Honoring Fr. Dan Gambet, OSFS
On Friday, September 19, 2025, Fr. Kevin Nadolski, OSFS, Vice President for Mission at DeSales University, blessed the brand-new accessible splash pad at Miracle League Field in Schnecksville, PA.
The splash pad was dedicated in loving memory of Fr. Dan Gambet, OSFS (1929–2022)—a beloved educator, spiritual leader, and longtime board member of the Miracle League of the Lehigh Valley.
Carrying forward the Miracle League’s mission of inclusion, the new splash pad features adaptive elements, a sensory-friendly design, and a welcoming layout to ensure that every child—regardless of ability—can play, belong, and shine. This joyful gathering place will serve players, families, and the wider community, offering a space that celebrates inclusion, joy, and community for all Miracle League families.
Fr. Gambet began ministering in the Lehigh Valley when De Sales University was known as Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales. He served as Academic Dean and a teacher of History and Latin. From 1972 until 1978, he was Provincial of the Wilmington/Philadelphia Province of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. Father Gambet was named the second president of DeSales University in 1978 and served there until his retirement in 1999.
Under his leadership, the University recorded tremendous growth in academic reputation as well as enrollment. The student body grew from 850 to 2,300; graduate education was introduced as well as a broad spectrum of undergraduate majors. The budget was balanced in each of the 20 years of Father Gambet’s tenure. You can read Fr. Gambet’s full obituary here.
