About Me
Photo: “T Street” beach, San Clemente, Ca
Sweatshirt: Loyola University New Orleans (I majored in philosophy.)
Please visit my Web Portal.
Reference: Roland on Wikipedia.
I love my family and friends, and enjoy hearty wines, strong coffee, good literature, movies with character development and the out of doors.
Although I’ve never been trained in photography, I carry a camera with me pretty much all the time. I love playing around with digital images and sharing them on my blog.
That probably fits in with the advice I have for students about how to use language when they write their college applications: Show, don’t tell.
I’ve spent my life in “the Academy” – having been a college and university admissions officer at Westmont College, Colby College, MIT and Stanford University. 
I’ve “crossed sides of the desk” and currently hold an appointment as director of college counseling at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano, CA.
A fact known by my close friends is that I am a former Jesuit. I spent my early adult years in preparation to become a Jesuit priest. Although I separated from the Order prior to ordination, I am a Christian who is nurtured by thoughtfulness and an awareness of the richness and complexity of Creation and Culture. (Flannery O’Connor would probably use the word “mystery” where I use “complexity.”)
To say that I’m a “fan” of Flannery O’Connor and her stories is far too mild. I’m devoted to Flannery O’Connor. Her writing and characters make sense to me. I’m a Southerner. I understand these people and their weirdness.
And by the way, I love being a Californian.
Roland,
God bless you, brother. I was telling stories of my early years in Admissions (travel stories at that). I couldn’t help but recount the season we hung out in Canton, Cleveland, and Amish Country in good ol’ Northeast Ohio. I am enjoying your blog. Keep up the good work!
John (Malone Dude)
It’s always good to see a devoted O’Connor fan.
Beautiful blog! Noticed your comment on Glenn Hager’s. I’m not a southerner, but maybe I should read Flannery O’Connor!
May I have permission to use your picture of the South China road sign? Full credit given. Best Regards, Van
Roland,
This is JIM HAIRSTON, Jesuit, Class of 1979.
I am sure you will recall me. I learned so much in my
senior year with you. Specifically the 60s anti war
movement, the music of that time, my term paper was on Kent State.
There were great conversations with you then.
Now, I have a 9th grader at Jesuit. And, I spoke to him of my time there and teachers that influenced
my thinking.
In the last few days, I wanted to “google” Roland Allen, SJ. This moring, I finally did. I got your BLOG.
So you left the Jesuits.
For students of Jesuit it is a loss. You were- then- a brilliant man. I was an idealistic young man, who thought her could change the world. (You gave me that strength.)
I have found you can, if on the right stage.
I also know the system changes from within and not
from protesting radically from the outside.
I am going to read your blogs and look at the man you are today, with your writing.
You will find- googling me, that I get a great deal of
letters to editor published.
The subjects are pure “Roland Allen inspired.”
Justice and Hope for those least among us.
I listen to music, specifically the words,as you
taught us at school, for that the message is.
There is much more to write on your impact of me.
But, at 8:14am, I must get moving to my warehouse
and plan the balance of my day.
In short, graduated from Jesuit, golf scholarship
to St. Edwards U in Austin. After 1 semester- mom
was divorcing dad- I transferred to SMU. Met my wife
there. She played golf at SMU. Got a degree in Psychology. Worked at Hairston Produce during
college. Then to Tyler with Southland Corp for
3 years. In 1987 moved to Dallas and started the
first of two companies. Airline Distribution and
now CPI Foods. One airline foodservice the second
meals on wheels food distributing.
Have 4 kids, 18,17,15,13. Two girls and two
boys. My wife Cheryl died of cancer in 2006.
I then met and rekindled my first love, my
high school sweetheart -9th and 10th grade
from Ursuline, Tricia- the reason my grades were
so bad my first two years- we enaged in November
07. She died Christmas 07.
Politically, ran for School Board in Highland Park
(dallas island city) twice. Got killed the second time.
Too radical, I was called. Then Gov. Bush asked me
to get involved in his re-election campaign in 1998.
Then the Presidential in 2000 and 2004. Have been
involved with him for 12 years. I have been involved
with Gov. Perry of Texas since 2000 and many
members of Congress and Senate.
I hope to hear from you. It would be really
cool.
Also, David Oglesby and Bob Lanier are all that
is left from Jesuit during my tenure. And Mike
Earsing- he is principal, I think.
Best to you.
Hello. I am meeting you via Facebook friendsl…going to read your book on the Spirit… wondering if you ever look north a bit… Westlake Village and Oaks Christian School could sure benefit from your areas of expertise… from photography,writing,faith, and academic career… I know three positions are posted for academic dean/middleschool, principal/high school, and admissions director 6th – 12th! http://www.oakschristian.org
If nothing else… or as a start… come speak to our kids or our parents or our faculty! Thanks, Sonya Dunn Hodson
Hi Roland!
I was researching different blogging software today and thought about you in connection with moveable type. Didn’t know you were almost a Jesuit but that doesn’t surprise any of us who know you. When I think of Jesuits I think of the purest form of Christianity ( to me ) and missionaries and you are certainly a missionary I would say albeit not as poor and with a lot more freedom. Well, some guests just arrived. Later!
Hi Roland,
I just read your thoughts from a couple years ago on Flannery’s story, The Life You Save May Be Your Own. It is a tough story, but your one commenter was on the right track, I think. The key is the turnip shaped cloud covering the sun. What is the turnip shaped like? The heart. Covering the sun? It is an image of the Sacred Heart ! Divine love is what is missing in every character in the story, with the possible exception of the daughter, whose innocence makes her like “Gawd’s angel.” I am working on a blog series on Flannery’s short stories. So far, I have only completed two entries, one on “Revelation” and the other on “A Late Encounter with the Enemy.” My next one will be on “The Life You Save…” If you are interested, swing on by the blog I write for: “The Black Cordelias.wordpress.com” God Bless and Happy Easter!
Fr. J.