Tenor Frank Patterson Serenades College Friends
(Winter 1998-1999 Newsletter)
Hailed as Ireland's "greatest living tenor," Frank
Patterson sang his way into the hearts of about 500 guests
and friends of Thomas Aquinas College at a gala concert and
dinner dance at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly
Hills. The black-tie event, "An Evening Celebrating Thomas
Aquinas College," took place on February 3 under the
patronage of Suzanne Mayer, The Dan Murphy Foundation and
William and Joan Clark of Paso Robles.
Emcee Daniel Grimm (the College's Vice-President
for Development and General Counsel) opened the evening. Msgr.
George Parnassus, pastor of St. Victor's Church in West Hollywood,
gave the invocation and blessing. Suzanne Mayer, Chairman
of the Dinner Committee, welcomed the guests and thanked those
who helped make the event such a success. She is the daughter
of M.G.M. founder, Louis B. Mayer, and has long been involved
in many educational efforts.
William P. Clark, who served as Secretary
of the Interior and National Security Advisor under President
Reagan, introduced Frank Patterson, after congratulating the
College for its achievements. Mr. Patterson's selection of
traditional Irish melodies and American popular songs enthralled
the audience. He was accompanied, beautifully, by his wife,
Eily O'Grady, on piano and Irish harp. Mr. Patterson has recorded
33 albums in six languages, many of which have turned platinum,
gold, and silver, and his recent "Faith of our Fathers,"
is the biggest selling album in the history of Ireland. The
video version was broadcast by PBS during its record-setting
fund drive in January. Mr. Patterson also played featured
roles in several films, including "Miller's Crossing"
and "Michael Collins."
A main course of filet mignon, asparagus
and pommes dauphine followed the concert. Mr. James L. Barrett,
president and founder of Chateau Montelena Winery in Calistoga,
California, led a toast to the College and its benefactors
with his 1996 Calistoga Cuvee. He praised his "heroes,"
the founders of Thomas Aquinas College, and gave a moving
tribute both to his own immigrant family and to his adopted
family of College "spiritual alumni."
Sir Daniel J. Donohue, president of The Dan
Murphy Foundation, a major benefactor of Catholic charities
in Southern California and around the world, praised the College
for delivering an education faithful to Catholic teaching.
President Thomas Dillon concluded the formal
program by thanking the guests profusely for their assistance
to the College and their commitment to Catholic liberal education.
|
