Debi and Kevin SweenEy
Parents of Louis ‘97, Megan ‘01, Jillian ‘06, and Joe ‘20
Debi and Kevin Sweeney made lots of sacrifices to send their four children — Louis ’97, Megan ’01, Jill ’06 and Joe ’20 — to Bishop O’Dowd High School. While delighted that their children would receive a superior college preparatory education, the couple was most inspired by O’Dowd’s mission to provide an education of the heart. “O’Dowd has a way of taking all those hopes and dreams that we have for our children and turning them into reality,” Debi said.
Knowing O’Dowd is a place where young people explore and realize their talents is just one of the reasons why Debi and Kevin decided to make a leadership gift of $1 million to the Cor Unum Campaign — so that the next generation of O’Dowd students have even more robust opportunities to embrace their values, serve their communities, and develop lasting relationships.
Committing to Values
When their first child Louis was entering elementary school, the Sweeneys had a frank discussion about finances. “It was a challenge for us to pay the tuition. We knew that there would be things that we were not going to be able to do if we committed to sending the children to Catholic schools,” Debi said. With clear heads and hearts, they chose Catholic schools for each of their four children, from kindergarten to the threshold of college.
When it came time for high school, O’Dowd stood out because of the community of families, people who hold similar values and expectations. At O’Dowd, these values are embedded in our charism and include community in diversity, strength of character, academic excellence, kinship with creation, social justice, and joy. “You are a product of your environment,” Kevin said. “That’s why we picked O’Dowd.”
Debi and Kevin are pleased that their children remain closely connected with their O’Dowd friends. Louis, now a father of two himself, looks forward to sending his own children to O’Dowd to benefit from the same values-rich education he experienced.
Committing to Service
Service learning, through which students live the spirit of social justice by connecting with and serving often marginalized communities and people, is at the center of an O’Dowd education. The Sweeneys value the impact this form of learning provides students. “The students go into the community and do real work,” Debi said. “We liked the focus on educating the whole child and developing people who will make a difference in the world.”
Committing to Relationships
O’Dowd students are supported by teachers, coaches, and staff members who develop caring relationships with and serve as important mentors for students. Debi and Kevin’s youngest son Joe, for example, has benefitted greatly from his cross country and track experiences under the guidance of Coach Jamal Cooks.
“Coach Cooks has been a huge influence on Joe as a person, a leader and a mentor — even taking the time to text Joe workouts to do on vacation.” Debi said. “In addition, the guidance that Joe has received from the Science department and the entire Living Lab staff has helped create a deep interest in environmental studies and aided in shaping Joe’s educational goals.”
In addition to the mentoring relationships with teachers and coaches, Debi and Kevin have watched their children develop life-long friends at O’Dowd. Their daughter Jill married a fellow O’Dowd graduate. When their daughter Megan recently married, her maid of honor was a fellow Dragon. “This is a community that follows students into their adulthood, which is wonderful,” Debi said.
Kevin, Debi, Megan '01 (bride), Jesse Castillo (groom), Jillian '06, Joe '20, Louis '97
Coming Together, Ensuring O’Dowd’s Future
“It’s time. Let’s get the shovels in the ground,” says Kevin of the new O’Dowd Center. The Sweeney family’s commitment and excitement are echoed by the school community. The Center represents a tremendous opportunity to significantly enhance student learning in arts, athletics, and academics. The new gymnasium will allow the whole community to come together for guest speakers, spirit rallies, faith-filled gatherings, and special community events with parents, alumni, and friends.
“It’s a necessity. We need to look to people from our own community to help us get this done,” Debi said.
O’Dowd is grateful for the Sweeney family’s generosity, infused with a deep understanding of community, commitment, and clarity summed up well by Kevin. “Debi and I want to contribute to something that will make a difference. We’re now in a position to help, so that’s why we are doing it. It’s as simple as that.”