Patrick O’Donnell
Khai Le
Patrick O’Donnell, University Photographer, Emeritus passed away last week after battling a brief illness. Pat joined the photo faculty at CSUF in 1983, teaching young, aspiring photographers how to capture the moment. Within months, Pat established a student chapter of the National Press Photographer's Association and organized many student contests. With Pat’s energy, the photo-communications program thrived, graduating some of the best photojournalists in the country. O’Donnell left full-time teaching in 1990 but remained actively involved with the campus.
Pat’s journey into photography began in sunny southern California. Inspired by a high school teacher, he won the Kodak High School Sweepstakes Award, propelling him into a 60-year career as a celebrated photojournalist.
O’Donnell photographed eight U.S. presidents, including Richard Nixon, speaking to a crowd at the El Toro Marine Base after his resignation from the presidency. He was there when Lyndon Johnson spoke at UCI’s groundbreaking ceremonies and when candidate Jimmy Carter campaigned through Orange County. He also covered President Ronald Reagan speaking at Cal State Fullerton in 1988, and later, as the photographer for Cal State Fullerton’s Public Affairs Office, he traveled to Washington, D.C., with Titan baseball teams to record their celebration as national champions with Bill Clinton, in 1995, and George W. Bush, in 2005.
His website hosts a portfolio of his work: www.patrickinfocus.com
Patrick O'Donnell was honored last year, 2024 as a Lifetime Award recipient at the Annual Banquet. He died on Thu, Mar 27, 2025.