ALUMNI VOICES
THE FINEST AND THE BRAVEST at 7100 Shore Road
Our 2019 runners were off to a great start at the 31st Annual P.O. Hoban ’80 Memorial Run.
“Being a member of the FDNY was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Being a Xaverian man — that’s the other.” The sentiment, expressed by retired firefighter Carl Graziano ’90, is not uncommon — there are more than 600 alumni and counting who can call themselves both Xaverian alumni and members of either the Fire Department or Police Department of New York City.
With the Hoban Run standing as one of the longest running Xaverian traditions, PAX has served as a model for alumni affinity groups — just one look at the long list of scholarships granted and money raised is proof alone that PAX has not only lasted more than three decades, but has served the Xaverian community, giving sons and daughters of the NYPD the opportunity for a Xaverian education.
Hoban Run Leads the Pack for Alumni Traditions
A Golf Outing for our Heroes
When Police Officer Christopher Hoban ’80 lost his life in the line of duty in 1988, NYPD alumni organized the Police Alumni of Xaverian (PAX). This group began the now 31-yearold Hoban Memorial Run to fund a scholarship in Chris’ name. Finding members isn’t difficult — there are more than 400 alumni who are active or retired members of the New York City Police Force. Deputy Chief John Chell ’87 noted, “Xaverian connections are all across the city. I have lost count of the times I’ve come across a fellow Clipper in the line of duty.” Michael Wilson ’77, a retired police officer for the Department and current Assistant Principal for Discipline and Operations at Xaverian, recognizes the importance of coming together as both members of the NYPD and as Clippers. PAX allows Clippers to connect as not only classmates, but as members of the NYPD, keeping the streets and neighborhoods safe. Recently, PAX revived their annual alumni nights, inviting members new and old for a return to 7100 Shore Road to reminisce, connect and come together to support each other, the school and the force.
Expanding on the success of other benefits for Xaverian, the Heroes Golf Outing supports the sons and daughters of the NYPD and the FDNY. It also continues to support the Dennis P. O’Berg ’91 scholarship, in memory of O’Berg’s ultimate sacrifice on 9/11. The outing’s support of the FORTIS fund — which annually provides NYPD and FDNY families a $500 tuition credit — is something that is supported by members of both departments without hesitation.
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Members of the Heroes Golf Outing Committee, along with Monsignor David Cassato, President Robert Alesi ’78 and Deacon Kevin McCormack.
