December 20, 2023
Lives we lost in 2023
As the year comes to a close, let’s take a moment to celebrate the lives of all members of the Providence College community who died in 2023, including these faculty, staff, and alumni:
Most Rev. Ernest Bertrand Boland, O.P. ’52, ’84Hon.
Most Rev. Ernest Bertrand Boland, O.P. ’52, ’84Hon. was bishop emeritus of Multan, Pakistan, as well as the longest-serving bishop within the Order of Preachers.
He was a missionary in Pakistan for 34 years, beginning with his assignment in 1957. He served in the Army in World War II and joined the pre-ecclesiastical program at PC in 1946.
Col. John V. Brennan ’59
Col. John V. Brennan ’59 was the first White House Marine military aide in presidential history. After serving with the Marine Corps in Vietnam and earning both a Purple Heart and Bronze Star, he was appointed a military aide to President Nixon. Among his duties was handling “the football” — the president’s authorization codes for nuclear missiles in the event of war. Perhaps most famously, Col. Brennan negotiated the terms for the Nixon Interviews with journalist David Frost in 1977.
Col. Brennan donated his archives to the college’s Archives and Special Collections in Phillips Memorial Library, featuring memorabilia, photographs, and his oral histories of major figures and foreign affairs initiatives during his tenure. [Full collection guide]
Col. Gerald F. Dillon ’68, ’74G
Col. Gerald F. Dillon ’68, ’74G spent more than 30 years in the military on active duty. He earned some of our nation’s highest awards for valor, including two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars, and the Purple Heart. He served on the faculty at PC, the US Military Academy (West Point), and the Naval War College.
Learn about the Dillon family and its commitment to service to their country in the Fall 2018 issue of Providence College Magazine.
Mary Garvey, longtime Theology staff member
Mary Garvey, an administrative assistant in the Department of Theology, retired in 2017 after four decades of service to PC.
William P. Haas, Ph.D. ’48, eighth president of Providence College
William P. Haas, Ph.D. ’48 was president of Providence College from 1965-1971, guiding the college through the tumultuous era of civil rights, student rights, the escalating conflict in Vietnam, and finally, the decision to enroll women in 1971. He taught philosophy and was an artist and sculptor. Learn about the Haas years in this essay by Mario DiNunzio, Ph.D. ’57, ’22Hon., professor emeritus of history, that was published in the Fall 2023 issue of Providence College Magazine.
Josephine “Jobie” Hereford ’23
Josephine “Jobie” Hereford ’23 was a women’s and gender studies major who began her studies at Providence College in September 2019. The diagnosis of a brain tumor in June 2021 and an ensuing year of surgeries, radiation, medication, and rehabilitation caused her to miss her junior year, but she returned to campus in August 2022.
Rev. William Holt, O.P. ’72
Father Holt, who was a priest for nearly half a century, was featured on Humans of New York in 2022. Afterward, he shared his perspective on why he became a Dominican, the pursuit of happiness, and the power of silence with America Magazine.
Brian Maher ’68, ’18Hon., former National Alumni Association president
Since 2009, Brian Maher ’68, ’18Hon. sent a weekly email to 400 subscribers, communicating the prayer intentions of classmates and friends. His ties to the college will continue with the establishment of a scholarship in his name benefiting Catholic students from the New York City boroughs.
Read a reflection on service that he wrote for the Fall 2022 issue of Providence College Magazine.
Rev. Paul Seaver, O.P., retired theology professor
Rev. Paul Seaver, O.P. taught theology in the Honors Program for decades. He was a voracious reader across a spectrum of subjects, including history, literature, philosophy, theology, and current events, including politics and economics. He took great delight in sharing his knowledge with his students in the classroom. His positive influence in the lives of many young people was significant and enduring.
Nicholas Sofios, Ph.D., retired professor of sociology
A educator for more than three decades, Dr. Sofios served as director of sociology and chair of the department from 1982-1984.
