If one were to come down to the Campus Ministry and Service Office, you may see a new face that you don’t recognize. Coming from across the pond to fill in Ms. Costello’s old job, it’s Mr. John Dawson.
The first trait many people notice about Mr. Dawson is his lovely British accent. Before coming to the University of Detroit Jesuit, Mr. Dawson grew up in a borough of London called Enfield with his seven siblings and has lived in the UK for over 40 years. He went to Saint Mary’s University in London and is no stranger to Catholic education. Mr. Dawson wanted to come to U of D because “I taught in a Jesuit school for 22 years. I went to a Jesuit school. When I was applying for jobs thinking about moving over, U of D was like a home away from home spiritual speaking… It felt right.”
In High School, Mr. Dawson was involved with rugby, stage crew, and helping during Mass; He’s been an altar server since he was 8. Now, he enjoys running, cycling, and coaching rugby. “If football was played like [rugby], it would be a more exciting game.” Mr. Dawson has a passion for helping students, both in their faith life and in the classroom. Before coming to U of D, Mr. Dawson was a teacher as well as a chaplain. “I do miss being a teacher.” Ironically, history is his favorite subject, even though he taught theology. If he wasn’t working in a school, Mr. Dawson would be a carpenter just like his dad. “I love the DIY.”
Coming to America has been a noticeable change for Mr. Dawson. “It’s a cultural shift.” Many of the delicacies he was used to at home aren’t in America. There’s no English breakfast, good tea, or quality chocolate, but being at U of D has helped him. “I am very happy being at U of D Jesuit. There is a sense of community here… Students here have been very welcoming. I feel part of the community.”
Having a religious upbringing, Mr. Dawson was always called to the faith side of education. “It just felt right giving back to those who need it the most. As a person who grew up in the faith… by passing this faith on, if I live by the example of living the way I’d want to be treated, I’ll pass that on to my students.” We should all strive to follow his example. Next time you walk by Campus Ministry and Service, make sure you say hello to Mr. Dawson.
