As part of the university's efforts to honor the life of Brother Stephen Walsh and his years of commitment and service to the St. Edward's University community, we ask that you share your memories of Brother Stephen with each other here.

We know there are countless stories in your memories about his time while he was a student and faculty member, his tenure as president, his home-cooked meals at Moreau House and his service to the community.

Brother Stephen began his long relationship with the St. Edward's University community in 1962 when he earned a BS in History and was named valedictorian of his class. In 1966 he joined the faculty, and he then served as academic dean in 1970. By 1972, Brother Stephen became the university's youngest president, serving until 1984.

His contributions and commitment to St. Edward's and Holy Cross education are many, but most notably, Brother Stephen is credited for his leadership and initiation of the New College program and the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP). More recently he served as honorary co-chair of A Special Destiny campaign, which raised $70.3 million, and in 2005 he was appointed as the first executive director of the Holy Cross Institute.

In the Oct. 8, 1982 issue of The Hilltopper, Brother Stephen shared his feelings on the significance of Main Building:

"The part of the building that fascinates me the most is the front steps. …They have been worn away by generations. In a very real sense, we can all say that we have left our mark. However hard and durable that stone is, it is soft enough to give way to us. Over the years, its hard edges have become rounded and smooth. So when I climb those steps in the morning headed to my office, I am aware as at no other time, that I am following in the footsteps of others."

As future generations follow in his footsteps, we are thankful to Brother Stephen for his tireless commitment to the students of St. Edward's University and to our community.

While plans develop to appropriately memorialize Brother Stephen, his family of Brothers within the Congregation's South-West Province, along with the St. Edward's community, would like to honor him. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in his memory to St. Edward's University and be designated to either the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) or the Holy Cross Institute – initiatives he championed passionately. These gifts will be tributes to Brother Stephen's dual commitment to social justice and the Holy Cross educational tradition.

You may give online at www.stedwards.edu/makegifts or send gifts to Cheri Sullivan, Director of Advancement Services, St. Edward's University, 3001 S. Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78704. If you have questions, Cheri may be contacted at (512) 448-8430 or cherih@stedwards.edu.

Cards and letters of condolence may be sent in care of Brother Donald Blauvelt, CSC, Brothers of Holy Cross, Province Center, 1101 St. Edward's Drive, Austin, TX 78704-6512.