Rev. Bernard Coughlin

MSW ’59

Reverend Bernard J. Coughlin made multiple and unparalleled contributions in his long and illustrious career as an institution builder, civic leader, university president, social work administrator and scholar. He served as dean of the School of Social Service at St. Louis University from 1964 to 1974, and during his tenure broadened and modernized the Master of Social Work (MSW) curriculum, introducing interdisciplinary courses. He developed the country’s only doctoral program focused on social development, and constructed a brand new building to house the School of Social Service.

Coughlin was the longest-serving president of Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington from 1974 to 1996, and its first chancellor. His tenure as at Gonzaga was a transformative period for the institution, turning around its fiscally precarious existence into financial stability, significantly increasing enrollment and endowments, and amplifying its academic reputation. Coughlin, a Jesuit priest who entered the Society of Jesus in 1942 and took a vow of poverty, proved to be the greatest fundraiser in the history of the university.

He was appointed chairman of the Spokane Chamber of Commerce in 1988, a remarkable demonstration of affection and esteem for a social worker by the business community, and a testimony to his remarkable gift for transcending barriers and building bridges between different segments of society.

Coughlin served as chair of the Division of Professional Standards of the National Association of Social Workers from 1970 to 1973, and a representative to the International Council on Social Welfare in Helsinki, Finland. His many honors include the Distinguished Community Service Award from the Anti-Defamation League, 1992, and the Bishop’s Award for Outstanding Service from the Diocese of Spokane, 1996.