William Shannahan

Shannahann, whose nickname was "Big Bill", was born in Wilton, Iowa and raised in Williamsburg, Iowa. He was the St. Ambrose football team's first captain, and graduated from the institution in 1896. He studied for the priesthood at St. Paul Seminary and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Davenport on May 8, 1899 in St. Paul, Minnesota by Archbishop John Ireland.[1] After ordination he spent a year in graduate studies at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.

Shannahan taught in the philosophy department before taking his role as the president. During his term, the second east wing of Ambrose Hall was built in 1908, which contained an auditorium, classrooms, and living quarters. After leaving St. Ambrose, Shannahan was named pastor at St. Patrick’s Church in Iowa City where he served until he was appointed as the rector and pastor of Sacred Heart Cathedral and vicar general of the diocese in 1932.[2]

Bishop Henry Rohlman nominated Shannahan twice for Papal honors; the first time as a Domestic Prelate and the second time as a Protonotary Apostolic. Both honors were bestowed by Pope Pius XI.[3] In the 1930s he worked with Msgrs. Martin Cone and George Giglinger to develop a local radio program on WOC that featured Catholic topics.[4] Msgr. Shannahan died on October 22, 1937 at the age of 67.