Why children are getting and what UB is - University at Buffalo

Joe Freedy
Former Bulls quarterback models life
of service as Catholic priest
alumniprofile
As the starting quarterback through the Bulls’ first four years
in Division 1A, Joe Freedy had it all: accolades from the press,
one of the most recognizable faces on campus, and the kind
of close friendships you build through working and playing
hard together—and, certainly, partying together.
But despite his popularity, Freedy felt a “wound” in his
heart.
“Nothing satisfied,” he says. “And then, through prayer,
I was able to hear God very slowly and gently inviting me to
follow Him in a particular way.”
By fall 2001, the start of his fifth and final year at UB,
Freedy had made a decision: He would pursue his vocation
to serve as a Roman Catholic priest.
In 2004, Freedy completed a master’s in philosophy
for theological studies at Duquesne University and St.
Paul Seminary in his hometown of Pittsburgh. From there,
Freedy’s bishop sent him to complete the next phase of his
priestly formation program—three years of theology—at
Pontifical North American College in the Vatican, the site
where many U.S. bishops have trained. On June 21, 2008,
Freedy’s studies culminated in his ordination at Pittsburgh’s
St. Paul Cathedral.
“It’s a gift that I’m very much unworthy of and so grateful
for,” says Freedy, who has returned to Rome for more studies,
then will join St. Bernadette’s parish near Pittsburgh.
However unlikely Freedy’s story might seem, his friends
say that, in hindsight, the
priesthood fits him perfectly.
They talk of his toughness
on the field, devotion
to his community, strength
under pressure and genuine
altruism. They recall a
born leader who never lost
his humility.
Bill Barba, PhD ’80,
a clinical professor and
chair of the Department of
Freedy close-up
UB degree BA ’02, communication;
Favorite sport basketball.
“I just was never any
good at it,” he says humbly,
“so I had to play football”;
His nieces’ nickname for him
Frunkle Joe
Educational Leadership and Policy in UB’s Graduate School
of Education, was one of more than 20 of Freedy’s friends
from UB who attended the ordination. “Joe’s conversion has
had a powerful impact on a lot of us,” Barba says.
Now, Freedy leads in much more powerful—and often
more subtle—ways than he did in his years as #15. A few
years ago, Barba visited Freedy in Rome, and several times,
they passed through an underground parking lot that’s
known as a safe haven for beggars.
“Joe knew them all by name,” Barba recalls. “It’s all in
quiet moments like that. It’s what you do when the spectators
and cameras aren’t there.”
Story by Elaine Vitone, with photo by Mark Bolster
www.alumni.buffalo.edu UBTODAY UBTODAY Winter Fall 2009 2008 29