LORETTA BRENNAN O'BRIEN '46
She is not one to say “no.” She responds to a call for assistance – always responding to the call – takes on the task, does it, and moves on. No muss, no fuss - simply a job well done.
In this way, she is very similar to our first Egan Award honoree, Mary Fran Hensler Pié ’44.
She is not one to seek out recognition. With her broad smile – always a broad smile – she says, “Oh, I really didn’t do anything,” and goes on to generously credit her co-workers who know only so well just how significant her role was.
In this way, she is very similar to our second Egan Award honoree, Jane Wilson Dunne ’50.
She is not one to sit back and let others take on the role of public alumna. With her gracious manner – always so gracious – she takes every opportunity to advance the College’s interests, whether she’s arranging an introduction meeting for Chestnut Hill with a corporate executive or serving on the College’s fundraising and campaign committees. In this way, she is very similar to our third Egan Award honoree, Patricia Parrella Orlando ’68
Loretta Brennan O’Brien ’46, more affectionately known to all of us as Bunny, is the quintessential Chestnut Hill College volunteer. Described by Mary Nagle Bell ’54, Bunny is an “extremely hard-working, visible, behind-the-scenes, representative Chestnut Hill alumna.” Bunny always can be counted on to be there when asked and to do what is expected --- always with good cheer, warm heart, and helping hands.
It was said of Pat Orlando that she “has the uncanny ability to press others into service for the common good.” Bunny also has that talent. It was said of Jane Dunne that she “rolled up her sleeves with many other loyal alumnae and paid her volunteer dues” over the years. Bunny, too, has rolled up many a sleeve. It was said of Mary Fran Pié that she set the standard for Chestnut Hill alumnae volunteerism. Bunny has certainly held that standard high.
Bunny’s list of volunteer “dues” includes service on just about every committee and event conducted by our Alumnae/i Association for more than 40 years. Her “signature” service has been Reunion Weekend --- always meeting and greeting returning alums with that Bunny O’Brien grace and wit. Although she has managed committees over time, and served in official capacities such as Vice President of the Alumnae Association, titles and offices are not important to Bunny. Loyalty to Chestnut Hill College, its Alumnae Association, and their joint purpose is what matters to her. Her selection as the fourth recipient of the Eleanor Dolan Egan Award illustrates so well the fact that volunteers do not need to hold titles such as chairman, president, and director to be considered valuable by an organization. It’s service that matters, and no one epitomizes volunteer service at Chestnut Hill College more than Bunny O’Brien.
The Alumnae Association is proud to name Loretta Brennan O’Brien ’46 the fourth recipient of the Eleanore Dolan Egan ’28 Award for Outstanding Service to Chestnut Hill College.
