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Monsignor Frederick Dolan Finds a New Calling at HBS Club of Montreal
Discovering different cultures is a way of life for me, says Monsignor Frederick M. Dolan (MBA 1978), the Vicar for Canada of the Prelature of Opus Dei. After several years working abroad, Dolan settled in Montreal in 1998 and recently became president of the HBS Club of Montreal. Approached by a former president of the club early last fall, Dolan was invited to take on the role. I gladly accepted, he recalls, and was eager to rekindle my ties with HBS.
Dolan, a native of Maryland, studied at the School from 1976-77 but took a leave of absence after his first year. While preparing for his return in September 1980, Dolan was touched by a higher calling and decided to move to Rome. There, he studied philosophy and theology and in 1983 was ordained a Catholic priest. The Spirit told me it was the right thing to do at the right time, says Dolan, who did not obtain an MBA but is still considered part of the Class of 1978.
Dolan acknowledges that his circumstances are unusual, and even admits he had a few reservations about taking over the role of club president. I was concerned, he reflects, that our graduates in Montreal might not want a Catholic priest as the head of their club. But I was reminded that there is a great openness here and a wide diversity of backgrounds. He looks upon the role as an opportunity to interact with new people and a new culture. Montreal is a city on a very human scale, Dolan observes. Its easy to meet people by just walking around, and that quality is what makes Montreal so enjoyable and attractive.
Working closely with Harry J.F. Bloomfield (MBA 1971) and Robert J. Cajolet (6th OPM), Dolan has already set several goals for the club. Plans are in motion for a private viewing of a Canadian art exhibit and for a series of brown-bag lunches where members can generate ideas for club activities or participate in classes covering ethics in business. Dolan also wants to create a course offering the opportunity to explore spirituality in the workplace an area of his expertise. In addition, the club is working to establish a program that will give local high-school students the chance to spend time with HBS alumni in their workplaces. Dolan hopes the program will provide students with a taste of what the business world is like and give them something to aim for in the future. It would be great if this project could continue throughout the years and create a sense of purpose and community outreach for the club, states Dolan, who aims to establish these programs by the fall.
Club membership currently averages around one hundred participants, and there is potential for rapid growth. By connecting with local alumni through e-mail and phone calls, Dolan and other members share an overall feeling of growth and enthusiasm for the Montreal club. While were realistic about what people can and cant fit into their schedules, notes Dolan, weve heard a lot of positive feedback from people who are grateful were here. Alumni really want us to keep in touch.
As for the future, Dolan is taking one step at a time and appreciating the opportunity he has been given. He says, I can now give something back to the School, while meeting fascinating people, making interesting discoveries, and interacting in a whole new world.
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