65 Years Later, He Is Still Impacted by Benedictine

His decision to transfer to Benedictine College transformed his life and he will tell you that he is still impacted by the decision 65 years later.

Meet Tom O’Donnell, a 1959 graduate. Growing up in Chicago, he originally attended the University of Illinois, but was persuaded to become a Raven as he followed Joan Carmichael, his late wife, to the small town of Atchison, Kansas, where she was enrolled at Mount St. Scholastica College.

“Look to a person who didn’t come from wealth but was trying to better himself from where he came,” he said of his Benedictine College story.

Tom began his time as a Raven in 1957 as a Biology major and was immersed in the culture of the Benedictine order of what was then known as St. Benedict’s College, an all-male school. Welcomed by fellow peers and professors, he became accustomed to the small-town environment. While working part-time to pay for expenses, Tom began to participate in campus life, joining the German Club, Off-Campus Club, and the Raven Theatre Guild. He balanced school life and communal life with ease.

Tom graduated from St. Benedict’s in 1959 and Joan graduated the next year from Mount St. Scholastica. The two married and raised three children together — Tom, Mike, and Marie — while living back in Chicago. Tragically, Joan passed away at a young age, leaving Tom as a single father to the children in the 1960s while they were still very young. Despite the hardships of being a single parent, he managed the responsibility to raise his children well, helped by his deeply held faith.

“The Lord was watching over me,” Tom said.

Being the natural caregiver and provider of the household, Tom faced adversity and needed to provide for his children in different ways. At times he worked multiple jobs, or positioned himself differently to help his developing family.

“I’ve worked two jobs at times for my kids,” he said. “I was a social worker in Chicago, a teacher, and a plumber. I’ve always enjoyed and been interested in talking with people, so things worked out.”

He eventually became an officer with the Chicago Police Department. He was a policeman for 40 years, rising to the rank of sergeant. Tom says he took what he learned from Benedictine, which equipped him to lead his family in a faithful manner. Tom eventually fell in love again. He and his current wife, Marianne, have now been married for 53 years. They had two additional children together, Jennifer and Dan.

All the while, Tom had made a priority to stay connected to the Benedictine community. For his 65th anniversary of graduation, he attended the annual Raven Reunion, a gathering held by Benedictine College to celebrate past alumni and to revitalize connection with fellow graduates. During this event, President of Benedictine College Stephen D. Minnis addressed the alumni in a speech speaking on the influence that these past graduates possess.

“You are the unbelievable leaders and people our students are trying to emulate,” President Minnis stated. Moments later, Tom was acknowledged for dedication to Benedictine for the past 65 years and for the compassionate leadership skills he displayed throughout his life. Another 1959 grad, Tom Carey (pictured above with O’Donnell), was also in attendance at the reunion and was recognized at the Golden Raven Banquet.

Tom said he is consistently in communication with both staff and students on campus as he remains active in the community.

Kelly Elias, the Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Advancement, is one of the people he talks to regularly and she spoke about his legacy at Benedictine.

“He loves Benedictine,” Elias said. “I have conversations with Tom every once in a while. In my conversations with him, we speak of his time at St. Benedict’s. We talk about the people that attended here, as he asks for old photographs. He’s a memorable character.”

Tom’s story points back to his time at Benedictine. Being a transfer student, he experienced the difference in education at two institutions and enjoyed the focus on community, faith and scholarship which continues today. That focus helped him establish a firm foundation to live a good life and take care of his children during a difficult time. Because of this, Tom continues to be involved in the college today at 87 years of age.

He said that his life is a demonstration that Benedictine College is a place of true inspiration and attention to community, faith and scholarship will not fail you. He still encourages students to embrace all the possibilities Benedictine has to offer.

He shared words of advice for today’s Ravens: “Study hard, graduate, and accomplish what you set out to do.”

By Emma R.C. Lyons