Among the many Jesuits who have left their mark on Gonzaga, a name that comes up a lot from students during the mid 1950s and 60s was Fr. Anthony McHale, SJ, (1920-2006).

From 1955-1967, Fr. McHale was the revered headmaster of Gonzaga. When he passed in the Fall of 2006, it was clear from the notes of appreciation sent to the alumni office how special he was, and we share a portion of the remembrance from Glen Slocum '59 in S1E22.

Next up previous podcast guests (S1E19) Michael Dolan '68 and Paul Warren '68 share their recollections of Father McHale. But the main part of our visit this week, is with Bill Bennett '61. The former Secretary of Education has vivid memories of Father McHale. How did Bill sum up Fr. McHale, the man?  And how did Bill's interactions with Fr. McHale shape him into the public servant he became?

Bennett also shares fond memories of his time on Eye Street: the challenging course load, the legendary homework, (one memorable role in a play), sports and more.

After laboring at Gonzaga, everything academically for Bennett seemed easy, even Williams College, and Harvard Law School. Eye Street has changed a lot since the days of Headmaster Fr. Anthony McHale, SJ, and over sixty years ago, when a young Bill Bennett walked the halls, but McHale's impact still ripples today.

During our visit, I quote the June 1985 Washington Post series Elsa Walsh did on Gonzaga. If you would like to read more (including her quotes from Bennett about Fr. McHale) use this link.

Another student who was a contemporary of Bill Bennett was the late Pat Conroy. The prolific writer shared his encounters with Fr. Anthony McHale with such beautiful prose in his book "My Losing Season."

An excerpt from the book appeared in the Washington Post in December of 2002, that I was moved to read, find whole excerpt at this link.

As Gonzaga celebrates 200 years, God Bless the work done by Jesuits like Fr. Anthony McHale, and God Bless Gonzaga!

Feedback is always welcome... podcast@gonzaga.org

AMDG