Canisius Mourns Passing of Rev. Paul J. Dugan, SJ

by browkaa | May 13, 2019 | Faculty

Rev. Paul J. Dugan, S.J., longtime moderator of athletics at Canisius College, died Saturday (May 11) in Murray-Weigel Hall on the campus of Fordham University in the Bronx, N.Y. He was 95.

After teaching at Brooklyn Jesuit Prep, McQuaid Jesuit High School and Canisius High School, Dugan served as the athletic department’s moderator from 1970 through 2012, holding the position for 42 years.

“There is no person who made a more lasting impact on the lives of Canisius students, alumni and friends than Father Dugan,” Canisius Director of Athletics Bill Maher said. “Whether it was on the sideline, in the locker room or on the beach during a Canisius spring break, “Doogs” was always “Spreading the Joy” and we are all better for having him be a part of our Canisius experience. His spirit will forever be a part of Canisius athletics.”

Dugan started his collegiate education at Canisius College in the 1940s, but decided to pursue the priesthood and transferred to Woodstock College, a Jesuit seminary where he earned his B.A., M.A. and Ph.L.

Dugan was ordained at Fordham University on June 16, 1956. He taught at Brooklyn Jesuit Prep (1950-53), McQuaid Jesuit High School (1958-65) and Canisius High School (1965-70) before starting at Canisius College in 1970.

Dugan, or “Doogs” as he is commonly known at Canisius, attended countless Canisius sporting events, both home and way, where he would sit on the bench or stand on the sidelines with Golden Griffin athletic teams. He blessed teams before games, ending with his trademark phrase, “St. Peter Canisius,” and getting the response of “Pray for Us” from the student-athletes and coaches. When traveling on road trips, Dugan would also hold religious services for the athletic teams as well as serve as a counselor for student-athletes.

Dugan also has served as the public safety chaplain and alumni chaplain.

On Sept. 28, 2007, Eastwood Hall was renamed Dugan Hall at the request of the Montante family after a historic $5.1 million gift to the College. Throughout his time at Canisius, Dugan lived with the Canisius student body in Frisch Residence Hall while most Jesuits lived in Loyola Hall, the Jesuit residence.

Dugan instituted Last Chance Mass in the 1970s, which is held on Sunday nights on the Canisius campus as an alternative to morning Mass times. Dugan also opened the Mass of St. Ignatius Loyola to the entire campus community in the early 1990s, which was formerly held for the Jesuits in Loyola Hall.

Enshrined into the Canisius Sports Hall of Fame in 2000, the Athletic Department and the Office of Alumni Engagement presented the first Rev. Paul J. Dugan, SJ, Award in 2013 at the college’s annual Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The Rev. Paul J. Dugan, SJ, Award is presented to individuals who do not qualify for consideration into the Canisius Sports Hall of Fame but whose acts or efforts have significantly benefited Canisius athletics. Each award recipient is presented with their names on a special plaque in the Sports Hall of Fame exhibit in the front of the Koessler Athletic Center. On Jan. 24, 2010, the Athletic Department issued a commemorative Father Dugan bobblehead to celebrate his 40 years of service and dedication to the College’s varsity sports programs.

Funeral arrangements are pending for Father Dugan. Canisius will hold a memorial Mass in his honor at a later date. Details will be announced in The Dome.

Summer Hours Begin on May 20!

by browkaa | May 13, 2019 | Faculty

Summer hours will begin on Monday, May 20, 2019 and will end on Friday, August 16, 2019. College departments may adjust their hours of operation (based on department need) to 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a 30 minute lunch break.

As a reminder, the college will close at 1:00 p.m. on Fridays beginning from May 24 through Friday, August 2.

Please feel free to contact the Human Resources Department at Ext. 2240 with any questions.

Submitted by: Human Resources