Message from Interim President Timothy J. Houlihan
Interim President Timothy J. Houlihan speaking at Spring Commencement, May 24 at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Working with President Brendan Dugan for his entire term was an honor and a privilege. He taught
me many lessons from my view as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost; about leadership,
about relationships, and perhaps most importantly, about humility.
I
t is with mixed emotions that I stepped into my new role
as Interim President of St. Francis College. It was definitely
not my first choice of responsibilities for the year. Like
many of you, I would much rather still be learning from Brendan.
What has made it just a little easier over the past six months
is the support of the faculty, students, and staff who are now
working even harder to honor his memory; to make him proud
and to see through all the exciting changes for which Brendan
laid the foundation.
As I stood on stage at Spring Commencement at Brooklyn
Bridge Park this May, I realized that we were there because it
was his dream, a beautiful, memorable gift to the graduates.
I reminded them of his extraordinary accomplishments, in banking
and as the 18th President of his and their alma mater.
Brendan was proud to be a Terrier. As with many of our current
students he worked while attending classes, balancing a job with
studies and family life. He would often remark that he enjoyed
both the benefits and challenges of a Franciscan education.
Over his forty years in banking President Dugan never forgot
where he came from, still just a humble Irish Catholic kid from
South Brooklyn. He also had great respect and admiration for the
Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, the Order who educated him
throughout most of his life. The values instilled by the Brothers
were always at the forefront of President Dugan’s decision making
throughout his banking career and as president of the college.
And like so many students today, Brendan saw the College as
a second home. He saw our community as an extension of his
family and worked to create a friendly, caring and compassionate
atmosphere on campus.
Looking out at almost 400 graduates, I told them to use those
lessons as a guide to being successful, to remember President
Dugan and remember his call to arms; that by being true to their
Franciscan values they will create friendly and compassionate
relationships wherever their lives may lead them.
As I continue serving St. Francis College, now standing in his
shoes, it is my goal, too.
Sincerely,
Timothy J. Houlihan
Interim President
ST. FRANCIS COLLEGE TERRIER | SUMMER 2017 | 1