PAUL GRONDAHL

(August, 2010)

Hello:

My wife is planning a wonderful way to memorialize her father, John F. O'Donnell Esq., who died unexpectedly on July 5 at the age of 83.

Jack was one of the deepest thinkers and best-read people I've known. After retiring as a bill drafter from the Legislative Bill Drafting Commission, he became a continuing education student at The College of St. Rose. He took nearly all the philosophy and religious studies classes offered and never missed an opportunity to take a philosophy course with his favorite professor, Jeanne Wiley.

Over the course of 17 years, Jack completed 27 courses for a total of 82 credits. That was the most ever for an adult learner in the history of the college. At the time of his death, he and Prof. Wiley were engaged in an independent study on the writings of Thomas Merton.

To honor Jack's lifelong commitment to learning, we'll be creating the John F. O'Donnell Endowed Scholarship. We can send details if you're interested in contributing to it. Jack truly was a renaissance man and his loss is deeply felt, particularly at Saint Rose, where he spent so much time and inspired so many students with his quiet wisdom. Please send me an e-mail if you'd like to learn more or to make a contribution in Jack's memory.

It's hard to believe, but summer is almost over. We're looking forward to visiting my family in Tacoma, Wash. later this month.

And then, it's back to school for Caroline (10th grade at Guilderland H.S.) and Sam (junior year at Yale).

I begin my UAlbany class on Aug. 31. Where did summer go?

Let's savor what's left of this glorious season.

Take care,

Paul


FOR MY ACAS 150 STUDENTS, FOLLOW THIS SPACE FOR CLASS NOTES & ASSIGNMENTS.
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Enjoy your summer break. See you in the fall!

Paul Grondahl

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