XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL
The magazine for alumni, parents, and friends of Xavier High School
Summer 2017
SUMMER 2017
SUMMER 2017
Xavier High School Jack Raslowsky P’16 President Michael LiVigni P’21 Headmaster Rev. John Replogle, S.J. ’51 Assistant to the President Daniel Dougherty Executive Vice President Shawna Gallagher Vega, APR Director of Communications Editor, Xavier Magazine Contributors David Ciancimino, S.J. ’77 Kaija DeWitt Kieran Halloran, S.J. ’10 Shane Lavin ’03 William Martino Zane Massey ’96 Mark Mongelluzzo Justin Pastilha ’16 Michael Tolkin ’85 Lindsay Willert Lead Photographer Michael Marmora Contributing Photographers Harisch Studios Stephanie Massaro Mike Olivieri Mark Wyville Design Erbach Communications Group How to Reach Us Xavier Magazine Xavier High School 30 West 16th Street New York, NY 10011 Email: editor@xavierhs.org Class Notes: classnotes@xavierhs.org
Xavier’s Mission
Founded in 1847, Xavier High School is an academically rigorous, Catholic, Jesuit, college preparatory school in New York City that educates intelligent, motivated young men of diverse backgrounds and means. Xavier teaches students to take responsibility for their lives, to lead with integrity, to act justly in service of others, to pursue excellence in every endeavor and to deepen their relationship with God. Ultimately, Xavier forms young men who will go forth to transform the world for God’s greater glory.
On the Cover
Artist and Fairfield Jesuit Community rector Michael Tunney, S.J. created Aqua Fresca, a watercolor and gouache on primed watercolor paper, as an experiment in 2009. It was the first time he used gesso—normally a primer on canvas for an oil or acrylic painting—on a watercolor work, leading to the puddling and richness of the colors. Aqua Fresca found a second life when Fr. Tunney added the contemporary IHS seal of the Society of Jesus, integrating it into the artwork with Photoshop filters—“perfect for a summer cover” MIX of Xavier Magazine, Paper from responsible sources he said. FSC® C022085
Featured in This Issue 12. Reflections from Rome 16. Contemplatives in Action 24. God in All Things 30. Restoring the Chapel of Our Lady
Departments 2. From the President 3. News from 16th Street 32. Maroon and Blue 36. Class Notes 52. Back Story
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From the PRESIDENT
Celebrating the Society of Jesus Dear Parents, Friends, and Sons of Xavier, I realize it is lacking in humility for me to say, “This is another great magazine.” And with due respect to St. Paul, if it is a boast, it is not a boast for me, but for Xavier, and maybe not even for Xavier, but for the apostolic work of the Society of Jesus. This magazine is packed full of pictures, stories, and celebrations all testifying to the life of Xavier High School lived on 16th Street and far beyond. The visit of Cardinal Dolan reminds us of our connection to the Church of New York. The rededication of the chapel reminds us of the faith lives of generations of Xavier’s Sons, and of the great generosity of the Lewis family through the years. Lacrosse, rugby, and track championships remind us of the bonds of teams and the joy of athletics. The many pages of alumni notes affirm the ties that bind and give witness to the work of Xavier made real each and every day. And at the heart of the magazine lie stories of the Jesuits: Jesuit alumni, Jesuits working at Xavier, and Jesuits who call the Xavier community home. The essential part of our identity as an institution is the Jesuits. We came into being, live, and grow as an apostolic work of the Society of Jesus. We exist to “help souls,” to form men who will “transform the world for God’s greater glory.” The Society of Jesus is a constitutive element of Xavier High School and Xavier High School is a constitutive element of the Society of Jesus. We live and work and have our being within one another. This is not to imply that things don’t change. It has been a long time since men in cassocks and birettas roamed the halls and longer still since Jesuits dominated the teaching ranks. Gone are the days when the men living on 16th Street only worked on 16th Street. In many ways our world at Xavier is a bigger world now for the Jesuits here and for our life together. Some might say it is a different Xavier and a different Society, but to do so misses the essentials. While Xavier and the Society have deep roots, we have never been stuck. We have always been dynamic, growing, changing, and responding to the signs of the times. The Society of Jesus exists to make Christ manifest in our world and Xavier exists to do the same. This continues to be at the core of Jesuit life on 16th Street. As I looked through the magazine, it struck me as a family album of sorts. Ours is a big family with great connections—some anchored here on 16th Street and others running through the Society and around the world. The Jesuits highlighted here are doing wonderfully exciting work in interreligious dialogue, prison reform, writing, bringing faith to culture and culture to faith, spiritual direction, work with immigrants and refugees, in the intellectual apostolate, molding high school boys into men, and so much more. They are at the heart of our story. We are part of their family and they ours. In a recent letter to the whole Society, Arturo Sosa, the Superior General, wrote to the Jesuits worldwide: “Our life is mission; mission is our life.” It is a mission of which Xavier is proudly and joyfully a part. Enjoy the family album and these last days of summer. I hope to see you in the new school year. Be assured of my prayers. Jack Raslowsky President 2 XAVIER MAGAZINE
Joy in the Lord Xavier’s 170th year began with the dedication of Fernandez-Duminuco Hall and concluded with a spectacular Ascension Thursday Mass featuring Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, as principal celebrant. Thanking Cardinal Dolan after Mass, Xavier President Jack Raslowsky commented on His Eminence’s “contagious enthusiasm for the Church, his great smile and laughter, his joy in the Lord.” Dolan, in response, said he couldn’t choose favorites among schools—but he could choose favorites among saints. “I will tell you this,” he told Xavier students, faculty, and staff. “St. Francis Xavier was a much greater saint than St. John Francis Regis!”
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News from 16TH STREET
Helene Strong P’99 ’04
Strong, Ventrella Honored Xavier’s Bene Merenti and Robert Bellarmine, S.J. Medals are high honors awarded to members of the faculty and staff at each year’s graduation. On June 8, seniors and their families paused to honor art teacher Renzo Ventrella ’92 for 20 years of service and Director of Advancement Services Helene Strong P’99 ’04 as she marked her retirement. “Mr. Ventrella approaches work at Xavier with humor, joy, and the intensity of an artist who wants to capture the essence of a place that he loves,” Headmaster Michael LiVigni said as he introduced Ventrella, winner of the Bene Merenti Medal. Added fellow art teacher Denise Iacovone, who taught him as a student: “The Ignatian fire that was ignited many years ago still burns brightly in this man who, God willing, will serve as a role model for all of us in the Xavier community for many generations to come.” Helene Strong arrived at Xavier in 2001, inspired to serve the school that formed her sons, Matthew Strong ’99 and Luke Strong ’04. Her energetic, detailed leadership of Xavier’s advancement efforts over the next 16 years earned her the Bellarmine Medal, given in honor of the virtues extolled by
Renzo Ventrella ’92
the Italian saint: commitment to service of the church, deep intellectual curiosity, and a love of students. “Helene has worn too many hats to count over the years as a volunteer and employee, but all that she has done during that time has been in response to the needs of Xavier and our community,” said Director of Annual Giving Shane Lavin ’03. Director of Development Mark Mongelluzzo agreed: “Those of us fortunate enough to work with Helene and who know her best realize that she is a person who cares deeply for the mission of Xavier and the impact it has upon the young men we educate.”
Casals Ordained to the Priesthood With many of his former Xavier colleagues in attendance, Rodolfo “Rudy” Casals, S.J. was ordained to the priesthood at Fordham University Church on June 10. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate who taught physics at Xavier from 2011-13, Casals returned to 16th Street to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving in the Student Chapel on June 15. A picnic followed in the Tirelli Quadrangle. After ordination, Casals spent the summer serving at St. Mary of the Assumption+St. Benedicta Parish on Staten Island, and in the fall, he will serve at St. Thomas More Parish in Atlanta.
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ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE
Since the opening of Keenan Commons last September, the Xavier Dramatics Society has entered a halcyon era. This spring, aided by actresses from Notre Dame School, Dominican Academy, and Saint Vincent Ferrer, XDS staged Into the Woods, the sophisticated Stephen Sondheim musical that intertwines the storylines of several fairy tales. Not to be outdone, the Freshman Company followed with an original production, #EVERYMAN (or The Road to Salvation in 10 Scenes), six weeks later. Director Lisa Hickman adapted the piece from the morality play, The Summoning of Everyman, and Finn O’Callaghan ’20— younger brother of Northwestern University-bound Harrison O’Callaghan ’17, a frequent lead in XDS productions—played the title role.
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News from 16TH STREET
SENIOR WINS RACE RELATIONS PRIZE This spring, Princeton University awarded Isaiah Blake ’17—founder of the Spectrum, a Xavier club devoted to racial justice—the prestigious Princeton Prize in Race Relations. For his efforts, Blake won a cash prize and an invitation to participate in a national symposium on the Princeton campus.
As he moves on to Williams College this fall, Blake hopes the Spectrum continues to thrive. “The Spectrum has always been concerned with fostering uncomfortable yet necessary conversations that beg us to remember the fullness and complexity of the human person,” he said. “My hope is that the club’s next president, Jon
Logan ’18, will be able to create new ways for all students to integrate racial justice awareness into their experience at school. Most importantly, I hope the club can become a space of affinity that will allow students of color to feel empowered and loved while at Xavier.”
“My hope is that the club’s next president will be able to create new ways for all students to integrate racial justice awareness into their experience at school.”
Faculty members James Costa '02, Alex Lavy, and Colleen Rober celebrate with Isaiah Blake '17.
For his extraordinary student leadership, Blake later won the Rev. Vincent Taylor, S.J. Gold X Award, Xavier’s highest student honor. “In my time at Xavier, no student has ever shifted our school culture in such a powerful and effective way,” Spanish teacher Colleen Rober said. “He has made classmates and teachers alike more thoughtful, more aware, and most importantly, more open to growth.”
Student Poets Visit Browning Society By Raphael Chierchio ’17 In February, Raphael Chierchio ’17 and Kraig Puccia ’17 visited New York’s oldest literary society and shared their original work with members. Below, Chierchio reflects on the experience. Formed in 1907, the New York Browning Society is the nation’s oldest literary group. The society is dedicated to the appreciation of poetry by Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning, two of the most renowned poets of the 19th century. In addition to discussing the lives and poetry of the Brownings, they also regularly welcome guest speakers. Enter Xavier. Through the help of Mary-Grace Gannon P’03 ’07 and Margaret Gonzalez, two of Xavier’s most respected English teachers, Kraig Puccia ’17 and I had the pleasure of being the group’s guest speakers in February. (I use the term “guest speaker” quite loosely in this case!) We were invited to the National Arts Club near Gramercy Park to share some of our original poetry and how it was 6 XAVIER MAGAZINE
inspired by the Brownings. As two fledgling poets, the feedback and stimulating conversation that followed our readings were much appreciated and conducive to our growth as writers. The members then treated us to cookies and coffee, and we talked about everything from poetry to the weather. It was a fantastic experience to interact with such an eclectic group of individuals. The hospitality and advice about poetry and life that we received made it a delightful afternoon. This is a prime example of the experiences Xavier High School allows its students to have. And Chierchio, left, with Browning Society President for that, Kraig and I James Kepple, Margaret Gonzalez, and Kraig are very grateful. Puccia '17.
FOLLOW US ON #SonsofXavier A Bobblehead Befitting a Legend When nearly 650 alumni and friends braved a snowy January night to celebrate the 80th birthday of beloved former Headmaster and President Jim Keenan, S.J., they were rewarded with a coveted keepsake—their very own Jim Keenan bobblehead. For more photos from the festive bash, turn to page 47.
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News from 16TH STREET
Faculty Reading List 1
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Deena Sellers French and Spanish Teacher 1 A Radical Faith: The Assassination of Sister Maura, by Eileen Markey “I was deeply moved hearing Sister Maura’s story during Eileen Markey’s visit to Xavier last December and struck by Sister Maura’s profound commitment to serve and be present for the poor and marginalized. She was one of us and her life’s work became so extraordinary—such an inspiration.” Mayce Makani Spanish Teacher 2 Leviathan Wakes, by James S. Corey “Leviathan Wakes is part of The Expanse, a sci-fi series in which the human race no longer just lives on Earth, but has now settled Mars as well as the other planets and meteors and moons throughout the galaxy. It was recently turned into a TV show on the SyFy channel starring Steven Strait ’04, and both the books and the show are an interesting look at politics, bureaucracy, and our basic human nature.” Jack Replogle, S.J. ’51 Alumni Chaplain 3 Alexander Hamilton, by Ron Chernow “For history buffs, Hamilton is a great book. It is wellresearched and well-written and has some insights into today’s political world.” Jack Raslowsky President 4 The Brothers Karamazov, by Fyodor Dostoevsky “Over the years, I have read pieces of The Brothers Karamazov, Dostoevsky’s great work of faith, family, God, and community. I am excited to engage the book in its entirety this summer. The story is rich, as are the opportunities it presents for prayer and reflection on our human condition.” Shawna Gallagher Vega Director of Communications 5 Sinatra: The Chairman, by James Kaplan “I enjoyed Frank: The Voice, the first book in James Kaplan’s two-part biography of Sinatra, when I read it last winter, so Sinatra: The Chairman was first on my list of summer books. It’s engaging, well-researched, and a riveting read for Sinatra fans and cultural historians alike.” 8 XAVIER MAGAZINE
Young Entrepreneurs Emerge The Gannon STEAM Classroom played host to a competitive, day-long entrepreneurial challenge in May as Xavier’s Shark Tank Challenge was born. Aided by volunteers from Goldman Sachs, students worked together to conceptualize business ideas and carry them through to a creative pitch. “Each team of four or five students was assigned a GS volunteer to work with to refine their ideas and presentations,” said computer science and technology department chair Michael Chiafulio. “They learned about secondary streams of income, supply chain optimization, and delivery methods, among other things.” The idea of the challenge emerged one day in March when Mike Mattioli ’11, a Goldman Sachs developer and alumnus of Xavier’s robotics team, visited Chiafulio. “He told me that GS has a volunteer program available for community outreach. Could we do something at Xavier with students?” he recalled. “So I came up with the idea of having an in-house field trip in the new STEAM room for 30 kids from the technology electives. I had played a game called ‘Disruptus’ and thought it might be cool to have small groups of students creating new products or services derived from two seemingly unrelated objects. Mike liked the idea and proposed the criteria that the groups would be judged by. A Shark Tank-style format was born.” Students rose to the challenge, with a team from the Entrepreneurial Society winning top honors with “The Candle Grill,” a smokeless, compact grill for apartment living. Chiafulio said he’s already looking forward to seeing what students come up with next year. “The resulting presentations were amazing and blew away my expectations. The GS volunteers were definitely impressed!”
Roker Returns When Al Roker ’72 returned to Xavier on May 17, he brought a crew from NBC’s Today with him. The resulting feature documented his day on 16th Street, beginning with a raucous welcome rally complete with him leading the school in “Sons of Xavier.” Roker then retraced his high school steps, visiting with members of the Regiment’s X-Squad and the band and taking a tour of the new Gannon STEAM Classroom (home to the modern equivalent of one of his favorite activities, the A/V Squad). “I was in all the really cool clubs,” he joked with students. “Well, we thought we were cool.”
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Photo Credit: Megan Esposito P’17
News from 16TH STREET
News & Notes
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Xavier’s cross country and indoor and outdoor track teams brought home a triple crown during the 2016-17 year, winning city and NYCHSAA sectional titles in each of the three sports.
they also set fundraising goals that, if met, would trigger certain faculty members to shave their heads as well. The event was the brainchild of Mario Cimino ’17, President of the Student Leadership Council.
In just its third season as a varsity sport, Xavier’s lacrosse team won the CHSAA B division lacrosse title on May 23 at Columbia University’s Kraft Field. Xavier’s varsity rugby team won its fifth consecutive New York State title on June 4, defeating Fordham Prep, 29-12, on the campus of Binghamton University.
For the past two years, science department chair Mary Anne Woody has worked on a research team for NASA examining the habitability of exoplanets. In December, she presented at the American Geological Union Conference, sharing her ideas about bringing exoplanet habitability investigations to high school classrooms.
A student-led initiative to raise funds for childhood cancer research netted $10,000 for St. Baldrick’s Foundation on March 31. Students donated $50 to shave their heads in solidarity with children fighting cancer, and
Art teacher Denise Iacovone and her husband, former Xavier music teacher Rocco Iacovone ’62, traveled to Messina, Italy, during the first week of May to teach at the Filarmonica Laudamo. Representing contem-
porary American art, Rocco taught musical improvisation and Denise taught visual improvisation. Earlier this year, computer science and technology department chair Michael Chiafulio published an Android game available in the Google Play store. He created the game as an example for students in his Web Programming and Design class, who then customized and built their own games using the Unity game engine. French and Spanish teacher Deena Sellers participated in the 2017 Institute for Research in AfricanAmerican Studies’ Summer Teachers and Scholars Institute at Columbia University. The theme of the institute was “Black Activist New York.” This spring, Sellers earned a Master of Arts degree in French Literature from Hunter College.
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Photo Credit: Melissa Cassidy
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1. Members of the rugby team after winning Xavier’s fifth consecutive state title. 2. Science department chair Mary Anne Woody. 3. A volunteer from Dramatics NYC salon shaves the head of math department chair Evan Bernstein ’04 during Xavier’s St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraiser in March. 4. The track team after winning the NYCHSAA sectional and city championships.
In May, history teacher and Higher Achievement Program director Patrick Mahon ’04 earned his second master’s degree, an M.S.Ed in school administration from Fordham University. English teacher Jozeph Herceg participated in Columbia University’s Klingenstein Summer Institute for Early Career Teachers. The intensive, two-week seminar brought together 75 top young educators to learn from each other as well as talented professors and master teachers. Dr. Stephen Haller ’05 recently earned his doctorate from St. John’s University after defending his dissertation, “Thistle on the Frontier: Charles Nisbet and the Scottish Enlightenment at Dickinson College.” He examined the ways in which Charles Nisbet, the first
president of Dickinson College, altered major tenets of Scottish Enlightenment ideas to better meet the needs of his students living on the frontier of late 18th century America. The Academy for Teachers, a New York City organization that honors extraordinary educators, recently recognized English teachers Kara Henn and Peter Quartuccio ’02. Quartuccio attended the Academy’s Master Class, “Huck Finn and His Progeny,” led by Johns Hopkins professor Azar Nafisi (author of Reading Lolita in Tehran), while Henn attended “Jane Eyre: Close Reading, Image and Structure” led by University of London professor Isobel Armstrong. Henn and Quartuccio are now Fellows of The Academy for Teachers, joining a growing number of New York City’s strongest educators.
Last fall, Joseph Korfmacher, Xavier’s Coordinator of College Counseling, was selected to serve a three-year term on the New York State ACT Council. He traveled to San Antonio, Texas, in April for the ACT National Summit as one of two representatives from New York State. Korfmacher is also a member of the Marquis Fellowship Award Selection Committee at Lafayette College, where he and five other college counselors from the TriState area work to select recipients of the college’s most prestigious scholarship. In June, the Public Relations Society of America’s New York Chapter honored Xavier with a Big Apple Award for its 2016 admissions video, “Xavier is a Part of You.”
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Mission MATTERS
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REFLECTIONS FROM ROME BY DAVID CIANCIMINO, S.J. ’77
Former Xavier headmaster David Ciancimino, S.J. ’77, now president of Buffalo’s Canisius High School, traveled to Rome last fall to serve as a delegate at General Congregation 36. While there, he and his brother Jesuits elected a new Superior General, reflected on the courageous work of the Society, and welcomed a very special guest.
Photo Credit: Don Doll, S.J.
M
y parents gave me the gift of a Jesuit education. Who knew that traveling to Xavier would change my life? Well, of course it did—as it should have. I was a kid from Brooklyn who found himself last fall at the heart of the Church and the Society of Jesus, participating in a worldwide congregation of Jesuits, charged with the task of electing a new Superior General and considering how the Society of Jesus might best respond to the urgent issues shaping our world today. Audacity. This was the clarion call of Fr. Bruno Cadoré, Master General of the Dominican Order, in his homily at the opening Mass for more than 200 Jesuits gathered from around the world about to begin General Congregation 36. Audacity. In our deliberations and vision for the Society of Jesus, Fr. Cadoré’s call was to dare the audacity of the improbable. The audacity of the Gospel. The audacity St. Ignatius Loyola had when founding the Society of Jesus. It was a call to be bold and zealous yet with deep humility, knowing that in such service “everything depends on God.” Participating in a general congregation is similar to a time of retreat. It calls forth generosity of spirit, listening, and withdrawing from the usual busyness of life. This meant
leaving my daily responsibilities at Canisius High School in the hands of others, having minimal contact with my day-to-day work, and immersing myself in the experience of the congregation. As members of GC36, Jesuits came from the peripheries of the world to the Jesuit center— our Curia, or central office—in Rome. We came from 80 different provinces and some 110 nations. We had our own languages, cultures, and traditions, yet found ourselves united as brother Jesuits and “friends in the Lord.” We were happy to be there and had a sense this was a momentous time—being assembled for the resignation and election of a Superior General during the time of a Jesuit pope. Adolfo Nicolás, S.J., 80, Superior General of the Jesuits, called for a congregation since he was experiencing age-related health issues that he felt hindered him from leading the worldwide Society effectively. Although elected for life, he believed that asking the congregation to allow him to withdraw from service was the best way for him to care for the Society. The congregation considered Fr. Nicolás’ self-assessment and voted to accept his resignation. The Jesuits were founded in 1540, and this was the 36th general congregation called since that time. Only recently has a Superior General
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Mission MATTERS
Fr. Ciancimino on the roof of the Jesuit Curia in Rome.
Photo Credit: Itua Ogbekhilu Egbor, S.J.
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been allowed to resign for just cause. On the other hand, the process for electing a new Superior General has not changed much at all. An element peculiar to the Jesuits in the election of our Superior General is that of the murmuratio. This is a period of four days when the delegates engage in one-on-one conversations, exchanging information regarding Jesuits whom they think are capable of leading. In this way, someone from North America can learn about potential candidates in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Europe. At the same time, there can be no campaigning. No Jesuit can aspire to the office of
Superior General of the Society of Jesus. Arturo Sosa, S.J. from the Jesuit province of Venezuela was elected. He is our first Superior General to come from the global south. An effective university professor and president, past provincial superior of Venezuela, and former delegate of the Superior General with responsibility for the many Jesuit inter-provincial works and communities in Rome, Sosa brings deep knowledge of the Society and its ministries to his new responsibilities. He is a prayerful and discerning man who loves the Church and Society. He enjoys a good sense of humor and an easy smile. With a new Superior General in place, the delegates moved into the “business” aspect of the congregation. These topics focused on Jesuit identity (who we are), Jesuit life (how we live), and Jesuit mission (what we do). One of the great highlights of the congregation was a visit from Pope Francis. He arrived at the Jesuit Curia to warm applause. We were excited to welcome our Jesuit brother and pope. He spent the morning with us and, after addressing the congregation, engaged our many questions candidly. While some may have expected Pope Francis to give the Society clear direction for its mission today, he instead challenged us to go more deeply into our foundation, our roots, as Jesuits. Pope Francis rooted us in the Jesuit “way of proceeding” that expresses for us the best manner by
which the Magis, the greater good, may be accomplished. Pope Francis characterized our way of proceeding that is marked by joy and consolation, the cross of Christ, and at the service of the Church. Jesuits have pilgrim roots and our vocation calls us to begin creative processes and to keep moving. The Church, Pope Francis said, needs Jesuits to go to places where others do not or cannot go—to the frontiers, the margins. He reminded us that Jesuits are men of discernment and called us to teach discernment to others as a process, attitude, and way to face the world. We need a thinking Church. And like the Dominican Master General, Francis encouraged us to have courage—not simply courage to do what makes sense, but courage marked by prophetic audacity. This courage, this audacity, is a necessary element in all our Jesuit works, he said. We should not be afraid in discerning the Magis, the greater good. Some 170 years ago, the discerning and audacious vision of Jesuits in New York City gave rise to what is now Xavier High School. Opening a “college” in service to an immigrant community arriving in New York responded to a growing need of the Church, the city, and the nation. Over the years, Xavier has changed a great deal. A quick walk around the buildings or look through the course catalog tells the story. Yet the foundation, the mission of the high school, has not wavered since the beginning. It is a Jesuit mission shared and shouldered today by the men and women of the faculty and staff. It
is a mission that has been a pillar of strength and faith— educating and forming young men in the Catholic and Jesuit tradition. In April, I visited Xavier and toured FernandezDuminuco Hall. Spectacular! A bold move. Its design and function respond to educational needs as Xavier envisions and commits to its mission and its future. It was clear to me that the audacity of the mission of Xavier High School, that is its very foundation, is what keeps it moving; creating, building, and assessing its programs and needs as it looks to the future for God’s greater glory and service. Xavier did indeed change my life. Xavier has always sought to change the world one student, one mind, one heart, one soul at a time. My years on 16th Street led me to join the company of the Jesuits. The rest, as they say, is history. But, that is how a kid from Brooklyn finds himself at the heart of the Church and the Society of Jesus, participating in a worldwide congregation of Jesuits—and yes, even spending time with our brother, Pope Francis. It all began with Xavier.
Delegates to GC36 celebrate the Eucharist at the tomb of St. Peter in St. Peter's Basilica.
David Ciancimino, S.J. ’77 is a graduate of Fordham University and the Weston Jesuit School of Theology. In addition to his work at Xavier and Canisius, he served as provincial superior of what was then the New York Province of the Society of Jesus from 2008-2014. He was inducted into the Xavier Hall of Fame in 2012.
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Jesuit COMMUNITY
CONTEMPLATIVES
IN AC ION
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A look inside the Xavier Jesuit Community reveals what Ignatius envisioned for the Society of Jesus—men working for God’s greater glory through active engagement with the world and each other.
Standing, left to right: Mario Powell, S.J., Sean Toole, S.J., Paddy Gilger, S.J., José Dueño, S.J. Seated, left to right: Ralph Rivera, S.J., Jim Croghan, S.J., Jack Replogle, S.J., Jim Hederman, S.J., Louis Mauro, S.J.†
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Jesuit COMMUNITY
Jim Hederman, S.J. Xavier Religion Teacher
By Shawna Gallagher Vega
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t’s a breezy spring night in May, and the men of the Xavier Jesuit Community are beginning to trickle home from their busy days teaching high school students, caring for parishioners, ministering to prisoners, and producing content for Jesuit publications. At 5:45 p.m., the daily community Mass begins. Careful not to disturb their worshipping brothers, those who return after that time move about in silence. Mass ends at 6:15 p.m., and yet more Jesuits materialize in their communal space on 16th Street. Several of them congregate under a white pergola on their outdoor patio—a community hub in warmer months—and talk about their days before moving inside to the dining room for a hearty dinner. This gathering is a nightly ritual connecting men of diverse backgrounds and ages in their shared mission and work. “We all do different things, and we talk about our work, like all men do,” said Jack Replogle, S.J. ’51, Xavier High School’s alumni chaplain. “It’s a very mixed group—we are at Regis, Xavier, on the provincial staff, and on the parish staff.” Like many in the community, Fr. Replogle is a 16th Street veteran—he first arrived in 1972 and has now lived in the community four times for a total of 30 years. As he reflected on his home, he noted a paradigm shift after the $5.8 million renovation of the community completed in early 2014. “The renovations brought us closer together,” he said. Prior to 2014, Xavier’s Jesuits shuttled between the Kane and Old Stone buildings; now they reside in a modern, light-filled space in Kane, complete with a dining room, living area, patio, recreation room, chapel, and bedrooms. “The renovated space allows more sharing because you see people several times a day.” José Dueño, S.J., who at 27 is the youngest member of the community, said this proximity to his Jesuit brothers helped ease his transition after his 2016 arrival from Paris, where he had studied philosophy. “I look up to them,” said Dueño, who works as an associate editor at America Media. “I really enjoy the people here. They’re all very good men.” Zach Presutti, S.J., another young member of the community, echoed those sentiments. “It’s a really great group—one of the best communities I’ve ever lived in,” he said. “They’re really dedicated to the mission of the Society and have Jesus at the center of their life.” “The community is wonderful—funny, supportive, caring, inquisitive, and welcoming,” agreed Paddy Gilger, S.J., a doctoral student and founder of The Jesuit Post. “We enjoy each other and are able to share our experiences of God in prayer and ministry with each other. It’s a gift.” continued on page 23 18 XAVIER MAGAZINE
After working as a physician for 12 years, Fr. Hederman responded to a “God-inspired call” to go on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, the town in Bosnia and Herzegovina where six children reported visions of the Virgin Mary in 1981. “Returning from there, I found my heart on fire with a new level of connection with Christ,” he reflected. “A year later, I began to explore how I might better use my profession in some service to God, who then asked me in prayer, ‘Would you be a priest?’” Fr. Hederman turned to a former professor at Canisius College, who introduced him to more than a dozen physicians-turned-Jesuits. He took the leap and entered the Society in 1992, working with youth at Boston College High School, Fairfield Prep, and now at Xavier. His experience in psychiatric counseling has proven handy, with his influence often extending outside the classroom to retreats and support groups for students grieving a loss. “They are most deserving of the help Jesuit education has been giving young people for over 500 years and as I took my final vows in 2007, I was so pleased to see the care of young people given a particular prominence in the wording,” he said. “That, I believe, is why so many alumni parents now seek Jesuit education for their children and recommend it to nephews, nieces, and neighbors.”
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Jesuit COMMUNITY
Zach Presutti, S.J. Executive Director, THRIVE for Life Prison Project As a Jesuit novice, Presutti was sent to work in a jail—and he quickly found himself transformed. After earning a master’s degree in social work at Saint Louis University, he returned to the Northeast ready to minister to the imprisoned. With the help of volunteers from Jesuit parishes in New York City, he formed the THRIVE for Life Prison Project, a nonprofit housed at Xavier. “Jack Raslowsky was so generous in offering a space for our headquarters,” he said. THRIVE coordinates retreats, other spiritual offerings, and life skills programs for the incarcerated and recently incarcerated. This fall, Presutti will take Xavier students to visit teenagers jailed on Rikers Island, something he has already done with Regis High School students. “It was a profound encounter,” he said of an early visit. “The conversations went something like this: ‘What are your plans for next year? I’m going to Harvard. What your plans? Oh, I’m going to Sing Sing.’” Presutti said Ignatian spirituality has been an extraordinary comfort for the inmates to whom he ministers, and his office is living proof. Beautiful drawings on used manila envelopes, the gifts of a “lifer” in prison, adorn the walls. One reads simply: “You Are Loved.” “The Spiritual Exercises help them find meaning and value in the midst of great darkness and pain,” he reflected. “God has not abandoned them, even if family and friends have.” THRIVE now has two paid staff members, and Presutti is working toward making the dream of Ignacio House (a residence for former inmates that offers support services as they transition back into society) a reality. To do that, THRIVE needs to buy a New York City building—no easy feat—but Presutti is confident it will happen. “It’s only together that we’re able to empower people to thrive for life.”
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Bob VerEecke, S.J. Pastor, Church of St. Francis Xavier A Long Island native and Regis High School alumnus, Fr. VerEecke returned home to New York last fall after spending 38 years at Boston College, including 27 as pastor of the Parish of St. Ignatius of Loyola adjacent to the campus. As an expert in liturgical dance and creator of various works for the stage and sanctuary, he quickly felt at home on 16th Street. “It’s a very dynamic parish,” Fr. VerEecke said. “And I am very grateful for the support we get from Jack Raslowsky. We have a very good working relationship.” Fr. VerEecke noted that Xavier’s generosity with space, a particular concern in a city strapped for square footage, has been a “godsend.” With those worries alleviated, he can concentrate on welcoming worshippers, especially those from Jesuit schools. Earlier this year, he worked with the BC Alumni Association to host a special Mass for graduates on the heels of the annual Jesuit Alumni Sunday event held each fall. “Jesuit parishes tend to attract Jesuit alumni,” he said. “When people have gone to a Catholic college or university, they expect a different level of liturgy.”
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Jesuit COMMUNITY
Louis Garaventa, S.J. Xavier History and Religion Teacher Fr. Garaventa heard the call to the priesthood as a junior at Brooklyn Prep in 1963. “The Jesuits at the Prep stressed that we go out and work with people and learn from them,” he said. On a retreat that year, one of them preached about the Feeding of the Five Thousand, asking students: “Who here is going to feed the people?” “That was the moment I felt a call that I couldn’t turn away from, no matter how much I tried. I was simply overwhelmed,” Fr. Garaventa said. “That moment really did mark the beginning of what would turn out to be my life’s adventure, my longest journey, and my greatest love. It sometimes amazes me that I’m still chugging along on that road over 50 years later.” Now teaching history and religion at Xavier, Fr. Garaventa said he learns from his students every day. He hopes they are similarly transformed by their high school experience. “A Jesuit education is meant to open a young person’s eyes to the big world that’s out there. A Jesuit education is meant to set people out on a journey to find out that the world that God created is indeed ‘very good,’” he said. “A Jesuit education means showing our students that the future is to be embraced with hope. A Jesuit education means helping young men and women ‘to put away the things of a child’ and to become an adult. For me personally, it means coming downstairs with this foremost in my mind: ‘You go and give them something to eat.’”
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ike most nights, several members of the community don’t make it home in time for dinner due to other commitments. On this particular evening, former Headmaster and President Jim Keenan, S.J. (now Director of Donor Relations for the USA Northeast Province of the Society of Jesus), Louis Garaventa, S.J., and Vincent Biagi, S.J. ’67 are attending the Brooklyn Prep Alumni Dinner at Xavier. Presutti, who serves as executive director of the THRIVE for Life Prison Project, is hosting a screening of 13th, a documentary about race and mass incarceration, for 100 people in Keenan Commons. “We are engaged across a wide variety of ministries,” said Jim Croghan, S.J., a St. Peter’s Prep alumnus who has served as rector of the Xavier Jesuit Community Dan Corrou, S.J. since December 2012. “Most members of the community also give a lot of time to retreats, spiritual direction, and help regularly with Masses and confessions at a number of other parishes and schools. Everyone works very hard and shares the richness and challenges of his ministry with the rest of the community in various ways.” Fr. Croghan arrived on 16th Street in 2011 after 23 years in Micronesia, where he worked in various education roles and honed the great traits of a true Jesuit. “There was always a need to remain flexible and adaptable, ready to adjust to everchanging circumstances and to respond to whatever the need is,” he recalled. “I think those qualities have served me well over Ralph Rivera, S.J. the years.” Other members of the community, especially those working in education, said they too have learned just as much as they have taught over the years. “I learned to be open—to listen carefully and not be judgmental. Being open to growth is the greatest gift of a Jesuit education,” Fr. Keenan said as he reflected on his work at Xavier and later as president of Canisius High School, McQuaid Jesuit High School, St. Peter’s Prep, and the New York City Nativity Schools. “From me, I hope students learned patience and to make
themselves available to those in need.” Fr. Replogle, who during his years in the Xavier history department taught current faculty members Greg Dolan ’89, Peter Quartuccio ’02, Shane Lavin ’03, and Jose Aquino ’07, said he is particularly impressed by the latest generation of Sons of Xavier. “They have a sense of adventure,” he said. “They’re ready to do anything.”
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or inherently independent men who proudly go where the Lord calls, it is interesting to note the first word they use to describe 16th Street: Home. “It is home in every sense that that rich concept signifies,” Fr. Garaventa said. “My Jesuit family on West 16th Street means many things for me: they are the people from whom I derive strength, peace, and acceptance. Some I have known for 50 years; others I met for the first time only months ago.” “We live our lives together here in a very deep sense. We share our hopes and dreams with each other. We support each other in both good and challenging times. We feed each other both around the table each evening and with mutual support, with laughter, with the sharing of our hopes and fears, our successes and failures. I have a very keen sense that in this community that we take care of each other and are there for each other. We are also like all families in that sometimes we have our disagreements that have to be worked out!” “It’s nice at the end of the day to go home and feel like you’re going home in every sense, rather than to some institution,” Fr. Biagi echoed. “The space is comfortable and inviting, but it is a great, supportive, warm group of brothers to return home to, which of course is infinitely more important than the surroundings.” Shawna Gallagher Vega is Xavier’s Director of Communications. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Boston College.
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God in all things
From writing plays to mastering Zen, Jesuits find God—and make God’s love manifest—in a variety of ways and works. On the following pages, five alumni in the Society share their stories.
Roger Haight, S.J. ’54 By Lindsay Willert
When he wasn’t hitchhiking between Xavier and New Jersey, Roger Haight, S.J. ’54 was already contemplating a vocation in the priesthood. While his early commitment didn’t necessarily involve the Jesuits, his time at Xavier helped to solidify his path into the Society of Jesus. A counselor with whom he shared his desire during senior year suggested that he recommit himself to his academic work if he wanted serious consideration by the Jesuits. And Fr. Haight responded: “And so I did.” Fr. Haight cites the example of Tom Hession, S.J., a Jesuit priest and teacher during his time at Xavier, who inspired his own work as a teacher and writer. “He worked with enthusiasm and possessed a genuine interest in the students,” he said. “Such things communicate themselves. I wanted to do the kind of things that he did.” This relational model of the educator has 24 XAVIER MAGAZINE
held a clear influence on the ways in which Fr. Haight understands his long career as a writer, former professor at the Weston Jesuit School of Theology, and now as Scholar-in-Residence at Union Theological Seminary, where he works with graduate students. In describing his work, Fr. Haight reflected: “What can be more engaging than to encounter a group of students for the first time and allow them to influence your inner compass on how to address them as they present themselves in the unique way that each person and group does?” Linked to this approach of cura personalis is his commitment to engage Christian theology in the life of the world and its people. But this commitment comes with challenges. How does the theologian confront basic misunderstandings of the faith among the faithful? How does one make the technical terminology and concepts of the discipline of theology accessible and compelling to others? And, as Fr. Haight posited, “How is one to offer a critically clear path to understanding one’s faith in a culture so influenced by science on one side and relativism on the other?” This last question is driving Fr. Haight’s
work today. Within a larger context of spirituality, a concept that he maintains “includes our whole way of life,” he is interested in exploring the question of why a “Christian way of life” is too often seen in conflict with scientific thinking. Fr. Haight’s hopes for his professional work relate to exploring this alleged conflict: What contributing role does Christianity play? “My current goal begins here,” he explained, “and seeks to find a way of presenting Christian spirituality so that science does not appear to be an enemy but a friend.” As evidenced by his professional work and vocation, Fr. Haight embodies the hopes and ideals of Xavier’s mission statement for its alumni: “to take responsibility for their lives, to lead with integrity, to act justly in service of others, to pursue excellence in every endeavor and to deepen their relationship with God.” Lindsay Willert is a graduate of Fordham University, Union Theological Seminary, and St. John’s University. She studied theology under Fr. Haight—who also served as one of her thesis advisors—at Union. She arrived at Xavier in 2010.
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Bill Cain, S.J. ’65 Jesuits are commissioned to find God in all things, so they seem to turn up everywhere. Bill Cain, S.J. ’65 has turned up most recently writing for two Netflix series, House of Cards and Bloodline, and staging his play 9 Circles at The Sheen Center for Thought and Culture. During his time at Xavier, the school’s many scholastics began to read and live out the early documents of Vatican II and rediscovered the Society’s mission to the poor. Via the Sodality, Fr. Cain visited the dying at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx and tutored in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. One day, the student he tutored invited him to a concert at his grammar school. To Fr. Cain, the event embodied a sense of community, a spirit of mutual service, and sheer joy that defined the best of gospel and Jesuit life. The combined sense of art, community, and service he discovered at Xavier became the guiding principle of his discernment of his vocation. Fr. Cain wrote his first play, Stand Up Tragedy, about Nativity Mission Center on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The school was a pioneering grassroots experiment in service and education that went on to spawn a network of such schools across the country. At the center of Stand Up was the experience of kids struggling bravely to discover their place in the world. The play opened at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, was performed widely around the country (including on Broadway) and later made into an award-winning film for TNT. Other films based on social justice issues followed. After spending 20 years at the Church of St. Francis Xavier, Fr. Cain wrote the ABC series Nothing Sacred examining the lives of the staff of a mythical parish, St. Thomas the Doubter. With its homeless shelter, soup kitchen, advocacy for women’s rights, and adventurous liturgy, it had a lot in common with a certain parish on 16th Street. The series won the George Foster Peabody Award for Excellence in Broadcasting and earned Fr. Cain the Writers’ Guild Award for the pilot episode. “The goal [of art] is to show people their hidden greatness—a greatness hidden even from themselves. It’s a God’s-eye view of the world,” said Fr. Cain, who first learned that view from his parents and once again from teachers and classmates on 16th Street. “I followed my big brother Paul Cain ’62 to Xavier. He was serious about the military and served in Vietnam with distinction,” he continued. “I was a highly unlikely ROTC cadet, but I found inspiration all around—especially in Jesuit scholastics like Fr. Jim Keenan. They challenged us even then to find God in the city, and that journey never seems to end.” 26 XAVIER MAGAZINE
Photo Credit: Dan Addison, University of Virginia Communications
Michael Suarez, S.J. ’78 By William Martino Michael Suarez, S.J. ’78 boasts an impressive resume. Currently the Director of Rare Book School, Professor of English, University Professor, and Honorary Curator of Special Collections at the University of Virginia, his work speaks of a life dedicated to rigorous study and research, consumed by countless hours in classrooms and libraries. After Xavier, Fr. Suarez went on to Bucknell where he majored in biology, English, and sociology. Upon his graduation, he was a Marshall Scholar at Oxford University. There, he not only excelled academically (he was awarded the Sir Roger Newdigate Prize for Poetry) but also won an Oxford Blue as captain of the university lacrosse team and co-captain of the England Lacrosse World Cup Selection Squad. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1982 and was ordained in 1994. With two bachelor’s degrees, four master’s degrees, and a doctorate from Oxford University, Fr. Suarez went on to hold a 10-year academic appointment split between Oxford and Fordham, where he held the J.A. Kavanaugh Chair in English.
It was there, at Fordham, where I first met Fr. Suarez. He was teaching one of the English major requirements, English Literature from 1660-1870. Because his classes were wildly popular, I was surprised to get an approval when I registered in the spring of 2002. My time spent in Fr. Suarez’s class is one of the formative moments in my academic career. His teaching style was the perfect marriage of traditionalism and eccentricity. I remember him standing on a desk reciting poetry, his cadence rising and falling while my classmates and I tried desperately to catch the meter. We were captivated by the electric energy in the room. Was it possible, I remember asking myself then, to be so moved by a poem written nearly two centuries ago? Yes, it was. Every class was different; he kept us on our toes. There was an undeniable sense of collegiality among his students. After nightly intensive readings, we were given pop quizzes and 15 years later, I still haven't forgotten the meaning of “gules.” Fr. Suarez not only taught his students how to unpack a text, but he also challenged us to confront our own opinions about
literature and the world around us. He encouraged us to address the “So what?” behind our opinions and if our theses didn't answer that question, we might as well scrap our essays. Our writing was expected to reflect Eloquentia Perfecta, a tradition of Jesuit education meaning “right reason expressed effectively, responsibly, and gracefully.” I never worked harder in a class than I did for Michael Suarez. Fr. Suarez cared for his students in a way that went beyond our essays and intensive readings. He embodied cura personalis. He encouraged us to be our best selves and emphasized the importance of being, simply, a good human. In class, we were challenged to find God in all things, be it absurd or glorious. I learned to accept that God was just as present in an “A” essay as he was in a “C.” Michael Suarez has a gift for sparking a fire inside his students. He is the reason I became a teacher and for that, I am eternally grateful. William Martino, a graduate of Fordham University and the University of Notre Dame, began teaching at Xavier in 2008.
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Mark Hallinan, S.J. ’76 By Mark Mongelluzzo The past five years have been a labor of love and a witness of genuine faith for Mark Hallinan, S.J. ’76, who has spent that time serving as pastor of Staten Island’s predominantly Hispanic, black, and Italian Our Lady of Mount Carmel-St. Benedicta and the largely Mexican St. Mary of the Assumption parishes. In 2015, Fr. Hallinan oversaw the successful combination of the churches, with a transition of all prayer life to Our Lady of Mount Carmel-St. Benedicta. Despite cultural differences and diverse traditions, the Mexican parishioners of St. Mary’s adapted to the transition with love; most came over to Mount Carmel, bringing with them a great sense of ownership and cultural pride. “The combination has worked out well because of the enthusiasm of the people from St. Mary’s,” Fr. Hallinan said. “They adapted to the new parish life quite well and have raised a lot of money for the parish by organizing bailes/kermes, traditional Mexican fundraising dances. There is ornate coordination among groups in the parish to organize these events.” Fr. Hallinan has also overseen a regionalized grammar school with about 185 students, in itself a great challenge. Many of the Mexican parishioners at Our Lady of Mount Carmel-St. Benedicta and St. Mary of the Assumption are undocumented, and while they have always faced great challenges living in New York, they have come to face a new reality since January. “It is a challenging time, and they are trying as best they can to carry on while living in fear,” Fr. Hallinan said. “Many parents are sitting down with the oldest child to explain what to do if one or both parents are suddenly deported. We have sponsored Know Your Rights presentations from Catholic Charities so that parishioners are in the know as best they can be.” Raised in Scarsdale, Fr. Hallinan entered the Society of Jesus in 1984 and was ordained in 1995. His work at Our Lady of Mount Carmel-St. Benedicta and St. Mary’s is his first pastorship after spending eight years as assistant pastor at St. Ignatius Loyola Church in Manhattan. He said that the most rewarding part of his work in Staten Island is witnessing the deep faith of his parishioners in the face of societal pressures, tireless work, and family and cultural challenges. “These people have incredible enthusiasm,” he reflected. “They maintain a vibrant spirit despite the many burdens they bear.” On July 30, Hernan Paredes, S.J. succeeded Fr. Hallinan in Staten Island as he departed for a new assignment in Kingston, Jamaica, where he will take on the pastorship of St. Ann and Holy Name of Jesus parishes—two churches in an area of great poverty and great violence. It will be challenging work for which he will need the prayers of the Xavier family.
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Mark Mongelluzzo is Xavier’s Director of Development. A graduate of Yale University and Boston University School of Law, he arrived at Xavier in 2008.
Robert Kennedy, S.J. ’51 By Shane Lavin ’03 Robert Kennedy, S.J. ’51 has lived his life in what he describes as “three branches.” He was the second of three brothers to travel to 16th Street from Bay Ridge. His brother Francis paved the way, graduating from Xavier in 1941; he followed suit in 1951, with his brother John completing the tradition in 1953. It was in his senior year that Fr. Kennedy began contemplating his calling. There was a great emphasis put on religious vocations at the time, he recalled, and his senior retreat paved the way for him to enter the Society of Jesus. After finishing First Studies, Fr. Kennedy volunteered to go to Japan, designated by the Jesuits as an international mission after World War II. “Japan was really life-changing. I came out of seminary and walked into a very different civilization, which was magnificent in many ways.” He would go on to spend the next eight years there, studying Japanese and teaching and coaching baseball in Kobe. He then studied theology in Tokyo, where he was ordained to the priesthood in 1965. He returned to North America in 1966 to do graduate work at the University of Ottawa. This is what Fr. Kennedy refers to as the first branch of his life—Roman Catholic theology. When he returned to the U.S. and reflected on his Japanese experience, Fr. Kennedy developed an interest in Zen Buddhism. “It was a mystery, it suited me, and it caught my attention,” he reflected. Buddhism was a great religion of the world, and Jesuits were being asked to involve themselves in interreligious dialogue at the time. During a 1976 sabbatical from teaching at what was then known as St. Peter’s College, he returned to Japan to study Zen. “I knew this was where I wanted to put the emphasis in my life,” he recalled. “Many of the Jesuits in Tokyo were studying Zen. They introduced me to a Japanese teacher and I studied with him over three years.” That teacher was Yamada Roshi of Kamakura, a powerful influence in his life. He once told Kennedy, “I do not want to make you a Buddhist. I want to empty you in imitation of your Lord Jesus Christ who emptied himself.” This encapsulated how the Jesuit would go on to immerse himself in Zen Buddhism—not to become a Buddhist, but to experience one of the great religious traditions of Asia while deepening his own faith. Fr. Kennedy continued his study with Maezumi Roshi of Los Angeles and eventually Glassman Roshi in New York. It was Glassman who installed him as a sensei in 1991, and he was awarded the honorific title of Roshi in 1997. His study and practice of Zen Buddhism is what he refers to as the second branch of his life. In 1984, he began the third branch when he earned a Doctorate of Ministry in Psychology and Clinical Studies from Andover-Newton. Now 83, he remains active as a licensed psychoanalyst. All the while, Fr. Kennedy taught at St. Peter’s College (now St. Peter’s University), where he is now professor emeritus and a faculty veteran of more than 40 years. He served as chair of the theology department and also taught theology, Buddhism, and Japanese. Reflecting on the “three branches” of his life, Fr. Kennedy said, “I kept trying to deepen my life and my understanding of faith. Zen was my prayer life, my religious life, my affective life. I knew I needed a human education, which led to psychology. Eventually doing all three at the same time, with more emphasis on one than the other when needed. …This is what Jesuits do—we go as far as we can, learn as much as we can, share as much as we can.” A graduate of the College of the Holy Cross and Villanova University, Shane Lavin ’03 serves as Xavier’s Director of Annual Giving. He began working at his alma mater in 2009.
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RESTORING THE CHAPEL OF OUR LADY
It was an evening that combined Catholic rites, an ancient chalice, fond memories of Xavier Jesuits, and hopeful thanksgiving for the future of the faithful on 16th Street.
By Mark Mongelluzzo On March 21, more than 90 administrators, faculty, trustees, Regents, members of the Class of 1964, and Barbara and Vincent Lewis ’62 joined Bishop John O’Hara, Vicar for Lower Manhattan and Staten Island, and members of the Xavier Jesuit Community to dedicate a new altar and bless the Xavier student chapel—recently renovated for the first time in more than 50 years. The event brought to fruition a three-year project that resulted in the restoration of the Chapel of Our Lady to better serve the spiritual needs of Xavier’s students, alumni, and faculty. Mass was celebrated by O’Hara and concelebrated by Jim Keenan, S.J. and Ralph Rivera, S.J., with assistance from Deacon Mike Nealis ’64. As O’Hara anointed the altar with chrism, incense enveloped the entire chapel and all those present. He then gave a spirited homily as the faithful were led in song by campus minister Jim Stayton, religion and science teacher Dee Kittany, Will Best ’17, and Isaiah Blake ’17. At communion, the host was distributed from the McSweeny Chalice, whose extraordinary history dates back to 1640s Ireland. It was later handed down through the McSweeny family here in the United States; Reverends Daniel and Edward McSweeny, whose names are engraved upon the chalice, were among the earliest degree recipients of the College of St. Francis Xavier. Paul McLoughlin ’64, who arranged for the chalice to be used at the blessing of the chapel, was the 14th member of the McSweeny family to graduate from Xavier. At the reception following Mass, President Jack Raslowsky paid tribute to members of the Class of 1964 and to Anthony Aracich, S.J. and Joseph Latella, S.J. who for decades were integral in keeping the class connected to each other and to Xavier. And to mark his dedication to the project and concern for the spiritual home of students at Xavier, Raslowsky presented Vincent Lewis with the
President’s Medal, inscribed with these words: “Man of Faith. Loyal Friend and Insightful Advisor. Generous Son of Xavier.” The renovation of the chapel was made possible by the Class of 1964 (whose 50th Reunion gift provided the funds to begin the project in memory of Fr. Aracich and Fr. Latella) and the generosity of Barbara and Vincent Lewis, whose guidance and insights helped make the final product truly extraordinary. Every inch of the chapel was renovated with an eye toward providing a comfortable, respectful, warm, and versatile place of worship. All woodwork was cleaned, chandeliers restored, electricity updated, carpeting installed, bronze Stations of the Cross polished to glowing resonance, and all wooden pews replaced by cushioned chairs, providing the flexibility desired for seating. The cornerstone of the project was the restoration of the stained glass windows that had once graced the Sacred Heart Chapel of Mount Manresa Retreat House in Staten Island. Thanks to a gift from Mount Manresa upon its closing in 2013, Saints Francis Xavier, Isaac Jogues, and John de Brebeuf are now visible behind the altar of Xavier’s chapel, while Aloysius Gonzaga, Stanislaus Kostka, and John Berchman can be seen in the hallway outside. As former Xavier board chair Rich Nolan ’83 (the last chair of the Board at Manresa) said, “They will serve to honor and remember a spiritual mission of the Society of Jesus that served New York City for over a century.” Following the reception, Raslowsky led evening prayer back in the chapel. Those present participated in an Examen, reflecting upon their blessings—including a beautiful place for prayer and worship that stands out in the life of the faithful at Xavier.
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Maroon and BLUE
ON TO VICTORY During their time at Xavier, Giancarlo Cipri ’17, Andrew DeFreitas ’17, Ifeanyichukwu Emeh ’17, Malik Fisher ’17, Robert Harding ’17, Rory Kinsella ’17, Jack Manzo ’17, Conor Mullin ’17, Patrick Norako ’17, Donovan Shanks ’17, and Michael Zamora ’17 conquered the challenges of high school athletics in New York City, winning championships and earning spots on top college teams across the country. Michael Tolkin ’85 shares his advice as they ascend to the next level. 32 XAVIER MAGAZINE
Patrick Norako ’17 Track and Field
Michael Zamora ’17 Baseball
Robert Harding ’17 Football
Rory Kinsella ’17 Football
Malik Fisher ’17 Football
Jack Manzo ’17 Rugby
Giancarlo Cipri ’17 Track and Field
Conor Mullin ’17 Swimming
Ifeanyichukwu Emeh ’17 Football By Michael Tolkin ’85 Considering the sun-splashed fields of Florida, Texas, Arizona or California, one imagines the great benefits of being able to play sports nearly every day of the year in ideal temperatures on beautifully manicured fields next to soothing palm trees. These are environments perfectly suited for athletes with both the ability and ambition to pursue the highest levels in their sport. In New York City, we have skyscrapers, financial institutions, traffic, and precious little real estate to pursue athletic endeavors; however, when it comes to the young athlete, the city, with its miles and miles of cement and steel, is perhaps his or her most formidable obstacle in pursuing high-performance excellence.
Andrew DeFreitas ’17 Track and Field
Not Pictured: Donovan Shanks ’17, Track and Field
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Maroon Maroon andand BLUE BLUE
In a piece about Xavier sports, I will throw a curveball by starting out with a quote from one of Xavier’s all-time great and beloved math teachers, Hank Woehling ’55. Among his many quips, Hammering Hank was fond of rolling out the phrase, “Adversity is no excuse, young man, merely an obstacle in our pursuit of excellence” (Woehling, Math Class). A more appropriate piece of advice I cannot find in describing not only what our athletes face—adversity—and what they are seeking, excellence. While the dearth of facilities is taxing to our athletes, the constant battle to deal with it and make it part of their everyday reality fosters a mental toughness and perseverance that serves them well. Add into that equation the extraordinary group of experienced and excellent Xavier coaches currently instilling positive characterbuilding skills along with their expertise, and the talented and motivated Xavier athlete is well-prepared for high performance in his particular sport. The group of students who are continuing on in their athletic careers in university must now be ready to face the next level of challenges. They have great talent; to that, there is no doubt. They would not have been varsity athletes without talent, and they would not have received scholarships or entry into elite athletic programs without it; however, they will soon be side by side with a group of teammates who all have similar or better talent than they do. What separates these young men will dictate how and if they move forward. These differences will now be marginal as opposed to the vast disparity that they experienced in high school. Their college coaches already know what they can do in the gym and on the field—they have watched them dozens of times before investing in them. But it will be their character, motivation, and discipline that will determine how far they can go. Athletes who project to the next level need to remember two things: the first is to recognize that the competition becomes much more acute as they move up each level; the second is to refine what made them successful. In other words, they must play within themselves. This means recognizing what their strengths are and using those strengths to do things better than anyone else on the team. Giancarlo Cipri ’17, who is heading to Fordham to run cross country and indoor and outdoor track, recognizes this need to remain disciplined in his approach, acknowledging, “I will need to stay focused, run more, and trust the process.” As I mentioned previously, high performance athletes have great talent, but in order to succeed at the next level, these young men will need more than their natural ability. There are five relevant points which are vital to their success.
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Exhibit great character and be a valuable teammate.
1.
Talent is what got you noticed, but character is what got you recruited and what will keep you progressing forward. Not every player will be a leader, but each player can exhibit leadership qualities. Leaders bring people together, and at various times during the season, the team will hit a bad spell. It is easy to be a good teammate when things are going well, but can you be the player who keeps it positive when you are going bad? When the team is going bad? It is challenging, but this intangible is what keeps positive energy going throughout a long campaign— and that is true value. Robert Harding ’17, heading to SUNY Cortland to play football, sees success as the result of a “love of the game itself,” pointing out that “if you love the pursuit you undertake, you will be willing to do whatever it takes to be successful in that pursuit.” It is always important to remember that not everyone has the privilege to be playing sports at this level, so enjoy this great opportunity all the time.
2. Work hard.
Be the player who does the things that people don’t see (except the coaching staff!). Don’t be the player who everyone sees for the wrong reasons: think Twitter, Facebook, YouTube. The bad examples are plenty—and ugly! Michael Jordan’s timeless Nike ad promoted the slogan “Just Do It.” While that rightly promotes an ambitious and positive approach to go for your dreams, remember that the great players do not rock up and ”just do it.” Jordan spent hours in the gym training, and so do all the greats who appear to just be “naturals.” If your work ethic and process are sound, then you
will get noticed when it counts—and hard work and hustle are infectious. If it ever comes down to you vs. another player to be picked or released, the player who always hustles will always be picked in a good system.
athletes, so I hope they can occasionally stand back and take gratification in the great opportunity that they have created for themselves, and above all have fun.
3. Be modest and assume nothing.
Assume that there is always the possibility of you getting released or cut. While this may seem negative at face value, it prevents an arrogant or comfortable approach from setting in. Keeping this competitive edge is crucial to your success, and when you join that with a childlike enthusiasm for playing the game, you will always ensure the correct approach.
Accept criticism and honest feedback to be 4. honest with yourself and your performance.
Use any failure as a tool for improvement. Taking nothing out of failure is a futile approach and a wasted opportunity to grow. As Ifeanyichukwu Emeh ’17, headed to SUNY Cortland to play football, said, “Most importantly, [Coach Chris Stevens ’83 and his staff] helped me possess mental toughness, perseverance, and discipline. These are the things that student athletes going to the next level need to have.” In his book Black Box Thinking, Matthew Syed points out several examples of how failure in one area has led to overwhelming improvement. Two areas that stood out were the airline industry’s intense scrutiny of their mishaps. Through careful investigation and by avoiding the blame game, they have taken some of their lowest moments to bring flight safety to where it is today. Another example was from James Dyson. It was only after many failures with his product that he was able to create the world’s best vacuum and other similar products—so seek feedback and grow from failure.
4
Back yourself—even if you are wrong, if you do it with confidence, you will make it work 5. out for you more often than not.
In sport, just like in other parts of our lives, we are asked to make dozens of decisions during a match or event. We prepare ourselves through training to make the correct decision at the right moment, but it does not always go to script. In these cases, it is important that you show confidence and make it work out for the best—you can’t reverse it, so turn it into a positive! These next years for our athletes entering into collegiate sports will be a great experience. There will be times of thrilling victories and heartbreaking defeats, both personally and as part of a team. They should relish these moments. We only have a relatively short period of time in our lives to compete as
Michael Tolkin ’85 returned to the classroom in 2016 after a three-year stint as head coach of the USA Rugby Men’s Eagles. A graduate of St. John’s University and Fordham University, he is once again serving as head coach for Xavier’s varsity rugby team—a position he first held at age 19.
XAVIER MAGAZINE 35
ofXavier
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Class NOTES
1947 On June 24, 2016, Joe Murgalo and his wife, Mary, moved to a senior living community called Aston Gardens at Pelican Marsh in Naples, Florida. 1949 Xavier’s “49’ers” met in Spring Lake, New Jersey for their 67th Reunion in September 2016. In attendance were Ed Atnally, John Beglan, Dr. John Brady, Chip Cipolla, Stephen Conti, Louis Lopez, Dr. John Madaras, Dr. Tom O’Brien, George Torpey, and Philip Wallace. Dr. Ed Reynolds ’50 and his wife, Josephine, also attended and were given honorary class membership. Many of the wives of ’49, including the recently widowed Phyllis McCauley, enjoyed the annual get-together. Events included lunch hosted by Barbara Curran (wife of Paul Curran ’49†) at her home, a Mass celebrated by Jack Replogle, S.J. ’51, and a dinner attended by President Jack Raslowsky and retired Vice President for Advancement Joe Gorski. Members of the class were pleased to host Timothy Burkhart ’18, recipient of the Class of 1949 scholarship, and his parents, Brian and Martha Burkhart P’18. Dr. Tom O’Brien and his wife, Nancy, spent Christmas 2016 aboard the American Queen on an eight-day cruise up the Mississippi River. Shore visits included the Civil War towns of Vicksburg, Natchez, and Greenville, where they saw antebellum homes and other sites decorated for the holidays. 1950 Joe Brostek is a trustee of the Queens Historical Society. He recently curated an exhibit, “Toys and Games from the Attic and Beyond!” in the 230-year-old landmarked Kingsland Homestead in Flushing’s historic Weeping Beech Park. In November 2016, he was featured in the Queens Chronicle. Not one to rest on his laurels, Brostek played a key role in a recent Ministry Fair at his parish, Flushing’s Saint Andrew Avellino. More than 400 people attended the event. Daniel Gorman and his wife just celebrated their 61st wedding anniver-
sary. Gorman recently retired from the Board of Christendom College, but he stays busy heading up the Vocation Committee at his parish and working on his golf handicap. 1951 Robert Kramer spent six weeks this spring traveling through Europe, making visits to Hungary, Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands, working on a new translation of Rilke, and tasting the local wines and beers. 1952 Ed Hawkins rallied his classmates to attend this spring’s Golden Knights Mass and Luncheon, and the Class of ’52 responded in kind. Tom Conniff, COL Bill McGuth, USAF (Ret.), Peter Mulvihill, Bill Meyer, and Bob Robertazzi joined Hawkins at the luncheon. In addition to great conversation, the classmates enjoyed a tour of FernandezDuminuco Hall. Dr. Ken Poggenburg was elected a Fellow of the American Chemical Society. 1954 Thomas Clark recently retired after 50 years on Wall Street.
Honorary Mayor of Pacific Beach, California, by the Pacific Beach Town Council.
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1958 Edwin Kennedy retired as chief financial officer of Catholic Charities, Long Island. He is enjoying his nine grandchildren. “Last month, while I was singing ‘Happy Birthday’ with my barbershop group to a senior audience in Hilton Head, I looked up to find my classmate Stephen Koch sitting nearby,” Paul McNamara writes. “It’s a small world.” 1960 Over the past several months, Philip Lacovara has published op-eds and been quoted in various national publications, including The Washington Post and America. When Roger Kirwan and his family toured the U.S. Air Force Academy this spring, they were guided by BG Ruben “Randy” Cubero, USAF (Ret.) ’58. “When a retired general and former dean is your tour guide, it can’t get any better,” Kirwan said. Rich Tucciarone lives on Cape Cod, where he is a “semi-retired CPA.” He writes that his son, also named
Vincent Winsch turned 99 in July. He lives at home in Stony Brook, Long Island. Winsch and his wife Loretta (who passed away in August 2013 after 69 years of marriage) raised 10 children—all college graduates, and four with master’s degrees. His family has since expanded to include 22 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
1955 Chris Kloss and his wife, Joyce, have visited more than 30 countries in the last few years. He will retire from his business of creating municipal software at the end of this year. President Donald Trump nominated Wilbur Ross to be his Secretary of Commerce in November 2016. A graduate of Yale University and Harvard Business School, Ross was confirmed by the Senate on February 27 and sworn in the next day.
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1956 Louis Cumming has retired from his banking career. The one-time executive vice president and chief credit officer of an independent community bank remains active in the business community via expert witness consulting as a principal in his firm, Financial Proctology Associates. In 2015, he was named
Joe Brostek
Wilbur Ross
’49 The Class of 1949 and friends
’60
Roger Kirwan and BG Ruben "Randy" Cubero, USAF (Ret.) '58
Dr. Ken Poggenburg
XAVIER MAGAZINE 37
’72
John Razza
’72
’63
Andrew Szabo
’69
Rafael Martinez celebrating his son's wedding on the caldera of Mount Batur Volcano, Bali, Indonesia.
’63
Ed McLaughlin
Rich, opened his own brewpub in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, in July 2016. Mountain Tap Brewery (mountaintapbrewery.com) is located at 910 Yampa Street. “If anyone from Xavier gets to Steamboat, stop in for pizza and beer,” the elder Tucciarone writes. “Mention that I sent you.” In his retirement, Dr. Bob Weierman continues to see patients at Biloxi, Mississippi’s Bethel Free Health Clinic, where he also serves on the Board. The clinic provides free health care to 1,400 patients per year. Last fall, Xavier students and Weierman’s classmates joined forces to raise $8,000 for the clinic. 1962
Xavier art teacher Denise Iacovone, at the Filarmonica Laudamo. His latest albums, Peace and Love and Embrace the Change, are available at roccojohn.bandcamp.com. William Starkey writes that his granddaughter, Bridget Rose Florio (the great-granddaughter of William Starkey ’25†), will join her sister Anna and brother John by being baptized at the Church of St. Francis Xavier. Their parents, Alicia Starkey and Steven J. Florio, were married in the same church. 1963 On June 30, Laurence Bove retired from Walsh University as Professor Emeritus and Past Provost.
Brandon Fullam published a book titled The Lost Colony of Roanoke: New Perspectives.
Hon. Ed McLaughlin served as the guest speaker at the monthly luncheon of the New York Society of Former FBI Agents on April 26. In attendance were Jim Tierney ’68 and John Anticev ’76. McLaughlin gave a riveting account of his 33 years as a New York County Supreme Court Judge, highlighted by The People v. John Gotti, the 1990 assault case.
Rocco Iacovone recently traveled to Messina, Italy, to teach music and art workshops alongside his wife,
Bill Porter writes, “In 1960-61, Mr. Dan Fitzpatrick, S.J. was ‘Class Teacher’ for Xavier’s class 2B. We
Now living in El Paso, Texas, Paul Cain has been a high school teacher for the past 41 years. In 2008, he was named Texas State Teacher of the Year. He is a decorated Vietnam veteran.
38 XAVIER MAGAZINE
Members of the Class of 1963 with Dan Fitzpatrick, S.J.
were his first teaching assignment and he taught us Latin and English. Outside the classroom, he took us to see Broadway plays (e.g. A Man for All Seasons), and movies (e.g. Lawrence of Arabia), and we developed a close bond with him—our failed attempts to master the ablative absolute and hortatory subjunctive notwithstanding. Later we attended his ordination, and much later the 50th anniversary of that great event. He married us, baptized our children and grandchildren, saw a couple of us ordained as Jesuits (Frank Herrmann, John LaRocca), and for the last 35 or 40 years several of us have had an annual lunch or dinner get-together with Fr. Fitz, first in Manhattan, later on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. Pictured are Fr. Fitzpatrick as the young Jesuit scholastic we remember so well; with our class on our senior year retreat; and with us on May 21 for this year’s luncheon. We are fortunate to have had him as a teacher, and to still have him as a friend.” Last summer, Roy Van Brunt and his wife, Ginny, visited Alaska, completing their long-pursued goal of having physically been in all 50 of the United States. By seeing Juneau
Class NOTES
(and later Olympia, Washington, and Carson City, Nevada) they also crossed off a few more of the state capitals they have been in, and are now set to work on the last 10 or so they have yet to see. Dr. John Yoegel writes that the third edition of his book, Real Estate License Exams for Dummies, was released in April and has already reached the No. 1 ranking in Amazon’s real estate textbook category. Yoegel just celebrated the fifth anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood in the Orthodox Catholic Church of America and his 14th anniversary as an Ordained Interfaith Minister. He lives with his wife in Greenwich, Connecticut. 1964 Dr. Vincent Lee retired from his second career as a professor of statistical and financial analysis at St. Francis College in Brooklyn Heights. He enjoys traveling with his wife, Mary Jane, and is active in the hobby of model railroads. Dr. Richard Monahan is beginning to retire from his clinical psychology practice, working only from a home office with existing patients. 1965 In June 2017, Dr. Tom Rescigno retired as Senior Scientist Emeritus from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory after a 42-year career in theoretical physics with the University of California. 1968 Ed Stapleton writes that his son, Ed Stapleton, Jr., married Meredith Tunney, daughter of Patrick Tunney ’66, on July 23, 2016. John Sterling, the editor-in-chief of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News, recently moderated a panel discussion on innovation and its impact on healthcare at the annual New York Biotechnology Association Conference. He will also chair a session at the Cambridge Healthtech Bioprocessing Conference in Boston in August. Sterling received the Excellence in Anthropology Award from Hunter College, where he completed work for a master’s degree in anthropology.
1969 Richard Anastasi published a book, Become a Compassionate Caregiver: Reduce Stress, Avoid Burnout, based on his experience of returning to New York City to care for his mother as she was dying from liver disease in 2004. Anastasi’s personal mission is to “reduce the stress level of caregivers.” Rafael Martinez recently celebrated his son’s wedding on the caldera of Mount Batur Volcano in Bali, Indonesia. 1971 Last fall, John N. Frank produced his fourth play, The Institute: Coming of Age During the Vietnam War, based on his years at Xavier. Several members of the class of ’71 attended. 1972 Brian Burke was ordained a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Newark on June 4, 2016. Don Lindsay writes that his daughter, Meg, married Matt Pietroforte at the Church of St. Francis Xavier on July 23, 2016, with Kevin Spinale, S.J. officiating. A reception followed at the New York Athletic Club. In 2016, Stephen Malia retired after a 40-year career in human resources and labor relations, including tenures as the chief human resources officer at three global companies. “For most of my career, I have lived in the Midwest, a long way from 16th Street and my Brooklyn roots!” he writes. “Mary and I just celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary, and we have been blessed with three adult sons, an adopted daughter, and two grandchildren (so far).” Joseph McCormick writes, “I work in cyber security. The faith and values that I learned at Xavier have sustained and enriched me over the years, especially now as I wait for a heart transplant.” After 37 years in global sales and marketing, John Razza retired in March to spend more time with his wife, Betsy, and devote himself to fine art photography. In February, Andrew Szabo retired after 24 years as an elementary school guidance counselor with
Sean Hagerty, S.J. '02
Alumni Profile SEAN HAGERTY, S.J. ’02 Since appearing in Xavier Magazine’s 15 Under 40 issue last spring, Sean Hagerty, S.J. ’02 earned a master’s degree in philosophy, welcomed a new Son of Xavier to St. Louis, and learned of his next assignment—teaching religion at Cheverus High School in Portland, Maine. “I had wonderful teachers at Xavier—Joe Sweeney ’85, Pat Dormer P’17, Michael Wlach ’71 P’01, Cindy Castro, Al Nilles,” he reflected. “The goal is to be like one of those guys.” Hagerty, who joined the Society of Jesus in 2012 after serving in the Army and climbing the ranks in the beer distribution business, said the Jesuits he met at Xavier and later at Fordham University also made an impression. “Both high school and college were formative periods,” he said. “I met Jesuits with really admirable qualities.” Hagerty cites the example of his Xavier Headmaster, David Ciancimino, S.J. ’77 (who later accepted him into the Society of Jesus while serving as Provincial of the New York Province), Daniel J. Gatti, S.J. ’59, who was President when he was a student, and William McGowan, S.J., the legendary Xavier guidance counselor, who Hagerty often visited at MurrayWeigel Hall as he was dying. “To us, he was a prince,” he recalled. Hagerty had the opportunity to serve as a Jesuit role model when Kieran Halloran, S.J. ’10 arrived in St. Louis last fall to begin his First Studies. As neighbors in Bellarmine House, the Jesuit community at Saint Louis University, the two bonded over their shared roots on 16th Street. “We had a shared experience, a shared language. ‘Did you have Reinhart for religion? Dormer for history? Paolozzi for English? Did Mei Eng like you?’” Hagerty said with a laugh. “I love Mei. ‘How many JUGs did you have freshman year?’ I won that one.” Now, as he prepares to move to Portland, Hagerty looks forward to being closer to New York and to Xavier—and enjoying where the journey takes him. “Vows give you a certain freedom,” he said. “I go where I’m called. For now, I just want to be a good teacher.”
XAVIER MAGAZINE 39
the New York City Department of Education. “Now on to the next phase,” he writes. 1973 Scott Cameron has resumed his public service career as a political appointee at the U.S. Department of the Interior. He serves as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management, and Budget. Brian Culhane recently accepted a position at Habitat for Humanity in Suffolk County. 1974 Frank Bilski has joined the board of the Little Silver Animal Foundation. The foundation provides goods and services for area rescue groups. In 2016, Richard Calangelo retired after 42 years of service to ABC-TV. He now lives in Orlando, Florida.
Richard Caime ’54 with his son Jim Caime, S.J.
Alumni Profile RICHARD CAIME ’54 After a long career as a senior executive in the aerospace industry, Richard “Dick” Caime ’54 now splits his time between Florida and Virginia. He and his wife, Jane, have three children, and they will celebrate their 58th wedding anniversary this September. By all accounts, his life has been a success—and one of his proudest achievements is being the father of a Jesuit. After earning an MBA from Georgetown University, Jim Caime, S.J., now 56, entered the Society of Jesus in 1993. In June 2002, he was ordained a priest. “God could have taken me that day because my life was fulfilled,” Dick Caime said, his voice breaking. “The only thing we don’t love is that he’s so far away.” With his natural facility for languages, the younger Caime has been missioned in Beijing, China since 2010. He currently serves as the Executive Director of The Beijing Center for Chinese Studies, a joint program sponsored by the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities and the Society of Jesus. Through the work of the center, students, faculty, and scholars from Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. and around the world travel to China to engage its people by learning their language and culture as in the days of Matteo Ricci, S.J. “Our hope for Jim going forward is that he comes back to the U.S. so we can see him more often,” Caime said of his son, who celebrated the Class of 1954’s 50th Reunion Mass at the Church of St. Francis Xavier in 2004. “He is our only son, and we miss him terribly. We know he’s doing God’s work, and that’s something God has asked us to bear.” 40 XAVIER MAGAZINE
Bruce Giaimo writes that his son, Joe, who attended Xavier in the fall of ’05 following Hurricane Katrina, married his wife Marisa in October 2016. Joe is a general surgeon, and Marisa is an anesthesiologist in the New Orleans area. 1975 Bob Guthrie and Rich Wefer met for dinner at the famed Blueberry Hill restaurant and music club in St. Louis on March 18, when Wefer was in town for a family wedding. Chuck Berry used to play at Blueberry Hill regularly, and while dining there, Guthrie and Wefer learned of his death. Tom Noone was recently promoted to Vice President of Financial Planning at CBS Entertainment Division. After 31 years with the Secret Service, Robert Sica is now chief of security at the New York Racing Association. He calls it his “dream job,” 36 years after landing his first summer job cleaning stalls at Belmont Park in 1971. 1976 Francis Connolly, a judge on the Minnesota Court of Appeals, writes that his nephew, Sam Magill ’20,
just completed his freshman year at Xavier. 1977 After 25 years of commuting from Ridgewood, New Jersey, into New York City, Luis Morales is now working for Valley Health System in Paramus, New Jersey. “Life changer!” he writes. “Commute time went from 1.5 hours to 15 minutes.” 1978 Dr. Michael Driscoll, clinical professor and senior executive in residence at the Robert B. Willumstad School of Business at Adelphi University, traveled to Ireland from May 24 through July 8 as a Fulbright Scholar. Sean Murphy, Dr. Tom McGinn, and Anthony Ottati recently visited Chris Rippon at Ole Miss, where he serves as assistant athletic director for recruiting operations. 1979 Syd Jones finished his 10th marathon in 2016. He and his wife, Debi, celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary this year. They split their time between New York City and Denver. 1980 After a successful 27 years at Morgenthau & Greenes, LLP, Vincent Balardi joined the New York City law office of Moritt Hock & Hamroff on June 1. He will continue to represent clients in real estate, corporate, general commercial, financing, and intellectual property matters. Michael Barbieri P’10 is executive director of Downtown Giants Youth Sports. His youngest son, Michael, starred in last year’s critically acclaimed film Little Men. He can be seen on the silver screen this summer in Spider-Man: Homecoming and The Dark Tower. 1982 Steve Marrero recently joined Channel Products Inc. in northeast Ohio as its chief commercial officer. John Polis is a partner and chief operating officer of Star Mountain Capital (starmountaincapital.com), a
Class NOTES
specialized investment management firm focusing on investing in U.S. businesses with $10-150 million in revenue.
(ATLIS) since July 2016, was recently nominated to serve as Board President for a two-year term that began on July 1.
1983
1987
John O’Farrell is now managing director and head of financial marketing at Addison, a creative integrated marketing and communications agency located on Wall Street. 1985 John Bivona currently resides in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzogovina, and serves as the FBI Legal Attaché to Bosnia and Herzogovina, Serbia and Montenegro. He is also a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves assigned to the National Defense University in Washington, D.C. CMDR John Pucciarelli, USN (Ret.) retired from active duty following 24 years of military service. In recognition, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with four gold stars. 1986 Andrew Dell’Olio P’20 was a panelist at the December 2016 program on construction law held at the Practising Law Institute. Jason Ramsden, a Board member for the Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools
Dr. David Campion is the Pamplin Associate Professor of History at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon. Just weeks before attending his 30th Xavier Reunion in May, he spent two weeks teaching at Xavier High School in Chuuk, Micronesia. Eric Dixon is the co-inventor of a blockchain technology system whose patent grant—a rare feat— became official on March 28, 2017. “Blockchain technology generally refers to a system by which data is stored and verified using a decentralized, consensus-based peerto-peer computer network,” Dixon writes. “The system, which underlies the digital currency known as Bitcoin, enables data to be submitted and preserved in its ‘original state’ and is highly impervious to attack or corruption. While Bitcoin has become popularized in some financial and technology circles as a computer-based, non-physical store of value, and in some places as an alternative to government-issued currencies, the underlying blockchain technology has applications as databases and public ledgers.”
1988 Allan Suarez is the owner of All Renovation Construction, providing quality carpentry for projects in New York City and New Jersey. He is also a founding member of the Construct Relief Foundation, a construction-based not-for-profit organization initiated for families and individuals affected by Hurricane Sandy on Staten Island. For his efforts, he was awarded the Community Above Self Award at the Salvation Army’s 2015 Spring Benefit in New York City. 1989 Jim Buthorn was recently promoted to the position of Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Newark and Caribbean Division. Vimeo tapped Michael Concannon to serve as its new Chief Technology Officer in February. Most recently, he served as CTO of the vertically integrated fashion company Eloquii. Earlier this year, Gregg Prosser starred as “Harold” in Orphans at The Bridge Theatre at Shetler Studios. Jeffrey Zahka recently met Adrian Diaz ’94 at the U.S. Embassy in Niger. Both were there on an assignment for the U.S. State Department.
’85 ’73
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Scott Cameron
Tom Noone
John O’Farrell
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’78 CMDR John Pucciarelli, USN (Ret.)
Jason Ramsden
James Buthorn
Dr. Tom McGinn, Chris Rippon, Sean Murphy, and Anthony Ottati
XAVIER MAGAZINE 41
Service Academy Graduations
Annapolis and West Point • May 26 and 27, 2017
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This spring, six Sons of Xavier graduated from the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy. On May 26, former Senior Army Instructor LTC Roy Campbell, USA (Ret.) traveled to Annapolis to see Patrick Danylchuk ’13 and Bryan LaBoy ’13 commissioned as Ensigns; he then headed to his alma mater, West Point, on May 27 to witness Dillon Burke ’13, Matt Figura ’12, Charlie O’Hagan ’13, and Teddy Perretti ’12 become Second Lieutenants. Campbell was joined at West Point by former military science teacher SFC Anthony Adams, USA (Ret.). “Annapolis and West Point graduations this spring yielded a plethora of sterling Sons of Xavier— four new West Point Second Lieutenants and two new Annapolis Ensigns from 16th Street!” Campbell said. “The soldiers and sailors under their commands will be led by capable, dedicated, and selfless men of gallantry and great virtue. Godspeed to each of these brave souls as they defend our American way of life.” 1. Figura is commissioned. 2. Perretti with Adams. 3. Campbell commissioning O’Hagan. 4. Campbell, Adams, Figura, and MAJ Adam O'Donnell, USA. 5. Dillon Burke. 6. Campbell commissioning LaBoy, his year’s Cadet Colonel. 7. Michael O'Hagan '19 and 2LT Charlie O'Hagan, USA '13 with their parents, Charles and Adriana O'Hagan P'13 '19.
Class NOTES
’96
’90
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’95
Patrick Coniconde
Brandon Tierney
LTC Geoff Cole, USA, third from left
1990 Patrick Coniconde, a senior production designer at Apple in Cupertino, California, recently earned the Recognition Award for five years of service to the company. Francis Creighton recently became the president and CEO of the Consumer Data Industry Association in Washington, D.C. 1991 COL John Giordano, USA was promoted to Colonel and began working for the Army Cyber Institute as its National Capital Region Liaison Officer at Fort Meade, Maryland. Brandon Tierney and his wife Jen, a Dallas native, reside in North Jersey after a brief stint in San Francisco in the early 2010s. They have two children. Tierney just finished his fourth year hosting a nationally syndicated radio program on CBS Sports Radio and contributing as a football analyst on CBS Sports Network. He recently returned to the St. John’s Basketball radio booth for his tenth season while simultaneously serving as host for the weekly magazine-style show, The Red Storm Report on MSG. In 2010, Tierney was awarded a New York Emmy for his work covering the NBA free agent frenzy involving Lebron James and other prominent players. 1992 James Ryan is still plugging along in law enforcement in North Charleston, South Carolina, just north of Charleston, “the finest city in the world.” Kevin Vulin is working as Senior Manager-Internal Audit at Datto,
Inc. in Norwalk, Connecticut. He currently resides in Riverdale with his wife, Heather, and two children, Jack and Eva. 1993 COL Bernard Harrington, USA took command of the 82nd Airborne Division’s Aviation Brigade at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on June 23. 1994 Michael Avalos writes that he and the rest of the Sons of Xavier of ’94 made their gifts in honor of two Xavier brothers whom they lost in the past 12 months—Michael Anastasiades† and Matthew Eugenio†. Edward Dai has taken his passion for painting on the road. Traveling the East Coast, he has exhibited in several shows from New York to Miami. He also donates his paintings to raise money for charitable causes. Charles Stuart recently launched and founded Ambedo Hospitality, a small-size consulting group focused on the hotel and service industry. His background includes experience both at the property and corporate level, including a 10-year leadership role at Hilton Worldwide. 1995 LTC Geoff Cole, USA achieved Lieutenant Colonel rank in the United States Army in 2016. In June, he moved to Korea to assume command of a Patriot BN (2nd Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment). Matt Meehan Scalzo has accepted the Dean of Students position at Christian Brothers Academy in
Dr. Brian Purnell with his family
Lincroft, New Jersey. He and his wife, Victoria, recently moved to Manasquan with their 2-year-old daughter Mary Clare after more than two decades of living and working in Washington, D.C. 1996 Dr. Brian Purnell enjoys living in Maine with his wife, Leana Amaez, and their four children. In 2014, he earned tenure at Bowdoin College, where he teaches courses in the Africana Studies and History departments. Currently, he is writing a book on the history of black people in New Amsterdam and New York City from 1626 to the present. JP Stathis was recently promoted to Vice President of Global Market Operations at BNP Paribas. Salvatore Vitale was recently voted on to the Board of Directors of the Staten Island Boys Football Youth League. 1999 Andreas Andrea is the logistics and warehousing manager for Ecosense Lighting, a Los Angeles-based startup. He welcomes anyone in the supply chain field to reach out to him at andreas.a.andrea@gmail.com. 2000 Franco Paolino is the emergency medical services coordinator for the National Park Service and leads a team of Emergency Medical Technicians that provides emergency care for the sick and injured at the Statue of Liberty National Monument and at Ellis Island. Recently, Paulino assisted with escorts for various Italian dignitaries by providing Italian translations
Upcoming Events Quogue Reception August 24, 2017 Cape Cod Reception August 26, 2017 Summer Sunset at Xavier August 30, 2017 Young Alumni Luncheon November 22, 2017 Turkey Bowl at Aviator November 23, 2017 Beefsteak Dinner January 12, 2018
For the latest event updates, visit xavierhs.org/events.
XAVIER MAGAZINE 43
Alumni Profile DANIEL J. GATTI, S.J. ’59 In the fall of 1958, while on his senior retreat at Xavier, a young LTC Dan Gatti discovered a calling to serve others as a Jesuit—and he has lived that calling ever since. Generations of alumni now know him from Daniel J. Gatti, S.J. '59 his tenure as Xavier’s 32nd President, when he steered his alma mater through the 12 pivotal years from 1997 until 2009. He is proud of leading Xavier into the 21st century, both literally and figuratively. During Fr. Gatti’s years at the helm, he partnered with the Board of Trustees on a two-year, $15 million capital campaign, worked with the Finance Committee to develop and maintain a successful investment strategy, and supervised major renovations to the physical plant with the assistance of the Plant Committee. He also oversaw improvements to publications, the Annual Fund, and the Regiment. Fr. Gatti returned to Xavier in 1996 after spending decades in the medical field, where he provided pastoral care at hospitals in Washington, D.C. As Director of Pastoral Care at Georgetown University Hospital for 13 years, he was humbled by the deep faith he witnessed in patients and family members alike. While in the D.C. area, he also had memorable experiences working side-by-side with prisoners to renovate homes in a poor neighborhood and using his woodworking talents to create a dark wood case and refinish a Georgetown student desk for an incoming U.S. President—William J. Clinton, an alumnus of Georgetown’s Class of 1968. Seven years ago, Fr. Gatti returned to his roots in pastoral care when he became alumni chaplain at Fordham University, where he earned undergraduate and graduate degrees. “There have been more opportunities for pastoral ministry—namely, visiting the sick, baptisms, marriages, wakes, funerals, and directing retreats. Visiting alumni in various places has also been part of my current work,” said Fr. Gatti, who also serves as a trustee of the Posillipo Foundation, supporting the Jesuit work of theological education in Naples, Italy. “And though there are visits to doctors’ offices more often than in the past, I continue to enjoy the great outdoors and the great game of golf!” His career and his influence have been wide-reaching, but some of the greatest lessons of his life have come as a result of the call he felt as a young Xavier senior. Asked what he has learned from other Jesuits, Fr. Gatti reflected: “That we are all very human; that we have our strengths and weaknesses; that we should always be striving for a greater union of minds and hearts. That in living out our vows, we have made both a vertical and a horizontal commitment; to God and to each other in community. That generosity is always called for and that gratitude is always appreciated.” 44 XAVIER MAGAZINE
to the President of the Chamber of Deputies of Italy, the Italian Minister of the Interior, and the President of Italy himself. He also had a small role in an upcoming documentary, Sbarco, about Italian immigration. 2002
After four years of studying, including a delay due to his deployment to Afghanistan, Petar Mostarac has earned the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation. 2005
Chris Brothers is president of Xavier Bloodstock and bought this year’s Kentucky Derby winner, Always Dreaming.
Michael DuVal recently celebrated his 10-year anniversary at JPMorgan.
Daniel Perez became Executive Director of the NativityMiguel Coalition on July 1. A graduate of the Nativity Mission Center, the College of the Holy Cross, and Fordham University, Perez has extensive experience in NativityMiguel schools as principal, co-head of school, graduate support director, and teacher. 2003 Christopher Byrne served as a Deputy Marshal of the 2017 Bay Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Joseph Clavin recently started working for Renaissance Technologies, a hedge fund. Joseph O’Brien is happily married to his wife, Clarissa, and the proud father of Ella and Cara. The O’Brien family lives in McAllen, Texas, where Joseph teaches high school math and coaches basketball at Juan Diego Academy. 2004 Dr. Jonathan DePierro earned a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the New School in May 2016. He is currently serving as a clinical postdoctoral fellow at the New York University School of Medicine. DePierro is the son of James DePierro ’85 and his wife, Kristen, and the grandson of John DePierro ’58.
Marc Palladino works at the law firm of Duane Morris as Special Counsel in their real estate group. 2006 Marc de los Santos writes that “three Xavier Knights, from three different graduating decades, found their way to civil service with the NYPD, and coincidentally ended up being men for others at the 84th Precinct in Downtown Brooklyn.” He works with training sergeant Thomas Brogan ’89 and traffic safety sergeant Anthony Correia ’95 there. Al Ragone is now working as an engineer at McCann Systems, based in Edison, New Jersey. Dan Smyth has graduated from St. John’s University School of Law and will join the law firm of Morris, Duffy, Alonso & Faley in September. 2007 Seamus Campbell is currently working at the City College of New York as a website coordinator. CPT Michael Chiaia, USA is celebrating six years of service as a commissioned officer in the United States Army. He is enjoying his
Dr. Jonathan DePierro with his father, James DePierro '85
’06
’07
’07 Thomas Brogan '89, Marc de los Santos, and Anthony Correia '95
CPT Michael Chiaia, USA
’04
Class NOTES
Alumni Reunion
New York City • Spring 2017
3.
1.
2.
4.
5.
7.
6. 8.
11.
9.
10.
1. Tom Michnewicz ‘67, Bill Montanaro ‘67, and Kevin Devine ‘67. 2. Members of the Class of 1987 embrace. 3. Shane Leigh ‘92, Matthew Minogue ‘92, Paulie Srinuan ‘92, and Steve Tear '92. 4. Stephen Malia ‘72, Don Gross ‘72 P‘03, and John Neuenfeldt ‘72. 5. Executive Vice President Dan Dougherty, Jennifer Simpson, Matthew Simpson ‘92, John Breslin ‘92, and Dawn Breslin. 6. Ray Whiteman ‘77, John DiGiacomo '77, and Bob Celestin ‘77. 7. Members of the Class of 1962. 8. Joe Garvey ‘67, Richard Battaglino ‘67 P‘96, Jim Keenan, S.J., and Chris Lowery ‘67. 9. Paul Chan ‘67, Florence Chan, Dennis Yesalonia, S.J. ‘67, Dennis Kwasnik ‘67, Barbarann Kwasnik, and MAJ Francis Dong, USA (Ret.) ‘67. 10. Jim Keenan, S.J., John Young ‘77, and Michael Gargiulo ‘77. 11. Keven Perez ‘12, Anthony Pucik ‘12, Vincent Martello ‘12, and John Sciancalepore ‘12. 12. Daniel Toner ‘87, Robert Krauss ‘87, Michael Nolan ‘87, Joseph Heegan ‘87, Matthew Mulham ‘87, and Arthur Gianmarino ‘87.
12.
XAVIER MAGAZINE 45
assignment to Hawaii by islandhopping, hiking, learning to surf, and earning his Advanced Open Water SCUBA certification. Latinos for Education named Carlos Gonzalez, deputy campus director at the Browne Middle School in Chelsea, Massachusetts, as one of 2017’s 20 Aspiring Latino Leader Fellows. Latinos for Education’s mission is to develop, place, and connect Latino leaders in the education sector. Andrew Weaver ’19 and Paramedic Mike Toomey ’01
Sons of Xavier find their brothers everywhere— and occasionally in the darndest of places. On Tuesday, May 9, Andrew Weaver ’19 arrived at the 4th Avenue/9th Street F train stop, donned in a Xavier wrestling sweatshirt on his way to school. A commotion surrounded him, and he noticed a man lying on the edge of the tracks with someone at his side. Weaver learned that the man had suffered a medical emergency and fallen on to the subway tracks, and commuters waiting for their train bravely jumped in to rescue him. With his training in CPR and First Aid, Weaver asked if he could help. He soon found himself doing chest compressions and rescue breaths. As he did, the man regained consciousness. “The real heroes are the people who jumped on to the tracks,” a humble Weaver said. Just then, FDNY paramedics arrived on scene and took over. Weaver, a member of the Xavier Regiment who hopes to pursue a military career, got on the next train and managed to get to school on time. “I was afraid I’d get JUG,” he laughed. One of the paramedics on scene—Mike Toomey ’01, an 11½-year FDNY veteran—noticed the young man in Xavier attire, but he didn’t have time to speak to him as he worked. Later that day, Toomey reached out to his former classmate, Associate Director of Admissions William Maloney ’01, and described the young man he had seen act so heroically. Maloney identified Weaver, who was able to meet Toomey a few weeks later. “It’s rare that people get involved,” Toomey said of the subway emergency. “But it didn’t surprise me to see a Xavier guy there at all. It was a typical Xavier moment.”
CPT Michael Nilsen, USA successfully completed Jump Master School at Fort Bragg in October 2016. He also earned an Expert Infantry badge earlier in the year and was true-blue in the process. His brigade of the 82nd Airborne joined the Global Response Force in 2017. 2008 Fr. Nicholas Colalella celebrated two years as a priest in the Diocese of Brooklyn on June 27. “Next fall I will begin my fourth and final year of graduate studies at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, specializing in Biblical Sciences,” he writes. “This past spring semester, I taught a course, Introduction to the Hebrew Language, to the seminarians of the Pontifical North American College in Rome. This summer, I will be participating at the annual National Association of Professors of Hebrew Conference at NYU, where I will present a paper on the Philological Problems in the Book of Isaiah in light of the Dead Sea Scrolls. I will also be studying German at Deutsches Haus at NYU this summer, in addition to working at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Brooklyn.” In 2016, Zachary Del Rosario won a Fulbright
“Without the dedication from Xavier’s staff and student body, I would not be where or who I am today,” writes Efrain Rios-Torres. “I will not forget where I came from. Keep marching!” 2010 Michael Batten just completed his first year at the University of Michigan Law School. “I look forward to following in the fine Xavier jurist tradition,” he writes. “If there are any alumni at the University of Michigan or in Ann Arbor who want to meet up, reach out at mbatten@ umich.edu.” Liam Navin is a junior copywriter at Vineyard Vines. He graduated from Boston College in 2014. Patrick Nilsen earned his CPA during 2016 while working for PricewaterhouseCoopers. He also passed the second part of the CFA exam. 2011 West Point graduate 2LT Kieran McMahon, USA recently graduated from the Field Artillery Basic Officer Leaders Course and moved to Fort Stewart, Georgia. He is currently serving as a Fire Direction Officer with 1-41FA, 3rd Infantry Division. 2012 Juan Arturo Villar-Ojito starred as Billy in The Oregon Trail at the Fault Line Theater earlier this year. Last spring, James Kondrat was named to USA Rugby’s collegiate 2015-16 All-America Team for the second consecutive year. USA Rugby is the sport’s national governing body in America. Now graduated from the University of California,
’08
Efrain Rios-Torres 46 XAVIER MAGAZINE
Scholarship to study at Budapest Metropolitan University.
Fr. Nicholas Colalella
’11
2LT Kieran McMahon, USA
Class NOTES
Fr. Jim Keenan’s 80th Birthday Party On January 7, Xavier hosted a party for the ages to mark Jim Keenan, S.J.’s 80 years of life and 60 years in the Society of Jesus. After being awarded the President’s Medal for his extraordinary service to Xavier and her Sons, Keenan was the guest of honor at a celebration attended by 650 guests. “There are constants to Jim Keenan’s life: presence, a holy loyalty, and a humility,” Jack Raslowsky told the crowd. “Jim Keenan shows up. He is present, and very present, even if he has a next stop. No place is too far. The gift is in the journey.”
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
1. Jim Keenan, S.J. with his nieces, Maureen Goutink and Ellen Gallagher. 2. Fr. Keenan flanked by Rudy Casals, S.J. and Jim Croghan, S.J. 3. Members of the Class of 1964 with Fr. Keenan. 4. Al Durrell ’80, Colin O'Neill '80, Kevin McLaughlin ’74, Tim Crowe ’74, and Rich Scheller ’74. 5. Fr. Keenan and his concelebrants. 6. Fr. Keenan addresses the crowd. 7. Xavier archivist Mary Kinahan-Ockay, John Ockay, Emily Sauerhoff Ockay, Stephanie Weir Ockay, Mike Ockay, and Dave Ockay.
XAVIER MAGAZINE 47
James Lavelle '14, right, with Liz Sayville Roberts MP and Hywel Williams MP, members of the British House of Commons
’13
’14
Nicholas Duran
Berkeley, Kondrat is working as an analyst at BlackRock. Vincent Martello is working as a research assistant at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.
’15
Gregory Travers graduated from the University of Delaware in 2016 with a dual major in marketing and
Matthew Rienzi
’14
Sons of Xavier in Thailand
entrepreneurship. He currently works for Livestream, a live video streaming tech start-up operating out of Bushwick, Brooklyn. He is a freelance photographer and filmmaker in his spare time. 2013 Nicholas Duran graduated from SUNY Geneseo this spring with a bachelor’s degree in communication and a minor in human development. He was inducted into Lambda Pi Eta, the National Communication Honor Society. Duran works as an account manager for Allure Marketing Group in Times Square. 2014 Last year, five Sons of Xavier— Christian Conlon, Frank Musuruca, Jake Nicholson, Marco Raffa, and Josh Zingaro—found themselves studying abroad at Assumption University in Bangkok, Thailand, at the same time.
If it wasn’t for the financial support I received from Xavier,
there is no way I would have been blessed with this tremendous education and all of the memories I made and will cherish forever. Xavier made me the man I am today, and I am forever grateful for that. I will always support the school in any way I can.
— Jimmy Gebka ’09
XAVIER
ANNUAL FUND SUPPORT THE NEXT GENERATION AT
www.xavierhs.org/give
48 XAVIER MAGAZINE
James Lavelle spent his spring semester as a Hansard Scholar in London, where he interned for the three Plaid Cymru Members of Parliament: Hywel Williams, Liz Saville Roberts, and Jonathan Edwards. During his time in the House of Commons, James learned about the inner workings of Parliament and met with influential members of the UK Government such as Philip Hammond, Chancellor of the Exchequer, and John Bercow, Speaker of the House of Commons.
Ricardo Castillo Cano '06 and his wife, Rebecca
Milestones ENGAGEMENTS Christopher Grech ’07 is engaged to Stephany Di Gesaro. The couple plans to wed in 2018. 2LT Kieran McMahon, USA ’11 became engaged to 2LT Kelsey Cochran, USA in January 2017. WEDDINGS Dr. Richard Dauhajre ’87 married Mary Moffett at the Castle Hotel & Spa in Tarrytown on November 5, 2016. Kevin Corbett ’92 married Laura Staller in Florida on April 1. Adam Lynch ’97 married Katherine D’Emic at the Shrine of Elizabeth Ann Seton, Battery Park, on July 15, 2016. The wedding party included Brian Lynch ’93, Matthew Frank ’97, Keith Gallagher ’97, Stephen Spyliopulos ’97, Martin Tubridy ’97, and Brian Sommerville ’98. John Di Veglio ’00 married Gina Cucchiara at St. Mary Mother of Jesus Church in Brooklyn on June 25, 2016. Matthew Di Veglio ’98 served as best man.
2015 Matthew Rienzi joined the Polish national baseball team for the second year in a row, winning the European Baseball Championship C-Pool and advancing to Group B next summer. He will continue to play baseball at St. Joseph’s College in Brooklyn.
Mary and Dr. Richard Dauhajre '87
Class NOTES
John Murillo '97 with his wife, Jillian, and their daughter Carter Shea
Peter Troisi ’02 married Dr. Kirsten Saetre on October 21, 2016. Ralph DeVito, Jr. ’03 married Grazia Vavalle on October 22, 2016 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Brooklyn. Peter Faherty ’03 married Stacey Waters on December 9, 2016 at the Church of Saint Aidan in Williston Park. The wedding party included Dom Mingione ’03, Joseph Provenza ’03, and Daniel Gross ’03. On December 2, 2016, Ricardo A. Castillo Cano married his high school sweetheart, Rebecca Gonzalez, at Astoria’s Church of St. Francis Assisi. BIRTHS Francis Mascola ’40 recently welcomed his first great-grandchild, a girl named Giana Juliet Rose. Chris Kloss ’55 and his wife, Joyce, welcomed their first grandchild, a boy named Theo. LTC Jack McDermott, USMC (Ret.) ‘56 welcomed another grandchild, Jackson Spalding, on October 11, 2016. Michael Moresco ’74 and his wife, Ellie, are proud to announce the birth of their first grandson, Benjamin Nicholas Moresco. David Ryan ’74 and his wife, Vivienne, welcomed granddaughter Eleanor Rose Moss.
Charlie Mirisola '03 with his wife, Amy, and son Francis Michael
Brandon Tierney ’91 and his wife, Jen, recently welcomed their second child, a girl named Kinsley Elizabeth. Their son, Colton Evan, turned 2 in early January. Edwin Marin ’94 and his wife welcomed their third child, a little girl named Joelle Delilah, on September 14, 2016. John Murillo ’97 and his wife, Jillian, welcomed a baby girl, Carter Shea, on July 24, 2016. An avid Mets fan, John was able to convince Jillian to include the name Shea after Shea Stadium. Pasquale DeAngelis ’00 and his wife, Danielle, welcomed twins Mariella and Matteo in May 2016. Tim Williamson ‘00 and his wife, Christine, welcomed their third child, Elle Collins, to the world on September 22, 2016. Sanjeevan Iswara ’02 and his wife, Rebecca, welcomed the birth of their first child, Winston Xavier, born on May 31, 2016. Chris Holland ’03 and his wife, Dr. Jessica Cunningham, welcomed a boy, Caleb William, on April 28. Daniel Gearity ’03 and his wife, Tessa, welcomed a daughter in February 2015. Charlie Mirisola ’03 and his wife, Amy, welcomed a son, Francis Michael, on December 28, 2016. The family lives in Brooklyn.
Lisa, Claire Emilia, and Liam O'Hara '04
Ray Riley ’03 and his wife, Joanna, welcomed their son Raymond Joseph Riley IV on September 9, 2016. Patrick Mahon ’04 and his wife, Francesca, welcomed a daughter, Rita Antonia, on June 15. Liam O’Hara ’04 and his wife, Lisa, welcomed a daughter, Claire Emilia, on August 29, 2016. Tom O’Hara ’69 P’04 ’06 and his wife, Kathleen, are proud grandparents. Daniel Rolon ’04 and his wife, Jennifer, welcomed a girl, Hannah Leia, on April 22.
Edwin Marin '04 and his family
Chris Holland '03 with his wife, Jessica, and son Caleb William
Dr. Stephen Haller ’05 and his wife, Elyse, welcomed a daughter, Abigail Marie, on April 6. ADOPTIONS John Wynne ’80, his wife Laura, and their daughter Olivia recently adopted Audrey, a little girl from Chongqing, China. John is an adoptee and waited for 10 years to adopt a child himself.
Abigail Marie, daughter of Elyse and Dr. Stephen Haller '05
John Wynne '80 with his daughter, Audrey
XAVIER MAGAZINE 49
in memoriam
ALUMNI James M. Somerville ’33, 9/19/16 George W. Sferra, D.D.S. ’34, 11/17/13 Frank B. Then ’34, 2/14/14 Kevin E. Kavanagh, Esq. ’35, 4/10/12 Roger M. Damio ’35, 8/30/13 Raymond F. Dooley ’36, 7/15/13 Douglas F. Haigney ’36, 5/17/10 Isonzo X. Salice ’36, 5/17/10 James Staiti ’36, 12/23/14 A. Arthur Acerno ’37, 6/15/14 Matthew J. Stacom ’37, 1/25/14 Clifford W. Golden ’39, 11/9/16 Albert A. Eustis ’41, 1/19/13 Charles F. Roman ’41 P’73, father of Christopher Roman ’73, 6/7/16 Dr. Arthur Lewis ’42, 2/16/17 Michael B. Smith ’42, 7/31/11 Robert F. Hallahan ’43, 4/27/16 Francis J. Dwyer, Esq. ’44, 5/16/17 Peter V. Martino ’44, 8/17/16 Robert F. Nolan, Esq. ’44, 8/19/16 Harold C. English ’45, 8/2/12 William Robert Gannon, Jr. ’45, 7/10/16 Thomas Venino, Esq. ’45, grandfather of Christopher Merone ’10, 2/23/17 E. Peter Corcoran ’46, 7/24/16 Thomas J. Feeney ’47, brother of Eugene Feeney ’42† and Bud Feeney ’51, 8/27/16 Patrick Fitzpatrick ’47, 7/10/15 Francis J. Kelly ’47, 1/24/13 Conrad V. Zarek, Jr. ’47, 2/27/16 Harry T. McElroy ’48, 7/25/16 John E. Piersa ’48, 5/11/15 Julius L. Pallone ’48, 8/12/16 MAJ Edward P. Brandstoettner ’49, USAF (Ret.), 1/26/17 Richard M. Crowley ’49, 3/11/17 Richard P. McCauley ’49, 8/22/16 Rev. John A. McShane ’49, 9/27/16 Robert T. Morris ’49, 7/16/16 Louis V. Page ’49, 2/27/16 Msgr. George M. Schuster, V.E. ’49, 12/3/16 Kenneth T. Austin ’50, 11/30/16
50 XAVIER MAGAZINE
Alan B. Cuneo ’50, 7/15/11 Jack Van de Genachte ’50, 5/18/13 Robert H. Fetherston ’50, 8/13/16 Hon. Reginald Stanton ’50, 7/14/16 Oliver R. Ashe ’51, 1/3/17 John G. Baumann ’51, 7/21/08 Donald A. Byrne ’51, 2/24/17 Laurence E. Cummins ’51, 11/26/16 Raymond M. Donohue ’51, 12/10/14 John F. Hackett ’51, 12/23/16 Cornelius “Neil” J. Hickey ’51, 9/12/16 Edward C. Keough ’51, 7/16/16 John J. Lennon ’51, 7/31/16 Roger McTiernan, Sr. ’51 P’69 ’77 ’79, father of Roger McTiernan ’69, Brian McTiernan ’77, and Barry McTiernan ’79 and grandfather of Ryan McTiernan ’07, 2/3/17 James A. Shields ’51, 9/10/16 Frederick T. Sullivan ’51, 10/13/15 Michael Crosby ’52, 6/4/17 Edward J. Donovan ’52, 10/22/16 Rev. Robert W. Dahlke, S.J. ’52, 7/18/16 Robert J. Mettalia, Esq. ’52, 4/3/16 Tomas A. O’Boyle, M.D. ’52, 8/22/15 Richard F. Atnally ’53, brother of Edward Atnally ’49, 6/14/16 George A. Camey ’53, 4/14/16 Thomas D. Shore ’53, 10/5/16 William J. Tobin, Ph.D. ’53, 5/30/16 Peter Blanchard, M.D. ’54, 5/13/14 Rev. Vincent Cooke, S.J. ’54, 6/22/17 Edmund J. Smedley ’54, 12/28/16 Rodger D. Shay ’54, 7/13/16 Francis J. Gillen, M.D. ’55 P’82 ’85, father of Francis X. Gillen ’82 and Spencer Gillen ’85, 1/20/17 Kevin Spatz ’55, 4/7/17 James E. Cole ’56, 7/6/16
Francis X. Connolly, Esq. ’56, 10/30/16 John F. Gibbons ’56, 3/8/17 Msgr. Charles A. Ribaudo ’56, 8/13/16 Leonard Weg ’56, 6/20/17 James P. Fleming ’58, 12/2/12 Dennis J. McLaughlin, Esq. ’58, 11/25/16 F. Gregory Baumann ’59, 5/26/16 Charles A. Cuomo ’59, 8/9/16 Kevin A. Lawler ’59, 11/18/16 Daniel I. McNamara, Jr. ’60, 3/7/16 Theodore P. Harris, Jr. ’60, 5/21/16 John Ziegler ’60, 3/29/17 Don D. Carlucci, Esq. ’63, 1/9/17 Ralph L. Phelps ’63, 1/8/17 Thomas B. Moore ’63, 6/25/16 Edward P. Carroll, Jr. ’65, 7/21/16 Daniel A. Fazziola ’65, 12/15/15 Richard J. Gilmour ’65, 4/17/16 Vidutis J. Keraminas ’65, 4/4/16 Gerard Lyons ’65, 1/30/17 John J. Bert, M.D. ’66, 7/25/16 Eugene J. Comey, Esq. ’66, 4/22/16 Louis G. D’Elia ’66, 4/29/17 Kenneth J. Campbell ’67, 2/26/16 Kenneth P. DelPercio ’67, 11/12/16 Christopher G. Pappas, Jr. ’67, 8/29/16 William J. Roe, Jr. ’67, 11/15/15 Joseph A. DePaola ’68, 2/2/17 Anthony M. Assenza ’69, 12/12/16 John D. Valentino, D.D.S. ’69, 6/8/16 Robert J. Abernethy, Jr. ’70, 7/28/16 Andrew Ackers ’71, 3/31/17 Paul McGroarty ’71, brother of David McGroarty ’68 and John McGroarty ’70, 6/9/17 Harry J. Gaffney, Esq. ’72, 7/12/16 Bohdan P. Starostiak ’72, 6/21/16 Robert A. Fleming, M.D. ’73, 6/15/16 Rene Medina, Esq. ’73 P’18, father of Marco Medina ’18, 3/2/17 Harold McCarthy ’76, 4/1/17
Desmond J. Nelly ’80, 1/1/17 Taras Hnatyshan ’82, 4/17 Andrew J. Israel ’85, brother of Christopher Israel ’89† and Ross Israel ’93, 8/8/16 John A. Paulino ’86, 3/9/17 Adam Rosowicz ’87 P’21, father of Christian Rosowicz ’21, 6/14/17 Paul Giganti ’98, 4/20/17 David Martorano ’00, 6/18/17 Peter J. Hawkes ’11, 7/20/16 SPOUSES Kathryn Perrone, wife of Louis Perrone ’51†, 12/9/16 Kathleen Smith, wife of William Smith ’51, 10/6/16 Margaret Muccia, wife of Regent Carrol Muccia ’54, 10/18/16 Lyda V. Tanco, wife of Francis Tanco ’63, 4/7/17 Eileen Tenerella, wife of Charles Tenerella ’64†, 12/14/16 Marta Shevchuk, wife of George Shevchuk ’67, 11/11/16 Kathleen M. Malon P’13, wife of Paul Malon ’73 and mother of Ryan Malon ’13, 11/22/16 Michelle Mullen, wife of Sean Mullen ’88, 1/11/17 PARENTS Mary Geffken P’63, mother of Rick Geffken ’63, 6/19/17 Marie Van Brunt P’63, mother of Roy Van Brunt ’63, 3/8/17 Constance Boetig P’64 ’66 ’71, mother of Robert Boetig ’64, Allen Boetig ’66, and Christopher Boetig ’71, 9/21/16 Doris Civale, mother-in-law of Joe Fisher ’64, 6/3/17 Maria Rivera P’66, mother of Ronald Rivera ’66 and grandmother of David Rivera ’90 and Mark Rivera ’96†, 2/3/17 Eve Muratore P’71, mother of Anthony J. Muratore, Esq. ’71, 3/28/17 Joseph F. Muratore P’71, father of Anthony Muratore, Esq. ’71, 11/7/16 Roslyn A. Pizza P’75 ’76, mother of Bradford Pizza ’75 and Bhrett Pizza ’76, 12/5/16 Patrick J. Whalen P’75, father of Patrick J. Whalen ’75, 10/13/16
Joseph Chinnici P’76, father of Russ Chinnici ’76, 9/25/16 Mary Hopeck P’76, mother of John Hopeck ’76, 5/17/17 Mary Dwyer P’77, mother of Thomas Dwyer ’77, 3/26/17 Elena Lacorazza P’77, mother of Stephen Lacorazza ’77 and aunt of Richard Battaglino ’67 P’96, 5/4/17 Renate Yocher P’77, mother of George Yocher ’77, 10/29/16 Patricia Keegan P’78, mother of Gary Keegan ’78†, 8/4/16 Thomas Lee P’78, father of Michael Lee ’78, 10/6/13 Vera Maher P’80 ’84 ’85, mother of Robert Maher ’80, Thomas Maher ’84, and John Maher ’85 and grandmother of John Maher ’14, 3/7/17 Jose Fernandez P’81, father of Nelson Fernandez ’81, 1/5/17 Donald Cohen P’82 ’90, father of Donald Cohen ’82 and Christopher Cohen ’90, 3/13/17 Mary E. Frey P’82, mother of Richard Frey ’82, grandmother of Robert Messina ’01, and former staff member in Xavier’s business office, 7/13/16 Martina Carroll P’83 ’86, mother of Patrick Carroll ’83 and Terry Carrol ’86, 6/14/17 Anthony V. Pucciarelli P’85, father of CMDR John Pucciarelli, USA (Ret.) ’85, 11/13/16 Diana Spataro P’85 ’89, mother of Michael Spataro ’85 and Christoper Spataro ’89, 3/31/17 Barbara DeSapio P’86 ’89, mother of Joseph DeSapio ’86 and William DeSapio ’89†, 7/15/16 James Farrell P’87 ’91, father of John Farrell ’87† and Kevin Farrell ’91, 11/3/16 Marie Farrell P’87 ’91, mother of John Farrell ’87† and Kevin Farrell ’91, 2/11/17 Peter Nikc P’87 ’97, father of Robert Nikc ’87 and Michael Nikc ’97, 4/16/16 Michael Braccia P’93, father of Michael Braccia ’93, 1/29/17 Maryann Fitzgerald P’96, mother of Thomas Fitzgerald ’96, 10/21/16
AnnaMarie McMahon P’97, mother of Larry McMahon ’97†, 11/3/16 Louise Troisi P’99 ’02, mother of Andrew Troisi ’99 and Peter Troisi ’02, 1/26/17 Concordia Soriano P’02, mother of Bryan Zabala ’02, 10/18/16 Lawrence C. Mule P’04, father of Michael Mule ’04, 1/11/17 Dr. Fidel Santiago P’04, father of Fidel Santiago ’04, 3/17/17 Kellyanne Caivano P’06, mother of Nicholas Caivano ’06, 2/13/17 Eileen Bellettiere P’11 ’13 ’17, mother of Joseph Bellettiere ’11, Thomas Bellettiere ’13, and Michael Bellettiere ’17, 3/31/17 Dorothy A. Poniatowski P’16, mother of Konrad Poniatowski ’16 and Julian Poniatowski ’16, 6/25/16 Pam Collins P’20, mother of John Collins ’20, 1/29/17 CHILDREN Anne Maeve Coughlin, daughter of Dr. Robert Coughlin ’52 Mary Elise Millus, daughter of Paul Millus ’79, 12/4/16 FACULTY AND EXTENDED FAMILY Vincent Boller, brother of former Xavier President Ken Boller, S.J., 12/31/16 Michael G. J. Clarke, Xavier basketball coach, 1/22/17 Gladys Gorski, mother of former Xavier Vice President for Advancement Joseph Gorski, 3/23/17 Rose Keenan Ingram, sister of Rev. John Keenan, S.J. ’42† and Peter Keenan ’46† and cousin of Rev. Jim Keenan, S.J., 1/21/17 Richard Nyahay, father of Xavier guidance counselor Regina Valinoti, 1/4/17 Gloria Paradiso, grandmother of Richard Fodera ’19, 6/29/16 Frank M. Pinto, brother of Nick Pinto ’57, 11/30/16 Rev. Joseph C. Towle, S.J., Xavier teacher from 1960–1963, 8/7/16 Daniel J. Woody, Sr., M.D., father of Xavier faculty member Mary Anne Woody, 1/15/17
XAVIER MAGAZINE 51
Back STORY
Photo Credit: Charles Wainwright
Let Go and Let God
By Kieran Halloran ’10 ast August, I concluded Novitiate (the first stage of Jesuit formation) with eight of my Jesuit brothers with the profession of vows in Syracuse, New York. As the day for our Vow Mass drew near, I felt both great gratitude for the two years in Novitiate and great excitement for my future life in the Society. However, I couldn’t help but be struck by the confounding nature of it all as well. In a society that holds up wealth, family, and liberty as key aspects of the “American Dream,” professing vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience makes absolutely no sense. Yet there I was, ready to kneel in front of the Blessed Sacrament and do just that. While aware of this reality, I was sure of my decision because it came from a deep and personal encounter with Christ’s love. It’s because I know God loved me first and
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52 XAVIER MAGAZINE
Jesus chose me that I can choose Christ and offer myself to God in love. In the face of God, who has given me all that I have and who has filled my life with such joy and love, how can I respond other than to offer it all back to him and allow God to act through me in this world? Throughout my process of discernment and formation, I have often been reminded of a saying that was introduced to me during my senior retreat at Xavier: “Let go and let God.” At the time, this maxim was extremely helpful for prayer, but I came to a much deeper appreciation of it during my time in Novitiate. Through prayer on the monthlong Spiritual Exercises, I let go and let God reveal to me how he continues to be present throughout my life and constantly offers life and redemption through the resurrection. Then, while caring for the elderly and terminally ill on our “Hospital Experiment” I learned to ultimately entrust the people I cared for to God’s care while accompanying patients through their final days in this world. During my “Long Experiment,” at the Nativity School of Worcester, I learned to let go and be guided by God’s call for me to respond to the various needs of the students and faculty of the school. Even now, after Novitiate, I’m constantly reminded to let go of my own wants and instead be guided by the mission given to me to pursue my philosophy studies for ordination and engage in ministry in St. Louis. In all these experiences, the truth I’ve encountered again and again is that when I “let go and let God” I find more than I could have ever imagined. In entrusting myself and my ministry to God, there is tremendous joy even amidst the greatest struggles and challenges. This truth resonates most poignantly to me when I recall my Hospital Experiment. Despite the physical and emotional pain that patients
felt from their diseases, a spirit of loving, caring joy pervaded the floor to which I was assigned. Even in the face of the death of our patients, there persisted a hopeful joy, knowing that each person had been commended to God’s loving care. And through the prayer of the Spiritual Exercises and the rest of my time as a Jesuit, I’ve come to recognize that the more I give my life over to God, the more I truly live as a human being and as a Jesuit. The more that I let go of myself, the more that I become who I most truly am and the more I am sustained and supported by God’s abundant love. It is by this mysterious logic of grace that I professed vows and continue my formation as a Jesuit. Shortly after professing vows, the nine of us received our vow crosses, which serve as reminders of the promises we make and the one to whom we make those promises. As this was done, we sang the Suscipe prayer of St. Ignatius, which we pray at the end of the Spiritual Exercises. In it we pray for the Lord to take and receive our liberty, memory, understanding, and entire will. We let go—we let it all go—knowing that we are simply returning to God all that he has given us. After letting go, we let God, asking him to do what he wills. The prayer concludes, “give me only your love and your grace; that is enough for me.” After professing vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and after receiving the cross of the one who redeemed the world, these words reveal a remarkable truth about religious life. When we let go of all we are and have, and when we let God accomplish his will within us, his love and grace truly are enough. Kieran Halloran, S.J. ’10 is a graduate of Georgetown University. He is currently engaged in First Studies at Saint Louis University in Missouri.
1963 FROM THE ARCHIVES
In 1963, a 26-year-old Jesuit scholastic named Jim Keenan, S.J. arrived on 16th Street. With his command voice and easy laugh, the Brooklyn native quickly endeared himself to colleagues and students alike (including the cheerleaders he moderated!). He went on to become Headmaster and President of Xavier before serving as president of McQuaid Jesuit High School, Canisius High School, Saint Peter’s Prep, and the New York City Nativity Schools. Today, he is immortalized in the space that bears his name, Keenan Commons of Fernandez-Duminuco Hall.
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