Saint Francis of Assisi University of Dallas Gift Honored November 22, 2013
Friday, Nov. 22, the University of Dallas held the dedication and blessing of a beautiful statue of Saint Francis of Assisi, created in 2011, and given to the university by members of the Staler family who attended U of D in the 1970’s and 1980’s. The cast bronze statue was created by Deirdre Maher, alumna ’72.
University president, Thomas Keefe, opened the dedication ceremony with gracious and welcoming words about Saint Francis and his place in our lives, today. Joe Staler ’75, also speaking about Saint Francis’ influence on us now, was representing his siblings and family at the dedication.
Click below for view of event program designed beautifully and specially by Patrick Daly ’76 StFrancisDedProgram
Saint Francis of Assisi at the Children’s Butterfly Garden April 30, 20
This chosen patina was inspired by the monarch butterflies on our back porch for the newly established Children’s Butterfly Garden at Christ the King Parish in Nashville, TN. Three days before the dedication, a little girl on a walk with her mother, met Saint Francis of Assisi for the first time………… Watch the video below.
DEIRDRE MAHER STUDIO 
March 31, 2015 at 9:51 am
Name: Kimi Tomaszek
Email: kimi@thefiveloaves.com
Website: http://Www.thefiveloaves.com
Comment: While teaching a certificate course at the University of Dallas, my husband Tom was drawn to the statue of St. Francis outside the room where his class was held. He took many photos to show me, and I agree. It is the warmest, humblest, gentlest face of St. Francis I’ve experienced. We yearly take a group of pilgrims to Assisi for retreat, and even there I’ve not seen an image so welcoming. And the paw prints! Was there only one made? Are there replicas, paintings? Thank you for this inspired work.