To receive Reverend Philip A. Smith, O.P. Award

The Reverend Philip A. Smith, O.P. Award will be bestowed on Brother Kevin O’Connell, O.P., associate director of financial aid and moderator of the Friars Club, on Saturday, June 4, during Reunion Weekend 2005.

Brother O’Connell, who will be the award’s second recipient, will be honored during an evening program, “Dinner Under the Stars,” on the East Campus quadrangle.

The Reverend Philip A. Smith, O.P. Award was established in 2003 by Paul and Michele Hoffmann ’02P & ’06P, co-chairs of Parents for Providence. Named in honor of the College president, whose 11-year service ends on June 30, the award recognizes an alumnus or alumna, parent, student, friend, or member of the faculty or staff whose contributions have made a significant impact in furthering the mission of Providence College.

The first recipient was Mark Rapoza ’90SCE, director of capital projects and facilities planning, who was honored in November 2003.

Brother O’Connell began his work at the College in 1975 as assistant director of financial aid. In 1989, he was promoted to associate director. As associate director, he is responsible for the donor scholarship program and helps to administer the Balfour Center for Multicultural Affairs’ Martin Luther King Scholarship Program.

A native of New Haven, Conn., he is a member of the College’s Financial Aid Scholarship Advisory Committee and serves as a liaison for local diocesan seminarians regarding matters of financial aid. In the past, he has helped lead workshops at the College in which he discussed financial aid and the college search process with prospective students.

Brother O’Connell has been the moderator of the Friars Club since 1990. During his 30 years of service to the College, he has served as moderator of the men’s and women’s rugby club teams and the former club football team; was a residence hall director for nearly 20 years; and was the proud caretaker of the late Friar Boy V, the College’s beloved Dalmatian mascot.

Brother O’Connell, who professed his solemn vows in the Dominican Order on March 1, 1955, celebrated his 50th anniversary in the Order during a Mass and reception at the College on April 16.