08/13 - University of Scranton Professor Marks 60th Anniversary

Rev. J.J. Quinn, S.J., professor emeritus of English at The University of Scranton, marked the sixtieth anniversary of his entrance into the Society of Jesus at a gathering held in his honor on August 10.

About 100 family members, friends and members of the university community honored Fr. Quinn at a Mass at Madonna della Strada Chapel followed by dinner at Brennan Hall on campus.

In his remarks following the dinner, Fr. Quinn discussed the idea that "Life is not measured by years, but by celebrations of the heart."

"Such celebrations should be shared by family and friends who made them possible," said Fr. Quinn. "That is why we are all here.

"We put meaning into our lives only when we put God into our lives," he continued. "Don't miss life, love, God."

Fr. Quinn joined the University's English Department in 1956. Throughout his more than four decades of service to the University, he has served as a professor, residence hall counselor, moderator of drama and founder of the literary magazine Esprit.

Following the completion of his Ph.D. in American Studies at King's College at the University of London, England, he introduced a four-course film program into the English curriculum at the University. He was pivotal in bringing to campus actress Glenda Jackson, whom he met while in London. Ms. Jackson, now The Honorable Glenda Jackson, M.P., offered a summer program on the "craft of acting" at the University. In 1981, the University presented Ms. Jackson with an honorary degree.

Fr. Quinn was the first University of Scranton liaison officer with the Peace Corps in its earliest days. He conducted student tours to London, counseled students and chaired the change of governance to the newly created Faculty Senate in 1991.

Alumni, former students and the Jesuit community at Scranton have honored Fr. Quinn by establishing the Rev. J.J. Quinn, S.J. Scholarship.

Fr. Quinn earned an A.B. in English from the College of the Holy Cross, Worcestor, Mass. in 1942. He entered the Jesuit Order at the Novitiate of St. Isaac Jogues, Wernersville, Pa., in 1942 and was ordained a priest in 1954.

In June 2002, Fr. Quinn received the Frank J. O'Hara Award for University Service. The O'Hara Award is the highest honor bestowed jointly by the University and its Alumni Society.