MARYLAND WARTIME GOVERNOR HERBERT O'CONOR '13 MEMORIALIZED AT LOYOLA BLAKEFIELD
A portrait of Herbert R. O'Conor (Class of 1913) was installed in the lobby of Knott Hall on Sunday, March 19, with friends and family in attendance. Former Loyola President Fr. James Salmon, S.J., provided the blessing and Jim O'Conor '46 spoke of his father's humble roots and dedication to his family.
Beneath the portrait, the plaque reads:
Herbert O’Conor holds the distinction of being the only Maryland citizen to hold the Offices of People’s Counsel, Assistant State’s Attorney, State’s Attorney, Attorney General, Governor, and U.S. Senator. During his illustrious career, he never lost a single election and was the state’s first Roman Catholic governor of Irish descent. As Maryland’s wartime governor, he oversaw innovations in transportation, infrastructure, and sought to strengthen the state healthcare system. His career in public service is illustrated by the words of U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson: “It was Herbert O’Conor’s kind of genius to contribute infinitely more to the fibre of the Republic. His votes were responsible. His voice was courageous. His labors were toward unity of the people, not toward their division.”
Mr. O’Conor is one of Loyola Blakefield’s most distinguished graduates – a dedicated public servant, devoted family patriarch, and exemplary figure whose legacy at Loyola shall endure for generations to come.
The legacy of Herbert O’Conor will be featured in the next Blakefield Magazine.
