Dates

• Existence: 1861-12-24    

Biography

"Father Gleeson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 24, 1861. When 16 years of age he offered himself to Father Aloysius Varsi, who was then looking for recruits for the California mission, and a short time afterwards entered the Novitiate of the Society of Jesus at Santa Clara. He studied Philosophy in San Francisco, and Theology at Woodstock, where he was ordained in the summer of 1894. After further studies he was sent to Los Gatos, where he taught in the pre-philosophical and normal department. After his tertianship he became Superior of St. Joseph's, in San Jose, and in 1902 went to Rome to preresent the Superior of the Mission at the Congregation Procurate that year. Father Gleeson was appointed President at Santa Clara College on the 31st of July, 1905, whence, after a term of five years, he went to Santa Barbara, where he was made Superior of our House in that city. When in 1910, High School was established in Los Angeles, he was selected President. During his term of office various departments of the College, and, notably, the Meteorological and Astronomical departments, were improved in equipment; the old California Hotel building was destroyed by an earthquake; the cause for the beatification of the Venerable Father Magin Catala was commenced, and the Fathers' residence was destroyed by fire. After a term of five years Father Gleeson went to Santa Barbara, where he was made Superior of the Jesuit House in that city, and when, in 1910, a High School, preparatory to the College planned by His Lordship, Bishop Conaty, was established by the Jesuits in Los Angeles, he was selected to be its first President." Excerpted from University of Santa Clara. University of Santa Clara: a history from the founding of Santa Clara Mission in 1777 to the beginning of the University in 1912.

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