Category Archives: Denis McDonough

My Alma Mater in a New Light

Posted on September 15, 2013
Posted in Denis McDonough, John Gagliardi

My alma mater, Saint John’s University — not the one in bustling Queens, New York run by the Vincentians, but the one in bucolic Collegeville, Minnesota run by the Benedictines — is widely known for several things.

New right-hand-man’s Minnesota bio provides comic material for Obama

Posted on January 25, 2013
Posted in Barack Obama, Denis McDonough, John Gagliardi

Most notable among Obama’s shout-outs to reliably Democratic Minnesota was noting McDonough’s “college football days as a defensive back under the legendary John Gagliardi” at St. John’s University from 1988-91.

Obama names Minnesota native Denis McDonough chief of staff

Posted on January 25, 2013
Posted in Barack Obama, Denis McDonough, John Gagliardi

McDonough grew up in Stillwater and graduated from St. John’s University, where he studied history and played defensive back for legendary football coach John Gagliardi.

Denis McDonough, loyal and trusted aide, to be Obama’s chief of staff

Posted on January 17, 2013
Posted in Denis McDonough, John Gagliardi

The man in line to become President Obama’s next chief of staff is one of his most loyal and trusted confidants — a rare Washington player, associates said, whose sole objective is protecting and advancing the interests of his boss.