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.
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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