A Celebration of William J. O’Neill, Jr.
Some deans are measured by the number of new programs they start. Or the world-class faculty they hire. Or the thousands of students they graduate.
Bill O’Neill did all that and much more in his 19 years as dean of the Sawyer Business School. But what was most on display at a virtual retirement celebration during Suffolk Week was the fondness, respect, and esteem that the Suffolk community has for him. More than 250 faculty, friends, family, alumni, trustees, staff, and students joined Bill and his wife, Ann, to thank him for his service as dean and, before that, trustee. See the full celebration.
Hosted by Provost Julie Sandell, the event was a mix of tributes and well-wishes, both live and on video, from people all across the Suffolk community, including trustee emeritus and double Ram Robert Johnson and alumnus and former trustee Edward McDonnell, who both reminisced about their long-time associations with Bill. There was also an appearance from former Suffolk trustee and Suffolk Law graduate Brian O'Neill—Bill's brother—who spoke on behalf of Bill's family, several of whom are Suffolk Law graduates. And President Kelly presented Bill with a citation that said, among other things, "Your influence on Suffolk has been transformational."
Here are excerpts of the accolades from some of the event's attendees:
“Bill, you professionalized the Business School. You brought in diversity, globalization, and you built this incredibly rich faculty we have today. You made us believe in ourselves as a business school.”
“You were a visionary. Suffolk and, more importantly, its students benefited greatly from your timely and intuitive leadership.”
“I know that many international students have come to Suffolk because of your leadership. Our diversity and global perspective make us stronger, more aware of the world around us, and make us better citizens of Suffolk and the world.”
"Because of Bill's strong leadership, vision, integrity, and genuine love for learning and education, I—along with thousands of students and alumni and hundreds of faculty and staff—have been given opportunities to be better."
"We all have benefitted from his positive influence on every aspect of SBS. We are grateful for his leadership in developing the Sawyer Business School into the highly regarded school it is today."
“My friend, thank you so much all that you have done for the Sawyer Business School, for Suffolk, for Boston, and for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.”
“My family is forever grateful for your vision, your commitment to excellence, and for putting the Sawyer Business School on the map.”
“You have left such a mark on the Suffolk community. The Sawyer Business School has gained prominence nationally and internationally thanks to your leadership. On behalf of the whole Suffolk community: Thank you.”
Bill is taking a sabbatical year and will return in the fall of 2021 to teach.
Contact
Greg Gatlin
Office of Public Affairs
617-573-8428
Ben Hall
Office of Public Affairs
617-573-8092