In Memoriam: Thomas O’Neal

Oldest Alumnus Leaves Behind Key to Happiness

By Kevin Mackiewicz, Staff Writer

Strayer alumnus Thomas O’Neal, a graduate of the Class of 1926, encouraged those around him to make the most of every opportunity. Last year, the Office of Alumni Affairs presented O’Neal with an honorary medal on the occasion of his 100th birthday. In May, at the age of 101, O’Neal passed away in the Laurel, Md., nursing home where he spent his final years.

When O’Neal met with representatives from Strayer University, he reflected on the life experiences that resulted from his Strayer degree. The interview appeared in the spring 2008 issue of Scholar magazine.

“He beamed throughout the entire interview,” recalls O’Neal’s former healthcare provider, Dr. Henry Rapp. “It was one of the highlights of his later years. He mentioned Strayer as the school that set the foundation for his many achievements later in life.”

O’Neal’s career as a stenographer led him all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court and Senate floor, where he worked as a shorthand reporter. His position gave him access to some of the most infamous and influential events and people of his day, such as the trial of World War II−era spy “Axis Sally.”

“He had a treasure chest of history in his mind,” Dr. Rapp says. O’Neal saved many mementos, including a personal letter from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Some items will be donated to local and national museums and libraries.

During Strayer’s interview with O’Neal in March 2008, the alumnus’ advice on happiness touched everyone in the room.

“You will have regrets and remorse in your life,” he said, “but you can minimize those by interjecting some good into the lives of others. As you get older you think more and more about the past, and the good things you do now will create good memories later.”