Father Paul J. Dugan, SJ

Tue, Jul 2nd 2019 09:00 am

Father Paul J. Dugan, longtime moderator of athletics at Canisius College, died May 11, 2019, in Murray-Weigel Hall on the campus of Fordham University in the Bronx. He was 95.

Born March 20, 1924, Father Dugan studied at Canisius College in the 1940s, but decided to transfer to Woodstock College, a Jesuit Seminary in Maryland, as he pursued the priesthood. He was ordained at Fordham on June 16, 1956.
He taught at Brooklyn Jesuit Prep, McQuaid Jesuit High School in Rochester, and Canisius High School in Buffalo before joining the college staff in 1970, where he remained until 2012.

He served as public safety chaplain and alumni chaplain at Canisius College, but is best known for his attendance at most of the Golden Griffin games, where he would lead the teams in prayer. He was named to the Canisius Sports Hall of Fame in 2000.

On Sept. 28, 2007, the Montante family honored him by renaming Eastwood Hall as Dugan Hall. The Office of Alumni Engagement presented the first Rev. Paul J. Dugan, SJ Award in 2013 at the college's annual Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The award recognizes individuals who do not qualify for consideration into the Canisius Sports Hall of Fame, but whose acts or efforts have significantly benefited Canisius athletics. In 2010, the Athletic Department issued a commemorative bobblehead in Father Dugan's likeness to celebrate his 40 years of service and dedication.

A memorial Mass was celebrated June 8 at Christ the King chapel at Canisius College.

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