Doug Hennes discusses "That Great Heart: The Story of I.A. O’Shaughnessy, Oilman & Philanthropist" This event is cosponsored by Summit Avenue Residential Preservation Association.

Whether they know it or not, anyone familiar with St. Paul history, the University of St. Thomas, St. Catherine University, and even the University of Notre Dame has seen Ignatius Aloysius O’Shaughnessy’s name on a building or two. During his lifetime, O’Shaughnessy gave generously to hundreds of organizations and causes, including $8.5 million (the equivalent of $100 million today) to St. Thomas.  However, there is much more to O’Shaughnessy than a name on a building, as first-time author Doug Hennes reveals in the biography That Great Heart: The Story of I.A. O’Shaughnessy, Oilman & Philanthropist.

That Great Heart covers the Stillwater native’s early years and how he became the largest independent oil refiner in the United States; his family life and other interests, including his ownership of the Cleveland Indians and his sponsorship of the men’s basketball team that won the gold medal in the 1936 Olympics; his history of giving, especially to Catholic education; and his later years, honors, and death in 1973.

O’Shaughnessy was generous because he believed it was his responsibility.  He once said, “The Lord has been good to me, so I figure I might as well spread some of my money around where it will do some good.  I came into this world with nothing and I figure I’ll go out the same way.”  He also wanted to empower others to give--he would often offer to donate money for a project if, and only if, others would match the sum.

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Doug Hennes is vice president for university and government relations at the University of St. Thomas (O’Shaughnessy’s alma mater), and previously worked for 14 years as a reporter and editor at the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He is a native of Owatonna.

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Summit Avenue Residential Preservation Association's mission is to preserve the historic, residential, and urban park character of Summit Avenue through advocacy, communication, and education.