Maureen O’Shaughnessy Magnuson ’61 Reflects on Four Generations at CDH
Greta Cunningham ‘23, Communications Intern
September 24, 2025
What was your experience at Derham Hall like?
I really enjoyed my Derham Hall years. It was a happy time with many good memories and good friends. I always wear my class ring. It used to have “61” on it, but it’s worn off now. I’m really proud to wear it. My class even still meets every so often. We’re getting together next month. We all still laugh when we’re together. I wouldn’t miss it.
Did anyone else in your family attend Derham Hall, Cretin, or CDH?
My mother Rosemary O'Shaughnessy ’32 went to Derham—we still have her gavel from when she was president of the association 1963-1964. My father James E. O'Shaughnessy ’31 went to Cretin. My sisters Kathleen O’Shaughnessy Tschida ’63 and Colleen O’Shaughnessy Finn ’66 went to Derham after me. My three sons Eric Magnuson ’84, Michael Magnuson ’86—and his wife, Katie Stephens Magnuson ’88—and Kevin Magnuson ’93 went to CDH along with my four grandchildren. That’s four generations!
It’s really special to have that family connection. I was happy there and my kids and grandkids got to be happy there too. I loved going to the grandparents' mass. When I went to my last one with my fourth grandchild, I had tears in my eyes.
How did Derham Hall prepare you for your career?
After graduating from St. Kate’s, I went into teaching and loved it. I taught for 26 years at St. Paul Schools and tutored after that. My favorite teacher at Derham was Sister Rita Jean. She taught me algebra. When I went to St. Kate’s, I had her again because she taught another math class there. When it comes to teaching math, different kids learn different ways, and I think I started learning some of that from her.
What does the CDH community mean to you?
It means everything to me. I'm involved, my kids are involved, all the people in my life are part of that community.
What do you see as the value of a Catholic education?
I think it’s really important. It becomes a basis for your life—it did for me.
Why has is been important to you to continue supporting CDH?
I really like giving, and I feel obliged to. Whatever you can donate, it all counts. I think it’s really important because of its longevity. It’s a tradition passed down through generations, and I want it to keep going. Maybe I could have a great grandchild go too!