Remembering Brendan J . Dugan ’ 68
In Their Own Words
When President Dugan passed , there was a massive outpouring of thoughts and remembrances from friends , family , colleagues , and the St . Francis College community . Here are just some of their words .
When you think of Brooklyn , when you think of business , when you think of St . Francis College , you certainly think of Brendan Dugan .
”
Kenneth D . Daly ’ 88 President , National Grid New York
Brendan ’ s parish family of St . Mary Star of the Sea was blessed by his drive and determination to continually help strengthen and better his Church . Brendan was so much more than just a Parish Trustee … he knew the history of our parish and identified what was possible for us to achieve . Our new five-million-dollar Parish Center would never have even been attempted without Brendan ’ s vision , financial acumen , and guidance . Brendan recognized that we needed the Center , needed that space , to begin again a Religious Education program for our children to build their faith .
”
Fr . Chris Cashman , Pastor , St . Mary Star of the Sea Parish
When I was a high school senior , I was overwhelmed when trying to pick a college to go to . I had been to many open houses at other colleges and left all of them unimpressed . In October 2011 , I decided to go to the SFC open house . I first walked into the Callahan Center not sure where to go , when this gentleman approached me and welcomed me to the college . We had a nice conversation about my high school academic career and he told me about the programs the college offered . The gentleman I spoke to did not have a name tag on . I just remembered how genuinely nice , warm , and welcoming this man was ; I hadn ’ t really met anyone like that at the other colleges I had visited prior to visiting SFC . I had assumed this gentleman was just a recruiter or faculty member and moved on . When I went on the school tour later that day , I was handed a brochure . When I opened it , I saw the gentleman I spoke to on the back of the brochure ! I was stunned ; I couldn ’ t believe that the college president just spent all of this time getting to know me in the Callahan Center . At that exact moment , I knew that I had found my home for the next four years . When many people think of a college president , they think of someone who is rarely seen and never meets with students . That was not President Dugan . This man genuinely cared about this college , its students , and faculty members . He was very active in this college and was always willing to spend time with the students and faculty . President Dugan truly embodied the Franciscan Spirit . I want to personally thank President Dugan for not just spending time with me that day , but also for leading incredible fundraising efforts for scholarships at this college .
” Michael O ’ Halloran ’ 16
A man of wisdom , strength and faith — a strong and gentle leader who will be deeply missed .
” Marilyn Gelber ,
President Emerita , Brooklyn Community Foundation
I first met Brendan when I was graduating from SFC as an accounting major . I had interned at one of the large CPA firms but quickly discovered that it was not for me . Brendan was a senior officer at National Westminster Bank and he got me into the NatWest credit training program . Twenty-nine years later I am still in banking and still love what I do , so thank you Brendan , it was a privilege to know you .
”
Josephine Savastano ’ 87 , Regional Vice President , Wells Fargo Bank , N . A .
4 | ST . FRANCIS COLLEGE TERRIER | SUMMER 2017