2008 Woodie Awards
McDonald urges SJU support
Michael McDonald '08
Issue date: 1/31/07 Section: Opinion
To the students of Saint Joseph's University:
It is during these times of tragedy that our senses of sadness, anger, and confusion may be most heightened, but it is also these times in which our community becomes more unified, stronger, and closer-knit. The allegations that have been brought against Father Bradley are troubling; those of us who knew him both personally and professionally surely find the news most surprising and disturbing. I implore all of you who may have been affected by any misconduct to please get in touch with the Maryland Province as soon as possible so that they may better be able to ensure the full realization of justice for the victims.
Even if you did not experience any negative conduct, this news can certainly affect all of us in very unique yet equally serious ways. I know that the Counseling Center and the Campus Ministry staff are fully prepared to help you deal with all of your concerns - please take advantage of their services.
It may seem now that feelings of outrage and mistrust are natural (which they are), but I encourage us, as a community, to not lean on those feelings as crutches to carry us through this tragedy. The Jesuit community to which Father Bradley belonged and the staff and administration with whom he worked are surely equally jarred by these recent events, but it is the mission of those communities, let alone our whole University, to serve, to love, and to spread the noble ideals espoused by the Society of Jesus and the spirit, intellect, and purpose fostered by a Saint Joseph's University education. We must support each other in the days and weeks ahead, completely and unquestioningly stand in solidarity with the victims, and more than ever champion the virtues of this institution and community in order to overcome these upsetting times.
With pride in our school and community,
Michael McDonald
Student Body President
It is during these times of tragedy that our senses of sadness, anger, and confusion may be most heightened, but it is also these times in which our community becomes more unified, stronger, and closer-knit. The allegations that have been brought against Father Bradley are troubling; those of us who knew him both personally and professionally surely find the news most surprising and disturbing. I implore all of you who may have been affected by any misconduct to please get in touch with the Maryland Province as soon as possible so that they may better be able to ensure the full realization of justice for the victims.
Even if you did not experience any negative conduct, this news can certainly affect all of us in very unique yet equally serious ways. I know that the Counseling Center and the Campus Ministry staff are fully prepared to help you deal with all of your concerns - please take advantage of their services.
It may seem now that feelings of outrage and mistrust are natural (which they are), but I encourage us, as a community, to not lean on those feelings as crutches to carry us through this tragedy. The Jesuit community to which Father Bradley belonged and the staff and administration with whom he worked are surely equally jarred by these recent events, but it is the mission of those communities, let alone our whole University, to serve, to love, and to spread the noble ideals espoused by the Society of Jesus and the spirit, intellect, and purpose fostered by a Saint Joseph's University education. We must support each other in the days and weeks ahead, completely and unquestioningly stand in solidarity with the victims, and more than ever champion the virtues of this institution and community in order to overcome these upsetting times.
With pride in our school and community,
Michael McDonald
Student Body President
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