Elms College - Elmata Yearbook (Chicopee, MA)

Page 29 text:

REVEREND ROGER L. VIAU Philosophy We of ’57 can’t help claiming a special kin- ship with Father; we were his introduction to the Elms, and he, ours to philosophy. Where else would one hope to find such down-to-earth in- formality coupled with a seemingly inexhaust- ible knowledge of the purest abstraction? En- couraging us always with his understanding smile, Father makes every piece of the mosaic of philosophy into a thrilling discovery. Armed with a formidable collection of notebooks and briefcases, he glances out the window for a brief second, and then divulges an Aristotelian gem, followed by the characteristic pause for our ges- ture of acknowledgment. We have so many re- membrances of Father Viau, and he will live forever in our fondest memories of O.L.E.

Page 28 text:

REVEREND ROBERT H. STAFFORD Philosophy How quickly we grasped the Thomistic The- ory of Prime Matter and Substantial Form so deply impressed upon our intellects by striking Vogue pastels! We never did find out what the last line is to O, ente mobile . . .”?? How can we forget those famous last words as he leaves us on our honor during exams — I ' m going downstairs to effect a substantial change! ” Room 12 so often took on the appearance of schema- decked blackboards with shades of red and green. Father is to be remembered for his patient ex- planations, unassuming wisdom, boyish airs and exceptional ability to bring his erudition within our scope. With just a bit of friendly persua- sion” Father would be escorted to the gym be- fore Proms or the smoker before vacation where his genialty continued to capture our hearts.

Page 30 text:

Whatever you do for the least of My brethren you do unto Me.” To this special service of God has Father truly dedicated his life, ministering to the less fortunate in His flock. His understanding and compassion for the weaknesses of human nature, the clear-sighted- ness of his guidance and his easy-flowing, char- acteristic humor, all blend, proportionate to the situation at hand. Father’s activities are a terrific combination of instructing in the classroom, escorting students through some rehabilitation center or institution, working with the aged at Beaven Kelly, counsel- ing at the marriage bureau, as well as helping with problems involving juvenile delinquency and adoption — to mention only a few! He is always busy — always interested — and always has a few minutes for someone else. No one phase of humanity completely captivates his energies. He is interested in the whole child — his spiritual, emotional and physical well-being. Parent-child relationships are very important. Wholesome teenage activities are of great con- cern. What can we do to make the golden age” a happy and purposeful one? This is Father O’Connor. History classes are informal group discussions where students’ thoughts are adroitly directed into the proper channels. The old axiom of His- tory repeats itself” is verified by the correlation of current events with the pages of bygone days. Wot Id kJe m 4 ofj Ike Week History