Class Notes Archives

In the spring of 1971, Loyola staged South Pacific. The black-and-white yearbook photo shows two members of the Class of 1972, Jerry Larkin and John O’Connell, as the characters Stewpot and Luther Billis. Jerry and John performed in many of the Loyola musicals, especially enjoying the company of the young actresses—from Regina, Marillac, and other girls’ high schools in the area—who were cast in the female roles.

Jerry moved to Oregon, John remained in Chicago, and they have maintained their friendship to this day, each still involved in music and theater. In June 2025, John and his wife, Sue, came out to Portland for a visit. The timing was perfect, as Jerry and his wife, Anne, were performing in a local production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Patience. As luck would have it—or was it the Holy Spirit?—John was cast in a one-night walk-on role as the Solicitor and chewed the scenery.

Here, 54 years later, are two illustrious Loyola alumni, on the boards, together again.