Diocese establishes endowed scholarship in honor of retiring DeSales president

The Diocese of Allentown has announced establishment of the “Father Bernard F. O’Connor, OSFS, Scholarship Endowment.” The scholarship is in recognition of Father O’Connor’s achievements in his 18 years as President of DeSales University and his close relationship with the Bishops and the people of the Diocese. Father O’Connor is retiring at the end of June.

The scholarship will benefit incoming students at DeSales University who have graduated from one of the six Catholic high schools in the Diocese. Funding for the endowment will come from the Diocese of Allentown, which has pledged a $60,000 contribution.

The endowed scholarship was created at the behest of former Diocese of Allentown Bishop John Barres before he was transferred to the Diocese of Rockville Centre which he now leads. Diocese of Allentown Administrator Monsignor Alfred Schlert said, “The endowed scholarship is a wonderful way to honor Father O’Connor and at the same time benefit DeSales University and students at our Diocesan high schools.”

The Father Bernard O’Connor Scholarship Endowment was announced at the May 18th meeting of the DeSales University Board of Trustees.

Contact: Matt Kerr
              610-871-5200, Extension 265
            mkerr@allentowndiocese.org