Message from Mount President Thomas H. Powell on the death of Professor Emilio Rodriguez I am saddened to report that late last night we were informed of the death of Dr. Emilio Rodriguez, Associate Professor of Political Science, who this semester has been hosting a study abroad program in Dublin, Ireland. While the details are still not clear, it appears that Emilio died peacefully and without distress. Our hearts and prayers go out to Amelia, his wife (Registrar in the Seminary), 2nd Lieutenant John Paul, their son (a graduate of the Class of 2006), Michelle Milly, John’s fiancé, (Class of 2007) and the many family and friends who were fortunate enough to claim Emilio as their own – he was a remarkable man, husband, father, teacher and friend to many of us. Further details regarding the arrangements for his funeral and memorial service will be announced as soon as they are available. Obviously we are also concerned for the safety and well-being of the students that are in Ireland. We will be sending to Dublin by the end of the day an executive officer to support the students, and plans for the continuation of the semester are being formulated. When these plans are finalized, I will inform the entire community. As the entire Mount Community deals with this tragic loss, I ask that we come together in prayer for the Rodriguez family and in support of one another. President Thomas H. Powell
November 1, 2007
8:30 am. 11/1 Update from President Powell On behalf of Thomas O’Hara, Chair of our Board of Trustees, and the entire Board, I extend a message of deep sympathy and condolences to Amelia, John Paul, and the entire Rodriguez family. I have asked Dan Soller, Executive Vice President, and Monsignor Stuart Swetland, Interim Chaplain, to coordinate the efforts of the Office of Student Affairs and our Counseling Services, along with members of our clergy, in an effort to provide support to those on our campus who wish to talk with someone specially trained to help in times like these. The Mount Community is welcome to either of the two Masses offered tomorrow for the Commemoration of All Souls with special intentions for the repose of the soul of Dr. Rodriguez and Sr. Joan Gormley as well as all the faithful departed associated with the Mount. I have asked Monsignor to keep the community informed of these arrangements. A funeral and memorial service will be offered here on campus once the final details have been planned. Dr. David Rehm has been in contact with the Dublin Business School (DBS) to assure the students’ safety and provide as much support as possible to the 35 students studying abroad this semester. We have received superb support from DBS and their liaison, Ms. Elizabeth McGloin, who has wrapped her arms around our students during this most difficult time. The students gathered together in Dublin earlier today to attend a memorial Mass, and the DBS staff is with our students again this evening for dinner. The academic integrity of the program will remain in tact: students will continue their studies for the duration of the semester. I have deployed our Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Leona Sevick, to travel to Dublin over the weekend to work with the DBS staff on plans for the continuation of the semester. Dr. Rehm will be providing the parents of our students abroad with more detailed information as soon as it becomes available. Furthermore, Irene, my wife and Coordinator of the Mount Family Association, will be traveling tomorrow with Mrs. Rodriguez to Dublin to bring Dr. Rodriguez home and to lend further support to Amelia and our students. We are blessed with a collective community that rallies around us during times like these. I have received a call and email today from the CEO of the Dublin Business School, Dr. Muldowney, expressing his condolences and offering any further assistance we might need from their end. And our neighbors, the Daughters of Charity, called to let us know that the Sisters they have currently in Ireland would like to get in touch with our students to lend their support. We will continue to do all in our power to ensure the safety and well-being of our students studying in Dublin. President Thomas H. Powell
November 1, 2007
3:30 pm. 11/5 Update from Irene Powell, wife of President Powell, who traveled with Amelia Rodriguez to Ireland to be with our Mount students and to bring Emilio back home. Dr. Leona Sevick, dean of academic affairs, also went to Dublin to meet with the faculty of the Dublin Business School. “The Daughters of Charity, operating St. Francis Hospice here in Dublin, organized a beautiful and moving service (for the Mount students)…the music selections, readings and candle lighting ceremony touched us all. Tuesday, November 6, 2007, we tie up business and return on Wednesday, Dr. Sevick on an early morning flight followed by Mrs. Rodriguez and I in the afternoon. On Saturday, John Paul (Emilio and Amy’s son) flies home from where he is stationed in Texas. This evening, as we raised our glasses, I reminded the group of Professor Rodriguez's favorite quote:"Caminante, no hay camino, se have camino al andar" - Antonio Machado which translated means “Wayfarer, there is no path. Walking makes the path.” He paved the way: Leadership through example. A man of deep Faith, gleefully Discovering more about the world and each other daily, and creating Community through generosity of spirit and a diplomatic nature. I know you will keep the entire Rodriguez family in your prayers, as well as our students.” Irene Powell Prayers and Counseling - A message from Msgr. Stuart W. Swetland, S.T.D. | 
