Brian O'Dwyer (born October 10, 1945) is an American lawyer, activist, and active member of the Irish-American community.
[3] Brian spent most of his legal career admission labor organizations and supporting the rights of workers and immigrants.
[4] On August 16, 2019, his graduate alma mater, Middlebury College, conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa at its Language Schools commencement.
In October 2015 O'Dwyer was awarded the Seán MacBride Humanitarian Award by the Ancient Order of Hibernians[9] for his work "To memorialize the human rights contributions made by Nobel Peace Laureate Dr. Sean MacBride and to recognize the efforts of others who make similar contributions in the cause of peace, justice, and the economic well-being of the Irish people…"[10] On August 16, 2019, Middlebury College conferred an honorary doctorate of humane letters.
As a former teacher of Spanish at the George Washington University and Malcolm King College, O'Dwyer has been active in education.
He serves as Treasurer of the City University of New York Law School Foundation and was a recipient of the Dean's Medal.
In October 2022, O'Dwyer named Vicki Been, Stuart Rabinowitz, and Quenia Abreu to the Gaming Facilities Location Board.
[16] He has received special citations from Governor Mario Cuomo at the New York City Council for his work with immigrant groups.
In 1998, he was the Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick's Day Parade, in Rockaway, N.Y. O'Dwyer has been a consummate advocate for immigrants' rights.
In its almost 25 years of existence, the center has helped literally thousands of Irish men and women as they immigrated to New York City.
Brian has served as chairman and counselor to the Associacion Tepeyac as well, which provides advocacy and services to New York's growing Mexican community.
He was part of the delegation that accompanied President Bill Clinton to Ireland on each of his three trips and served as an advisor to the White House on Irish issues including the peace process.
In 2015 O'Dwyer, along with radio broadcaster Adrian Flannelly and 200 others attended a pilgrimage led by Cardinal Dolan to the Knock Shrine in County Mayo, Ireland.
[20] A former member of the New York City Human Rights Commission,[21] O'Dwyer has also been an advocate for victims of sexual harassment and police brutality.