Why I Love the Abbey

I graduated from Goldsboro High School in Eastern North Carolina in 1950. My heart was set on Notre Dame, but we couldn't afford it. Fortunately my brother Jack was just finishing his freshman year at the Abbey, and he sold me on the school. We even roomed together my freshman year.

The school was very small then, but it was perfect for me. I couldn't get over the wonderful teachers like Fr. Cuthbert, Fr. John, Fr. Raphael, Fr. Walter and others.

Another great bonus for me was starting on the Abbey basketball team under the fabulous Humpy Wheeler. I was also humbled and proud to be elected Captain of the team.

My education continued at Notre Dame where I joined the seminary the second semester of my junior year. I did leave the seminary in 1957 and had a diverse career path of teaching, theatre four years including appearing in "Oliver" on Broadway, then a Masters in English at Fordham, then publishing sales for twenty-five years and now writing fiction.

This may sound like a Walter Mitty life, but I'm sure the confidence, in large measure, has come from my two great years at the Abbey. Ergo, I'm leaving a bequest in my Trust for dear old Abbey.

Donor Story--in his own words

Hugh Shine, Class of 1952