm)


October

5 Black Family Day (1:00-3:00pm)


November

14 Transforming Lives Dinner (6:00pm) Purchase Tickets

APPLY TO O'DOWD

Applications for 2025-2026 Admissions are now open! Find the school that excites you to learn, grow, and be challenged. At O'Dowd, we inspire the next generation of leaders to build a more just, joyful, and sustainable world. Applications are now open. Apply today!

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