St. Bernard Abbey and Prep School
recognized two St. Bernard College alumni as part of the 113th
Commencement Ceremonies held on Pentecost Sunday, May 27, 2012, in the Abbey
Church. Phillip B. Rooney, college class
of 1966, and Bernard F. Morrey, college class of 1965, were the recipients of
the St. Bernard Distinguished Alumnus Award for 2012. The awards were presented by Abbot Cletus
Meagher, O.S.B., Chairman of the Board.
After his service in the Marines,
during which time he received the Bronze Star and Navy Commendation Medal, Phil
Rooney began his business career in Chicago, IL, his home town. He joined Waste Management Corporation in
1969 and by 1984 was the President of the company. When he resigned as President and CEO in
1997, the company had reached $10 billion in revenues.
Recognized for his business acumen,
Rooney has served on many and various boards including Illinois Tool Works,
Caremark International, Van Kampen Fund and Stone Container Corporation. ServiceMaster, Wheelabrator Technologies and
Rust International likewise benefited from his leadership. Today his chairmanships include Nationwide
Studios, Claddagh Investment Company and the Edgewater Fund which takes in
Bolder’s Specialty Testing Group.
In concert with his leadership in
business, he serves on educational, civic and community boards including Notre
Dame University, After School Matters, Children at the Crossroads Foundation
and the Chicago Cultural Center. The Heart
Institute of Hinsdale Hospital, named in honor of his father, stands as a
witness to his concern for the human community. A dedicated family man, Rooney and his wife,
Sue, have four children and eleven grandchildren.
“It’s with a sense of high regard
that we honor Phil today,” said Abbot Cletus.
“It’s my hope that the education he received at St. Bernard played a
significant role in his outlook on life and helped prepare him for his success. With that success has come his philanthropy
to so many. We take great pride in
recognizing Phil as an alumnus of St. Bernard.”
Bernard Morrey, a native of Fort
Worth, TX, enrolled in the medical school at the University of Texas Medical
Branch soon after his graduation from St Bernard College. An internship and residency followed at the
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, during which time he received a Master’s Degree in
Biomechanics from the University of Minnesota.
After two years of military service, he joined the staff of the Mayo
Clinic in 1978.
During his medical career, Morrey has
received numerous awards and honors, not to mention professional memberships
and recognitions. He holds seven patents for orthopedic devices and has
authored twelve major textbooks under four different titles that have become standard
fare for doctors training to become orthopedic surgeons. These works have been translated into five
languages.
For eight years he served on the Board
of Governors of the Mayo Clinic. He is a
Fulbright Scholar and has been a consultant to the National Football League and
to the Orthopedic Device Panel of the Food and Drug Administration. A master surgeon, he has treated not only
Presidents of the United States but also countless others who have found healing
because of his dedication and zeal. A proud father and husband, he and his
wife, Carla, a registered nurse, have four children and twelve
grandchildren.
“Bernie has had a tremendously positive
influence in the science and art of medicine,” said Abbot Cletus. “St. Bernard was his spring board not only in
his education but especially in his dedication to helping others through the
medical arts. We hold him in high esteem
as a member of the St. Bernard alumni family.”
In concluding his remarks, Abbot Cletus
said, “This has been a wonderful opportunity to honor both of these men. Not only are we proud that they are graduates
from St. Bernard but, even more, we are proud that they are our friends.”
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