Loyola University Maryland - Evergreen / Green and Gray Yearbook (Baltimore, MD)

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8 THE LOYOLA ANNUAL the head of, I might say, any institution in the State of Mary- land. He entered on his duties in 1908 with the same zeal and foresight as he had the work of St. Ignatius’ Church. In 1909, the year following his installation as president, the number of students had greatly increased and it was doubled in 1910. During the last year there were over 300 students enrolled, the largest number in the history of Loyola. When Father Brady took up the direction of the College the Alumni Association had practically been disorganized and disrupted. In 1909 he sent out notices that there would be a general reunion, with the result that several hundred men who had not been inside of the College walls for years re- sponded. They were welcomed by Father Brady in his true, fatherly way and if there was a man present that evening who did not feel perfectly at home it was not the fault of good Father Brady, who endeavored to bring every one — from the oldest to the youngest man present — under the influence of his kindty words, and within the radiance of his smile. In 1910 another banquet was held, on which occasion Father Brady told of the great things planned for Loyola and with the co-operation of all the “old boys” he said those plans would be brought to a successful completion. He also spoke on true college spirit, the necessity of a college education in these days and urged the men of Loyola to take an active interest in everything that pertained to the welfare of the Church, State, City and Nation. On February 21, of this year, another banquet was held and Father Brady informed the diners that he wanted them to be “boys” for the evening and forget the cares of business in honoring their Alma Mater. Father Brady was revered by the students and former stu- dents of Loyola, and many, no doubt, can never be brought to

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THE LOYOLA ANNUAL 7 nobler things. After leaving the walls of Loyola as a student, one of the most delightful memories of my college days was the recollection of Father Brady. Every one — the members of the class of 1908, 1909, 1910 and present students and those who have since left Loyola without completing their course — recall how fond Father Brady was of the students ; he had naturally that liking for boys which is proper to some minds. Gently and adroitly, and without seeming to lecture, he often conveyed to the minds of his charges, especially in private conversations, the insinuating peril of conviviality and the wisdom of avoiding indulgence altogether. He also conveyed to the minds of the young men the necessity of living up to the ideals instilled into them by their Alma Mater. Kis personal manner was most charming, and among those who came to him for counsel in their troubles and perplexities were not only the young men and boys of Loyola College, but those who were engaged in work in offices, factories and in other pursuits. Some of the young men of our Alma Mater who went to him for counsel, talked to him long, consuming his time, but he had an unfailing patience and tact, and few went away unconsoled or hopeless. He was in every sense of the word a com.rade for the young m.en, and talks with him in his room over his cigar were always a cosy and delightful privilege. Of all the anecdotes and traits of character observed in Father Brady during the time that I knew him as a college president the leading element was self-sacrifice. This v as illustrated so often and in such a multitude of ways that spe- cific instances need not be brought to mind. His entire ad- ministration as head of Loyola was one period of self-sacrifice and during his entire incumbency he worked with a vim and spirits to give the college new life which has not characterized

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THE LOYOLA ANNUAL 9 realize the great loss to the College and the Church in Balti- more in his demise. He was first in everything that pertained to the college life of the boys and told them on many occasions that nothing pleased him more than to see that Loyola had won an athletic victory or that some “old Loyola boys” had received some mark of distinction in the world. I recall that on the Thursday before his death in the course of quite a protracted conversation with Father Brady when we were talking about the recent promotion to a high position of a Loyola graduate he remarked: “It certainly makes me feel good to hear that our boys are being recognized. They get a capital education here, and there is no reason why they should not go in for more big things than they do.” Apropos of this conversation I might add that “capital” was a favorite word with Father Brady and I recall numerous conversations with him in his room, in his study, college cor- ridors and on the street in which he used the word — “capital.” At the close of this conversation on the last Thursday even- ing of his life. Father Brady, in his true paternal manner, laid his right hand on my shoulder and said: “Frank, my boy, I havn’t seen you around here for some weeks. Now, why don’t you come around oftener. We are always glad to see you. The latch key is where you can get it. whenever you wish.” The delightful memories of Father Brady covering the period from his installation as president of Loyola until the very day of his tragic death — I was talking to him about 5 o’clock the very afternoon of the day on which he died — crowd upon me now, but I cannot allow myself to dwell on them. They are garnered in my heart, there to be tenderly treasured by the side of other similar sacred recollections. L. Frank O’Brien.