Evening star., 1943-12-09
300 Here Pay Tribute
To Msgr. Mccormick
In Testimonial Dinner
FocuIty, Alumni Gather
To Honor New Rector
Of Catholic University

More than 300 Catholic laymen
and clergy of Washington paid trib-
ute last night to the RI Rev. Msgr
Patrick j. Mccormick, newly ap-
pointed rector of Catholic Univer-
sity-the first graduate of the uni
versity to be elevated to that post
in testimonial dinner held in the
Statler Hotel
The affair was sponsored bv the
faculty. alumni and alumnae and
was held on the Feast of the Imma
culate Conception. the patronaI
feast Of the university, and the
54th anniversary of the university s
founding.
Guests included Senator Mead
Democrat. of New York; the Most
Rev. John M Mcnamara. auxiliary
bishop of Baltimore and Washing
/ ton. and DR.. A. B. Portof. dean OF
religion at American University.
Speaks for Clerical Alumni.
Speaking on behalf of the faculty
and the clerical alumni, the Very
Rev. Ignatius Smith, o. P. of the
class Of 1915, declared that the new
rector for half a century has worked
unSelfiShlv for the university and
because he understands the school.
he will lead us to new heights"
I'VE are proud that the rector has
been chosen from the ranks of the
clerical alumni" Father Smith de-
clared, adding that MSgr. McCor-
mick will rule we'll if for no other
reason than he has served the uni
verSity loyalty He concluded with
we pledge you our self sacrificing
cooperation
Bernard Locraft class of 1925,
treasurer of the Washington alumni
chapter, stressed that Msgr. McCor-
mick had been most sympathetic
to alumni activities and that all held
him in great respect. He extended
sincere good wishes for success
full administration on behalf OF
both the alumni and alumnae,
Grateful for Tributes.
In reply, Msgr Mccormick said
he accepted with deep gratitude the
tributes to the Office which I now
hold. Commenting that the univer-
sity was working overtime" he saio
there were now more than 1900 stu.
dents, 500 of them men in the
Army's Specialized Training Pro-
gram. He particularly praised this
group, saying they had brought an
inspiring influence to the univer-
sity."
! He promised a return OF more
competitive sports after the wal
and commented that Il do hope to
see days in the future when the
stadium will be crowded again"
United States Attorney Edward
M. Curran, class of 1927, served as
toastmaster. The welcome address
was delivered by Vincent L. Toomey
class of 1909. chairman of the BAN
quet committee, and Andrew P. Ma
loney, class of 1923, president of the
national alumni group, extended
greetings.
Bishop Mcnamara gave the grace.
Among those at the head table were
Hugh r. FLYNN, class of 1888, presi-
dent of the Washington alumni
chapter; the Rev. P. J. O'Connor
class of 1924, university director of
the alumni association; Maj. Ed
ward F. Quinn, commandant of the
Army training unit at the univer-
slty; DR.. Roy j. Deferrari, secre-
tary general of the university; the
Rt. Rev. Edward B. Jordan, vice
rector; the Very Rev. Paul A. Nc
Nally, vice rector of GEORGETOWN
University; 1t. Col. John Saul. uni
verSity trustee: the Rev. James J
Magner, procurator: Miss Miriam
Hartnett, class of 1899, president of
the Washington alumnae chapter.
ana Norbert L. Behrendt, class of
1898, executive secretary of the asso-
ciation.