Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will be honored by The Catholic University of America, Washington, March 14, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary celebration of the dedication of Father O’Connell Hall.
Bishop O’Connell, who was both the 14th president of CUA and former canon law student there, will be feted during a reception and dinner hosted by what is known as the nation’s Catholic university. It will be a revisiting of the day, more than 10 years ago, when the Bishop was on hand to dedicate the refurbished hall in October of 2014.
The newly-renovated Father O’Connell Hall at CUA was dedicated Oct. 17, 2014 with Bishop O’Connell – the hall’s namesake – as the guest of honor. Photos by Ed Pfueller/The Catholic University of America
Built in 1914, the collegiate Gothic style building was refurbished and dedicated as Father O’Connell Hall recognizing the former president for his long history with the university. In the 1980s, the Bishop pursued studies in canon law and obtained a licentiate in 1987, and then a doctorate in canon law in 1990. In 1998, then-Father O’Connell was appointed the university’s president, a post he held for 12 years. His tenure as president ended upon his being named coadjutor Bishop of the Trenton Diocese by Pope Benedict XVI on June 4,
Father O’Connell Hall houses the offices of alumni relations, enrollment services and admissions. The building sits along Michigan Avenue on the largest college campus in Washington, D.C. The renovation undertaken a decade ago preserved the grandeur and heritage of the nearly 70,000-square-foot building, while incorporating modern design, materials and technology.
Anyone wishing to honor Bishop O’Connell on this occasion is invited to make a gift to the Father David M. O’Connell Endowed Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to undergraduate students in need. Donations may be placed through advance.catholic.edu/giving/to/oconnell.
For questions, email cua-events@cua.edu.