Before coming to Gonzaga Fr. Bernard Coughlin spent the majority of his life immersed in education. After completing his undergraduate degree at Saint Louis University, Coughlin began working as a teacher, and eventually a counselor, at several high schools. His own education, however, was far from over, and he went on to complete a masters in Social Work at the University of Southern California in 1959, and eventually a doctorate in Social Welfare from Brandeis University in 1963.
Through his life as both a scholar and educator, Coughlin wrote numerous books and contributed to over twenty-five articles published in professional journals. Even while he was busy with the presidency, he continued work in his field, regularly writing opinion pieces for the Inland Register. Coughlin believed strongly in the importance of a well-rounded Humanist education, and redirected the focus of the school’s curriculum in order to educate students for the social responsibility they would assume after graduation. This display case explores Coughlin’s work as a scholar, efforts which influenced the attitude he assumed as president and shed light on his passion for a true Jesuit education.
Fr. Coughlin had been the chairman of the Division of Professional standards between 1970 – 1973.
Fr. Coughlin wrote extensively within his field, especially during his time at Saint Louis University, mostly regarding social work and welfare. He produced much of his work before coming to Gonzaga, at which point his duties became more diversified. These pamphlets present only a sample of the writings he contributed to his field, both before and during his presidency. As chancellor, Coughlin had more time to write consistently in the Inland Register on various topics using his scholarship.
