Seattle University Magazine

Seattle University is deeply saddened by the passing of Johnny O’Brien, ’53, a true legend and one of the most iconic figures in the history of Seattle University Athletics.

A towering figure in Seattle sports history, O’Brien’s legacy extends far beyond his extraordinary athletic accomplishments. A two-sport (basketball and baseball) star, O’Brien achieved national acclaim as an All-American basketball player and was the first collegiate player to score more than 1,000 points in a single season. He also made history in Major League Baseball alongside his twin brother, Eddie. Together, the O’Brien twins put Seattle University on the map, leading the school to the 1953 NCAA Basketball Tournament and capturing the hearts of the city.  

Throughout his life, O’Brien—a graduate of the Albers School of Business and Economics—remained a passionate supporter of Seattle University, its student athletes and its mission. His relationship with the university spanned more than seven decades, during which he witnessed and supported countless milestones.  

“Johnny O’Brien was a true Seattle University legend,” says President Eduardo Peñalver. “His achievements and impacts on SU Athletics are too numerous to count. His relationship with Seattle University spanned our early glory days, our departure from Division I, a change of mascot, our return to Division I and, more recently, to the West Coast Conference. Through it all, he was a steadfast supporter of the university and of our student athletes. We have lost a giant.” 

The university community and greater Seattle are mourning the passing of Anne Farrell, the embodiment of leading with grace and quiet effectiveness, along with warmth, compassion and purpose.  
 
Farrell left an indelible mark on Seattle University, serving first on the Board of Regents (1987-2002) before her decade-long tenure on the Board of Trustees (2002-2012). She was instrumental in the success of Seattle University’s comprehensive campaign, serving as co-chair from 2003-09 and overseeing with the campaign the successful drive for the Lemieux Library and McGoldrick Commons renovation. Additionally, she received the University Service Award in 2009 and the university’s highest honor, the St. Ignatius Award, in 2015.  
 
Read more about the life and legacy of Anne Farrell in The Seattle Times.

1948

Lila Jean Tonda (February 11, 2025) 

1949 

Margaret Bond (January 26, 2025) 

1950

George Anderson (January 24, 2025) 
John Moran (May 23, 2025)

1951

Rita Bergamini (January 19, 2025) 
Doris O'Connor (May 16, 2025) 
Elizabeth Rahkonen (February 4, 2025)

1952 

Edgar Monroe (February 24, 2025) 
Joanne Monroe (April 7, 2025)

1953

Francis Franz (February 7, 2025)

1955 

Barbara LaFond (January 28, 2025) 
Roberta Rorke (January 9, 2025)

1957 

Edwin Hunt (March 25, 2025) 

1958

Catherine Dodson (May 5, 2025)

1959

Jean Manley (March 6, 2025) 

1960 

Donald Miller (March 1, 2025) 

1961 

Michael Ritch (February 25, 2025)

1961 

Virginia Johnson (August 28, 2024)

Clyde Lynn (December 25, 2024) 

1963

Carroll Purdum (May 4, 2025) 
Patricia Rusch (March 22, 2025)

1964

Wayne Fry (March 27, 2025)

1965 

Annelle Lee (April 18, 2025)

1966 

Mary Jane Buonadonna (March 26, 2025) 
Roberta Schreck (January 10, 2025) 

1967 

Barbara Schamber (March 23, 2025)

1968 

George Ketterling (March 7, 2025)

1969 

Martin Sellner (January 16, 2025)

1970 

Margaret Carr (January 25, 2025) 

1971 

Thomas Hirt (May 2025) 
David Novak (February 21, 2025)

1972

Louis Ainsworth (March 17, 2025)

1973 

Larry Haderli (April 12, 2025)

1974 

Stephen Clymer (March 16, 2025) 
Alan Dobyns (April 2, 2025) 
John Gelber (March 5, 2025) 
Jeffrey Jones (February 28, 2025) 
Ronald Stevens (May 16, 2025) 

1975 

Ethel Beneville (January 30, 2025) 

1977

Gregory Reyna (February 10, 2025) 

1981

Thomas Blum (April 20, 2025) 
Michael Holley (April 21, 2025) 
Martin Miller (March 16, 2025) 

1982 

Christyne Cavataio (April 28, 2025)

1983 

Joyce Coleman (February 18, 2025) 
Jeffrey Rabe (March 2, 2025)

1984 

Susan Dyer (April 15, 2025) 
Steven Krafchick (February 13, 2025) 
Richard Saunders (February 16, 2025) 

1985 

Glenna Cox (January 31, 2025) 
Mark Overstreet (April 23, 2025) 

1987

Barbara Haberman (March 17, 2025) 
Mary Lou Kreiss (April 2, 2025)

1990

Sandra Dyer (April 18, 2025) 
Verna Swanstrom (March 14, 2025)

1991 

Gail Bauman (January 9, 2025) 

1997 

June Whitson (January 24, 2025)

1999 

Julie Cain (March 10, 2025) 

2003

Thomas Braun (January 13, 2025) 
Leigh Nielson (January 12, 2025) 

2005

Carol Stockdale (January 26, 2025)

2008 

Austin Netelbeek (March 10, 2025)  

2022

Tanner Hong (February 13, 2025)

Faculty/Staff 

David Boerner (March 9, 2025) (faculty)
Julie Davis (February 14, 2025) (staff)
Maxime Marinoni (February 22, 2025) (faculty)
Dr. Charles H. Mitchell, '74 (June 27)
Richard Nafziger (February 11, 2025) (faculty)
Virginia Parks (May 9, 2025)(faculty)