Ignatian Educator of the Year Named

Deacon Robert O'Malley has been chosen by his colleagues as the fourth recipient of the prestigious Beatriz Jiménez Ignatian Educator of the Year Award. This esteemed award, named in honor of Mrs. Beatriz Jiménez, a revered figure in our community, is a testament to Deacon's 30 years of dedicated service as a faculty member. A proud alumnus of the University of Notre Dame, he earned a degree in Economics while serving as co-captain of the university’s tennis team. He later earned a law degree from the University of Florida. For 23 years, he practiced law, becoming a partner in his firm and representing notable clients—including none other than Elvis Presley.  

Guided always by a deep and abiding faith, he began his diaconate formation in 1992 and was ordained a permanent deacon in 1994. He has faithfully served at St. Richard, now Holy Rosary/St. Richard, where he and his wife of 51 years have been parishioners for the past 44 years.

At Belen Jesuit, his contributions have been extraordinary. He has taught Theology across multiple grades, dedicating 19 years in particular to the 7th grade. He chaired the Theology Department for 8 years and currently serves as a Spiritual Counselor in the Middle School, guiding the faith formation of our youngest students. His greatest desire is for them to grow into men of prayer rooted in the sacraments and committed to living their faith.

“There is no doubt he embodies the Magis—relentlessly sharing the Good News through his words, actions and example,” said Mr. José E. Roca ‘84. “He consistently lives out cura personalis, caring deeply for the entire Belen community. He shows a sincere interest in others, engaging students and colleagues with genuine joy and enthusiasm. With that same spirit, he accompanies them on their Days of Reflection and in the celebration of the Eucharist. I can think of no one more deserving than Deacon to receive this honor. He is a true Man for and with Others—a sower of faith and a source of inspiration for our entire community.”

Deacon constantly encourages middle school students to become Champions of the Rosary and is a familiar presence in the Sarria Family Dining Hall, inviting them to the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception to pray with him.

As moderator of Team Lombardi, he teaches students to altar serve with humility and reverence. He faithfully prepares young men for the sacraments—just last year, he guided 17 students in their formation. He is also known for his daily “Deacon’s Den” emails, filled with wisdom and compassion. He reminds us that the key to living the Gospel is found in loving one another.

The award was announced during the Mass of the Holy Spirit on August 25 and presented to him by Fr. Willie García-Tuñón, S.J. '87 and Mr. José Roca ‘84. The Mass is the first of the academic year and is a tradition among Jesuit academic institutions dating back to 1548. It is a time when the community gathers to thank God for the gifts of creation and salvation and to seek the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit in the coming year.

"I am deeply honored and appreciative for being selected as this year's recipient of the Ignatian Educator's Award, but I must say that nothing brings me more joy and satisfaction than coming to Belen and being with my 'spiritual grandsons,’" said Deacon O’Malley. 

The Beatriz Jiménez Ignatian Educator of the Year Award is selected annually and given to a member of the faculty or staff who exemplifies the profile of an Ignatian Educator. Mrs. Jiménez served our community for 34 years as a teacher, chairperson and administrator. She was a role model for all of us and demonstrated how a faith-filled person gives the MAGIS for the Greater Glory of God. The award recipient serves as a guide with and for students on their formative journeys at Belen Jesuit. The Ignatian Educator engages in ongoing personal, professional and religious development to sustain a vibrant community committed to the mission of Jesuit education. 

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