Students reveling in the spirit of giving during Charity Week at the University of Dallas.
The University of Dallas community comes together to celebrate Charity Week, honoring the cherished traditions and memories instilled by Fr. Robert E. Maguire. Since arriving in 1967, Fr. Maguire has witnessed the evolution of the university and has played a pivotal role in the lively festivities that define Charity Week. From amusing escapes to heartwarming stories, his legacy continues to inspire students today as they embrace the spirit of giving and community. This year’s Charity Week stands as a testament to the joyful past and vibrant future of the university.
This week in Dallas, the spirited University of Dallas community comes together to celebrate an event that embodies the heart of campus culture—Charity Week! The tradition, which has been a source of joy and laughter for decades, pays homage to the past while embracing the spirit of giving. And no one knows this celebration better than the beloved Fr. Robert E. Maguire, O.Cist.
Fr. Maguire, who made his way to the university from San Francisco back in the summer of 1967, has seen the campus transform through the years. His journey on a Greyhound bus—a trip that took a whopping two and a half days—marked the beginning of his rich history with the university. During his time here, he has witnessed numerous changes, including the construction of the impressive Braniff Building and the iconic Braniff Memorial Tower.
With a nostalgic twinkle in his eye, Fr. Maguire fondly recalls the evolution of the university and how its vibrant culture has blossomed. His heart swells with pride as he remembers the sense of community that has always defined the University of Dallas. And for him, one of the most cherished events that foster this community spirit is undoubtedly Charity Week.
In those early days, things were a bit simpler—and perhaps a bit more amusing! Rather than having a formal jail, male students would construct a wooden platform for the ceremonial parade. The antics involved bidding on female students for light tasks like ironing shirts or doing laundry. As the tradition grew, so did the creativity and complexity of the activities.
Fr. Maguire is celebrated as one of the greatest escape artists in the colorful history of Charity Week. He has some *legendary* stories about his near-misses! One memorable escape took place after a roll call in Carpenter Hall. With his antennae up for capture attempts, he managed a daring escape, slipping into a different classroom to evade capture.
In the earlier days, the makeshift jails were often crafted from chicken wire, which, let’s be honest, offered more humiliation than security. This transformed over the years into a more structured setup. Once, Fr. Maguire found himself in a physically challenging situation after being duct-taped in a cruciform position but with some clever conniving, he managed to escape, aided by a student accomplice.
Throughout the years, Fr. Maguire’s clever and creative escapes have become the stuff of legend. One particularly *outlandish* escape involved utilizing the presence of a small girl—he hoisted her up and tossed her into the arms of the arresting committee, using the chaos to make a swift getaway! Another time, he had a student bring him a ladder to scale the walls of a roofed jail, showcasing not just his imaginative thinking but also the fun and camaraderie that have defined this university tradition.
Fr. Maguire remains a joyful figure on campus, bringing laughter and storytelling to today’s students. His tales continue to connect the past with the present, reminding everyone that while things may change, the spirit of community and the joy of giving through initiatives like Charity Week will always endure at the University of Dallas.
So here’s to a week of fun, laughter, and charity! Let’s continue Fr. Maguire’s legacy and make this Charity Week one for the books!
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