6 minute read
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.
Hoban Run Leads the Pack for Alumni Traditions
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.
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.
A Golf Outing for our Heroes
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.
X-BAR GETS A REBOOT
Anthony B. Stumbo, Esq. ’93
Mark S. Indelicato, Esq. ’78 Running into attorneys who graduated from Xaverian is a regular occurrence for Anthony B. Stumbo, Esq. ’93. “Xaverian has a strong presence in every aspect of the legal field in New York City,” said Mr. Stumbo, who serves on the Board of Trustees. “We gravitate toward one another.”
Reviving X-BAR, the affinity group for Xaverian alumni working in the legal field, made a great deal of sense to Mr. Stumbo. He recruited two friends, Mark S. Indelicato, Esq. ’78, and Lorenzo Lugara, Esq. ’00, and the X-BAR reboot was underway. The trio bring new energy and a wealth of experience to the effort. Mr. Stumbo is a partner at Riemer & Braunstein, LLP, practicing in the banking and finance group. Mr. Indelicato is a partner at Hahn & Hessen, practicing bankruptcy and restructuring, and Mr. Lugara is the principal of Lugara PLLC, a general law practice based in Brooklyn.
X-BAR first formed in the 1990s, but has been inactive in recent years. The three attorneys, who also serve as tri-chairs of X-BAR, sponsored a kick-off event last June at Croton Reservoir Tavern in Manhattan. The weather didn’t cooperate, but Mr. Stumbo was pleased with the initial turnout. He said the group has two immediate goals for the revival of X-BAR. “Attorneys and practitioners in the field of law are a strong segment of Xaverian’s alumni network. Our first goal is to bring them together to socialize and network,” he said.
X-BAR’s second goal is to increase alumni engagement with the school. It’s an opportunity for alumni to connect with one another, discuss issues affecting the legal profession and get a firsthand look at the growth and progress of the school. Longer term, X-BAR hopes to engage more directly with Xaverian students interested in the law through mentorships and internships, as well as the school’s Mock Trial Team and Career Day.
In the meantime, the X-BAR tri-chairs are focused on connecting with Xaverian alumni currently working in the legal profession and even those who have retired. “We’re inclusive of anyone who is connected to the legal field,” Mr. Stumbo said. To learn more about X-BAR, please contact Dillon Burns ’12, Advancement Associate, at dburns@xaverian.org.
XAVERIAN: A PRESCRIPTION FOR SUCCESS
Above: Dr. Aldo Arpaia ’85 and Tom Burns ’83 P’12 ’18, Director of Alumni Relations Right: Dr. Lukasz Cygan ’03 Looking to capitalize on the storied legacy of doctors who have been borne from a Xaverian education, one young Clipper doctor is looking for help to found rX, a new affinity group for Clipper alumni who work in the various fields of medicine today. Dr. Lukasz Cygan ’03 is currently the Assistant Residency Director of Emergency Medicine at Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, NY.
“Going to Xaverian undoubtedly helped me prepare for the challenges of medical school. Having an understanding of what hard work and dedication truly meant only allowed me to push myself even further when it came to my career,” he said. “Creating a group of medical professionals that are also Clippers — to me, is something that would create the same kind of support system and camaraderie we had back at
Shore Road. It’s a sure thing!” Dr. Aldo Arpaia ’85 agreed, noting “Thirty years since graduating from Xaverian — and the mere mention of it — is still opening doors for me today.” Now an internist at Island Medical Consultants in Staten Island, NY, Dr. Arpaia believes that a group like this will allow him to pay it forward — and provide support for younger alums just breaking into the field.
INTERESTED IN STARTING AN AFFINITY GROUP?
Xaverian’s X-Groups
PAX — 1992
Affinity groups have long been a conduit for alumni interaction with Xaverian. Here’s a look at the affinity — “X-groups” — of the early 90s.
Tax — 1992 Alumni Association — 1990
X-Bar — 1992
X-ACT — 1992
FROM THE ARCHIVES
by Sigfried Heiles ’64, Archivist
ATTENTION VIETNAM VETS
As a beginning to add military service to the alumni database, anyone who served in Vietnam is invited to submit the following information to Sigfried in the Archives office: sheiles@xaverian.org. Include: Name, Grad Year, Service Branch, Rank, Unit(s) in which served, Service Dates, Service Location(s), Specialties. Personal memories/ remarks are welcome.
Please visit www.xaverian.org/archives for details and much more.
VIETNAM
VETERAN
