My own favorite recollections of Bob Drinan come from my first years at Georgetown.  My whole family came to the Law Center the day of my professorial inauguration, including my two children, ages 12 and 9, who sat through several hours of events that bored them silly.  At lunch, Bob sat down next to Rachel, the squirmy nine-year-old, charmed her, and then occupied her for half an hour of deeply competitive tic-tac-toe.  Needless to say, he earned her parents' heartfelt gratitude.  A year later, when Rachel visited me at work, Bob invited her into his office and had a serious talk with her about politics and religion – then gave her an offprint of a law review article he had written on RFRA.  Rachel (who had a keen sense of when adults were taking her seriously) was thrilled by the conversation and deeply proud that Bob had given her his article.  For a couple of years afterward, Bob would stop me in the hallway and ask, with mock concern, "Are you still feeding Rachel enough?"

- Professor David Luban

Georgetown University Law Center

 

Father Drinan has been my office next door neighbor for 12 years and my colleague in legal ethics and social justice for much, much longer.... Every morning he would come to my office for a hug and a question, "Carrie, do have any good news for the Democrats?" (my husband is a democratic pollster) and we would either sigh when things were bad or grin when something good was happening.  Every single day.......In recent months Father Drinan felt ever more fragile when I hugged him so I knew this time would come...he would often say to me "every day over 80 is gravy from God" so I know he was ready to meet his Maker....but I am not ready to say good-bye to the corporeal form of a being who inspired me and so many others every day...Here in  our little "neighborhood" of the 4th floor corner of the Georgetown Law Center, we cannot imagine that Father Drinan will not come striding into his and our offices with reports of his human rights activities, announcements of a new book, a present for our children or family members, and declamations about the good of the country and  the world. When there was important political news breaking I would watch with Father Drinan on his TV and we would speculate about what would happen next...For those of us who came in on week-ends, Father Drinan was always there....for personal, spiritual,  educational or political conversation.  I used to ask Father Drinan if he would speak at my funeral (as he presided over so many spiritual and educational events for our institution and for us personally)--it was my hope that he would go on longer than all of us who were much younger.....Many of our colleagues called Father Drinan Bob--to me he was always Father----As the daughter of a Catholic and a Jew, who was herself raised in a secular faith, Ethical Culture, Father Drinan was my priest and spiritual leader--he combined care for the whole world, with care for each and every creature in it..He was political, caring about doing right and justice, spiritual, moral and fun....Mostly, he was a constant presence of committed goodness, for humankind, for the American dream of social justice, for a world free from want and injustice, and for our institution. Although Georgetown will never be the same without him....here in our little corner of the world, his presence will be with us forever.  I know that, with a smile on his face and a hope we will continue his good works, he will be watching over us...Let us dedicate ourselves to continuing his good works...

- Professor Carrie Menkel-Meadow

Georgetown University Law Center

I will miss Fr. Drinan's smiley face!  Often I saw him in the cafeteria, with just a "little healthy" food on a plate, but he always used a tray!!  We walked together to the elevator, and he used those few minutes to discuss the latest news about my country (Afghanistan).  I have never had any opportunity to have a close working relationship with Fr. Drinan, but what impressed me was that he always remembered my name "a non-American name," Laili. 

- Laili Safa

Georgetown University Law Center

 

Father Drinan was an extraordinary human being.  My first memories of him are from my childhood: He was my Congressman while I was growing up in Massachusetts, and a deeply beloved figure in Newton, a city which he represented and in which I lived.  While I was in elementary school and Father Drinan was running for re-election, I made a large “Drinan” sign and hung it out a classroom window on Election Day, though it was taken down because it was too close to the polling place in the school gymnasium.  I met him only much later, when I joined the faculty at Georgetown, where I had the extraordinary privilege of serving as his colleague, and the deeper honor of considering him a friend. 

In person, he was more than a match for his reputation.  Bob was remarkable for his humanity.  When meeting someone new, his questions would always turn to the person’s family: their parents, their children, their spouse or significant other.  He would always ask about loved ones, remembering casual remarks from conversations months before.  In this, you could see that, while he was a lawyer, politician, and activist, he was, first, a priest, a pastor in the best sense of that word.

Father Drinan was a great friend of ACS, from the very moment it was launched at Georgetown in 1999 when it was called the Madison Society.  He was a speaker at ACS events and a supporter of its mission.  He would often greet me in one of the hallways at Georgetown, calling out “Mr. Madison” in his booming voice, and inquiring about the Society’s progress.  His passion for justice and his work seeking recognition and respect for the essential dignity of every human being was unflagging.  His voice will be deeply missed.  His presence will be missed even more.

- Professor Peter Rubin

Georgetown University Law Center

 

I am distraught this morning, contemplating the loss not just of a great man but my next door neighbor at work. While I knew about the aspects of his life that made him an iconic figure for justice and human rights, I knew "Father Bob" mostly as the person who brightened my day when I came to work. I experienced first hand his pastoral care for ten years as we shared a wall at work. His door was always open, mine always partially closed. He never let me get away with that, always stepping in to see how I was, asking about my family, my father, husband, the book or article I was writing. My first year at Georgetown Law, he overheard me whining about being without a sweetheart yet again on Valentines Day, he produced a heartshaped box of chocolates for me, smiling devilishly he said, "Just don't tell the Pope." I will treasure his friendship the rest of my life, and try to emulate his goodness as best I can. More than anything I will remember that a few weeks before he died, he visited my newborn premature twins at the hospital, entreating God to watch over them, impressing the NICU nurses with my sons' good connections. He called me at home several times to be sure the family was doing well. A week before he died I came into the office, frenetic as usual. Little did I know that when Father Bob stepped in with his typical good cheer, gentle smile and query as to how I was, that this would be our last conversation. I am happy for him that he was able to live such a vital and giving life, on his terms, until God was ready to call him to rest. I will miss him terribly.

- Professor Sheryll Cashin

Georgetown University Law Center

 

Lord, hear our prayers; in Your mercy, bring us to Your place of peace and light the soul of Fr. Drinan, whom You have summoned from this world. Call him to be numbered in the fellowship of Your saints. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

- Lan Hoang

Georgetown University Law Center

 

Many years ago, as an intern on Capitol Hill, I met this wonderful man named Father Drinan…. It was the Watergate era … and the Hill was an amazing place to be someone in their twenties……..

Father Drinan was always friendly, outspoken and never refused to answer questions from the “young” adults.  It was wonderful to have someone so open and thoughtful around during those politically moving times.

Years later when I started working on the travel for the Law Center a phone call came in for flights to Boston from Father Drinan….and after several minutes of conversation I was truly shocked that he remembered our conversations on the Hill many many years earlier (1973-74)….

Father Drinan will be missed by many for his wonderful personality and his political and religious savvy….. and I feel honored to have met him.

- Vivianne Pommier

President, West End Travel

 

I will always remember Father Drinan as a soul who always cared about others more than himself.  He felt he always had to get to either this class or to this conference and that.  I will always remember this man’s spirit and energy which constantly showed no matter where he was going.  Godspeed Father Drinan – you’re finally on your way home.

-Robert Simms

Georgetown University Law Center

 

Although Bob Drinan became a full-time-and-then-some law professor, he was an active participant in Former Members of Congress, and Congressional traditions always resided within him. He and I served on a faculty committee together in the early 1980s. I was trying to persuade the committee to recommend something about which I was passionate, though now I can no longer recall what that burning issue was. To my surprise, Professor Drinan spoke against my proposal. Counting votes, I saw that with Drinan against me, I was likely to lose. But having taught Congressional procedure, and aware that the issue was one about which he cared less than I did, I knew what to do. I slipped him a note that said, “Bob, I need you on this one.” Congressman Drinan glanced at it and folded into his pocket. Within minutes, he changed his view and supported my proposal, which the Committee then approved.

Notwithstanding his antiwar sympathies, Bob was fond of my son Sam, who has always loved guns and who joined the Air Force at the age of 17. Bob delivered one of the most important traditional Jewish prayers at Sam’s bar mitzvah and frequently asked about him. And Sam was not alone: this truly remarkable man had a personal relationship with many of the children of his colleagues.

-Professor Philip Schrag

Georgetown University Law Center

 

I never knew a more tireless and committed teacher.  Anyone who took Constitutional Law with Father Drinan will remember how he always came to class with the original, full text of the cases we were studying that day - - that meant that instead of just bringing our text book containing all the abridged cases, he brought a US Reports volume for each case.  Often we might have been studying 8 cases in a day so he brought them in on a luggage cart. I was so moved that he would expend all of that energy on teaching us.   One night, I just did not have the energy to read all of the (abridged) cases required for the next day even though I was the student "on-call" for the class.  I decided that I would call him in his office and leave him a voicemail message with some lame (untrue) excuse like I was not feeling well so that I could get out of my "on-call" status.  He was so kind, that I expected that he probably would accept the excuse without a question.  But when I called (around 9:30 pm), he shocked me by answering the telephone.  When I expressed my surprise that he was in his office at the late hour, he said that he was reading through the cases again in preparation of our class.  Well this was in 1996 and he had been teaching the class for maybe 15 years - - he knew these cases better than anyone I knew then (or know now).  Needless to say, I was immediately humbled and inspired in the same moment.  I bumbled out a sentence about how I was calling to let him know that I would be five minutes late for the class because of an appointment but that I would be there to fulfill my "on-call" responsibility.  He said something, like "Sure, April, I look forward to you sharing your thoughts on these great cases."   I spent the night preparing - - I have spent these years since continuing to be inspired by this great man.   I consider myself incredibly privileged to have been taught by him.  It was a gift.  

-April F. Condon

Georgetown Law Class of 1996

 

I had the good fortune to join with then GU President Tim Healy in bringing Fr. Drinan to Georgetown. Like the good Jesuit he was, he had just honored the instructions of the Pope who sought to distinguish between clergy in executive positions and clergy in legislative positions. In short he was leaving Congress where he had served for 12 years after leaving B.C. where he had been dean for 10 years. It has been to the inestimable benefit of Georgetown Law that Fr. Drinan accepted our offer. At the time, he was 60 and the rules then said that we could retain him on the faculty until he was 65. Another fortunate intervention (with Congress led by Claude Pepper) changed the rules and we were able to have Bob with us for a very long time.    That "very long time," which today feels too short, has meant that many, many students have benefited from his teaching, the profession and nation have benefited from his intense focus on international human rights , and our institution has benefited mightily from his wisdom and efforts (perhaps the leading volunteer to represent Georgetown Law as often as needed everywhere) to help us achieve the dream we shared for Georgetown.    He is today in Heaven. I suspect it will never be the same hereafter. 

-David McCarthy

Dean and Professor Emeritus, Georgetown University Law Center

 

My time here at Georgetown Law, and my memories when I leave, will always include, and be in great part, a rememberence of Father Drinan.  His sense of humor, his wonderful intellect, his kindness and generosity of spirit,  and his service to humanity were exemplary.  He will be remembered with appreciation and love.  It was a great honor to know him.

-Suzan Benet

Georgetown University Law Center

 

I met Fr. Drinan on Election Day in 1984, when I came to the Law Center on my way to have lunch with Fr. Orsy, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Fr. Drinan is a historical figure who showed his loyalty to the Society of Jesus and its motto "ad maiorem Dei gloriam" -- for the greater glory of God -- when given the choice of remaining a Congressman or continuing as a priest.

In my view, he and the late John Wolff could be considered as beloved.

-John McInespie

Georgetown Law Class of 1993

 

Given Father Drinan’s prominent role in my life, as in the lives of all whom he touched, it is natural that he would be central to the most important event for our family—the recent birth of our son Alexander. His calls, his prayers, and his cheer were a constant part of our transition. When Jennifer and I asked Father to christen Alexander, he said, “Absolutely. Let’s do it soon.” Not soon enough. We will miss him presiding over Alexander’s baptism, but we will miss infinitely more his presence in our lives. Father, we will welcome Alexander into the community of faith as you would have welcomed him. And we will teach him to follow the example you have given all of humanity—a life grounded in faith, challenged by intellect, tempered with judgment, and always pursuing justice.

-Professor Viet Dinh

Georgetown University Law Center

 

One of the first visitors to my office after I became editor of The Tablet, the London-based Catholic weekly, was Robert Drinan. He was charming, supportive and pastoral in his care and concern for me and  for the journal. Bob had been a long-term supporter, reader and  contributor to The Tablet, and often took the trouble to phone or write comments about our work and the important issues of the day.  His last contribution to our pages was in October 2006 when he wrote about the need for reform of America's prisons. The article was typical of him: it revealed his passionate commitment to justice and his great humanity.

May he rest in peace.

-Catherine Pepinster

Editor, The Tablet, London

 

I would like to share two (of many) memories of Bob Drinan. One dates from an event several years before I ever imagined I would be his colleague at Georgetown. I was only a few years into my career as a law professor, untenured, not knowing too many colleagues outside the law school where I then worked. That law school sent me, as its representative, to an important conference on legal ethics, held for law schools who had all participated in a major grant initiative. I arrived and realized that all the other schools had sent as their emissaries their deans or associate deans and that the other professors attending were extremely prominent and accomplished scholars in legal ethics. I gave my official remarks early in the conference. I doubt whether Bob had ever heard of me before then. I sat down in the audience, and on the first break, Bob bounded over to me (Bob seemed always to be bounding or striding, even in recent months as he became a bit slow of actual step!). He plunged into substance right away, without introducing himself (not knowing what he looked like, I had no idea who he was), but in a way clearly intended to be more than personally friendly, intended to be welcoming me to a community. After we chatted, I whispered to somebody, “Who is that?” Upon hearing the reply, I think I must have glowed a little. I knew of Bob’s career in Congress and his scholarly standing. His greeting WAS a welcome to me, a gesture of solidarity and friendship that was meant to, and did, put me at my ease.

Several years later, as fate would have it, I became Bob’s colleague (and, for several years, his hallway neighbor) at Georgetown Law Center. One year, I had the good fortune to be involved with students from my legal ethics seminar who were also active in Bob’s beloved Georgetown Journal of Legal Ethics. That year’s seminar led to a symposium issue of the Journal. By then of course Bob and I knew each other, but again he made a point of coming by to see me in a way that conveyed a sense of welcome, not just friendly collegiality. This time he was implicitly welcoming me to one of his many specific missions: ensuring that the Georgetown Journal of Legal Ethics would be educational in the broadest sense, for the students who edited it, the scholars who wrote for it, and for all those who read it. Bob did not have to spell out the terms of this welcome, just as he did not in our first encounter. Bob did not have to talk about including people: he just included them. I am proud to have been Bob's colleague, lucky to have known him, and deeply saddened by his death.

-Professor Heidi Li Feldman

Georgetown University Law Center

 

“How are we doing” is how Father Drinan would invariably greet me, stopping me in the hallway or coming into my office for a quick chat The ever-present “we” stressed our shared community. He made it clear that we were all an important part of his life, and he was never too busy to talk to me about the latest political controversies or Supreme Court rulings, and to inquire about my family. Just the opposite. He made the effort to stop me from wherever I seemed to be rushing, and the result has been countless conversations over the years, beginning on my first day at Georgetown more than a decade ago, and extending to my home. I am so grateful to him for the time we shared together as colleagues and friends.

-Professor Richard Lazarus

Georgetown University Law Center

 

I was blessed to have a chance meeting with Father Drinan last month.  It was Christmas Eve and I was on my way to Bermuda.  I saw Father Drinan in the waiting area before his flight to Boston.  I had not seen him since 1994.  He looked as old as ever but still sharp as a tack!  He was pleased to hear of my recent conversion to Catholicism.  He was even more interested to learn that I was still single.  After the holiday, he wanted to meet with me to discuss joining the priesthood!  Imagine, me a priest!  We never got a chance to talk again but he sent me a nice letter a couple of weeks ago.  He will be missed.

-Michael P. Allen

Georgetown Law Class of 1994

 

I was truly blessed to have had the great privilege and honor of working for Father Drinan for several wonderful years. He was not only a spiritually uplifting and humble human being, but also possessed an amazing energy and keen intellect. My family and I came to know and love him. He was a genuine friend and confidant and I will miss him dearly. Father Drinan helped many, many people in this world.   May his memory live on and may God let him rest in peace forever.

-Rada Stojanovich Hayes

Georgetown University Law Center

 

My son David was a founding editor of the Journal of Legal Ethics and my son Alex editor of the Law Center newspaper. Through the years, mostly Bob and I discussed politics, but he never failed to ask about David and Alex and their families. When I was Dean, he would teach anything, any time, anywhere, and would accept countless missions on behalf of the University and the Law Center. He cared about Human Rights on a worldwide basis, was generous and caring about his students, committed to general and personal charity. He unfailingly did unto others what his religeon asked they do unto him. In his personal and public life, he lived as deeply as anyone I have known the teaching of the Sermon on the Mount.

-Professor Robert Pitofsky

Georgetown University Law Center

 

When I told my mom that I would be coming to teach at Georgetown Law School, she was proud. But it wasn't until I told her that Father Drinan would be one of my colleagues that she was really impressed.  For several generations of progressive Catholics, my parents among them, Father Drinan stood out as a man who was true to the best that his faith and his country had to offer, even if it meant that he was, as a result, often a dissenter from the mainstream.  Father Drinan baptised both of our children, Aidan and Sarah, and our family will always be proud to have had such an exemplar of moral courage welcome Aidan and Sarah into the church.  They they were always excited to see him when they came into the law school.  My final memory of Bob was just a couple of weeks ago, as he walked into my office to show me a new digital timer that he had been given -- it was counting down, in hours, minutes, and seconds, the time till George Bush leaves office.  Perhaps it was the certainty that that time would come that allowed Bob to depart, after fighting for 86 years for justice for all. 

-Professor David Cole

Georgetown University Law Center

 

I have many memories of the small ways in which Father Drinan impacted so many.  First and foremost, I truly believe Father Drinan was here for the students.  We could count on him to attend the Graduation Gala and shake hands with both students and parents.  It was amazing to see how family members revered him and seemed to credit him with their graduate's success. No doubt, this is because he connected with students on an individual level.   Likewise, each year he made a point of attending a scholarship event organized by our office.  The event raised funds for a scholarship in the name of one of his former students, Bettina Pruckmayr.  The emotion and support he gave her family each year was incredible.  He showed that sharing emotional moments is an important part of our humanity and strengthens our community.  Finally, I will always treasure the card he sent to my daughter on the occasion of her birth.  What wise words he gave her!  I saved that card and will use it to help her understand Father Drinan's legacy.

-Katherine Hall, Assistant Dean of Students

Georgetown University Law Center

 

So many of us have stories about Father Drinan and our children.  For a man without children of his own, he had an amazing and natural talent for talking with them, taking them seriously, remembering them.  After my son Jake was born, along with the flood of cards and presents came a little note on Georgetown stationery from Father Drinan.  All it said was, "I hope he is a liberal."  For years afterward, every time he saw me in the hall, Father Drinan would boom, "I hope your son is still a liberal!"  I always assured him that he still didn't have any choice.  I had always intended to honor my son's own choices about political beliefs as he grew up, but now I don't think so.  I owe it to Father Drinan.  I owe him a lot as it turns out.  Hearing his voice down the hall always made me happier.  His passion for justice made me more hopeful.  His integrity and kindness made me want to be a better person.  But mostly I owe him gratitude for being with me and my family in the happiest and hardest times of our lives.  Thankfully Father Drinan was as liberal with his blessings as he was with his politics.  He blessed and welcomed my Jewish children when they were born, and he blessed and helped us say good-bye to my son Julien when he died.  I loved his gentle presence, his feisty politics, his faith, his intellect, his humor and his enormous heart.  I miss him terribly.  Mostly I feel lucky that I got to share a little time and space on earth with him.

-Professor Naomi Mezey

Georgetown University Law Center

 

Professor Drinan spent the last years of his life with students in the hope that their generation would take on the struggle for justice. His wisdom, based on experience in the law, Congress, and the Church, was a unique strength of Georgetown Law, and I will hold his advice and example in mind the rest of my days.

-Herbert Claiborne Pell

Georgetown Law Class of 2008

 

Father Drinan was a household name in my family. He was one of the main reasons I came to Georgetown. It has been a privilege serving on the journal he founded, taking his International Human Rights class, and spending Sunday evenings with him at his weekly Sunday Mass. It was easy to forget that he was 86 because he was so active, both physically and mentally. Just last month he was seeking research assistants for his upcoming work on the rights of the unborn. I feel so lucky to have known him.

-Connor Mullin

Georgetown Law Class of 2008

 

Father Drinan was one of the most open-minded, humanitarians I have encountered as a student at the Law Center!  He inspired his students to explore Human Rights issues from a very practical, rather than theoretical perspective.  I am honored to have been instructed by him in one of his last full years here with us.  He has left a great legacy and inspired many.  He was always full of encouraging words with a great sense of humor.  During each and every class session, he never passed up an opportunity to remind us of the responsiblities we would one day have as practioners, and of our greater purpose as law students.  He has been a great asset to the Law Center, and I feel blessed to know that he is resting in peace!

-Shwanda T. Harris

Georgetown Law Class of 2007

 

Though I am not a member of the Georgetown family, I have known Fr. Drinan since the late 1970's.  The way we met says something about the man, I believe.  I had just come to Washington to succeed Fr. Edward Flannery as director of the Secretariat for Catholic-Jewish Relations.  The new kid on the block, I was asked to speak to the Anti-Defamation League's interreligious committee during ADL's annual national meeting, which took place here that year.  He was to be the featured speaker at the plenary luncheon, on the topic of his book, Honor the Promise, which had come out not long before.  He was, naturally, seated at the head table with the luminaries of the organization.  I was in one of the tables off to the side.  Coming down from the head table, he introduced himself (as if I did not recognize him!) and asked if he could eat lunch with me.  He launched into a thousand questions about Catholic-Jewish relations and where I was going to lead it.  I and my wife and daughter have had a number of meals with him over the years.  He never ran out of questions.  Fr. Drinan was deeply dedicated to Catholic-Jewish relations and supportive of it.  I shall miss him, and his questions, most deeply.  As the Jews would say, may his name be for a blessing!

-Dr. Eugene Fisher, Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

 

Bob was one of the first people to pop into my office when I returned to Georgetown in February, 2005 after teaching at Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Without missing a beat he bounded into my office, sprawled into one of the comfortable chairs in my office, welcomed me back and started pumping me for information about my experience. It was one of the longest chats I ever had with him, for he rarely sat still for very long. And his questions came from a deeply shared interest in my cross cultural adventure, my Jewishness and my deep sense of unease about the actions of so many important people in Israel, Palestine and the surrounding countries. That meeting was one of many that have made me proud to be associated with Bob. His deep empathy with the Jesuit goal to educate the whole person has had a lasting influence on my goals as an educator and on my sense of what it means to be Jewish. Over the years many of my Jewish friends have asked me if it was difficult working at a Jesuit institution. Just mentioning Father Drinan made it easy for me to convince them how wonderful it was. May our memory of his life become a blessing to us all.

-Professor Richard Chused

Georgetown University Law Center

 

My first experience as a Georgetown Law student was a walking tour of the House chamber with Father Drinan. Last year, one of the 1L orientation activities was a tour of the halls of Congress with the last Catholic priest elected to serve. Father Drinan took a group of us to the House floor and told us about his proudest legislative achievements in the very room in which they occurred. I think it speaks volumes about Father Drinan's character and commitment to public service that he got involved in public office to spread the values of peace, equal treatment, and good will towards others.

-Edward Sebelius

Georgetown Law Class of 2009

 

I join the rest of this community, as well as the larger community of our nation and world, in mourning the passing of our friend, Bob Drinan.  Others have spoken so eloquently about his outstanding public service, his incredible passion for justice and law, and his singular contributions to worldwide human rights and to legal ethics.   Of course, we remember him for all of that.  But like others, I want to speak of Bob as the priest and the friend.

When Father Drinan learned that my beloved Lucy was dying of cancer, he came by to minister to me.  At times, every day.  Somehow, he learned when Lucy was in Georgetown hospital.  He came by to minister to Lucy and, if were there, to me.  He came to the house to pray with Lucy.  And, when my own cancer developed, he was even more present.  In all of this, he treated Lucy as the Catholic that she was and respected me for the Jew that I am.  When Lucy died, in September 2003, Bob canceled class to come to co-officiate at her Mass.  And he found time to come to my home several times during the week of shiva.  I will never forget him standing, with skullcap, saying the kaddish, as loud and clear as he participated in the Mass, and afterwards joking that if his skullcap were red, he would have known that he had been promoted in the Church. 

Bob was the priest, the minister, the rabbi, the friend with every person who had the fortune to cross his path.  We were blessed at having him here for so many good years.  We all shall miss him.

-Professor Sherman Cohn

Georgetown University Law Center

 

There will no doubt be many reminiscences among my library colleagues about Fr. Drinan in connection with the library. He was a frequent user of library resources across the wide range of his research interests in American legal topics as well as the area in which I was privileged to work with him, the international law of human rights. I defer to library colleagues Prof. Bob Oakley and Jennifer Locke Davitt, should they choose to share reminiscences with regard to the many other subjects, and the long years of association, connected with Fr. Drinan, both recently and long before I came to work at Georgetown three years ago.

My association with him, brief as it has been occurred over the past year, when Fr. Drinan worked on the international law of children's rights, in general and in connection with child soldiers. In reviewing the email messages and the in person meeting we had while I prepared a bibliography for possible inclusion in his latest work in progress on children, one theme stood out: his conviction that the message is a great teacher in itself. He was convinced that if more Americans knew about the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child and the major web resources explaining what the text actually said, the truth would come home to those who had not realized the effect of the American position of not joining the world in ratifying this important treaty. He was passionate, but never cynical. And he seemed very savvy about the way information has changed, even when, in many ways, politics has not.

I am very glad that the Georgetown University news announcement of Fr. Drinan's passing http://explore.georgetown.edu/news/?ID=22251 included the quotation from the Legal Times where he said that Jesuits do not usually retire but "You just do what you do." I'm so lucky to have worked with a person I admired greatly from the days of his work against the Vietnam war, and that was possible because he just kept doing what he was doing, right up to the end.

-Marylin Raisch

Georgetown University Law Center

 

As a former Jesuit volunteer and practicing attorney, Fr. Drinan has always set the standard for me. Yet, as a Midwesterner who attended Loyola University of Chicago, I never had the opportunity to meet Fr. Drinan in person.  Just last March, while visiting friends in the DC area, I made it a point to finally meet Fr. Drinan. He graciously welcomed me into his office where we sat and chatted about current politics.  Former Illinois Gov. Ryan’s trial had just begun and his big question for me was whether I thought the former governor would be convicted. We also covered our common interests in the Jesuit tradition and public interest law.  I asked him to sign one of his books for me.  I didn’t read the inscription until I arrived home and found he had written:  To Rebecca, with gratitude and admiration, Bob Drinan. He certainly knew how to inspire others!  I will spend a lifetime trying to live up to that one.  I am so grateful to have had a few memorable moments with Fr. Drinan, and join with all who mourn this great loss to the human family.

-Rebecca Pruitt, Assistant Attorney General

Office of the Illinois Attorney General

 

I attended Georgetown Law, in large part, because of Father Drinan.  I had watched him on TV when I was in 6th grade.  I saw him as a wonderful Lawyer and congressman who seemed to vote my conscience, when others seemed to hedge theirs.  When I looked into Georgetown Law I was excited to learn that he and Sam Dash were teaching there. 

One of the least well kept secrets of the school was that Father Drinan would talk to you.  He talked as long after class as we had questions.  He would always wave and greet me in the halls and would say hello and ask how you were if he passed you in the cafeteria.  I often visited him in his office after classes at night.  He was always busy, but found time to invite me in to sit and talk.  He would help me with school work and talk to me about my life.  At the time I was working full time and going to school at night. He had some sympathy for the difficulties of that path.  But it was clear that his days were longer than mine.  He was always cheerful.  He listened very well.  Those few minutes at the end of a long day were quite valuable to me.  I became more optimistic.  He made it seem that we can change the world for the better if we so chose.  He managed to keep his priorities well in line with his beliefs.  He expected me, at least, to do the same.  He made me feel very good about becoming an attorney.  I am grateful for the time he spent with me, lessens he taught me, and that he handed me my diploma. I will miss him.

-Mark E. Smith

Georgetown Law Class of 1997

 

I was honored to take two classes with Father Drinan while at the law center - legal ethics and international human rights.  What I remember most, and what will stay with me always, was Father Drinan's passionate advocacy on behalf of those who have no voice.  He was an incredibly energetic teacher and, particularly in the context of human rights, always sought to challenge and stretch our preconceived notions of the world.  I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing.

-Anne Bertsch

Georgetown Law Class of 1998

 

When faced with ethical questions, I am surprised to often find myself wondering what Father Drinan would say. Somehow, this man changed the person I want to be.

-Jack Showalter

Georgetown Law Class of 2004

 

I was one of the professor’s children that knew Father Drinan from my trips to the Law School with Dad, Prof. John R. Schmertz, Jr. My brother and sister would play tic-tac-toe with Father Drinan as did many children. He collected postage stamps for them from his global correspondence. I was beginning high school when I first met him. Whenever I was at the Law Center, I made an effort to stop by and see him. He always had an article from the National Catholic Reporter for me and would talk seriously about whatever issues were on his mind. I think he sensed that I would be registering as a Democrat in Maryland at graduation. Father Drinan wanted one of the four of us (or better yet – all four of us) to go to law school and would ask me regularly whether I had been considering it. (Alas, I went into theology.) I moved to the West Coast and was not able to see him as frequently but when he was once speaking at the University of Puget Sound Law School, I asked him to come and to say Mass and speak at the Jesuit high school in Tacoma, WA where I was teaching. Of course, his speech was electrifying. He is a real hero for me – selfless, full of energy, thoughtful, and brilliant. (My sister started law school at Seattle University this past summer – he was pleased.)

-Christine Schmertz Navarro

Daughter, Professor John R. Schmertz, Jr.

 

It was my immense pleasure and honor to have known Father Drinan.  As many have said, his compassion, warmth and kindness were unparalleled.  Shortly after I arrived at Georgetown, I delivered requested materials to Father Drinan.  He enthusiastically ushered me into his office and invited me to sit and talk about my path, my family and my beliefs.  In that instant, I went from a green and nervous new librarian to a member of the Georgetown community.  He was an incredible gift and will be greatly missed.

-Jennifer Davitt

Georgetown University Law Center

 

Father Drinan lived life with great enthusiasm.  He just couldn't live life halfway, whether it was robustly barking like a dog to make my daughter laugh, or bellowing "What are you, an anarchist?!!" at one of my classmates during our Constitutional Law class.  I mean, really, who else but Father Drinan would get that worked up about the Dean Milk case? 

Father Drinan would stop by my office to talk politics or ask me what my "people" (the Supreme Court) were thinking in the latest case.  I considered our talks one of the best perks of my job.  I already miss him, and fortunately just thinking about his enthusiasm makes me smile.    

-Tina Drake Zimmerman

Georgetown Law Class of 2003

 

For me Father Drinan was a beloved teacher and mentor during years when encouragement and grounding were so important, namely, every year since the day I met him! In law school I told Father Drinan that my life's work would be about making the world over using the International Covenent on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights as a blueprint, and he did not laugh; instead, he agreed with me. Father Drinan assured me that I would find a way to pursue my passion for social justice as a full-time career, and he was right. After I graduated from law school I benefited from his tireless work on the advisory council of my organization, and in the last eight years he was my mentor in law teaching. He took the time to congratulate and thank me for my contributions at every step along the path of my public interest career. What a courteous and wise man. I will miss him.

-Beth Lyon

Georgetown Law Class of 1994

 

I come from Boston, Massachusetts and Fr. Drinan and my mother had been friends for many years during my childhood; Fr. Drinan was often in my home. I was a person who listened when Fr. Drinan told me the importance of community because I saw him working closely with parents to establish institutions that would educate the "whole child". I had a letter of recommendation to both Georgetown Undergraduate and The Law Center written by Fr. Drinan and then to have his course in Constitutional Law II was indeed a full circle moment and a  pleasure. I remained close to him visiting from time to time when I was near the Law Center and was deeply moved, as was my family, by his passing. I have newly returned to Massachusetts and will endeavor to bring more of his teachings and his legacy home to Massachusetts where it all began.

-Woodie Johnson, III

Georgetown Law Class of 1985

 

I had the privilege of knowing Father Drinan first as my professor 20+ years ago, then as a treasured colleague and tremendous supporter and advisory board member of the Women's Law and Public Policy Fellowship Program. Father Drinan used to joke about being one of only a handful of lucky men at Fellowship events, which he attended loyally despite the heavy demands on his time and talent. He supported all of our public interest fellows, but had a special place in his heart for our fellows from Africa, taking great interest in them not only during their time at Georgetown but following and supporting their human rights work when they returned home, usually with his latest book personally inscribed in their luggage. He had a way of providing support and help to others, and then thanking them profusely for their work instead of waiting to be thanked for his support. He must have known how much we all treasured his kind notes, attention, appreciative remarks and support for our work, but perhaps was too modest to realize the exponential impact his life and work had and will continue to have in this world.

-Mary Hartnett

Adjunct Professor and Georgetown Law Class of 1985

 

Father Drinan didn't teach ethics through a textbook, he taught it through his life.  I remember sitting in his Professional Responsibility class, thinking I had the upper hand because Father Drinan never seemed to focus on the textbook and I'd heard that he frequently "hinted" at what the final exam questions were going to be on the last day of class.  As a 3L, I took this as my license to goof off.  In retrospect, I realize that Father Drinan didn't want us to read about ethics, and didn't care if we could memorize the canons of professional responsibility for an exam.  What he cared about was making sure that we thought about these issues, and that ethics became a part of who we were.  Throwing out a case name wasn't going to help us get through the thorny issues we face in practice, or in life.

My fondest memory of Father Drinan is of him standing at the door to our lecture hall on the final day of class and shaking the hand of every single student and thanking them for taking his class.  I remember thinking that it was all of us who should be thanking him for sharing his wisdom with us.  I can't imagine Georgetown without him, but I know that his presence will be felt for a very long time to come.

-Melissa Williams
Georgetown Law Class of 2003

 

I was fortunate enough to have visited with Fr. Drinan with my family a few days before Christmas '06. He was in great spirits, working hard (on the Invocation for Speaker-elect Pelosi) and discussing the successful national elections. He seemed particularly happy to meet my children (10 and 14 years old, respectively), whom he had only seen in photographs since my graduation from the Law Center in 1992.

Fr. Drinan was my advisor on my third year paper. It was entitled, "The Congressional Ethics Dilemma: Constituent Service or Conflict of Interest." In an early draft, I proposed setting limits on campaign contributions. Fr. Drinan did not like that suggestion as he reminded me that we have something known as the first amendment in the United States, complete with freedom of speech. He let me know in very clear terms that my proposal violated the first amendment. He persuaded me to change my uninformed suggestion. Through the process of writing my paper, we became friends and Fr. Drinan became a mentor of sorts for me.

Besides my third year paper, Fr. Drinan also guided me in other ways -- unknowingly inspiring career moves. Among other things, his commitment to public service and social service was unparalleled and something that I have always kept in mind when taking on cases, pro bono or otherwise. Indeed, after visiting with him in December 2006 and chatting with him about the war, the Guantanamo fiasco, the election and other topics, I decided to take on a Guantanamo detainee case.

Ironically, I was in the midst of drafting a letter to him letting him know of my work on this matter. I wanted to seek his guidance and counsel on it. Unfortunately, I will not be able to do so. I will miss being able to "bounce" cases, issues, etc., off of him. I will miss his counsel. I will miss him.

While it is a cliche, it is certainly true that the world is a better place because of Fr. Drinan. May God bless him, his family and friends.

-Jim Falvey

Georgetown Law Class of 1992

 

Fr. Drinan stood greeting everyone who entered a fund raising event some years ago for his political action committee, PeacePAC. Within two minutes of our having met, he asked me if I had ever considered running for office. Within another minute, he seemed determined to establish whether state or federal office would be the best bet for my previously unconsidered public service, and he began spinning off thoughts about which of the Massachusetts Congressional Districts would be best suited to my ambitions. In our many conversations since, he impressed me as someone who always got right to the point. World peace was always at stake, and the Kingdom of the Lamb didn't have a moment to waste.

-Dr. Patrick Whelan

Harvard Medical School Department of Pediatrics

Executive Director, Catholic Democrats

 

As a former colleague in Congress of Father Drinan, I nominate him for sainthood!  His dedication to peace and justice was unparalleled.  He just vibrated with infectious enthusiasm for the causes in which he so deeply believed.  Among his many other achievements, he founded Members of Congress for Peace through Law in which I was proud to join him.  I and other colleagues used all our advocacy talents to try to persuade him to stay in Congress, but his dedication to the Church won out.  But her served through the Church and through the Georgetown Law Center as actively and effectively as he had in Congress.  The country, the world, is a better place for his efforts.

-Richard L. Ottinger

Professor and Dean Emeritus, Pace Law School

 

I grew up knowing about Father Drinan - not only a champion of human rights but a champion of his students.   My Mother, Helen Slotnick Kupperman, was a student at Boston College Law School where he was Dean in the 1960s, before there were many women lawyers.   Father Drinan inspired and encouraged his students, my Mom chief among them.  When I was born, the first flowers to arrive at the hospital for my Mother were from Father Drinan.   

-Tammy Kupperman Thorp

Daughter of former student of Father Drinan's at Boston College Law School

 

Father Drinan was a treasure. Two and a half years ago, Father Drinan agreed to speak at a memorial service for a dear law school classmate of mine. Before the service, he asked me to come by his office to talk about her so that he could better give his blessing. I remember well how gently he comforted me when I cried in part from grief and in part from his kind questions.

Father Drinan always greeted me warmly after that and asked his friendly "How are we doing?" My husband and I were on the same flight back from Europe with him a few years ago and I called "Hello" to him from some distance in the airport. He asked me to "Come closer de-ah, I can't see you from that fahr." (Massachusetts always lilted in his voice.) He joked and said that the airline had clearly felt sorry for him and bumped him to first class.

I last saw Father Drinan a few weeks ago just outside of Hotung. The weather had just turned quite cold and I asked him if he would like a ride back to main campus as it was on my way. He seemed to waver for a moment, but thanked me and said, no, he was going to go out for a walk that evening. I suppose that was still the Massachusetts in him talking.

-Anita Padmanabhan

Georgetown Law Class of 2007

 

I had but one personal encounter with Fr. Drinan but it will stay with me forever. Many years ago I was in the LL.M. program at Georgetown studying international law and I arrived early for an evening class. Fr. Drinan had just finished a class and was gathering his materials. No one else was in the room. I greeted him and immediately felt a sense of being in the presence of a truly outstanding individual. He looked up and acknowledged me and said: "I'll be done in a minute professor." I paused to respond and savored the moment but then had to disclose that I was not a professor but rather a student. Fr. Drinan replied: "Well you look like a professor." We both laughed and exchanged pleasantries but it was an encounter that was more than just a matter of courteous communication. It was for me an encounter that I will treasure forever. Good-bye, Father Drinan.

-Thomas Wocock

Georgetown Law Class of 1993

 

Although I am no longer a Jesuit, I came to Georgetown as one. I lived on the same floor of the Jesuit community as did Fr. Drinan. I remember him as energetic and enthusiastic for all that he believed in, notably human rights. Taking on the role of mentor, he encouraged me to write and to publish; for him this was essential to the Jesuit vocation. He, of course, practiced what he preached. I remember him, too, as an inveterate Democrat. Our birthdays are one day apart, and for many years we have marked them in some way. This past year he invited my family and me to the Jesuit community on the Georgetown campus for lunch on November 12, three days before his birthday. He anticipated in the letter of invitation that the Democratic would take over the House and Senate by simply writing "Perhaps we will have some good news to celebrate." And celebrate we did. I am happy that he lived to see the Democrats take control of both houses of Congress. Fr. Drinan was always a Jesuit and a priest first, who exemplified the best of the Jesuit tradition. I will never forget how proud I was of him when he announced his resignation from Congress in response to the papal directive prohibiting priests from holding elective office. It reminded me of the comment of St. Ignatius Loyola, the Jesuit founder, who said that should a Pope suppress the Society of Jesus it would take him fifteen minutes to conform himself to the will of God and to seek the divine will for his future. What an example Fr. Drinan was of of Jesuit detachment. Fr. Drinan enriched many people throughout his life, and I am happy to have been one of them. May he rest in peace.

-Alan C. Mitchell

Associate Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins, Georgetown University

 

Georgetown Law has lost a real piece of its heart with Father Drinan's passing.  He will be remembered for many reasons in the worlds of politics, religion, human rights, and the law. My reason to remember him will be more personal.

Father Drinan was my first contact with the law school after I was accepted as a transfer student in 2003.  I drove over to McDonough one afternoon during the summer with two of my children to see if I could talk to a Con Law professor about the upcoming semester.  The building was virtually deserted.  None of the professors I stopped by to visit were there, and as we came to the last office, my kids shot right past that locked door to its neighbor, which was of course wide open.  Father Drinan summoned the children inside, and me, too.  We talked about my new career at Georgetown, several people we knew in common, and the upcoming elections.  

What endeared him forever to me was that he absolutely refused to let us leave before he found something for the children to eat.  He finally managed to conjure up a bottle of juice and some crackers from some corner of his office, which they enjoyed quite a bit.  After that day, he never failed to ask about my children, and played tic-tac-toe with them whenever they stopped by. His kindness continued throughout my career at Georgetown, both in and out of the classroom.

My fear in transferring to Georgetown Law was that it would be so big and impersonal that I'd be lost there.  Meeting Father Drinan that day dispelled every trace of that fear.  I don't think I've ever been as warmly welcomed anywhere.

-Tom Moore

Georgetown Law Class of 2006

 

Father Drinan is the best argument I can think of for reincarnation. He was outsized in every regard: his belief in the power of law to achieve justice, his compassion, his energy and intensity, his love for all of us and, of course, his passion for the Democratic Party. It is impossible to believe that that spirit is no longer inhabiting the fourth floor--that all that intelligence, integrity, kindness, humor, and vitality is gone from among us. Doesn’t nature abhor a vacuum?

I simply cannot believe I will never again see Bob moving through the halls–always looking like he had a strong wind at his back. Dressed in black, his collar always in place, his hair in some disarray, slightly stooped, and always, always with a moment to talk. He’d take my hand in his and focus on the essential points--he would enquire after my son or mother, and then he would ask me how I thought the Democrats were faring in whatever political crisis was then reigning. Before we parted, he always earned a smile or a laugh.

Bob understood that a community of scholars is a community of people in need, in crisis, in celebration. He found a connection with all of us. He remembered my Mother; he christened my son. He taught Danny the strategy of tic-tac-toe and always had a hug and a kind word for him.

In a time when all one reads about the Catholic Church in the press concerns abuse and bankruptcy, he stands as an example of all that is good about the Church and about our Jesuit tradition. I now understand, in thinking about Bob’s place in my family and the Law Center family and in reading these tributes, that Bob exemplified the essence of this place. He was a caring, gifted teacher; he truly loved his students. He wrote and wrote and wrote, with a keen intellect and great purpose. He believed in the importance of doing, as well as thinking. Bob inspires all of us to live our beliefs beyond the doors of this institution.

Perhaps mentioning reincarnation in a tribute to a Priest is not conventional, but Bob believed in ideas and did not mind listening to a little heresy now and again, if he could set you right (or if he agreed with you). Bob had faith that God is all powerful and merciful. Perhaps, then, God will make an exception in this case. I am sure that I have never known a better person, and we need him back. Short of such a dispensation, I take great heart in the appreciation–and sorrow–expressed throughout the Georgetown community. We knew him, loved him, and recognize that his heart and vision were at the core of our mission. With that conviction, I suppose he is still with us. I have to admit, though, I will always miss his bony figure, warm hand, strong, deep voice, and wry look filled with humor and intelligence and love.

-Professor Julie O'Sullivan

Georgetown University Law Center

 

I am lucky to count myself among the 6,000 law students who had the privilege of taking a class with Father Drinan. Father Drinan had been a family friend for many years and I had been given a copy of "The Mobilization of Shame" prior to attending Georgetown Law. So, I made sure to take Fr. Drinan's legendary class on international human rights this past fall. Fr. Drinan asked all of us on the first day of class why we were there. My response, along with several other students, was that we were taking the class because he was teaching it. He lived up to his reputation - and his energy seemingly wiped away his years as he lectured. One can't look at the world the same way after hearing Fr. Drinan's stories and being reminded of the injustices and atrocities that are going on around the world. His common question to us would be: "What are you going to do about that when you are secretary of state?"

The law center campus was simply not the same today. There was no Fr. Drinan zipping around campus with his overstuffed litigation bag. Nor was he in his office - with the door open wide open and his feet kicked up - ready to talk. I think a previous remembrance put it best, pointing out that Fr. Drinan is in heaven - and heaven will never be the same.

-Greg Carey

Georgetown Law Class of 2008

 

I am a lucky student who sat in one of Father Drinan's last classes at the Law Center. He cared deeply about his students, past and present, and he enjoyed keeping in contact with as many of them as possible. Father Drinan truly hoped that each and every one of his students was happy in their career choices, and he encouraged us to make decisions that placed our loved ones above our career at all times.

This past December Father Drinan remarked how happy he was to receive cards during the holidays from family, friends, colleagues, and former students. He said that he found it especially thoughtful when somebody sent him a card that made reference to the fact that he was a Priest. He cherished the Priesthood, and he had such an important impact as both our teacher and our Father.

Father Drinan enjoyed spending time with his students in class, in his office, and at Sunday mass. I am thankful for the time that I got to know him, but I regret that I will not get to learn from his this semester or see him pack his books into his old, leather briefcase, barely hanging together by a few threads, at the end of my Religion and Government class. I will miss him.

-Trevor Stanley

Georgetown Law Class of 2008

 

As a journalist who attended Georgetown at night, I’m often asked why I went to law school if I had no real intention of practicing law. The answer of course is that had I never gone to law school, I never would have been blessed to have Father Drinan as a teacher. He was so much more than just a teacher - he was part mentor, part advisor, part therapist, and most certainly a friend. And I can’t count the number of times I called Father Drinan in a panic because CNN needed a guest to appear at the last minute on national television. Whether we were discussing the impeachment of President Clinton or President Nixon, legal ethics, or Democratic politics – Father Drinan remained one of the most articulate and fascinating people in Washington. But regardless of his notoriety or his far-flung adventures, Robert Drinan never forgot about his Georgetown family. I’m prouder than ever to be a part of that family.

-Sam Feist

Political Director, CNN Washington

Georgetown Law Class of 1999

 

My first contact with Father Drinan was watching him on the television in July of 1974 as he loudly and strongly sounded his "YEA" for impeachment of Richard M. Nixon.  In 1986, twelve years later I entered Georgetown University Law Center and went straight to his office, introduced myself and thanked him for his vote. Thus the contact was complete and he then knew me.

Aside from having the privilege of taking two courses with Father Drinan during the late 1980s at Georgetown Law, I was also his assistant and helped him compile research on lobbying and political action committees.  It was during this time that I got to know him and to appreciate his wicked sense of humor.  I recall finally feeling comfortable enough with him that I candidly asked him about his decision not to run for reelection in 1980. Expecting an answer that would expose his inner feelings of regret and sorrow for not being a current member of the House of Representations, to my surprise, his response was, "Look soon the pope will be gone and then I will be gone and it really will not matter at all.  Life presents dilemmas and one has to make the best choice possible at that time and then live with it."  No bitterness or anger were apparent at all, just matter of fact.  It was almost as if he had a true cosmic sense of the absurdities in life and that one should just go along with the flow.

Once I left Georgetown in 1989, I had occasional lunches and meetings with Father Drinan but little did I know that my future professional life would bring me in closer contact with him.  In 1992 I joined the ABA Legislative Office and covered international issues.  On numerous occasions, Father Drinan agreed to testify before various congressional committees on the multiple international human rights treaties that were still not ratified by the US. I worked closely with him on drafting and preparing his testimony.  In time I became comfortable in addressing him as Bob, but must confess that I never became totally comfortable with his driving. While on board, it was always reassuring to get confirmation that his insurance was paid and current. I use to joke with him that had he not had such a distinguished career that he would have been a great cab driver.

By 1994 my politics had shifted, and Bob, while seriously and genuinely questioning my shift, was never arrogant or dismissive.  He really tried to understand why I was having such a "crisis of faith with the Democratic Party."  Tried as he did, he never gave up on trying to get me to re-rat (Churchill's brilliant way of discussing the process of when one switches and re-switches political parties).  We continued working professionally through 1998 on various international human rights issues and our friendship grew stronger.  Though it was long overdue, I was delighted that the Law Center in October 2006 had established the Robert F. Drinan, S.J., Chair in Human Rights for his half century of involvement in these important causes.

In addition to my work with the ABA, in 1996 I had begun working with lawyers and judges from Bhutan and helping them secure admissions and scholarships to various LLM programs.  Father Drinan was so supportive of these endeavors, yet he would occasionally rib me and say, "Republicans do not do pro bono work," with the unspoken plea that it was time for me to re-rat.  In 2000, he pleaded that I tell him that I did not vote for George W. Bush.  This is the only time that he truly sounded sad on the telephone when I could not confirm for him what he wanted to hear.  I feared he would at last reject me, but his tolerance contained incredible boundaries.

But the real deep connection with Father Drinan occurred in 2002.  That year I brought my mother, who suffers from Alzheimer's, to Washington, DC to live in Carroll Manor, a nursing home near Catholic University.  From that time forward, hardly a two week period would pass in which I did not receive a telephone call from Father Drinan.  He immediately asked, "And how is mother doing?"  Caring for an aging sick parent is incredibly taxing and Bob's friendship, true concern for my well-being and my mother's was so touching and sustaining.  It was during this time that our discussions became more spiritual and religious and it is these deep conversations that I cherish the most.

His final act of encouragement and support for me came in 2005 when I took on a very difficult pro bono case that had serious dimensions involving criminal, child custody, joint property issues as well as immigration issues.  At this time his calls almost became weekly as he wanted to know the progress of my client's case.  In these calls, he continued to remind me that this was not a typical "republican case" that I was engaged in and maybe it was time for me to rethink my political alliances. I loved his twelve year persistence in trying to get me to re-rat.

When my client was acquitted last April, Bob did not hide his jubilance and enthusiasm. He pointedly said, "Isn't it beautiful when justice works? It is ultimately in the courtroom, not classroom, where the real important legal work is performed."  Yes, Bob it is, and thank you for the lessons and constant reminders of the importance of working for justice for all.

-Rozann M. Stayden

Georgetown Law Class of 1989

 

I first met Father Drinan a few years ago when I called him up out of the blue and asked if he would sign one of his books on human rights for my wife, who was entering the field.  "Come on over right now," he boomed into the phone.  I hurried to his office and ended up staying for a four-hour rollicking conversation that covered politics, law, the Supreme Court, human rights, international developments, anecdotes from Congress, and an exhilarating array of other topics, all punctuated with laughter and warmth.  Father Drinan then insisted on meeting my wife, and he kept in close touch with both of us, sending notes and articles, asking about our three children by name, inviting us for dinner, and reaching out to us in every possible way.  I remember late one night, after a dinner and some wine, he commented, "Religion and human rights have the same basic insight.  Every person in the world is precious and deserves to be respected and protected."  In word and deed, on matters large and small, Father Drinan exemplified this creed and is an inspiration to us all.  

-Cliff Sloan

Publisher, Slate Magazine

 

I was one of the lucky people whose life was touched by Father Drinan.  I came to Georgetown in 2005 as one the Leadership and Advocacy for Women in Africa Fellows after practising as a human rights lawyer in South Africa for a number of years. Quite frankly I was on the verge of burning out, constantly bemoaning the state of human rights in the post 9/11 world and wondering what the point of it all was. And then I met Father Drinan. I was never officially in any of his classes but I was intrigued by my colleagues’ glowing reports of this dynamic priest/activist. So one day I sat in on his human rights law class.  In those short moments my life was changed forever. I saw in Father Drinan all the idealism and passion that I had thought I had lost. Here was this frail looking man who suddenly became a giant, infused with holy energy and wisdom, his enthusiasm pulling us all along with him as he spoke of fighting human rights violations with as much conviction as I had ever heard. The memory of that class stayed with me and I realized that I had found a renewed sense of purpose and that somehow the burden I had been carrying for so long was lighter. During the course of the fellowship year he got to know all of the African fellows and would often seek us out to tell us about some or other exciting human rights talk or activity going on at the law center.  At other times he would simply stop to offer us words of advice or encouragement when he met us in the corridors.  He once told me that we must act against evil whenever we encounter it and those of us who fight the good fight can never afford to become complacent or wait for a better time.  I continue be inspired by his fearless dedication to the cause of righteousness. I know that I am a better person for having met him and for that I am eternally grateful. I shall miss him.

-Mushahida Adhikari

Leadership and Advocacy for Women in Africa Fellow, 2005-2006

Georgetown University Law Center

 

It is difficult to sit down to write about Bob Drinan without tears welling up in my eyes.  I first met him exactly fifty years ago, while I was a graduate Teaching and Research Fellow here at Georgetown Law.  He offered me a faculty position at BC Law in January 1957 which, with my inexperience at both teaching and taxation, I respectfully declined.  Over the ensuing years, he became very close to my entire family.  He taught Legal Ethics to my sons Peter and John during their student years at Georgetown Law and, only three or four weeks ago, interviewed  my grandson Bryan and wrote a letter of support for his application for admission to the BC undergraduate program (which was favorably acted upon within one week of Bob's letter!).  Please know that I share all of the wonderful thoughts you have expressed so beautifully over the past few days.  May he rest in peace!  

-Professor Peter Weidenbruch

Georgetown University Law Center

 

Father Drinan taught me the most important lesson of my life, which is that the best way to serve God is to serve humanity, because all of us are created in God's image. It is easy to say, and very hard to do.  Father Drinan taught the way the best teachers teach, which is by example. May his memory be for a blessing.  

-Lauren Inker 

Georgetown Law Class of 1987

 

A dear friend who preceded me at the Law Center gave me some advice as I was about to enter my first year: no matter what else I chose to do in law school, she insisted, I absolutely must get to know Father Drinan.  What great advice that was!  During my first semester of law school, while working with some classmates to re-establish the Law Center's chapter of Amnesty International, I nervously stopped by Father Drinan's office to introduce myself and ask if he would be willing to serve as our faculty advisor.  As he would do numerous times over the following years, he boisterously invited me to come in and sit down, and as he leaned back in his chair, put his feet up on his desk (I always thought he was going to tip over backwards), he asked me about my family, my background, and my interests.  Despite his busy schedule, he was a steadfast supporter of our Amnesty chapter, sharing his ideas with us, using his many connections to invite speakers, and occasionally even opening up his classroom to our events.  Father Drinan had an uncanny ability to inspire confidence, and to do so in a very personal way.  Upon learning during our first meeting that I was interested in politics, he asked quite pointedly when I was going to move back to my home state of Wyoming and run for Congress - a question that he would continue to ask almost every time I saw him throughout the years.  And Father Drinan - seemingly effortlessly - was able to serve as a friend, role model, and inspiration to countless others whose paths were fortunate enough to cross his.  My friend who first encouraged me to get to know Father Drinan said to me this week that she felt as though she had lost a Great Uncle.  Don't we all.  

-Meredith Rathbone
Adjunct Professor and Georgetown Law Class of 2002    

 

My favorite Father Drinan "personal moment," like those of many others, stretches back many years.  I was about to teach, for the first time, a seminar in the area of weapons control, national security and the like.  After putting the materials together and organizing the topics, I decided to entitle the seminar "Arms Control and National Security."  Unbeknownst to me, Father Drinan had also decided at that same time that he, too, was going to offer a new seminar in the field, and for whatever reason, he decided to name his offering "Arms Control and Disarmament."  Neither of us realized that we were laboring in the same vinyard until the list of all courses appeared.  He told me that a student then came to see him; she was interested in signing up for a course in that area, and was initially a bit confused by the semi-overlapping titles of our two courses.  But she thought she had "broken the code," and wanted to confirm her assessment, that because his seminar included the word "disarmament," while mine used "national security," she guessed that his was the left-wing version of the course, while mine was the right-wing version.  Bob told her that here at Georgetown, we only teach the left-wing version.

-Professor David Koplow

Georgetown University Law Center

 

Scrolling through the dedications and memories on this web page makes one thing abundantly clear: Father Drinan touched the lives of many and inspired endless faith. I have been honored to lead the Journal he founded and supported so forcefully over the past twenty years and I know that all who have been, are, and someday will be involved with The Georgetown Journal of Legal Ethics will continue to work hard to make his legacy in this important field endure. Each of us who knew Father Drinan now has an obligation to do what he did so well: to be true to our convictions, to practice law honorably, and to do both with passion, grace, and always with a sense of humor.

-Lauren A. Weeman

Editor in Chief, Volume XX, The Georgetown Journal of Legal Ethics

Georgetown Law Class of 2007

 

During my orientation week in law school last year, Father Drinan led about a dozen of us on a tour of the Capitol.  He regaled us with stories of his 10 years in the House of Representatives, including his dealings with Nixon, and his selection of Barney Frank as his recommended successor.   When we arrived on the House floor, Father Drinan was talking about the partisan nature of Congress when he suddenly bellowed, "EVERYONE IN HERE HAD BETTER BE A LIBERAL!"  I'm not sure whether he was joking.  Later, I asked him what his proudest moment in Congress was.  To my surprise, he said that he was most proud of the creation of the ERISA laws.  It took a lot of work, but he felt very strongly about protecting the pensions of those who needed protection.  He was truly an original.

-Ben Schuman

Georgetown Law Class of 2008

 

The world has lost a great human being.  Father Drinan, a scholar, teacher, human rights advocate, and friend to countless individuals, touched so many lives. It was an honor to work with him and share common space in this intellectual community.  He was a man dedicated to
peace and the right of all persons to live in dignity.  He called our attention to injustices around the world and here at home.  It was his view that the least among us be should be protected by the love of fellow human beings and institutions created for that purpose.  Father Drinan never turned a blind eye toward injustice and human rights abuses.  May he continue to live in
our thoughts and deeds.

God Bless.

-Everett Bellamy, Senior Assistant Dean, J.D. Program

Georgetown University Law Center

 

I have had many surgeries in the last ten years, and I was placed in a halo after my first neck surgery in 1996, after a particularly dangerous and difficult surgery.  I received a phone call at Georgetown Hospital, and it was Father Drinan, asking me how I was doing, and did my halo fit properly and was I in any pain.  I was absolutely surprised, and greatly touched that he took the time out of his schedule to not only call me, but stayed on the phone for quite a few minutes, to make sure I was doing all right. Thereafter, like clockwork, Father Drinan would call me every two weeks, for the 7 months I was in the halo, regardless of where he was, and each time I was in for more surgery.  He called so regularly, my family would ask me how Father Drinan was doing!

His phone calls were a lifeline for me, a pleasure, and a support I will never, ever forget.

I also worked with Father Drinan in the Library, especially with the Faculty Scholarship Luncheon, held every year in April or May, consisting of a display of the faculty's recent scholarship, and the publication and distribution of a list of faculty scholarship.  Father Drinan never failed to come by the display, every year, and would check over his colleagues' scholarship, and take great pride in the all the publications.  He would exclaim how wonderful it was to see such great works displayed, and what a "marvelous service" the Library was providing in collecting the scholarship, and showing it off. He barely glanced at his own works, but was keenly interested in everyone else's.

For me, he is everywhere on campus, and in each of our lives, never to leave. He touched my soul, and helped me heal, and I will miss him so.

-Laura Bedard

Georgetown University Law Center

 

Father Drinan was the conscience of the nation and of the world. The SALT community will sorely miss him.

-Tayyab Mahmud

SALT Board of Governors

 

Having been out of town for the last 24 hours, I am slow in expressing my feelings of loss.  But my timing in writing these words has an advantage (for me) -- I have seen the deeply moving words that so many of you have written.  The words of all of us are about our loss of someone we all loved, but they also say something about all of you that I want to celebrate.  This is a wonderful community, and I feel just incredibly privileged to be part of it.

My experience of Father Drinan is much like what many of you have recounted.  We talked politics all the time, and he always asked if I had any encouraging political news to cheer him up (when he of course knew everything I knew and then some).  I will always treasure (because it was so recent) his remark when I encountered him in the hall the day after the recent elections.  "Peter, God answered our prayers," he said.  As Peter Byrne remarked yesterday, it may not have been good theology, but Father Drinan always made everything fit together in a way that worked for him (and for many of us), even if the Pope might not have agreed.

He came to the bar mitzvahs of my sons.  He gave the invocation at my wife's fundraising dinners.  In fact, he worked the room everywhere he went, saying to anybody and everybody, "Thank you for all you do."  I'm sure many people who seldom did anything worthwhile for their fellow human beings went out and did something worthwhile after hearing that from him.

I do have one thing to add to what has been said.  He was our family's personal clipping service.  Whenever someone in my family, mainly my wife, was mentioned in the Boston Globe or Commonweal or any of a number of other publications, he always clipped it out and put it in my mail folder.   I just loved that.  He always thought of others, always. Jeff and Carrie and Sheryll and others have remarked about how special it was to be his office neighbor.  I count myself in that group, if having had that proximity adds anything to the sense of loss we all feel.  But it was a special treat to see him every day, and especially to see him here on a Sunday when things were quiet.  His presence added a sense of spiritual meaning to being here, regardless of why I had come.

I have been fortunate, as perhaps we all have, to have had a considerable list of mentors and role models who have inspired me.   As I get older, few are left.  Bob Drinan was one of that dwindling number.  I'm feeling a big hole in my life from losing him, and I know that's one hole that won't ever disappear.  He was an amazing person.

-Professor Peter Edelman

Georgetown University Law Center

 

I heartily second all the comments about Fr. Drinan. If at all feasible, we should name something here after him.

I came to know Fr. Drinan years ago when I was teaching at the Univ. of Texas Law School, running a defender program, helping with some civil rights cases, and working with the legislature to bring the Texas criminal code into the 20th Century--projects that interested Fr. Drinan mightily.

  

He and my whole family became close friends. He always referred (and still did up to the end) to my wife as "Thelma, your lovely bride" and to my kids as "the Irish twins" (because we met him near the time of their births, 11 months apart).

Even then it was clear he was something special--a real presence and force for good, magnificent speaker, and warm friend.  He subsequently invited us to visit-teach at Boston College, where he was Dean. He went above and beyond the call of duty to make our journey, with two small kids, as smooth and comfortable as possible, arranging for the transport of our car (we went by airplane), and for housing in a grand old apartment of a faculty member on leave. When we arrived amidst one of the worst winters Boston had ever had, with our luggage lost in transit, he took up a collection among the faculty to get us winter clothing for ourselves and our kids.

Anxious to impress and thank the vaunted and kindly Fr. Drinan, we invited him to dinner. Unfamiliarity with the slightly malfunctioning oven in the apartment caused the roast to burn to a cinder five minutes before he arrived. It was a holiday (can't remember which), so all restaurants and stores were closed, as I scoured the town in my car to buy a replacement dinner. Meanwhile, Fr. Drinan arrived.  I finally arrived with a replacement roast, and found Thelma doing a lot of fast talking and Fr. Drinan consoling her over the burned roast, in his usual kindly and humorous manner. He pulled up a dining room chair, which promptly collapsed under him. As Fr. Drinan always had a thin frame, we thought we had killed him. Thelma broke down in tears.

But Drinan, thankfully unhurt, again was wonderfully gracious about the whole thing, which characterized the man. We ultimately had dinner and a friendly, deep conversation about a variety of legal and social matters, peppered with his good wit and charm. But I was sure he would never really forgive us and that we were now definitely "off his Christmas list".

But, miraculously, a few years later he offered me a job working with him in Congress as a consultant/special counsel on Criminal Code revision, which opportunity I jumped at. That was Fr. Drinan. He didn't sweat the small stuff. When he had to leave Congress, I suggested to him and to Georgetown that he should come to Georgetown Law Center, which he did, to the immeasurable benefit and delight of us all for all these many years. We will never forget this man, this force of nature, this benefactor of humanity, whose kindness and congeniality we personally experienced.

-Professor Paul Rothstein

Georgetown University Law Center

 

I was very sad to have learned of Father Drinan's passing.  He shared with me one of the most important days of my life, my Eagle Scout Award Ceremony, in Sudbury, Massachusetts, in 1979.

I was too young at the time to have fully appreciated his extremely important contributions while in political office, but I was grateful he came to this event.  I remember his wonderful speech, his presenting me with an American flag that had flown over the Capitol, and that we had a memorable picture of us taken together with that flag.

That was a very special day for my maternal grandparents as well, as it was one of the last family events in which my grandfather participated prior to his passing.

I saw Father Drinan's name in the news a couple of years ago and thought about writing him then to tell him how special his presence was.  I now certainly regret not following through. However, I do want to convey this sentiment to those who were close to him.

My condolences to all for our loss.

-Marc J. Kaufman

Cambridge, MA

 

One of my memories involves being in Buenos Aires in 1977 or 1978 (I forget the exact year), with the so-called "Dirty War" at its apogee, when Father Drinan arrived as part of a team from Amnesty International to investigate the horrendous human-rights abuses being committed by the military regime ruling Argentina.  The venal press attacked the visitors viciously and suggested they were dupes of the International Communist Movement.  The presence of a Roman Catholic priest in the small delegation was particularly grating, since many in the military and among their supporters were practicing Catholics claiming to be defending Western Christian Civilization as they tortured and killed.  Bob refused to back down or pull his punches, and he went where he wanted to go, despite the very real threat of physical harm hanging over the Amnesty delegation.  (I was advised not to try to see him, because of the danger.)

For Bob, human rights was not just a subject to talk or write about, and he didn't hesitate to put his body on the line.

-Professor Joseph Page

Georgetown University Law Center

 

I first met Father Drinan 7 years ago when I was a production assistant on CNN’s “Burden of Proof.” He was a staple guest on the show whenever we were talking about religion and the law or ethics. And he was always a joy to have on the show – whenever he was a guest, I knew there would be a smiling face in the green room. “Burden of Proof” went off the air in 2001 and it was another three years before I saw him again. In the fall of 2004, as I walked into my very first class as an evening student at Georgetown Law, he was packing up his briefcase from the class he had just finished teaching. He looked up at me and said “I know you” and smiled. After all those years, he still recognized me. He also told me that I had better be sure to take a class with him and I said I would. I unfortunately never got that chance...

Father Drinan was a kind, loving man, and he will surely be missed.

-Heather Goldman

Georgetown Law Class of 2008

 

I am greatly proud of being one of your students in human rights class for the Fall in 2006.

What you talked about will stay in our minds forever.

-Yuki Nagata

Georgetown Law Class of 2007

 

Like so many of us, Father Drinan was a special friend to me.  You may know of Bob's many published works, but in addition he would write thousands of letter each year to encourage and support a diverse group of people.  We had to replace his transcription equipment often, as he just wore them out!  Offering advice, insight and wisdom on many a topic, he always treated everyone the same.  From staff to student to professor, faith in justice was the common thread, and he was ready to help.  How he managed to remember so many names and the details of their lives was a wonder to me.  I'll miss his warm voice, encouraging laugh, and the "Boston Mass" (fast and with an accent)  he did so well.  I thank God for sharing a bit of  Bob's life with me.

-Therese Stratton, Assistant Dean, Faculty Support and Campus Services

Georgetown University Law Center

 

Swimming in the cold sea of law school, sometimes I would flounder. Father Drinan was like a buoy, he always had kind encouraging word and I would be able to catch my breath and thrash on. I took every class he taught and was challenged in a spiritual way. He encouraged a public interest career before there were such supports as OPICS and LRAP.

After law school I visit or run into him and he always remembered my family had lived in his former congressional district and would say, “Don’t you want to go back to Baawston?” He cheerfully provided recommendations and throughout the years stayed genuinely interested in my doings. What a soul! We were all so blessed he was amongst us. My sincere condolences to his immediate and extended family.

-Leslie G. Fields

Georgetown Law Class of 1987

 

As an observant Jewish kid from New York, the deep, often unintelligible Boston accent and the white clerical collar of Father Robert Drinan wasn’t what I was used to in a teacher.  Fr. Drinan’s liberal philosophy wasn’t one I agreed with. And I’ll confess surprise when I saw him good naturedly rib a student alumnus of a rival school to Boston College just prior to a big game. 

But he quickly became a favorite teacher and an inspiring role model who always acted and modeled utmost respect for every individual, even when he vehemently disagreed with them to the point of believing their stance on an issue was morally wrong.  From a different, more genteel era, his e-mails were typed by an assistant who put their initials below his signature which nearly always came “Cordially.”   

When I began my public affairs work, he took an interest in it, especially as it related to Catholic Jewish relations.  And he remained first and foremost a teacher.  He had ease of access to presidents, prime ministers and religious leaders of all stripes, and a full time job teaching law.  Still, he found time last year to cheerfully spend an hour discussing religion in the public square, filled with vignettes of episodes of his extraordinary life, with about 50 high school aged teens on a mission to Washington.  Jewish kids from suburban New Jersey sat stone still and silent as he held court on law, politics, religion, morality and lessons for a good and meaningful life.  And then they gave him a standing ovation and asked to take a picture with him – you can see it here …http://www.ou.org/ncsy/photos/2006/njmission/njmission.html

-Howie Beigelman

Georgetown Law Class of 1998

 

Others have elegantly expressed our universally-shared love of Bob and appreciation of his accomplishments. It's truly amazing that he established close relationships with so many individuals in the Georgetown community--and also with relatives of these individuals. Like most of you, I considered him a special friend-- and one of the most unselfish persons I ever met. My son Barry (Georgetown Law '82) died at age 40 in March, 1998, leaving a wife, Mary, and two young children. Not a week has gone by since then without Bob inquiring about their welfare. Although he had never met Mary in person, he spent hours on the phone with her. She (not he) told me about these calls to Florida and how he had consoled her (as he had with me). And, like all of you, not a week has gone by without my experiencing his warmth and wit and his comments (and my almost universal concurrence) on the fortunes of the Democratic Party during the past Washington week. Of course, his vision and concerns went far beyond the Beltway. Now, more than a week has gone by since our last meeting-- and, like all of you, I sorely miss him. God must surely have a special place for Bob.

-Professor Robert Haft

Georgetown University Law Center

 

I, too, will miss Father Drinan, S.J.  He was always there for me.  I worked for him as the Georgetown Law faculty editor/proofreader for almost a decade.  I enjoyed reviewing Father’s transcribed articles, books, and correspondence.  He answered letters from everyone: prisoners, judges, widows, statesmen, and old friends.  I felt blessed because working for him was so special.  As my sons grew up in the Georgetown University Law Center culture Father Drinan would send them coupons for free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.  They are now alums of Gonzaga College High School.  He was proud of this.  Every Christmas including 2006 he would send a card to me, my wife, Joanne, and “the boys.” In summary, Father Drinan was never too busy to answer a question, write a recommendation, or listen to someone’s plight.  Ironically on Monday, I mentioned working at Georgetown University Law Center to a new colleague, entered the Georgetown website and saw the link to Father Drinan’s obituary.  It is characteristic of a great man to not talk about his pain and suffering.  He was truly a man for others.  

-Frank Tam 

Georgetown University Law Center, Faculty Editor/Proofreader 1987-1997

 

Father Drinan loved all people. We can honor him by continuing with his mission of love, seeking justice and promoting world peace.                                                               

-Joanne Harper-Tam                                            

Georgetown School of Nursing and Health Studies Class of 1976

 

Over the years Fr. Drinan and I had a unique opportunity to develop a special dimension to what had become a deep friendship.  We were traveling companions.  Oh and how Father loved to travel, especially to Boston. But he worried so that we were not reaching our alumni who lived in an adjacent town, Worcester, MA.  Not a week went by last spring when he would not ask, “How was “our” planning for a Worcester event coming along and when were “we” leaving?”  Finally, this past summer we had our trip to Worcester.  He was feted at a beautiful mansion, the Worcester Club, hosted by one of his dear friends, Joe Maguire, and was he happy!  With great delight, he reviewed the list of RSVPS and shared a tidbit of insider information about each person. He raced up to each guest on arrival with one hand outstretched and with a pat on the shoulder or arm with the other – a trademark Fr. Drinan bear hug. With his strong hands, Father would guide the newest guest to meet at least one other person in the room, and he made sure to tell each person why it was important that they should know each other.  “Up and comers” met the “old guard.” Young alumni who lived and worked in Worcester met his friends from the Massachusetts state government, while old friends from Boston College met with alumni from Rhode Island. How did he do it?  How did he remember something about each person?  He had the gift as one of my cousins would say.

But for the first time I worried. Usually Father’s break neck speed left me and other’s trying to figure out where he was going and if we should be with him, or if he was just off shaking hands and trading confidences with one of his pals.  Not this time. The trip was hard on him.  He tired early and after an hour wondered when he could have dinner so that he could go back to the Jesuit residence to rest.  He rallied during dinner and told wonderful stories but still looked tired.  The last I saw of him that night was sitting in Jack Wertzberger’s car with the overhead light on and giving Jack directions back to Boston and the Jesuit residence. When they made the wrong turn out of the parking lot, I smiled and thought “ok