[1] Power was born in 1843 and ordained in 1866; he had spent many years teaching in Spiritan missions in India, Mauritius and Trinidad before coming to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

[1] While the German Holy Ghost Father John Bernard Graff served in Power's capacity as he traveled from Ireland, the Irish-born bishop of Pittsburgh, John Tuigg, showed his animosity for the interim rector's nationality and offered little support for the newly established institution, even refusing the Holy Ghost Fathers the right to exercise priestly functions at the College, such as saying Mass or hearing confessions.

[3] Father Strub left two weeks after the College was opened on October 1, 1878 for Arkansas, eager to avoid further provoking Bishop Tuigg.

[3] Power was rector during an essential and formative stage of Duquesne University's history: he was in office when the College received its state charter on July 7, 1882, and as the Old Main administration building was built on Boyd's Hill overlooking the Monongahela River.

[7] The building dedicates 80,000 square feet (7,400 m2) to fitness facilities, and also includes a Barnes & Noble branch and a casual dining restaurant.