Recently we marked the passing of a true gentleman of higher education, an individual who spent a life time assisting young adults, families and those working in higher education institutions.

Thomas J. O’Hare, retired Deputy Administrator, Office of Student Financial Assistance, U.S. Department of Education, devoted his career to assisting individuals. Beginning in his early days working as the Education Coordinator for the Massachusetts Division of Youth Services (fondly remembered as Shirley Reform School for Boys), then joining President Kennedy’s Job Corp Program and finally a 30+ year career with the U.S. Department of Education.

He participated in the formation of today’s Office of Student Financial Assistance, first as the Office of Elementary, Secondary and Post Secondary Education within HEW and then when the U. S Department of Education was officially created. He took pride in his generation, those who laid the foundation for the programs currently offered to students and families today.

A story teller at heart he always remarked that his time in financial aid was a “kind and gentler period” and he wondered “when did things get so complicated”. In the days before his passing he let it be known that his life was devoted to helping individuals obtain a college education.

And that the job was not finished!