John Douglas Ousley – 50th Reunion Essay

John Douglas Ousley

209 Madison Avenue

New York, NY 10016

ousleyjd@yahoo.com

Spouse(s): Mary Young (deceased) (1971–2008), Dana Fern (2013–present)

Child(ren): John (1981), Ben (stepson, 1982), Andrew (1983)

Education: MRE NY Theol. Sem. 1971, MTh University of London 1972 MA New School for Soc. Res. 1976

Career: Episcopal Priest St. Thomas Church NYC 1973–78 American Cathedral in Paris ’78–’81 St. Paul’s Church Rome ’81–’85 Incarnation NYC ’85–present

College: Saybrook

In some ways, I feel like one of those older alumni I found amusing when I was an undergraduate. They were always complaining about radical students and the changes at Yale. They were forever threatening to withhold their contributions to their alma mater. I would doubtless see Yale differently if I were a half century younger.

That said, I think that I am more conscious of my Yale identity today than I was when I wrote for the last Class Book. I enjoy entertaining guests at the Yale Club of NYC. I like to talk with alums about old times and today’s Yale.

Twenty-five years ago, I wrote in the Class Book, “My feeling upon looking back to Yale and the succeeding years is gratitude.” I would say the same thing today. Even more gratitude.