Merrimack College - Merrimackan Yearbook (North Andover, MA)

Page 21 text:

DEDICATION As we conclude our college experiences we have come to treasure the many wonders of life. Let us take this time to look at the wonder of friendship. Where does one begin to define the gift of friendship? It appears as though it can never be fully expressed in mere words; a puzzling thought when you realize that life evolves around the ability to communicate. How then, is it possible to express heartfelt gratitude to an individual who has, without effort, opened himself to so many people in a myriad of ways bestowing in each of us a special gift of love? Easily we can recall the countless occasions he has dropped everything to offer words of comfort or provide a listening ear. Of course there are all the thoughtful deeds he quietly undertakes to make life a little simpler for all of us. Let us not forget the manner in which he allows us to realize that all the wonders that we seek are within ourselves. To continue describing the infinite actions of such an individual would be to err in the sense that they would make concrete the boundries of his unsurmountable dedication to life and especially to all of us here at Merrimack. Seeking nothing in return, he has further instilled in us the realization of life as a gift made beautiful through giving of ourselves. For these reasons, and so very many more, we are able to define the gift of friendship — you, Fr. Joe Gillin. It is our desire to express our appreciation to you thrpugh continued sharing and loving all those whom we encounter along life’s paths, and through the dedication of our yearbook, the Merrimackan 1983, to you. 17