Stonehill's Second Endowed Chair Announced

September 13, 2010

Dr. McDowell, who fondly remembers her time at Stonehill and with Fr. Hurley, is the Associate Dean and Senior Scientist in the Biology Department at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Woods Hole, MA. She also serves as the director of the Woods Hole Sea Grant Program. She received her bachelor's degree in biology from Stonehill in 1969 and her master's and doctorate degrees in zoology from the University of New Hampshire in 1971 and 1974, respectively.

"Fr. Hurley was tough and demanding but at the same time I always remember his smile. He had such a way of getting more and more out of his students," said Dr. McDowell.

Seidel, who is currently working towards his doctorate at the University Of New England School Of Osteopathic Medicine, was a part of one of the last classes of biology students taught by Fr. Hurley.

"It really takes a special person to move people in the way Fr. Hurley did," noted Seidel. "I'm so proud to be a graduate of Stonehill."

In his remarks, President Cregan spoke of the tremendous growth of the sciences at Stonehill, thanks in large part to Fr. Hurley's devotion.

"I want to thank Peg and Tom Vanderslice for their generosity in endowing this chair in honor of their brother and brother-in-law. I also want to thank all the members of the Hurley, Vanderslice and Burke families," said President Cregan.

In May of 2007, Fr. Hurley was named professor emeritus at the College. Since 1960, he helped students to master the complexities of biology, advised them on career paths, and assisted them in securing professional positions or acceptance into respected graduate programs.

At the dedication of the Shields Science Center in September last year, President Cregan hailed Fr. Hurley for his accomplishments as a teacher-mentor in the sciences. He also paid tribute to Fr. Hurley for his long-standing insistence that the College build a modern science center.

At the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Science Center in 2007, Fr. Hurley had the honor of removing the first scoop of dirt from the foundation.

To view a photo tribute to Fr. Hurley, visit here. 

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