Manhattanville College - Tower Yearbook (Purchase, NY)

Page 7 text:

JOHN G. O’HARA 731 Caudwell Ave. Bronx, N.Y.C. January 23, 1939 Reverend Mother Director College of The Sacred Heart, New York City. “Reverend and Dear Mother, When in New York this fall, the Very Reverend Edward B. Bunn, S.J., under whom I had taught for three years, knowing of my desire to obtain a position which offered greater chance for advancement than my present one, suggested that I write ‘Manhattanville.’ ” With these words, John G. O’Hara began his long and fruitful association with Manhattanville College. He was hired in September, 1939 as an Instructor in the Philosophy Department, and in 1941, he was appointed Assistant Professor of Philosophy. The year 1943 saw John O’Hara entering the military service as an enlisted man, where he was comissioned with the role of Clinical Psychologist. Returning to Manhattanville in 1946, he was appointed Assistant Professor of Psychology. He was now ready to a) promote a department of Psychology; b) prepare for marriage to Ethel Margaret Eckert; c) become Associate Professor of Psychology in 1947; d) think about finishing his Ph.D. at Fordham which he did in 1950; and e) prepare the Psychology Laboratories for moving to Purchase. In this last regard, he designed the laboratory room at Manhattanville which is still used today. In 1950, he was also promoted to Professor of Psychology and received tenure. Over the years, the Psychology Department grew away from its philosophic beginnings. Other psychologists appeared to disagree, argue, and agree with the courtly man whose strong opinions were always presented forcefully and honestly. In June 1978, John O’Hara became Professor Emeritis. On September 9, 1981, he was called to his last service. His family, friends, and colleagues honored him as a parent, teacher, scholar, and gentleman. Everett Delahantey TOWER Yearbook and the Class of 1982 would like to take this opportunity to give thanks to Professor John O’Hara because he was one of the many people who touched our lives and helped us to grow. 3