ALUMNI EVENTS
ALUMNI DINNER
St. Sebastian’s hosted its Alumni Dinner on October 24, filling Ward Hall with more than 150 Arrows from across the decades. During the event, Chris Galligan ’69 was honored with this year’s Alumni Service Award and Bob Souza, former head coach of the varsity football team, was celebrated for his 41 seasons of devotion to the football program.
Honoring a Loyal Arrow Chris Galligan’s days as an Arrow date back to the fall of 1963 when he arrived on Nonantum Hill as a 7th grader, following in the footsteps of his older brothers, Tom ’62 and John ’65. His younger brothers, Marty ’73 and Peter ’76, also attended St. Sebastian’s. A talented and energetic student, Chris was a member of the 1967 undefeated football team and the starting goalie on the 1968-69 hockey team, guided by legendary coaches, Henry O’Brien and Henry Lane. Since graduating from St. Sebastian’s in 1969, Chris has been a loyal Arrow over the years, helping to organize class reunions and attending almost every one of them. In the months leading up to his 50th Reunion in May 2019, he assumed a leadership role on the 50th Reunion Committee, helping his classmates to achieve 63% participation and spearheading a Class Gift in excess of $100,000.
From left to right, top to bottom: Chris Galligan ’69 receives a round of applause; the Galligan family; Chris delivers remarks; Alumni Association President Charles Haley, Headmaster Bill Burke, Board President Jim Elcock with Chris in his St. Sebastian’s chair.
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ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
During his introduction, Headmaster Bill Burke noted that “Chris was a rock-solid, invaluable member of the St. Sebastian’s family from day one as a student and he has remained ever thus throughout every sacred moment of his life as an alumnus.” Headmaster Burke went on to praise Chris and his wife, Andi, for their “upbeat, happy, and positive nature, their great sense of faith and honor, and how they always give freely and fully of themselves—much to the great benefit and delight of their school.” Chris then shared a few words, reminiscing about his experience at St. Sebastian’s, the connections he made with classmates and teammates, which continue today, and especially his memories of skating for Coach Lane on the outdoor hockey rink. Along with his wife, Andi, he acknowledged his four Arrow brothers, who were all in attendance, stating, “The five of us are very grateful to our parents for giving us the opportunity to attend St. Sebastian’s.” Chris also expressed his amazement at the extraordinary transformation of the campus while noting “the mission of St. Sebastian’s continues as strong, steady and focused as ever.”
