William J. Devlin

William J. Devlin, S.J. (December 15, 1875 – July 21, 1938) was an American Catholic priest and Jesuit. Born in New York City, he spent many of his early years in Europe, where he was educated at Stonyhurst College in England. Devlin entered the Society of Jesus in Maryland in 1893, and studied at Woodstock College. He became a professor at Boston College in 1910, and eventually became the dean.

In 1919, Devlin was appointed president of Boston College. His tenure was characterized by an extensive construction campaign, that resulted in several new buildings, including St. Mary's Hall, and the science building, which was later named Devlin Hall. These projects were supported by an ambitious fundraising campaign. He also made the first proposal for what would become Boston College's business school. His presidency came to an end in 1925, and he became the rector of St. Andrew-on-Hudson, a Jesuit novitiate in New York. He left St. Andrew-on-Hudson in 1933, and was made rector of the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola and president of Regis High School in Manhattan. Two years later, he became ill and eventually retired to the novitiate in Wernersville, Pennsylvania, where he died in 1938.

Early life William J. Devlin was born on December 15, 1875, in New York City.

Devlin began his education at the De La Salle Institute in New York City, during which time he also served as the personal altar boy to Archbishop Michael Corrigan in St. Patrick's Cathedral. Instead, Devlin applied for membership in the Jesuits' Maryland-New York Province, and was accepted.

Jesuit formation and teaching He proceeded to the Jesuit novitiate in Frederick, Maryland, on September 24, 1893.

Rectorships of Boston College and St. Andrew-on-Hudson

Devlin became the rector and president of Boston College in 1919, succeeding Charles W. Lyons. as well as St. Mary's Hall. He worked with Cardinal William O'Connell, the Archbishop of Boston, to raise $2 million.

From 1921 to 1922, Devlin served as consultor to the Jesuit provincial superior. In 1921, he became one of the three founding members of the Jesuits' New England Province, which separated from the Maryland-New York Province. Around 1922, he established the Summer School for Catholic Sisterhoods, which educated religious sisters, and paid visits to a nearby orphanage. His presidency came to an end in 1925, and he was succeeded by James H. Dolan.

Later years In 1933, Devlin became rector of the parish of St. Ignatius Loyola, the president of Regis High School, and the president of Loyola School, all located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, succeeding Edward J. Sweeney. However, after two years, He suffered a stroke on November 9, 1937, which left him immobile. Devlin died of heart disease at the novitiate in Wernersville.