There’s something special about reconnecting with fellow Dragons - whether you visit for our Reunion Days, Alumni Happy Hours, and Living Lab Celebrations, catch a student concert, attend a theater performance, or cheer for our baseball and softball teams on our new Upper Field - it’s all a great opportunity to relive cherished memories.
“O'Dowd gave me the foundation I needed to become a passionate lifelong learner. Every day I use the knowledge I gained as an O’Dowd student and I want others to have access to that as well. O'Dowd also instilled in me a great love of community and passion for social justice. It is deeply important to me to support when I can.” – Reba Crawford-Hayes ’09
We welcome alumni back to campus throughout the year for Career Week, retreats, guest-lectures, and classroom visits, to share their experiences and offer valuable insights to current students. The connection forged during these visits becomes a wellspring of inspiration for both alumni and students, fostering a tight-knit community that transcends time.
“O’Dowd is an excellent environment to nurture growth and creativity in a pivotal time of an adolescent’s life. It’s a campus and community that nurtures you AND allows space for you to learn to nurture yourself.” – Lisa S. Hardy ’89
Dragon Data
82% of alumni are in regular contact with 1 or more O’Dowd community members | 92% of alumni reflect fondly on their O’Dowd experience | 87% of alumni would recommend O’Dowd to prospective families |
*Based on Alumni Survey Responses as of July 13, 2023
Each year, our incoming classes have an average of 25-30 alumni returning as O’Dowd parents, growing our multi-generational families.
“I have fond memories of my time at O’Dowd. I made lifelong friends. I had passionate teachers that cared about what they were teaching, the school and the students. I was encouraged to excel in my interests and given opportunities.” – Anonymous
“I had a very good high school experience at O'Dowd. It was a shining example that Catholic schools don't have to be closed-minded, cruel, or oppressive to provide a great education. From classmates I'm still friends with today, to professors I remember fondly, O'Dowd continues to occupy a treasured place in my heart.” – Tina Pancho-Bernadett ’09
“If you thought high school went by quickly, buckle your seatbelts because the next few years really fly by regardless of your path. Don’t forget to hold on to the lessons you learned at O’Dowd both academically and socially, and that you’ll always have a community of Dragons.” – Rebecca Brown ’18
Alumni give back to O'Dowd to make a difference in future students' lives and provide current and future students the same opportunities they had. The generosity of O’Dowd alumni also ensures that O’Dowd continues to be one of the top Catholic high schools in the Bay Area.
“We have given to O'Dowd annually for years now because we believe in the greater value of a strong, faith based Catholic education.” – Jodie Prola Russi ’79
“O’Dowd is a top charitable priority for me because of the major impact it had on my life.” – Thomas Roberson ’69
“I proudly give back because I consider my education and experiences at O’Dowd as major contributors to my successes in life.” – Laura Slakey ’85
Whether it's giving to our Annual Fund, supporting tuition assistance through our Class Endowments, contributing to the Faculty Fund for Excellence at the Transforming Lives Dinner, or donating sponsorships and auction items to support co-curriculars at the Crab Feed, our alumni actively work to help the next generation succeed. O’Dowd Dragons are all about leaving a lasting legacy that shapes students' lives and ensures their high school keeps thriving for years to come.