Bishop James. A Griffin Named Interim President of Ohio Dominican University

April 20 , 2007

COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Most Reverend James A. Griffin, retired Bishop of the Diocese of Columbus, will serve as the interim president of Ohio Dominican University, it was announced today.

Monsignor Joseph H. Hendricks, chairman of the ODU Board of Trustees, made the announcement at a University assembly meeting. 

Bishop Griffin, who currently serves as a Distinguished Faculty member, Professor of Theology, will serve as ODU’s interim president following the impending departure of its current president, Dr. Jack Calareso, who is leaving to assume the presidential post at Anna Maria College in Paxton, Massachusetts. Bishop Griffin will assume interim presidential duties on July 1.

“Bishop James A. Griffin has been an active part of the University community since he began his work here in 2005. He brings with him as Interim President the wisdom, faith and knowledge of more than 28 years as a Bishop and over 20 years as Bishop of Columbus. His work in administration, fundraising, teaching, and Sacramental celebration will keep the University on the Path to Preeminence, endorsed by the Board of Trustees, and begun by Dr. Calareso. Bishop Griffin’s leadership at this time will be an added gift to the University and its students, staff and faculty,” Monsignor Hendricks said.

“I am honored and humbled to be asked to provide this service for Ohio Dominican University. While we await our new President, I will do all that I can to guide the University through this transitional time. I rely on the support, cooperation, and prayers of the entire Ohio Dominican community and all friends of this great institution,” Bishop Griffin said.

“Bishop Griffin is eminently qualified to lead this University.  His knowledge of Catholic higher education and ability to provide effective leadership are unparalleled.  I look forward to working with him during the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition of leadership,” said Dr. Calareso.

Bishop Griffin led the Columbus Diocese for 21 years, until his retirement in October 2004. He was succeeded by Bishop Frederick F. Campbell, formerly of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, who was appointed by Pope John Paul II.

Bishop Griffin holds a doctorate in Civil Law, (J.D., summa cum laude) from Cleveland State University, and is a licensed attorney in the State of Ohio. He also holds a Licentiate in Canon Law (J.C.L., magna cum laude), from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome; and a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Borromeo College.

THE MOST REVEREND JAMES A. GRIFFIN - Biography

• James Anthony Griffin was born June 13, 1934, in Fairview Park, Ohio, the fifth of seven children born to Thomas Anthony Griffin and Margaret Mary Hanousek. Bishop Griffin attended St. Angela Merici Elementary School, Fairview Park, and St. Ignatius High School, Cleveland.
  
• He attended St. Mary Seminary in Cleveland, and was ordained into the priesthood by John Cardinal Krol in 1960 in St. John Cathedral, Cleveland.
  
• Bishop Griffin spent one year as Associate Pastor at St. Jerome Parish in Cleveland. In 1961, he was sent to Rome to pursue graduate studies in Church Law. After receiving his Licentiate in Canon Law (J.C.L., magna cum laude) from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome in 1963, he returned to the Cleveland Diocese, and served as Secretary-Notary of the Marriage Court of the Cleveland Diocese for two years. He was appointed to the Chancery Staff in 1965, and served as Associate Chancellor and Vice Chancellor. During that time, he earned his Doctorate in Civil Law (J.D., summa cum laude) in 1972. He passed the Ohio Bar and became a licensed attorney. He then served as Chancellor of the Diocese of Cleveland from 1973 until 1978.
  
• In January 1978, he was appointed by Bishop James Hickey as Vicar General of the Cleveland Diocese and Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Cathedral in Cleveland.  After serving as pastor of St. William Parish in Euclid, Ohio, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland, in June 1979.

• Pope John Paul II appointed Bishop Griffin the tenth Bishop of the Diocese of Columbus on February 7, 1983, and he was installed as Bishop of the Diocese on April 25, 1983.
  
• Under Bishop Griffin’s leadership, the number of Catholics in the 23-county diocese grew from 199,000 to 240,000. During his tenure as Bishop, he established the Foundation of the Catholic Diocese of Columbus; initiated the Legacy of Catholic Learning and Challenge in Changing Times – two campaigns to meet the educational and future needs of the diocese that together, raised more than $53 million.
  
• Also while Bishop, he helped to initiate the community-wide, faith-based task force, “Breaking the Silence,” that continues to work to reduce family violence. Bishop Griffin served on a number of committees of the United States Conference of Bishops and was President of Catholic Relief Services, from 1991 to 1995. He traveled to 50 countries representing the worldwide organization, including Yugoslavia and areas of Africa devastated by AIDS.
  
• Bishop Griffin served a term on the board of governors of the North American College in Rome, and also chaired that board for a term.
  
• For 22 years, Bishop Griffin served as vice chancellor of the Pontifical College Josephinum.
  
• In addition to his remarkable career as a pastoral leader, Bishop Griffin is a distinguished scholar. He has authored 12 books, including They Were There and Easter Joy.
  
• In October 2004, Bishop Griffin announced his retirement from the Diocese of Columbus, and was succeeded by Bishop Frederick F. Campbell of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
  
• In June 2005, Bishop Griffin joined Ohio Dominican University as a Distinguished Faculty member, Professor of Theology.  He serves on the board of trustees of the Center for Dominican Studies.