Elms College - Elmata Yearbook (Chicopee, MA)

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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

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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.

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REVEREND THOMAS F. DEVINE Education With a depth of heartfelt understandng issu- ing from a wellspring of holy charity, our scho- larly psychologist quickly found a place in our hearts. His keen insight into, and affinity for analysis of educational problems and patterns have underlined the vital importance of a virtu- ous character. A wholesome influence,” he has told us, is the factor of prime importance in a teacher. How well he bears this statement out in his reassuring relationships with us! The near perpetually upturned corners of his mouth are but one of the clues which tell us of his inner joy and peace. His is the laughter of a mind and will made for Wisdom and of a soul steeped in Truth. And, because his very existence consists in a day- to-day sharing in that Life Divine — how fitting is his name. In the education classes, future teachers of America discover, besides the principles of peda- gogy, the best in devices, techniques, problems and actual practice of the modern classroom. t