Henry J. McAnulty
Encyclopedia
Henry Joseph McAnulty, C.S.Sp. (April 25, 1915 – June 10, 1995) was an American
Catholic priest
. A Spiritan
, McAnulty served as the ninth president of Duquesne University
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
, from 1959 until 1980, and afterwards as university chancellor until his death.
neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
. He attended high school at Central Catholic High School
in Oakland
, graduating in 1932.
McAnulty earned his bachelor's degree at Duquesne University, majoring in philosophy and English with no intention of becoming a Holy Ghost Father. Following his graduation in 1936, however, he entered St. Mary's Holy Ghost Seminary in Norwalk, Connecticut
, where he earned a bachelor of divinity
. He was ordained a priest in 1940. McAnulty entered the Air Force
as a military chaplain
during World War II and served for fifteen years, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel
. (He stayed in the reserves, and was later promoted to the rank of Brigadier General
; he was the first Catholic chaplain to be accorded such an honor.)
McAnulty returned to Duquesne in October 1958 by the invitation of President Vernon F. Gallagher
. He served in the capacity of assistant to the president for less than a year before being appointed president himself.
("Daddy Hehir"). This approach was necessary for two reasons: McAnulty had to live up to the reputation that Father Gallagher, his predecessor, had enjoyed, and also because the university itself had to have a highly visible public face in order to achieve its fundraising goals for campus expansion and development. McAnulty's non-confrontational personality and ability to relate to students would save Duquesne University from much of the student unrest that characterized college campuses in the late 1960s.
A top priority for campus development was the construction of residence halls as Duquesne transitioned from being a nearly-exclusively commuter college to hosting out-of-state and even international students. To this end, McAnulty made good on his promise to construct a dormitory for men, breaking ground on St. Martin Hall in 1962. St. Ann Hall, a dormitory for both men and women, was finished in two parts from 1963 to 1964. Construction was also begun in 1969 on a large, 17-story dormitory facility, which would later be named Duquesne Towers. These building projects, which expanded Duquesne's campus to occupy several blocks in Pittsburgh's Bluff neighborhood
, met with some opposition from area residents, who felt that Duquesne's expansion was a "conspiracy" designed to throw them out of their homes. Financial settlements were made and construction continued.
Dormitory facilities were not the only projects underway at Duquesne. The Student Union, controversial for its poured-concrete ramps and large, plate glass windows, was designed by Paul Schweiker, a professor of architecture at the Carnegie Technical Institute
, with groundbreaking taking place in 1964. The construction of Mellon Hall, a new, state-of-the-art science facility designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
, was completed in 1969. In addition, Vickroy Street was closed to car traffic and became the Academic Walk, landscaped promenade that cuts through the heart of campus today.
The year 1968 ended on a positive note for Duquesne University. Enrollment was at 7,428, and the slew of campus construction projects made it seem that Duquesne was posed for great things.
Two large building projects were direct contributors to the university's financial problems. First, Duquesne Towers, the 17-story, 1,200-bed dormitory, cost $10.5 million to construct. A loan had to be taken to cover the costs, and despite recommendations that had been given to McAnulty and the university administration, there was no immediate demand for its space. It would not be until 1992, in fact, that the dorm would be at full capacity. The other project was the $3.5 million dollar refurbishment of a parking garage into College Hall, today the home of Duquesne's College of Liberal Arts
.
Also a factor was the fact that the University of Pittsburgh
had just become a public university
; as such, its tuition dropped astronomically in just one year. Other universities, such as Point Park
and CCAC
were also opening in the area and positioning themselves as competition to Duquesne.
By December 1969, it was revealed that Duquesne had only $50,000 in available funds, and about $1,397,000 due for employee payroll and construction invoices. McAnulty decided to publicly acknowledge the situation, cancelling classes on April 21, 1970 to announce the situation to the entire student body. McAnulty presented two options: students would have to accept a $400 increase in tuition or the university would have to close. The student body, however, united to create a campaign which they dubbed the "Third Alternative." With the goal of raising one million dollars to "Save Duquesne University", students engaged in door-to-door fundraising and even a marathon race to raise funds. In the end, nearly $600,000 was gathered, enough to keep Duquesne afloat until the end of the crisis in 1973. McAnulty's leadership was largely credited with keeping the university community together during the financial crisis. In the words of Third Alternative student chairman Patrick Joyce, "[McAnulty] was a man who got people to pull together, not pull apart."
The stress of these financial pressures, as well as mounting divisiveness in the university administration, culminated in McAnulty taking a one-year sabbatical for health reasons from 1976 to 1977.
, in 1978. An old paper mill, at that time in use as a parking garage, was remodeled for $5.2 million into a spacious library space.
McAnulty tendered his resignation in May 1979, agreeing to stay on until a replacement could be found. This replacement was found in Father Donald S. Nesti
, and McAnulty stepped down from the university presidency in July 1980.
. Still immensely popular with the student body, Colbert Street was renamed to "McAnulty Street" in his honor on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of his ordination in 1990.
McAnulty died on June 10, 1995, after celebrating a wedding Mass in the university chapel. Returning to Trinity Hall, the priests's residence on campus, he suffered a massive heart attack.
, the serving president, Dr. John E. Murray, Jr., remarked, "He was the president of Duquesne University. He will always be the president of Duquesne University."
The College of Liberal Arts was renamed the McAnulty College of Liberal Arts just months after his death. Today, two endowed scholarships are offered by the university in his memory.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
Catholic priest
Priesthood (Catholic Church)
The ministerial orders of the Catholic Church include the orders of bishops, deacons and presbyters, which in Latin is sacerdos. The ordained priesthood and common priesthood are different in function and essence....
. A Spiritan
Holy Ghost Fathers
The Congregation of the Holy Spirit is a Roman Catholic congregation of priests, lay brothers, and since Vatican II, lay associates...
, McAnulty served as the ninth president of Duquesne University
Duquesne University
Duquesne University of the Holy Spirit is a private Catholic university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded by members of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Duquesne first opened its doors as the Pittsburgh Catholic College of the Holy Ghost in October 1878 with an enrollment of...
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in the US Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Allegheny County. Regionally, it anchors the largest urban area of Appalachia and the Ohio River Valley, and nationally, it is the 22nd-largest urban area in the United States...
, from 1959 until 1980, and afterwards as university chancellor until his death.
Early years and education
Henry McAnulty was born on April 25, 1915 in the ShadysideShadyside (Pittsburgh)
Shadyside is a neighborhood in the East End of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. It has zip codes of both 15232 and 15206, and has representation on Pittsburgh City Council by the council member for District 8...
neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
. He attended high school at Central Catholic High School
Central Catholic High School (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Central Catholic High School is a Roman Catholic college preparatory school for boys in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. It is a part of the Diocese of Pittsburgh and is administrated and partially staffed by the Brothers of the Christian Schools....
in Oakland
Oakland (Pittsburgh)
Oakland is the academic, cultural, and healthcare center of Pittsburgh and is Pennsylvania's third largest "Downtown". Only Center City Philadelphia and Downtown Pittsburgh can claim more economic and social activity than Oakland...
, graduating in 1932.
McAnulty earned his bachelor's degree at Duquesne University, majoring in philosophy and English with no intention of becoming a Holy Ghost Father. Following his graduation in 1936, however, he entered St. Mary's Holy Ghost Seminary in Norwalk, Connecticut
Norwalk, Connecticut
Norwalk is a city in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of the city is 85,603, making Norwalk sixth in population in Connecticut, and third in Fairfield County...
, where he earned a bachelor of divinity
Bachelor of Divinity
In Western universities, a Bachelor of Divinity is usually an undergraduate academic degree awarded for a course taken in the study of divinity or related disciplines, such as theology or, rarely, religious studies....
. He was ordained a priest in 1940. McAnulty entered the Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
as a military chaplain
Military chaplain
A military chaplain is a chaplain who ministers to soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and other members of the military. In many countries, chaplains also minister to the family members of military personnel, to civilian noncombatants working for military organizations and to civilians within the...
during World War II and served for fifteen years, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel
Lieutenant colonel
Lieutenant colonel is a rank of commissioned officer in the armies and most marine forces and some air forces of the world, typically ranking above a major and below a colonel. The rank of lieutenant colonel is often shortened to simply "colonel" in conversation and in unofficial correspondence...
. (He stayed in the reserves, and was later promoted to the rank of Brigadier General
Brigadier general (United States)
A brigadier general in the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, is a one-star general officer, with the pay grade of O-7. Brigadier general ranks above a colonel and below major general. Brigadier general is equivalent to the rank of rear admiral in the other uniformed...
; he was the first Catholic chaplain to be accorded such an honor.)
McAnulty returned to Duquesne in October 1958 by the invitation of President Vernon F. Gallagher
Vernon F. Gallagher
Vernon F. Gallagher, C.S.Sp. is an American Roman Catholic priest. He served as the eighth president of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from 1950 until 1959.-Early life and education:...
. He served in the capacity of assistant to the president for less than a year before being appointed president himself.
Service to Duquesne University
Known on campus as "Father Mac", McAnulty cultivated an image of accessibility and community involvement during his 21 years as university president unrivaled since the days of Father Martin HehirMartin Hehir
Martin A. Hehir , C.S.Sp. was a Roman Catholic priest and the fourth president of Pittsburgh Catholic College . Hehir served as president of the university from 1899 until 1930...
("Daddy Hehir"). This approach was necessary for two reasons: McAnulty had to live up to the reputation that Father Gallagher, his predecessor, had enjoyed, and also because the university itself had to have a highly visible public face in order to achieve its fundraising goals for campus expansion and development. McAnulty's non-confrontational personality and ability to relate to students would save Duquesne University from much of the student unrest that characterized college campuses in the late 1960s.
Years of expansion (1959–1968)
McAnulty's first decade in service to Duquesne was characterized by a feeling of optimism for the future, as he worked to fulfill Father Gallagher's "Master Plan" for redevelopment of the university campus. Numerous large building projects were completed, starting with the renovation of the "Old Main" administration building from 1961 to 1966. This project was quickly followed by a large addition to the university library in the same year, as well as the purchase and renovation of a new academic building on Stevenson Street.A top priority for campus development was the construction of residence halls as Duquesne transitioned from being a nearly-exclusively commuter college to hosting out-of-state and even international students. To this end, McAnulty made good on his promise to construct a dormitory for men, breaking ground on St. Martin Hall in 1962. St. Ann Hall, a dormitory for both men and women, was finished in two parts from 1963 to 1964. Construction was also begun in 1969 on a large, 17-story dormitory facility, which would later be named Duquesne Towers. These building projects, which expanded Duquesne's campus to occupy several blocks in Pittsburgh's Bluff neighborhood
Bluff (Pittsburgh)
The Bluff or Uptown is a neighborhood in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the southeast of the city's Central Business District. It is bordered in the north by the Hill District and just a short trip across the Monongahela River is the city's South Side, which is home to a flourishing...
, met with some opposition from area residents, who felt that Duquesne's expansion was a "conspiracy" designed to throw them out of their homes. Financial settlements were made and construction continued.
Dormitory facilities were not the only projects underway at Duquesne. The Student Union, controversial for its poured-concrete ramps and large, plate glass windows, was designed by Paul Schweiker, a professor of architecture at the Carnegie Technical Institute
Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States....
, with groundbreaking taking place in 1964. The construction of Mellon Hall, a new, state-of-the-art science facility designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was a German architect. He is commonly referred to and addressed as Mies, his surname....
, was completed in 1969. In addition, Vickroy Street was closed to car traffic and became the Academic Walk, landscaped promenade that cuts through the heart of campus today.
The year 1968 ended on a positive note for Duquesne University. Enrollment was at 7,428, and the slew of campus construction projects made it seem that Duquesne was posed for great things.
Financial woes (1969–1977)
Thanks to McAnulty's leadership, Duquesne experienced a decade of enthusiastic growth, and the contours of Duquesne's present-day campus began to take shape. Despite the large-scale accomplishments, however, financial complications were imminent which would take a toll on both the university's plans and McAnulty's health.Two large building projects were direct contributors to the university's financial problems. First, Duquesne Towers, the 17-story, 1,200-bed dormitory, cost $10.5 million to construct. A loan had to be taken to cover the costs, and despite recommendations that had been given to McAnulty and the university administration, there was no immediate demand for its space. It would not be until 1992, in fact, that the dorm would be at full capacity. The other project was the $3.5 million dollar refurbishment of a parking garage into College Hall, today the home of Duquesne's College of Liberal Arts
McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts
The McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts, part of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was founded as the College of Arts and Letters, part of the "Pittsburgh Catholic College" in 1878. The College was incorporated in 1882 with the authority to grant degrees in the arts...
.
Also a factor was the fact that the University of Pittsburgh
University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh, commonly referred to as Pitt, is a state-related research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded as Pittsburgh Academy in 1787 on what was then the American frontier, Pitt is one of the oldest continuously chartered institutions of...
had just become a public university
Public university
A public university is a university that is predominantly funded by public means through a national or subnational government, as opposed to private universities. A national university may or may not be considered a public university, depending on regions...
; as such, its tuition dropped astronomically in just one year. Other universities, such as Point Park
Point Park University
Point Park University is a liberal arts university located in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Formerly known as Point Park College, the school name was revised in 2004 to reflect the number of graduate programs being offered....
and CCAC
Community College of Allegheny County
Community College of Allegheny County, or CCAC as it is officially abbreviated, is a community college in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With four campuses and six centers, the college offers associate's degrees, certificate and diploma programs....
were also opening in the area and positioning themselves as competition to Duquesne.
By December 1969, it was revealed that Duquesne had only $50,000 in available funds, and about $1,397,000 due for employee payroll and construction invoices. McAnulty decided to publicly acknowledge the situation, cancelling classes on April 21, 1970 to announce the situation to the entire student body. McAnulty presented two options: students would have to accept a $400 increase in tuition or the university would have to close. The student body, however, united to create a campaign which they dubbed the "Third Alternative." With the goal of raising one million dollars to "Save Duquesne University", students engaged in door-to-door fundraising and even a marathon race to raise funds. In the end, nearly $600,000 was gathered, enough to keep Duquesne afloat until the end of the crisis in 1973. McAnulty's leadership was largely credited with keeping the university community together during the financial crisis. In the words of Third Alternative student chairman Patrick Joyce, "[McAnulty] was a man who got people to pull together, not pull apart."
The stress of these financial pressures, as well as mounting divisiveness in the university administration, culminated in McAnulty taking a one-year sabbatical for health reasons from 1976 to 1977.
Renewed hope for Duquesne (1977–1980)
McAnulty came back from his sabbatical in good spirits, finding the university in a firmer position than it had been six years prior. He was able to bring his presidency to close on a positive note, overseeing the construction of a brand-new library facility, today the Gumberg LibraryGumberg Library
The Gumberg Library houses the collections at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and comprises more than a half million print volumes.-History:...
, in 1978. An old paper mill, at that time in use as a parking garage, was remodeled for $5.2 million into a spacious library space.
McAnulty tendered his resignation in May 1979, agreeing to stay on until a replacement could be found. This replacement was found in Father Donald S. Nesti
Donald S. Nesti
Donald Silvio Nesti, C.S.Sp. is an American Catholic priest in the Congregation of the Holy Spirit. He served as the tenth president of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from 1980 until 1988. He is the founder and current director of the Center for Faith and Culture at the...
, and McAnulty stepped down from the university presidency in July 1980.
After Duquesne
Upon McAnulty's retirement, he was promptly elected to the position of university chancellor by the board of directors, a position usually reserved for the Bishop of PittsburghRoman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh is a Roman Catholic diocese. It was established in Western Pennsylvania on August 11, 1843. The diocese includes 211 parishes in the counties of Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Lawrence, and Washington, an area of with a Catholic population of 719,801...
. Still immensely popular with the student body, Colbert Street was renamed to "McAnulty Street" in his honor on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of his ordination in 1990.
McAnulty died on June 10, 1995, after celebrating a wedding Mass in the university chapel. Returning to Trinity Hall, the priests's residence on campus, he suffered a massive heart attack.
Legacy
At McAnulty's funeral Mass at Saint Paul's CathedralCathedral of Saint Paul in Pittsburgh
The Cathedral of Saint Paul is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States...
, the serving president, Dr. John E. Murray, Jr., remarked, "He was the president of Duquesne University. He will always be the president of Duquesne University."
The College of Liberal Arts was renamed the McAnulty College of Liberal Arts just months after his death. Today, two endowed scholarships are offered by the university in his memory.