Skip to main content

O'Brien, Herbert Sheldon "Irish", 1893-1982

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: March 31, 1893 - December 20, 1982

Biographical Information

Herbert Sheldon O’Brien, known colloquially as "Irish" was born in Wabash, Indiana. He graduated from Purdue University in 1915 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and an advanced Civil Engineer qualification in 1919. As a student at Purdue, O'Brien was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and participated actively in various campus organizations. He was involved in the Varsity “P” Club, the Harlequin Club, Battery “B,” and the Purdue Alumni Association student council.

During his senior year, he served as the president of the Student Council and was recognized as one of the Senior “P” Men and Senior Numeral Men. He played football throughout his time at Purdue, starting from his freshman year and eventually becoming Team Captain in his senior year. He later became president of the Class of 1915 and took an active role in organizing class reunions and communicating with classmates.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Class of 1915 collection

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSA 404
Scope and Contents

The Class of 1915 collection contains a scrapbook, a memory book, two volumes of bound letters, directories, yearbooks, booklets, programs, photographs, newspaper clippings, and various other documents related to members of the Class of 1915 during and after their time at Purdue University.

Dates: 1911 - 1981
Found in: Purdue University Archives and Special Collections