[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 15, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E34]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





       HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF BROTHER RONALD GALLAGHER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK DeSAULNIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 15, 2025

  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and 
service of Brother Ronald Gallagher. Ronald was born in Oakland, 
California and grew up in Santa Cruz and Central California. He later 
moved to Napa, California where he attended the Christian Brothers 
Juniorate at Mont La Salle. Ronald entered the Novitiate in 1964 then 
took his final vows in 1972.
  He received his B.A. from Saint Mary's College, his M.A. from San 
Francisco State University, and his PhD in Comparative Literature from 
the University of Washington. Shortly after earning his Masters, 
Brother Ron became a teacher, going on to shape generations of 
students. He was a devoted educator and encouraged students to grow 
both academically and spiritually. He taught at Saint Mary's College 
High School in Berkeley, Justin-Siena in Napa, and joined Saint Mary's 
College faculty as a professor of English in the early 1980s.
  Brother Ron was a monumental figure at Saint Mary's College and his 
authenticity and commitment to faith were evident to all who knew him. 
He served as Residence Hall Director and Assistant to the President 
before serving as the 28th President of Saint Mary's College from 2005 
through 2013. During his tenure as President, Ronald spearheaded the 
construction of the Kalmanovitz School of Education building, 
improvements to Oliver Hall, and the creation of the Athletics and 
Recreation Corridor. He returned to the college in 2018 as President 
Emeritus where he remained involved in campus activities and continued 
supporting the college's mission. In 2023, the college's newly 
renovated baseball facility was named Brother Ronald Gallagher Stadium 
in recognition of his outstanding service.
  Further, Ronald served as Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University in 
Palestine and as Secretary General of the global Lasallian Institute. 
He was a regular attendee at Collegiate Seminar retreats at the Russian 
River and Huntington Lake and started a class at Saint Mary's to share 
his love of Irish literature and culture with students. Additionaljy, 
Brother Ron was known for his sense of humor, love of sports, and 
passion for literature.
  Sadly, Ronald passed away on January 4, 2025. He will be remembered 
for his unwavering commitment to service, education, and his faith. 
Please join me in recognizing Brother Ronald Gallagher for his 
indelible impact on our community.

                          ____________________