to speak directly with students. His longtime friend Helen Hayes made her final stage appearance in CUA's on-campus Hartke Theatre, in Eugene O'Neill's classic Long Day's Journey into Night. Hartke was also known for his creative generosity. When his students hit financial straits, he would first make sure they would work for their scholarships and loans and then he would go out and obtain them. Susan Sarandon worked in the university's business office. Jon Voight and Philip Bosco built stage scenery, and Henry Gibson worked as Hartke's chauffeur. In October 1981, Hartke was named "one of the most powerful men in Washington, D.C." by the Washingtonian magazine. He had a major impact on Catholic theater, the many souls he touched personally, and the many more who benefitted from the blessings he brought to this world. Today the theatre at Catholic University bears his name. Also an annual end of the year awards ceremony is named for him: The Gilbie Awards celebrates excellence in CUA theatre. In fact, these Tony-like awards are also shaped in his honor, resembling a robed friar. Hartke was gifted Judy Garland’s dress, which was given to Catholic University which they were auctioning for the benefit of their drama school (https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/07/catholic-university-says-it-owns-judy-garland-wizard-of-oz-dress.html). Sources Mary Jo Santo Pietro: Father Hartke. His life and legacy to the American theater. Catholic University of America Press (2002). References 1907 births 1986 deaths Catholic University of America School of Arts and Sciences faculty People associated with the assassination of John F. Kennedy American Dominicans