Father Frank Fadner was an expert in Russian history, a remarkable polylinguist, and accomplished artist. From 1949 to 1978 he taught history, and from 1955 served as Regent of the School of Foreign Service, taking over from the founder, Father Walsh. In 1987, James Alatis, Dean of the School of Languages and Linguistics, recollected that: “New students were often intrigued by the black gowned gentleman with the long gray beard, intelligent eyes, black cassock, beretta and flowing cape. Theories as to his identify were legion. Two particularly memorable ones were that he was either the Metropolitan [Archbishop] of Moscow in exile or the Papal Confessor. Father enjoyed his mysterious image and would note that it wasn’t bad for a boy from Neenah, Wisconsin . . .”
