During Assumption University’s Homecoming Weekend on October 24, the campus community came together to celebrate one of its most beloved and enduring figures — Fr. Dennis Gallagher, A.A. ’69, who was inducted into the Assumption Athletics Hall of Fame.
The honor recognized Fr. Gallagher’s decades of steadfast support for Greyhound student-athletes and his profound impact on the Assumption community as a priest, mentor, and friend. Surrounded by family, fellow Assumptionists, alumni, and longtime colleagues, Fr. Gallagher reflected on his first days on campus nearly sixty years ago — a young student just beginning to discover the deep sense of purpose and community that would define his life’s work.
He fondly recalled attending early Greyhound games with Fr. John Franck, A.A., cheering from the sidelines and celebrating not just the victories on the field, but the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship that has always been at the heart of Assumption athletics.
In his remarks, Fr. Gallagher emphasized the enduring relationship between athletics and education — a bond that he believes lies at the core of the Assumption mission. “Athletics teach discipline, teamwork, and perseverance,” he shared. “But they also teach us about faith, humility, and striving for something greater than ourselves. That connection — between the field and the classroom, between competition and character — is what makes Assumption so special.”
A dedicated member of the Assumptionist religious community, Fr. Gallagher served as Provincial Superior of the North American Province from 2017 to 2023. Over the years, he has been a familiar and comforting presence at countless athletic events, offering encouragement, prayers, and genuine friendship to generations of students, coaches, and staff. His quiet guidance and unwavering belief in the university’s mission of faith, education, and service have made a lasting mark on the Assumption family.
Fr. Gallagher’s induction into the Hall of Fame is not just a celebration of his contributions to Greyhound athletics, but also a testament to his lifelong commitment to fostering community, compassion, and the pursuit of excellence — both on and off the field.
As the crowd rose in applause, it was clear that this honor was more than well deserved. Through his faith, leadership, and spirit, Fr. Dennis Gallagher, A.A. ’69, continues to embody what it truly means to be a Greyhound for life.
