NSU Alumnus Chosen Among this year’s Top 100 Irish-Americans

Dr. Richard O'Connell (Ed.D. 1980), a graduate of Nova Southeastern University, was picked by the Irish-America Magazine to be one of this year's Too 100 in the field of education. The purpose in honoring each recipient, according to Editor Patricia Harty is that, "In America, like nowhere else, we are proud of simple beginnings and where they can take you when you stick to the road, though the going may be tough." (more)

Dr. O'Connell grew up in Washington Heights on the Westside of Manhattan. At the beginning of the war in Europe, he left Ireland after a visit on May 10th, 1940, traveling from Limerick to South Hampton, to Le Harve to Paris as the only way back to the United States. With his Mother, Eileen (Taylor) O'Connell, and twin brother, Harry, he left Paris on May 15th, the day the Germans broke through and headed toward Brussels. The family traveled onto Genoa to board the US Washington, which was stopped and searched on the way over by a German submarine.  In 1942, the US Washington was sunk by a German torpedo. His passport for this peripatetic journey was signed by none other than Eamon de Valera, who later became President of Ireland

Dr O'Connell has just recently published an educational book, MOTIVATING KIDS TO THE MAX   (www.SchoolGuidanceServicescom ).  It is a practical and candid handbook for parents, counselors, teachers and administrators on how to motivate students to reach their potential. Warmly written and with humor, it contains strategies, techniques, approaches and anecdotes, which illustrate motivational concepts.  

For over 40 years, Dr. Richard O'Connell has held the roles of a district guidance coordinator, an assistant principal, director of guidance and counselor in various New York and New Jersey private and public schools. He is the recipient of the New York State and Nassau County's "Counselor of the Year Awards" for his innovative programs and publications; he is currently a professor at Long Island University and the College of New Rochelle, as well as doing consulting work. He lives in Bronxville, and Shelter Island, New York.
 
Dr. O'Connell began his career teaching fifty-four students, eight subjects a day in the same classroom. He then spent two years teaching high school English before beginning his career as a guidance counselor. He has a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova University, two master degrees from Manhattan College in Counseling Psychology and English Literature and a bachelor of arts from The Catholic University of America.