Presidents list  Archives' site index  Biography Index

    A native of Brooklyn , New York, Fr. Damian was born on December 26, 1928. he attended St. Joseph's Seraphic Seminary , Callicoon, NY from 1943 to 1948, and was received into the order in August, 1948, at St. Bonaventure Friary in Paterson, New Jersey. Fr. Damian pronounced his sacred vows on August 13, 1949.  He studied Philosophy at St. Stephen's Friary, Croghan , N.Y., and St. Anthony's Friary, Butler, N.J., from 1949 to 1951. His theological studies continued at Holy Name College, Washington, from 1951 to 1955. He was ordained a priest September 8, 1954.  From 1955 to 1957 he taught at St. Francis College, Rye Beach, NH and in 1957 he returned to Washington to study for a licentiate in Theology , which he received in 1958. Then he studied at the Gregorianum in Rome where he received a doctorate in Ecclesiastical History in 1961.  He then taught at Holy Name College, Washington until 1969. From 1968 to 1970 he was a regent at the Washington Theological seminary and chairman of the history department until 1971.  In 1972 the Board of Trustees elected him the 16th president of St. Bonaventure. His term began Jan. 1, 1973. 

    Fr. Damian served as president for three years. Upon completion of his term he told the board that he did not want to be considered for re-election. During his term, among other things, he was inducted as a member of the Seneca Indian Nation. He is remembered as being very close to the students and he initiated a Social Visit policy which caused a lot of controversy.  In addition Fr. Damian also guided the university through the Middle States Evaluation in October 1973, and made changes in the University By-laws.  These changes in the by-laws were made so that St. Bonaventure would qualify for the Bundy Aid. The institution had to extend the nine credit hour theology requirement to non-Catholics. In addition the Board of Trustees voted to drop the by-law mandating a Franciscan majority on the board. Bundy Aid is based on a number of factors including how many degrees ( bachelor's, masters, and doctorate's) are awarded by institution's annually and in 1975 St. Bonaventure was granted Bundy Aid.  Although his presidency was short he made lasting changes to St. Bonaventure University.  

Presidents list  Archives' site index  Biography Index

This page was created by Kevin Lawless as part of an internship during the Fall 2004 semester.  Any changes, other than minor editing, are noted at the bottom of the page.

Created 08/30/04 by Kevin Lawless
Last updated:  03/02/06