Remembering Rev. David T. Tyson, C.S.C.
On Saturday, May 30 President Robert D. Kelly shared the following reflection announcing the passing of Rev. David T. Tyson, C.S.C.
With both immense sadness and abiding hope for our eternal life with Christ Jesus, I share the news that University of Portland President Emeritus Rev. David T. Tyson, C.S.C., passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 30, at Holy Cross House in Notre Dame, Indiana, after a brief illness. The UP community joins the Congregation of Holy Cross and Father David’s innumerable friends, family members, and supporters in mourning his passing and celebrating his life of ministry, service, and leadership.
Father David was born in Gary, Indiana, and earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees at the University of Notre Dame and his doctorate in education at Indiana University. Ordained in 1975, he served in roles of increasing responsibility at Notre Dame before being named President of UP in 1990.
His thirteen-year tenure on The Bluff will be remembered as among the most successful in UP’s history. From enhancing the University’s commitment to academic excellence, to directing the institution’s first-ever comprehensive campaign, driving significant increases in admissions applications and retention, strengthening our endowment, and overseeing the national success of our women’s soccer program, Father David positioned UP as one of the finest Catholic institutions in the nation, rooted in teaching, faith, and service.
Beyond his many tangible accomplishments, however, Father David will be remembered for his warmth, humor, and generosity of spirit. A legendary raconteur, Father David had an illustrative anecdote for seemingly every situation. During his tenure at UP, he was known to “hold court” in the Holy Cross Dining Room until late in the evening, regaling all who would listen with stories of travel, art, and the trials and tribulations of serving as a college president. He seemingly never met a stranger, was unendingly curious, and loved nothing more than learning more about the people who made UP such a special place. He always kept the success and well-being of students as his north star. According to legend, a donor gave Father David a purple motorcycle as a gift. He took it for a single spin on Willamette Boulevard, returned to campus, and promptly asked that it be sold with the proceeds applied to student scholarships. Truly, a man who put students first.
After concluding his time at UP, Father David served with distinction as provincial superior of what was then called the Indiana Province of Holy Cross, the largest Holy Cross province in the world. He then served in various roles at Notre Dame and Holy Cross College before retiring to Holy Cross House.
Father David received the Christus Magister Medal, UP’s highest honor, in 2012. He also received an honorary doctor of laws degree from Notre Dame and the Army’s Outstanding Civilian Service Medal, among many other accolades.
When I was named President of the University of Portland, Father David was one of the first people to contact me. I feel richly blessed that, in the years that followed, he was a constant source of wisdom, counsel, and affirmation. I would call him frequently and ask him how he might tackle a particular challenge. I would always ensure, however, that I had at least an entire hour to speak with him, knowing how much joy he received from simply being in conversation. I will miss my friend, and I know that many others on The Bluff will miss him, too.
Information on Father David’s Funeral Mass will be shared by the United States Province of Holy Cross soon. We will offer Mass of Remembrance for Father David in the Chapel of Christ the Teacher on Friday, June 26, at 4:00 p.m.
I ask that you please join me in prayer for Father David’s eternal repose, and for the comfort and consolation of all who loved him.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.