Archives
Home :: Presidents
:: O'Brien
Presidents
of the College of the Holy Cross:
Rev. John A. O'Brien, S.J.
Twenty-second President of Holy Cross
1948 - 1954
John
A. O'Brien was born in Chicopee, Massachusetts on May 22, 1897.
He attended Cathedral High School, Springfield, MA. He entered Holy
Cross College in 1914. Graduating in 1918 he entered the Society
of Jesus in Yonkers, NY. After classical and philosophical
studies at Woodstock College, MD, he taught English Literature at
Holy Cross from 1924 to 1927. He made his theological studies at
Weston College, Weston, MA where he was ordained a priest in 1930.
From 1933 to 1948 he taught Humanities and Philosophy
at Boston College. In 1948 he was appointed President of Holy Cross.
During his presidency he built the O'Neil Biology Building and two
dormitories, Lehy and Hanselman Halls. He also introduced the Air
Force R.O.T.C. in 1951.
Leaving Holy Cross in 1954, he taught Philosophy
at Fairfield University and subsequently at Boston College until
his sudden death on November 21, 1963.
back
to Presidents' page
|