Jeremiah J. Callahan
Encyclopedia
Jeremiah Joseph Callahan, C.S.Sp.
(January 11, 1878 – October 11, 1969) was a Roman Catholic priest
and the fifth president of Duquesne University
in Pittsburgh, from 1931 until 1940.
, Michigan
in 1878. He was a graduate of the Duquesne University Prep School, and of the university itself, though at the time of his graduation in 1897 it was still known as the Pittsburgh Catholic College. After his graduation, he studied for the priesthood at St. Vincent's Seminary
in Latrobe, Pennsylvania
. His post-graduate work included study at the Holy Ghost Apostolic College (now Holy Ghost Preparatory School
) in Cornwall Heights, Pennsylvania
, and the Pontifical Gregorian University
in Rome. After his ordination in 1904, he taught languages for a year at Duquesne University, was briefly appointed an instructor of philosophy and theology at the Ferndale Holy Ghost Seminary in Norwalk, Connecticut
, and then served as the pastor of a church in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
, for seven years. After that assignment, he was appointed head of the Holy Ghost Apostolic College in 1916, a role he filled for fifteen years.
as president of Duquesne University on January 4, 1931. He promptly greeted a throng of newspaper reporters by explaining his personal critique of Einstein
's theory of relativity
. (Callahan was an academic who specialized in Euclidean geometry
. His book Euclid or Einstein? A Proof of the Parallel Theory and a Critique of Metageometry, which claimed to have "solved the problem [of geometric trisection of the angle
] which has baffled mathematicians for 2000 years", provoked interest—and dispute—in the field of mathematics at the time.) Inaugural ceremonies were held in Oakland
's Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall
on April 30, 1931. In his inaugural address, he set forth a theory of education that was very different from that of his predecessor. Hehir had taken a college that focused on a classical approach to education, surveyed the needs of the Catholic immigrant community in Pittsburgh, and transformed Duquesne University into a school with an emphasis on occupational training and practicality in curriculum. Callahan, on the other hand, believed that liberal education
should "lead to the possession of manners and the mental attitude of a gentleman, the complete and perfectly rounded out man of the world".
Although Callahan was hand-picked for the position by Hehir, Duquesne historian Joseph Rishel calls Callahan "an unfortunate choice". The onset of the Great Depression
had a negative impact on the university's fortunes, and Callahan's impersonal and rigid administrative attitude only exacerbated the crisis. Moreover, he was disinterested in day-to-day decision making, instead outsourcing authority to the deans of the individual schools, who operated with virtual autonomy. He habitually took two-month "sabbaticals", even in the middle of the school year, and did not associate with the other Spiritan priests living on campus—he chose instead to live in a private apartment he had constructed adjoining the Administration Building. His inflexible attitude was summed up by one of his confrères in the congregation: "Father Callahan was the one man I knew who never had a doubt".
, amid rumors of "shakeups in the administration". Two weeks into Callahan's absence, Father H. J. Goebel, the university's vice-president and treasurer, resigned. W. S. York Critchley, a man whom Callahan had appointed to be dean of the School of Education, followed suit, as it had been revealed that his academic credentials were forged.
In light of these scandals, Callahan announced his resignation when he arrived back in Pittsburgh in May 1936. He then promptly changed his mind. Plunkett responded by firing him from the office of president, but Callahan ignored the order and simply remained in office, claiming that only the board of directors had the authority to remove him. A meeting of the board in June failed to oust Callahan with a vote by secret ballot
, and so Callahan hung on to the office for another four years.
Callahan's term came to an end when Plunkett died in 1939. Father George J. Collins was appointed American provincial, and transferred Callahan to St. Augustine's
, a poor African-American
parish in Natchez, Louisiana
. Callahan resigned at last in February 1940, in order to "bring this internal disatisfaction to an end".
During Callahan's ten-year term as president, the university's curriculum grew to include day sessions in the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, as well as in pharmacy, accounting, pre-medical and pre-dental studies, oratory, and music and drama. The university took over supervision of Mount Mercy College for Women (today Carlow University
), and athletic programs were expanded. (When asked if he wasn't overemphasizing athletics, Callahan responded, "The Greeks of Homer's time trained more rigorously than football players of today".)
His successor was Father Raymond V. Kirk
.
.
Holy Ghost Fathers
The Congregation of the Holy Spirit is a Roman Catholic congregation of priests, lay brothers, and since Vatican II, lay associates...
(January 11, 1878 – October 11, 1969) was a Roman 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....
and the fifth 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, from 1931 until 1940.
Personal background
Jeremiah Callahan was the first native-born president of Duquesne University, born in Bay CityBay City, Michigan
Bay City is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan located near the base of the Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron. As of the 2010 census, the city's population was 34,932, and is the principal city of the Bay City Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is included in the Saginaw-Bay City-Saginaw Township North...
, Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
in 1878. He was a graduate of the Duquesne University Prep School, and of the university itself, though at the time of his graduation in 1897 it was still known as the Pittsburgh Catholic College. After his graduation, he studied for the priesthood at St. Vincent's Seminary
Saint Vincent College
Saint Vincent College is a four-year, coeducational, Roman Catholic, Benedictine, liberal arts college in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, located about 40 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. It was founded in 1846 by Boniface Wimmer, a monk from Bavaria, Germany. It was the first Benedictine monastery in the...
in Latrobe, Pennsylvania
Latrobe, Pennsylvania
Latrobe is a city in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania in the United States, approximately southeast of Pittsburgh.The city population was 7,634 as of the 2000 census . It is located near the Pennsylvania's scenic Chestnut Ridge. Latrobe was incorporated as a borough in 1854, and as a city in 1999...
. His post-graduate work included study at the Holy Ghost Apostolic College (now Holy Ghost Preparatory School
Holy Ghost Preparatory School
Holy Ghost Preparatory School is a private, college preparatory school for young men in Cornwells Heights, Bensalem, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1897 by the Spiritan missionaries, it is also a Catholic school....
) in Cornwall Heights, Pennsylvania
Cornwells Heights-Eddington, Pennsylvania
Cornwells Heights-Eddington is a census-designated place in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 3,406 at the 2000 census....
, and the Pontifical Gregorian University
Pontifical Gregorian University
The Pontifical Gregorian University is a pontifical university located in Rome, Italy.Heir of the Roman College founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola over 460 years ago, the Gregorian University was the first university founded by the Jesuits...
in Rome. After his ordination in 1904, he taught languages for a year at Duquesne University, was briefly appointed an instructor of philosophy and theology at the Ferndale 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...
, and then served as the pastor of a church in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
Chippewa Falls is a city located on the Chippewa River in Chippewa County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 13,661 at the 2010 census. Incorporated as a city in 1869, it is the county seat of Chippewa County....
, for seven years. After that assignment, he was appointed head of the Holy Ghost Apostolic College in 1916, a role he filled for fifteen years.
President of Duquesne University
Callahan formally succeeded 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...
as president of Duquesne University on January 4, 1931. He promptly greeted a throng of newspaper reporters by explaining his personal critique of Einstein
Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein was a German-born theoretical physicist who developed the theory of general relativity, effecting a revolution in physics. For this achievement, Einstein is often regarded as the father of modern physics and one of the most prolific intellects in human history...
's theory of relativity
Theory of relativity
The theory of relativity, or simply relativity, encompasses two theories of Albert Einstein: special relativity and general relativity. However, the word relativity is sometimes used in reference to Galilean invariance....
. (Callahan was an academic who specialized in Euclidean geometry
Euclidean geometry
Euclidean geometry is a mathematical system attributed to the Alexandrian Greek mathematician Euclid, which he described in his textbook on geometry: the Elements. Euclid's method consists in assuming a small set of intuitively appealing axioms, and deducing many other propositions from these...
. His book Euclid or Einstein? A Proof of the Parallel Theory and a Critique of Metageometry, which claimed to have "solved the problem [of geometric trisection of the angle
Angle trisection
Angle trisection is a classic problem of compass and straightedge constructions of ancient Greek mathematics. It concerns construction of an angle equal to one-third of a given arbitrary angle, using only two tools: an un-marked straightedge, and a compass....
] which has baffled mathematicians for 2000 years", provoked interest—and dispute—in the field of mathematics at the time.) Inaugural ceremonies were held 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...
's Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall
Soldiers and Sailors National Military Museum and Memorial
Soldiers and Sailors National Military Museum and Memorial is a National Register of Historic Places landmark in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States...
on April 30, 1931. In his inaugural address, he set forth a theory of education that was very different from that of his predecessor. Hehir had taken a college that focused on a classical approach to education, surveyed the needs of the Catholic immigrant community in Pittsburgh, and transformed Duquesne University into a school with an emphasis on occupational training and practicality in curriculum. Callahan, on the other hand, believed that liberal education
Liberal education
A Liberal education is a system or course of education suitable for the cultivation of a free human being. It is based on the medieval concept of the liberal arts or, more commonly now, the liberalism of the Age of Enlightenment...
should "lead to the possession of manners and the mental attitude of a gentleman, the complete and perfectly rounded out man of the world".
Although Callahan was hand-picked for the position by Hehir, Duquesne historian Joseph Rishel calls Callahan "an unfortunate choice". The onset of the Great Depression
Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...
had a negative impact on the university's fortunes, and Callahan's impersonal and rigid administrative attitude only exacerbated the crisis. Moreover, he was disinterested in day-to-day decision making, instead outsourcing authority to the deans of the individual schools, who operated with virtual autonomy. He habitually took two-month "sabbaticals", even in the middle of the school year, and did not associate with the other Spiritan priests living on campus—he chose instead to live in a private apartment he had constructed adjoining the Administration Building. His inflexible attitude was summed up by one of his confrères in the congregation: "Father Callahan was the one man I knew who never had a doubt".
Conflict and resignation
By 1936, Callahan's "disregard of constitutional safeguards" had resulted in all-time low morale among university staff, and the bishop of Pittsburgh, as well as a number of parents, were rapidly losing confidence in his leadership. Callahan had privately conceded to the demands of Father Christopher J. Plunkett, the American Provincial of the Holy Ghost Fathers, and vowed to resign after returning from his February sabbatical. Indeed, his departure was covered by the Duquesne DukeThe Duquesne Duke
The Duquesne Duke is the campus newspaper of Duquesne University.The Duke has been in operation since March 5, 1925 . Written and edited by students, it is published every Thursday during the academic year, excluding exam periods and holidays. The paper provides a mix of campus news, student...
, amid rumors of "shakeups in the administration". Two weeks into Callahan's absence, Father H. J. Goebel, the university's vice-president and treasurer, resigned. W. S. York Critchley, a man whom Callahan had appointed to be dean of the School of Education, followed suit, as it had been revealed that his academic credentials were forged.
In light of these scandals, Callahan announced his resignation when he arrived back in Pittsburgh in May 1936. He then promptly changed his mind. Plunkett responded by firing him from the office of president, but Callahan ignored the order and simply remained in office, claiming that only the board of directors had the authority to remove him. A meeting of the board in June failed to oust Callahan with a vote by secret ballot
Secret ballot
The secret ballot is a voting method in which a voter's choices in an election or a referendum are anonymous. The key aim is to ensure the voter records a sincere choice by forestalling attempts to influence the voter by intimidation or bribery. The system is one means of achieving the goal of...
, and so Callahan hung on to the office for another four years.
Callahan's term came to an end when Plunkett died in 1939. Father George J. Collins was appointed American provincial, and transferred Callahan to St. Augustine's
St. Augustine Parish (Isle Brevelle) Church
St. Augustine Catholic Church is in Natchez, Louisiana. Tradition holds that the church was established by Nicolas Augustin Métoyer, a newly freed slave, in 1803 and that services have been held continuously since then. The congregation may have gathered then, but the church and priest came later...
, a poor African-American
African American
African Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
parish in Natchez, Louisiana
Natchez, Louisiana
Natchez is a village in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 583 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Natchitoches Micropolitan Statistical Area....
. Callahan resigned at last in February 1940, in order to "bring this internal disatisfaction to an end".
During Callahan's ten-year term as president, the university's curriculum grew to include day sessions in the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, as well as in pharmacy, accounting, pre-medical and pre-dental studies, oratory, and music and drama. The university took over supervision of Mount Mercy College for Women (today Carlow University
Carlow University
Carlow University is a Roman Catholic university founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, on September 24, 1929, by the Sisters of Mercy from Carlow, Ireland. Originally called Mount Mercy College, the name was changed to Carlow College in April 1969. In 2004, Carlow College achieved university...
), and athletic programs were expanded. (When asked if he wasn't overemphasizing athletics, Callahan responded, "The Greeks of Homer's time trained more rigorously than football players of today".)
His successor was Father Raymond V. Kirk
Raymond V. Kirk
Raymond V. Kirk, C.S.Sp. was a Roman Catholic priest and the sixth president of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, from 1940 until 1946.-Personal background:...
.
Life after Duquesne
Callahan served as a pastor in Louisiana until the late 1950s. He died on October 11, 1969 at the age of 91, and is buried in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Morrilton, ArkansasMorrilton, Arkansas
Morrilton is a city in Conway County, Arkansas, United States, northwest of Little Rock. The town was home to Harding College, now Harding University of Searcy, Arkansas, for about a decade in the 1920s and 1930s. The population was 6,550 at the 2000 census...
.
External links
- A brief history of Duquesne University
- Science: Angle Trisected? 1931 article from Time magazine detailing some of Callahan's objections to Einstein's theory
- Rev Jeremiah Joseph Callahan at Find a GraveFind A GraveFind a Grave is a commercial website providing free access and input to an online database of cemetery records. It was founded in 1998 as a DBA and incorporated in 2000.-History:...