User:Ergo Sum/sandbox/Michael P. Walsh (Jesuit)

Michael Patrick Walsh (February 28, 1912 – April 23, 1982) was an American Catholic priest and Jesuit.

Early life
Walsh was born on February 28, 1912, in South Boston, Massachusetts, to Coleman and Bridgette (née McDonough) Walsh. He had five brothers and two sisters. As a child, he was educated at the Boston Public Schools. He then attended Boston College High School, where he graduated in June 1929. Later that year, he entered the Society of Jesus in Lenox, Massachusetts.

Education
Walsh began his Jesuit formation at the Shadowbrook Novitiate, from which he graduated in 1933. In 1934 and 1935, he received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts, respectively, from Boston College. In 1938, Walsh received a Master of Science from Fordham University. He was ordained a priest at Weston College in 1941. The following year, he received his Licentiate in Sacred Theology from Weston College.

In 1942, Walsh became the first principal of the newly established Fairfield College Preparatory School. The following year, he became an instructor at Boston College. In 1948, Walsh received his Doctorate of Philosophy in biology from Fordham University. That same year, he became the chairman of the department of biology at Boston College, a position he would hold for 10 years. His research focused on cytology and genetics, and he became prominent in several professional biology organizations. During this time, he was also the chaplain to the Catholic clubs at Harvard, Tufts, and Boston University medical schools.

Boston College
Walsh was appointed the rector of Boston College by the Jesuit Superior General, Jean-Baptiste Janssens, and the following day, was elected the school's president by its board of trustees. He assumed both offices on February 5, 1958.

Later years
Walsh died on April 23, 1982, at the Jesuit residence at Boston College High School in Boston.