From L to R: Stephen Payne, Rev. Raymond O'Brien, and Scott Rembold

The Columbus School of Law celebrated Professor Emeritus Rev. Raymond C. O’Brien’s 50th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood on June 14. Former students, colleagues, and friends from across the decades of Father O’Brien’s tenure at The Catholic University of America gathered for a lively and deeply sentimental reception. The evening felt more like a family reunion than a formal celebration because, as each guest’s presence attested, Father O’Brien is more than a beloved faculty member—he is a cherished friend, a spiritual guide, and an integral part of the lives of all those blessed to know him.

Ordained in the Archdiocese of Washington in 1975, Father O’Brien has dedicated his life to service through his priesthood, teaching, and steadfast support of law students committed to justice and shaped by faith. That same year, he earned a master’s degree in church administration from The Catholic University of America. He joined the Columbus School of Law faculty in 1977 and went on to complete his doctorate in ministry at Catholic University in 1985. A nationally recognized scholar in family law, elder law, and decedents’ estates, he is a prolific author of casebooks and publications. In addition to his longstanding service at Catholic University, Father O’Brien is a permanent visiting professor at Georgetown University Law Center and serves as a weekend associate at St. Elizabeth’s Parish in Rockville, MD.

Katie Crowley, associate dean for administration and chief of staff at the Columbus School of Law, emceed the evening. She opened with a moving tribute to Father O’Brien, whom she has known for over 20 years—first as a University staff member, then as a law student. After sharing stories of the many careers shaped by his guidance, she reflected:

“He doesn’t just walk with us through the grand milestones—he turns up in the small, often surprising corners of our lives. He draws out gifts we didn’t know we had—and somehow, he makes it all feel personal and sacred. Father’s priesthood isn’t something he does—it’s something he is.”

Dean Stephen Payne offered remarks reflecting on Father O’Brien’s influence on the culture and community of the Columbus School of Law:

“When I started as dean, Father encouraged me to lean into our school’s Catholic mission. I have tried to follow his advice to bring faith and reason into further dialogue in the study and practice of law while also following his example of doing all things with infectious joy, with extreme care for all, and not for our own account.”

Dean Payne also credits Father O’Brien’s work for the school as contributing to its highest-ever ranking as #71 in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Law Schools list. He shared:

“Our school is an instrument—a very good instrument—for helping human beings flourish, in law and life. That is the kind of community Father O’Brien has fostered here over his years of service.”

Dr. Scott Rembold, executive vice president for University Advancement, shared a history of Father O’Brien’s remarkable generosity and leadership in supporting law students. Inspired by the example of his grandparents, Charles and Louise, Father O’Brien began supporting the Columbus School of Law in 1995 and formally established the O’Brien Fellowship Fund in 1998, providing summer stipends for students pursuing public interest internships and enabling them to engage in meaningful pro bono work without financial burden. In 2006, he expanded this support with a scholarship for first-year students committed to service through a faith-informed vocation—regardless of religious tradition. As Father O’Brien emphasized in his own speech, the only qualification for these awards is a sincere commitment to faith, not a high LSAT score or GPA. His priority is encouraging and enabling others to be of service by leading a faith-filled life.

In 2016, Father O’Brien made his most transformational gift to date by donating the proceeds from the sale of his Washington, D.C., property to the Columbus School of Law. He has also arranged several significant planned gifts to the University, including a bequest that will carry his legacy forward. Dr. Rembold reported that the O’Brien Enhancement Fund—which supports both the scholarships and fellowships—has been supported by more than 600 donors inspired by Father O’Brien, raising its total value to $2.1 million.

“This outpouring of support is a powerful testament to Father O’Brien’s vision and the enduring impact he has had on generations of students. It reflects not only his legacy but also the gratitude and admiration of those whose lives he has touched,” noted Dr. Rembold.

James J. Tenn Jr., J.D. 1991, offered the evening’s toast, paying tribute to Father O’Brien’s deep and abiding love—one that is unconditional, honest, and motivating. Mr. Tenn noted that countless students have pursued law because of Father O’Brien’s encouragement; for some, his generous support made their studies possible. He expressed his honor in serving on the selection committee of the O’Brien Scholarship, reviewing student essays on their commitment to faith—something he is particularly attuned to, given his storied relationship with Father O’Brien.

Finally, Father O’Brien addressed the gathering. Clearly moved by the expressions of affection and gratitude, he spoke not of his own accomplishments, but of the people who surrounded him that evening. He fondly recalled the many sacraments he had officiated, the collaborative scholarship he pursued with student research assistants (“I don’t write—we write together”), and the lasting friendships he formed throughout his years of ministry and teaching. True to form, he ended his remarks with a reflection on his grandparents, Charles and Louise. Looking out at the room, he imagined what they might say if they could see the lives he had touched:

“Look what you’ve done! You’ve made people who they are…Good people. People who are of service to others.”

That is the legacy Father O’Brien continues to build through the O’Brien Enhancement Fund, which supports student scholars committed to service and justice. These students come from many faiths and backgrounds but share a common mission: to make the law a tool for compassion, equity, and the common good.

Father O’Brien has laid the foundation and invites you to help continue building upon it. As he said, he looks forward to the next milestone anniversary and, until then, he won’t hesitate to call upon his friends and former students for their support. Please consider making a gift to the O’Brien Enhancement Fund today in celebration of Father O’Brien and his 50 years of service. Photos from the event can be found on Catholic Law's Facebook and Instagram accounts.