Omaha daily bee., 1909-01-23
FAREWELL TO OLD TEACHER
Creighton Alumni Tender Banquet to
Father 0'Connor.
ASSIGNED TO ANOTHER FIELD
Former Project of Studies at Cniver
sity FeelinsIy Responds TO we'll
wishes and Praise of His
Former students.

-
Father NJ. j. o'Connor, who has resigned
from his position as project Of studies at
Creighton university to become an associate
editor OF the Messenger. a New York Catho-
lie paper, was paid glowing tributes and
compliments on his successful work in
Omaha by some of his former students
Thursday night. The occasion was an in
formal banquet at the Henshaw, about
forty alumni of Creighton university meet
ing to show their appreciation OF the de-
parting priest and say goodbye to him.
c. j. Smyth, one OF the first students to
enter Creighton university and a prominent
member of the alumni organization, which
Father O'Connor has made an important
and thriving association during his six
years in Omaha, acted as postmaster. A
number of well-known business and pro-
fessional men, besides many younger grad
yates OF the university, we're present, as
were also representatives of the various
departments Of the school and Fathers
Cannon and Dooley, the latter being Father
O'Connor's successor.
Among those who made brief informal
talks we're: j. NJ. Fitzgerald, 'O2; ]. A.
Bennewitz, 'O1; c. A. Dugdale. 80; J. A. c..
Kennedy, 81; Thomas Lynch, 'O4; Albert
Murphy, rs; w. A. Schall, 'O4; DR.. II. NJ.
Fitzgibbon. 'O4; ]. c.. Kinsler, 's2; w. A.
Callahan, 'o5; E. 7. Leary. 'O3; George II.
Merton, 'o4. and DR.. A. Hugh Nipple of the
Creighton Dental college.
Father William r. Dooley, who has been
on the faculty of the university for about
a year and who will succeed Father O'Con-
nor, spoke in high terms of his predeces-
sor's work and record, stating that it would
be hard to fill his place.
A. INo4hAz n'Tt----- $500. a.
being introduced by Mr.. smyth. every man
around the table rose to his feet and the
applause that greeted him was prolonged
and genuine.
Sorrow of Parting.
do not ask much of me on this occa-
sion" he began. for, although a Jesuit, I
have feelings as other men and this parting
with the ties and faces of our great in
s%tltution is no easy task. l am deeply
moved at the mere thought and can only
say that l shall always remember Creigh-
ton and her men and hope you will not
forget me altogether"
Though visibly affected, Father O'Connor
spoke more of the university and its in
fluence, future and men than of himself or
his own future.
God grant that all that is dear to the
old school be blessed he said fervently.
In the list of principles of the Jesuit
obedience stands out foremost and it is
obedience to orders that tears me away
from the associations that have surrounded
me for the last six years. In the 10y atty of
our boys we Jesuits find the reward that is
denied us in other forms and / hope that
the loyalty Of Creighton men, which 1 have
never known to have been excelled, will
continue just as it has so far. The oft
mentioned sweetness of the sorrow of part
ing lies with me in the knowledge that l
am leaving behind me a school about whose
students, alumni and future l have no mis-
givings."
AS Father O'Connor took his seat a
rousing Creighton cheer went up from
every throat and the gathering broke up
with the ~pledging of heartfelt appreciation
and regretful "goodbyes'' to him.