"Tim was a legendary professor and colleague. He was a kind, others-centered person who was passionate about making a difference in the lives of our students. Tim was an encourager of people in general. He encouraged students to work hard and persevere through tough times. He even went out of his way to encourage me as faculty. When Tim would hear a good report about me from a student, he would take the time to tell me in the hall or through email. Tim was a sweet, humble man who left his legacy on thousands of students, who were better off for knowing him. If the world was made up of more Tim Mahoney's, the world would be a much better place." - Dr. Jill Oeding, Professor of Business Law
"I will dearly miss Tim. He was one of the most appreciative and kindhearted people I’ve met at USI. I worked with him as an IT tech, helping him with his computer whenever I could. The first time I met him was before I was even enrolled in any classes at USI. I went to him because he was my advisor and ended up helping him with his computer and struck up a friendship from that point on. Tim would always pay great attention to detail and would remember things that you told him months later, like when he told me happy birthday as well as asking how my family was doing. Something I remembered while reflecting back on all my experiences with him was a time I helped him while he was trying to donate money to an animal rescue. Just another example of his kindheartedness. He would also take me out to lunch for steak on multiple occasions to show his appreciation for me helping him. He was an amazingly kindhearted fellow, and I hope he can see from heaven above the difference he made in peoples lives and in the world. Tim will truly be missed." -Cameron Whaley '21, Computer Science, USI Desktop Support Tech
"Mr. Mahoney was my advisor when I transferred to USI as a nontraditional student. Being a nontraditional student has its own challenges, and I felt like giving up many times. He would listen to me patiently, then he'd say, "Yes, you can do it. You will graduate." Fast forward-this photo is when I asked him and Christy Nolan, academic advisor, to take a photo with me when I signed my graduation papers." - Darla Perigo '14, M'18, Communications Associate, USI Romain College of Business
"Mr. Mahoney treated me like family. Yes, he gave me academic advice, but he quickly transitioned to giving me advice in every other area of life as well. I worked in his office for three years and we often spent the afternoons talking about life when we had spare time. We continued to meet and talk at least once every year until he got sick. He was a mentor and also became a close friend." - Matt Waltz '16, Engineering
"He was a beloved faculty member who truly left a mark on his students and colleagues. Alumni frequently asked about Tim, fondly recalling how he always remembered their names and recognized them even years after they graduated. His ability to provide personal attention and genuine care for each student was a testament to his incredible character. Tim's influence extended beyond the classroom. He gave me the insightful slogan, "Everything has a business side," a phrase that has resonated deeply with me and guided my perspective ever since. His wisdom and thoughtfulness have been invaluable." - Dr. Cathy Carey, Professor of Economics
"My experiences with Tim Mahoney could really be classified as consistent. I think that is why many of the comments that I have seen seem to be more alike than different. Tim always treated you with respect and made you feel important. He was always interested in knowing how you were. It was not the typical, “How are you” that many of us say in passing it was way more, it was totally genuine. He was the same on the phone as he was in the swimming pool , or a random encounter on campus or off campus. It was always about you, how he could help you, and how could we improve. He was tireless in all of these efforts which is why his impact was so strong and again so consistent among those who were fortunate to know him. Consistent seems too weak for such an impactful person but Tim always deflected any praise away from himself so maybe it is the perfect word and one that would make him provide that large welcoming smile that we all experienced." - Steve Bridges, USI Interim President
Funeral Liturgy for Tim Mahoney
David A. Bower
The novel Goodbye, Mr. Chips was written by James Hilton in London, over a four-day period in November of 1933. It was first published in the Christmas edition of the British Weekly that same year.
By June of 1934 – exactly 90 years ago this month - it had been published in book-form and became the best-selling work of Mr. Hilton’s entire career.
So what does the fictional character Arthur Charles Edward Chipping, a schoolmaster at Brookfield, an English boarding school for boys set in the years 1870 to 1933, have to do with Timothy Brian Mahoney, whom we honor and pray for today at his funeral Eucharist?
The nicknamed Mr. Chips, was a classics scholar who taught Latin and Greek to young men. And who gave fatherly advice to his students.
Tim was a teacher and advisor in higher education or in business since he graduated from college in 1963. Since 1987 he was employed at a comprehensive public University in the State of Indiana who taught economics and finance.
Here is the connection as I see it.
In the 1939 movie version of the book, one hears the following reflection: “It must be tremendously interesting to be a teacher; to watch (students) grow and help them along; to see their character develop and what they become once they (graduate), and the world gets hold of them. To be a teacher is exciting and heroic.”
That was Tim. He was a Mr. Chips - a gentle unassuming man with a razor-sharp mind and a great and generous heart. He was a living tribute to the noble profession of teaching and advising.