Veronica Kennedy Class of 2012
The day I talked with Brother Power is one I will always remember. It was a Monday. I had been walking with my friend, Bridgette Drockton, between classes when we decided to see if Brother Power was sitting in his usual spot. We had both met him briefly before. Sure enough, he was sitting on his porch in La Mennais that faces Giant Eagle.
We re-introduced ourselves, and soon we were sitting down and talking with him as if we had known him for years. We talked about the Residence Life staff and science professors, since we were both involved in these areas. He recounted his younger days spent in England as a student of C.S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. I was fascinated to learn that he regularly went to lunch with these literary giants. He told us that Lewis and Tolkien never indicated that they were writing their masterpieces! To him, they were just professors.
Bridgette and I knew that we needed to study for a quiz, but neither of us wanted to leave. We were mesmerized by Brother's welcoming kindness and spunky personality. We knew that we were talking to a legend, but the conversation was as comfortable as if we were talking to our grandfathers.
Soon a 10-minute discussion turned into an hour, and during that time, about eight people came up to Brother Power and greeted him. Each time someone asked how he was doing he replied, "I'm having a lovely chat with two of the most beautiful girls on campus." Brother Power always had a witty comment or a joke for each of them, from Walsh faculty to maintenance staff to athletics coaches to campus police. When men and women's tennis coach and Athletic Business Coordinator Sherry Bossart came over, she noticed that he was smoking and jokingly rebuked him.
She kept telling him to hold out his hand, saying, "Gimme that cigarette!"
He would just say, "I know, I know," and grumble lightheartedly, giving her his hand. But, he had switched his cigarette to the other hand. She laughed, and just as soon as she turned her back to leave, he took another puff, which sent us into fits of giggles. He was a spunky man who radiated unrestrained joy.
Finally, we had to go. We had stayed until the last possible second, soaking up this once-in-a-lifetime experience. I gave him a hug and he kissed me on both cheeks.
As we walked away, I knew that I would remember that hour for the rest of my life. Even though we were busy that day, I learned the importance of sitting quietly and truly enjoying the presence of another person. And every day, Brother Power did just that.
Veronica Kennedy, MOT, OTR-L, graduated from Walsh University in 2012 with her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology/Biological Sciences. She continued her education at The Ohio State University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences where she earned her Masters of Occupational Therapy, Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences in 2016. Currently residing in Columbus, Ohio, she is a self-described “zealous Occupational Therapist developing professional expertise in demonstrated areas of expertise include: utilizing yoga as a modality for sensory and neurological regulation, targeting health disparities in under-served populations and maximizing Global Healthcare perspectives. “
Brother Joseph Power, F.I.C., Feb. 2, 1925 – October 19, 2011
Joseph Power was born in Southampton, England and entered the juniorate of the Brothers of Christian Instruction at Southampton, England, on Sept. 2, 1936. He made his perpetual profession on Aug. 15, 1942, and spent 70 years in religious life.
Br. Power was a powerful speaker, a riveting storyteller, a compassionate educator and a devoted friend to all who knew him on campus. He earned his Bachelor of Arts at the University of London and then gained exhibition at St. Catherine's College, Oxford, where he read for an Honors Degree in English Language and Literature. While at St. Catherine's, Br. Power had the opportunity to study with some of the world's most distinguished authors, including C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien
In 1965, Br. Power was offered and eagerly accepted a short-term appointment to the then Walsh College in North Canton, Ohio. Thanks to the vibrant spirit of the young institution and the congeniality of its teaching staff, Br. Power continued to renew his yearly contracts until he was offered full tenure as a Professor of English Language and Literature.
“We are all different but we are all made in the image of God, each of us a unique note in that divine symphony,” said Br. Power. “I turn to the great C.S. Lewis who reminds us that there is no insignificant life and there are no ordinary men and women. We are all made in the image of God destined for an eternity of joy - I believe that.”