Inauguration of Rev. Bernard O'Connor, OSFS, Third President of DeSales University

Prior to joining the faculty of Allentown, College, Father Bernard F. O'Connor, OSFS earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in philosophy from The Catholic University in 1969 and 1971 respectively. He earned a second master's degree in theology from the De Sales Hall School of Theology in 1974 and in 1986 he earned his Ph.D., in philosophy from The Catholic University. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1973. In 1982 he was elected to the 15th General Chapter of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, Paderborn, Germany. He is the author of "A Dialogue Between Philosophy and Religion: The Perspective of Karl Jaspers."

Father O'Connor joined Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales as an instructor in 1974. He served as an assistant professor of philosophy and chair of the Philosophy Department from 1980 through 1987 at which time he was named associate professor and chair of the Philosophy and Theology departments. In 1990, he received the Sears Roebuck Foundation Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award. He became the Executive Vice President of the College in 1995. He assumed that position after serving as Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs in 1993 and Academic Dean in 1994. In those positions, he assumed responsibility for different areas of the College including admissions, academic affairs, and student affairs. Fr. O'Connor served as President of the university from 1999-2017. During his tenure as president, the university changed its name from Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales to DeSales University and expanded in size and student population. He was the longest serving president of the university