ALUMNE WS OF XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL
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XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL Rev. Daniel J. Gatti, S.J. ’59 President Joseph Gerics, Ed.D. Headmaster OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS Joseph F. Gorski Director
XAVIER ALUMNEWS Fall 2004/Vol. 8 No. 1
Features
Debra Ryan Director of Annual Giving William A. Reidy ’94 Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving Contributing Writer Caroline L. Gallagher Director of Alumni Relations Managing Editor of Alumnews Helene Strong Parents’ Association Coordinator Barbara Ciulla Advancement Office Manager Michael Elka ‘08 Martin Kurzatkowski ‘02 Joseph Petriello John Verlezza Contributing Writers PHOTOGRAPHY Caroline L. Gallagher The Yearbook Staff Alumnews, the Xavier High School magazine, is published three times a year by Xavier High School. Correspondence and address changes should be mailed to: Alumnews Managing Editor Xavier High School 30 West 16th Street New York, NY 10011-6302 or by e-mail to gallagherc@xavierhs.org
Director of Admissions, Tom Wierzbowski, at right, gets help from Big Brothers at Freshman Fun Day
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News from the Quad Xavier is a school alive with community and activities
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Career Day Xavier alumni dedicate their lives to work in a wide range of professions. This year, fourteen alumni gave of their time to return to Xavier and share their professional and life experiences with the Class of 2006.
Front cover: Michael Fricchione ‘05 pictured in front of the United Nations in New York
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Ignatian Scholars
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Building in Faith, Working for Justice Written by Joseph A. Petriello The Companions of Xavier Service Program is an aspect of Xavier school life that provides students with opportunity to live out the Ignatian call to be “Men for Others.” This summer, students volunteered their time during five separate service trips to Mexico, Ecuador and Tennessee.
The newly developed Ignatian Scholars program is underway, with participating freshman helping to make this year’s New York Multiple Sclerosis bicycle tour a success.
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New Members of the Board of Trustees Xavier’s Board of Trustees is a group of men and women who are entrusted with the responsibility of keeping Xavier true to its mission. The Board currently has nineteen members; here, the two newest recruits are acknowledged, Rev. Arthur C. Bender, S.J. and Richard T. Nolan, Jr. ’83.
Additional Articles President’s Message
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From the Advancement Office
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A Letter from the Headmaster
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“Big Apple Fest” Apple Painted by Xavier Teacher 9 ReuKNIGHTed
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2005 Annual Fund
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Bob Scavullo ’60
Hall of Fame Nomination Form
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Men and Women for Others and Cura Personalis are two phrases that strike familiar chords in Jesuit-educated individuals. Applying these principles to daily life is one alumnus who, now retired, volunteers his time as a learning coach at a California high school. Bob Scavullo ’60 and his efforts were recently recognized as he was named San Francisco Schools Volunteer’s “Volunteer of the Year.”
Capital Campaign Information
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Class Notes
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Mileposts
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Sports
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Car Raffle
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Jesuit Education: Investing for the Long-Term Dear Alumni, Parents and Friends, A birthday party to make you proud, that’s what I experienced recently at the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum on the far west side of Manhattan. The occasion was the 229th Birthday of the United States Marines, and the Marine being honored with a special award that evening was our own Tom Kane of the class of 1957. Tom is no stranger to the halls of 16th Street; his student days here were followed by those of his son, Tom, who graduated in 1980. The school building on 16th Street, since 1988 bearing the name “the Kane building” gives witness to the great generosity of the Kane family. In receiving the Marine For Life award, not only was Tom’s active military service recognized, but also in civilian life his “distinguished community service driven by moral and ethical values that are the hallmark of The Marine Corps.” Tom is currently the chairman of the board of Operation Smile. The lives of many Sons of Xavier have been stories of success. But what does it mean to be successful? Is it the number of homes, the public adulation or the personal net worth that one possesses that makes for success? These and other accomplishments have transient value, but all too often they can become self-serving, only adding to the person’s sense of self-importance. These socalled gains are short-term and are enjoyed on a limited horizon. Success for one exposed to Jesuit education is much more; it affects the long-term and the horizon is limitless. A peer of mine, Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J., President of Jesuit High School in New Orleans (which, by the way, shares a birthday with Xavier, having also been founded in 1847) recently wrote to his school community on this very subject: “We can be tempted to concentrate on short-term success and neglect the long-term development. We need to ask ourselves frequently what are the long-term consequences of our decisions. Our contemporary culture does not value the long-term. We live in a society of instant gratification that concentrates on this quarter’s results and neglects potential consequences. Guiding adolescents to appreciate long-term values has never been easy. Short cuts seem so attractive. . . . Ultimately, our students’ true success depends on whether they avoid unhealthy, unjust, or dishonest short cuts to success. . . . We have also worked hard to develop in our students leadership, maturity, and an awareness of the needs of others so that they can become successful in the longest of long-term horizons—eternity.” Along with our high regard for academics, we are about the business of forming Men for Others, people like those you will read about in this issue of Alumnews who volunteer their time, energy, wisdom and resources not to the benefit of self, but to the benefit of others. Again, I thank you for your wonderful support of so great an endeavor, to form the minds and hearts of young men on the model left us by Jesus Christ. Were you with me in the hallowed halls of Xavier, you would see a coming to birth that would make you proud! God bless you always,
Rev. Daniel J. Gatti, S.J. ’59 President
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Mass of the Holy Spirit
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he start of each new school year is marked with the celebration of the Mass of the Holy Spirit, this year held on September 10th. A blessing was bestowed upon all faculty members and the newly elected President of the Student Council, Edward Cullen ’05, and this year’s Colonel of the Regiment, Jonathan Carbajal ’05, were commissioned. Father Gatti presented Edward with the mace and Jonathan with the gold saber, symbols of their office, which were then placed on the altar… Xavier’s Family Liturgy, held on Sunday, September 19th, drew great crowds. After Mass in St. Francis Xavier Church, the students and their families proceeded to the school gym for a reception hosted by the Parents’ Association. This annual event is a great way for the families of new students to learn about the Xavier Community…The Honors and Leadership Assembly took place on September 22nd, recognizing students for their hard work and achievements in the previous school year and during the summer months…Members of Xavier’s Regiment marched proudly up 5th Avenue again this year on a beautiful fall day in New York’s 60th annual Columbus Day Parade…This year’s first Open House was a great success. More than 2,000 people walked through Xavier’s halls to see the modern library, updated computer learning center, science labs, “smart classrooms”, soundproof band room, chapel and gymnasiums. In addition to the facilities, prospective students and parents were able to ask all their questions of their personal tour guides. From learning about Xavier’s rigorous curriculum and honors program to college placement and the campus ministry program, guests left Xavier informed and impressed. Perhaps the most important aspect of the day was the sense of pride and tradition that the families sensed from students who not only love being at Xavier, but who are also eager to share that enthusiasm with prospective students and their parents... The parents’ phonathon was a success again this year. Current and graduate parents dedicated their time to help raise more than $100,000 in pledges for the 2005 Annual Fund. Parents’ Phonathon
President’s Council Dinner It has become somewhat of a tradition that Xavier’s President’s Council Dinner is held at the New York Athletic Club. This year’s 22nd Annual President’s Council Dinner
was no exception. Held on September 15th, it was a night for Father Gatti to thank donors in the President’s Council. One hundred and fifty guests were in attendance to enjoy dinner and good company. Joe Gorski welcomed all to the dinner, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Gene Rainis ’58, spoke about the
continued importance of the Annual Fund and outlined some of the challenges Xavier faces. Campaign Co-Chair, Dan Denihan ’65 updated attendees on the facts and figures of Xavier’s capital campaign and encouraged all to participate in it. Father Gatti recognized new members of Xavier’s President’s Council and, following a closing prayer by Alumnews - Fall 2004
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Mr. Anthony SooHoo, S.J., joined Frank Gregory in singing Sons of Xavier. While all of the evening’s speakers were well-received, perhaps the most eloquent of speakers was Rev. Vincent J. Duminuco, S.J., Xavier’s headmaster from 1969 to 1974. He opened dinner with grace, saying: We come together this evening realizing and rejoicing in the fact that we are part of a proud, living Xavier tradition, 157 years in the making. How many institutions in the city of New York have withstood such a test of time? By their fruits you will know them. Men of Xavier have laid healing hands on ravaged flesh, have touched souls from pulpit and waterfront, have plumbed the depths of the unconscious. They have put teeth into the law – they have marched for peace and poured their blood onto San Juan Hill and Pearl Harbor, into Seoul and Saigon, onto the
World Trade Center and in Iraq. They have transformed slums into decent housing and put morality into Wall S t r e e t . They have run universities from Fordham to the Philippines, edited journals of opinion and theology, brightened the movie screen and the blackboard jungle, ignited parishes and occasionally inflamed pastors. Walk through the Xavier Hall of Fame and marvel how Xavier has left its mark on the atom and the weather, on Congress and the Erie Canal as well as on the U.S. Supreme Court, on exegesis and Egyptology, on linguistics and music, on prisons and Episcopal palaces, on banks and on the stars, on the test tube and on the boob tube. Marvel above all at the untold thousands who without plaque or scroll have loved God above life itself, have loved their fellow men and women as profoundly as they loved themselves. Indeed, Xavier’s past is impressive. And so, we pray first in thanks to God, who has blessed us through all these years
Rev. Frank Golden, S.J., Dona and John Foley, and Rev. Vincent Duminuco, S.J.
Jane and Gene Rainis‘58,Joe Gerics and Rev.Joseph Latella,S.J.
Rudy Cecchi ‘69, Rev. Kenneth Boller, S.J. and Bill Peterson ‘87
A group poses at the President’s Council Dinner
Father Gatti poses with the new Members of the President’s Council
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Kevin McLaughlin ‘74 with his wife, Jean, and Father Gatti ‘59
with productive lives – building our families and the city of God. We pray also that the Holy Spirit will be with us and with the young men of Xavier today and tomorrow – inspiring us and our students with wisdom, courage and love to carry forward the wonder that is the living Xavier tradition. A grateful thanks to all those who help continue that tradition by their generous donation of time and financial support. Thank you also, to those whose presence made this year’s President’s Council Dinner a success.
Xavier Society/Loyola Associates Reception On Thursday, September 30th, Moran’s Restaurant welcomed an important group of Xavier supporters. Nearly one hundred members of the Xavier Society
and Loyola Associates enjoyed the annual cocktail reception, with attendees including alumni, current parents, graduate parents and friends. Following an hour of mingling, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, Joe Gorski addressed the gathering, relaying updates on the Annual Fund and Capital Campaign. Father Gatti spoke about the benefits of a strong Annual Fund, citing changes and improvements within the school building, and thanking those in attendance for making such progress possible. The Xavier Society and Loyola Associates Reception was a great evening, and all those members, present at the reception or not, are thanked for their continued commitment and support on behalf of Xavier.
Joe Gerics joins Paul Ching ‘80 at the Xavier Society/Loyola Associates Reception
Chris Nolan ‘84 and Tony Muratore ‘71 with Walter and Ken Sidlowski ‘71
Xavier Bids Farewell to Father McGowan When men dedicate themselves to the Jesuits as brothers and priests, they do so with the full understanding that they will be asked to use their talents and abilities in different fields and in different places. For forty years, Xavier has been blessed with the presence of Rev. William J. McGowan, S.J. The thousands of Xavier men who have passed though the hallowed halls on 16th Street during his distinguished tenure have all benefited from his unique blend of tenacity, vigor and care. Father McGowan has relocated, and now resides at Murray-Weigel Hall on the campus of Fordham University. Recently, in a function sponsored and run by the very alumni he served, Father McGowan made the comment that the Sons of Xavier are his family. He has always enjoyed alumni visits, emails and phone calls. For those who wish to contact Father McGowan, he can be reached at 718.430.4923. Friends came out to wish Father McGowan well on his departure from Xavier this summer
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Career Day Each year, a small group of Xavier graduates come back to 16th Street to volunteer their time at Career Day. Returning alumni enjoy a light breakfast before heading down to the gym, where the junior class waits in the bleachers to meet them and hear the keynote address, given this year by Dan McCarthy ’71. Following this introduction to the day, students attend three workshops, headed by alumni. This year, the response to Xavier’s request for Career Day participants was so great that some alumni were asked to relinquish their seat for the year, in order to allow other willing alumni the opportunity to participate.
Ed Rivera ‘84
Dan McCarthy ‘71 Charles Mulham ‘84, Chris Bombardiere & Ithaca
Each year, the increased use of props and technology results in fresh presentations, while interesting professions and the engaging nature of speakers result in spirited discussion. On November 5th, Dan McCarthy ’71, Chief Trial Counsel for the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, presented both a humorous and meaningful keynote address. He explained to students that, regardless of where they choose to live or work after graduation from Xavier, there will always be a brotherly bond between Xavier graduates because of their shared past. During workshops, Paul Ching ’80 relayed his knowledge of banking and finance; Frank Comerford ’73 captivated students with a video presentation and his experience as President and General Manager of WNBC in New York; John Countryman ’50 expressed knowledge of life as a US Ambassador; Peter Dowling ’68 used PowerPoint to outline his career in the United States Secret Service; Michael Entrup, M.D. ’75 addressed future physicians; Peter Hamboussi ’95 and Vincent Ng ’95 worked as a team to discuss careers in Graphics and Advertising; Peter Maniscalco ’72 served as the accounting authority; Dan McCarthy ’71 elicited laughs as he used PowerPoint and music
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Peter Dowling ‘68
Brian Schulz ‘92 Rev. Michael Suarez, S.J. ‘78
to explain his job at the Bronx District Attorney’s Office; Charles Mulham ’84 brought props and delighted students with a special treat – his coworker at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Chris Bombardiere, and dog, Ithaca, an Explosives Detection Canine; Ed Rivera ’84 explained his role as Vice President of Marketing and Planning at J Records; Brian Schulz ’92 drew crowds as he discussed his role as Associate Producer and Cinematographer for Major
League Baseball; Michael Sheehan ’66 was a familiar face as a Fox News broadcaster; Rev. Michael Suarez, S.J.‘78 felt at home in the classroom as he shared his experiences as both priest and educator. Xavier continues to be blessed with alumni who are committed to its current students. Many thanks to this year’s Career Day speakers, whose dedication and enthusiasm made the day a great success!
From the A d v a n c e m e n t O ff i c e Joe Gorski Director of Advancement
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s I have mentioned several times in previous issues of Alumnews, one of the main purposes of the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations is to keep alumni, parents and friends in contact with Xavier, as well as strengthening the bonds of the alumni with one another. To further the second of these goals, we have begun to explore two new endeavors. The first of these new endeavors is the possible formation of Alumni Regional Clubs. The purpose of these clubs would be threefold. First, it would foster opportunities for more social interaction between alums in a given area and provide a venue for learning more about current happenings at Xavier. Second, it would allow for networking among alumni, as well as familiarizing them with people in different career fields that they might be able to utilize. For example, an alumnus in need of a lawyer might turn to another alumnus who is a lawyer in the area with more confidence and trust than they might feel toward a non-Xavier lawyer. Finally, the regional club can provide a number of Christian Service programs for graduates, giving members opportunities to continue to be “men for others” in their local communities. Three volunteers from the Boston area, Jim McEleney ’83, Charles Rourke ’50 and Tim Sullivan ’82 are working to structure a regional club in that city. We will be e-mailing a survey to graduates in and around
Boston (including Cape Cod, eastern Rhode Island and southern New Hampshire) to try to determine what specific interests might serve our graduates. We will also run the survey online so that visitors to the Xavier alumni online community from Boston and its environs can complete it as well. We have also set up a Greater Boston Regional Club on the online community. If you are interested in joining the club, you can register online and contact the three gentlemen listed above by e-mail or snail mail. We believe that the formation of these clubs could tighten the bonds of the Xavier community even further. If we are successful in Boston, we will work at replicating these organizations elsewhere in the country. The second endeavor is designed to be more national in scope. As you are all aware, the job market today is not only competitive but also exists in a rapidly changing environment. As a result many alumni are finding themselves either changing careers or anticipating possible change. Today’s college graduates are facing a great many challenges as they enter the job market for the first time. More and more of our graduates are expressing their need for career networking and counseling. I have been receiving more personal requests for help in the job market than ever before and my effectiveness is limited by time, knowledge of different career fields, lack of volunteer mentors and other daily job tasks.
I know that many colleges have begun career networking programs for their graduates. With our online community, the existing bonds of Xavier alumni and accomplished graduates in a wide array of career fields, I believe that such a program would be beneficial to all of our alumni. A core group of professionals in various career categories would be necessary to make the program successful. These individuals would be willing to counsel alumni entering the workforce for the first time or those who are in transition because of current market conditions. We would post the mentors, their field of career expertise and their contact information online so that they could be contacted by those alumni in need of their services. These career advisors would be willing to offer career information and insight through informational interviews, review resumes and advise need for changes, provide, when possible, networking opportunities and personal referrals and impart successful job seeking strategies. If you are interested in becoming a career mentor, please contact me at gorskij@xavierhs.org and I will get back to you with more information. I believe that if we can get the strong involvement of our alumni base on these two projects, we will succeed in bringing our alumni base even closer together than before. I urge you to think about these two ideas and get involved. I will keep you apprised of our progress on these issues as we go forward.
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A Letter from the Headmaster Greetings from 16th Street! Dear Xavier Alumni and Friends, Forty-one years ago, when I was in eighth grade, early one Saturday morning my father drove me to Connecticut’s Jesuit high school, Fairfield Prep, for the entrance exam. As I left the car, he stopped me and said, “You know, this is the biggest day of your life.” My father is not generally given to such pronouncements and, over the years, I’ve chuckled more than once about that one. But as the 53rd Headmaster of Xavier High School, sitting behind the desk once occupied by Fr. David Ciancimino, S.J. and other great educational leaders before him, I realize my father wasn’t far off. My high school Jesuit training was the most important educational experience of my life, as it was for other alumni, including, I hope, the students I was blessed to have taught at my alma mater for more than two decades. Now, after eight years as principal at a diocesan high school, I am very happy to return to Jesuit education. This summer before officially beginning as headmaster, I joined five Xavier High School teachers at the Jesuit Secondary Education Association Colloquium at John Carroll University. The topic was maintaining schools’ Ignatian identity as Jesuit vocations in the United States decline. At the Colloquium I was heartened by one of the Provincials who said in conversation, “Yes, we are fewer in number. But,” he continued, “we are blessed with so many men and women who want to work with us, who are committed to our mission.” In a speech this October at Creighton University, Father PeterHans Kolvenbach, S.J., Superior General of the Society of Jesus, noted that St. Ignatius had “enthusiastically embraced lay men and women as partners in the works of the society.” Today, lay women and men have taken on many responsibilities in collaboration with the Society of Jesus. One striking example at Xavier is Kairos, our retreat experience for seniors. Four lay teachers, Mr. Michael Wlach, Ms. Loredana Altamura, Mr. Israel Salvador and Retreat Director Mr. Michael Chiafulio, joined Br. Christopher Derby, S.J., on this year’s first Kairos. Four more Kairos retreats are planned for the rest of the year, and all are fully subscribed. Most of the students who attended the first Kairos have applied for leadership positions on the remaining retreats.
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If you had been here at Xavier High School on the Friday afternoon the first Kairos cohort returned, you would agree with the Provincial’s sentiment. Forty spirit-filled seniors marched into the Student Chapel singing “Sons of Xavier,” before reflecting publicly on how the retreat and all their years here had deepened their faith. Xavier High School is fortunate in having Jesuits as administrators, teachers and as campus minister, as well as dedicated lay women and men who share the Ignatian vision. Together we stand committed to educating our students in the traditions Xavier High School has established over a century and a half. Our alumni and friends can be confident that future generations of the Sons of Xavier will be not only academically excellent and trained to lead but, more importantly, also committed to justice, service to others, and love of God and neighbor.
Sincerely,
Joseph Gerics, Ed.D. Headmaster
“Big Apple Fest” Apple Painted by Xavier Teacher New York’s moniker, “The Big Apple,” dates back to the 1920s, when it is known that the word “apple” was used to refer to racing courses in the area. Rumored to have heard New Orleans’s jockeys and trainers calling New York City tracks the “Big Apple,” John Fitzgerald, a writer for the New York Morning Telegraph, popularized the phrase in the early 1920s. In addition, there is also an old saying in
show business, specifically among jazz musicians, that “There are many apples on the tree, but only one Big Apple,” in reference to New York City being the premier place to perform. Years later, in 1971, the name became official, as New York City, in an effort to increase tourism, formally adopted the title. At the time, bright, red apples were featured throughout the city, contrasting New York’s image of being dark and dangerous. This year, “The Big Apple Fest” attempted a similar undertaking. In an effort to promote a revitalized image of New York City, an art exhibit was created to raise funds for three New York City based nonprofit organizations: City Harvest, Police Athletic League and NYC & Company Foundation. According to the Big Apple Fest Web site, “these great organizations will benefit from corporations and individuals sponsoring ‘Big Apples.’ In addition, Sotheby’s will auction the Apples in December to support the charities.”
sculptures created by various artists throughout the city, including one by Xavier art teacher, Mrs. Denise Iacovone. In conjunction with artist, Ava Barbour, Mrs. Iacovone was commissioned by ESPN to paint an apple, which resides on Park Avenue South and 24th Street until the end of the exhibit, when it will be permanently housed in the lobby of ESPN’s corporate headquarters. The sports-themed apple, painted in acrylics and titled “ifan,” is a tribute to the sports’ fans of New York. Taking nearly two weeks to complete, Mrs. Iacovone said about the project, “It was an interesting challenge to take something as literal as sports figures and still create a piece that reflects a ‘painterly’ style. We spent a lot of time finding a way to paint the action of the games.” Mrs. Iacovone and Ava Barbour are team painters for the Coalition of Creative Artists (COCA), an interdisciplinary arts group which combines jazz performance, interpretive painting, installation art and improvisational dance. Mrs. Iacovone and her husband, also a teacher at Xavier, founded COCA four years ago. Congratulations to Mrs. Iacovone on recognition well-earned!
The apples consist of more than 200 Mrs. Iacovone
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Summer Service Trips Building in Faith, Wor k ing for Justice The Companions of Xavier (CFX) Service Program is a long-standing part of Xavier’s school tradition that gives students the opportunity to live out the Ignatian call to be “Men for Others.” This past summer, fifty-one students, one alumnus and seven faculty members answered the call of mission by going forth into the world in service to those in great need. While the summer months brought about relaxing visits to the beach and much needed vacations, the Xavier community’s dedication to service was also very much alive in five
separate service trips to Mexico, Ecuador and Tennessee. The mission of these service projects is to provide students with a communal experience of Church, as a center of reflection and prayer, while working in direct contact with those in need. CFX seeks to deepen students’ commitment to the call of the gospel, and work for justice in the world today. The program seeks to serve the local, national and international community, reflecting that the Church and the call to discipleship
Counterclockwise from left: Seniors Paul Grech, Chris Riso, Steven Shlivko, Salvatore Scapelito, Angelo Bonvino, Bartosz Jaworski and Felix Lené join Mr. Joseph Petriello in Tennessee
are truly Catholic, truly universal. CFX is organized under the direction of Mr. Joseph Petriello, the Director of Ignatian Service Programs. Founded upon the four cornerstones of community, simplicity, prayer and service, the program has grown tremendously in the past two years, raising awareness within Xavier about the issues of poverty and social justice. Throughout the past school year, the program successfully incorporated an International Immersion Experience, as well as continuing Xavier’s relationship with Appalachia Habitat for Humanity in Robbins, Tennessee. Three of the five trips went to Tennessee, where Xavier volunteered with the second oldest affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, well known for building and repairing homes for lower income families. The Tennessee trips were held under the direction of Mr. Gregory Harkness and Mr. Joseph Petriello, with the added leadership of Mr. Michael Chiafulio, Mr. Lou Cicalese, and Mr. Anthony SooHoo, S.J. On three separate trips, thirty-eight students and one alumnus, Mike Kirkman ’02, worked on the construction of a new home, from filling the foundation and building the external walls the first week, putting up the roof and siding the second week, and finally, upon return a month later, painting the interior and finishing detailing. In addition, the student volunteers built porches at a second site, a three home apartment complex. The last visit to Tennessee was a combined effort with Fordham Preparatory School, bringing both schools together as had been done the previous summer. In July, Xavier traveled into international territory, volunteering with Young
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Neighbors in Action in Tijuana, Mexico and Rostro de Cristo in Duran, Ecuador. Led by Mr. Greg Harkness, Mr. Christopher Napolitano, and Mr. Anthony SooHoo, S.J., twelve rising seniors joined other teen volunteers from around the United States for a week of service building a chapel for the local community. They also performed much needed repairs on the roofs of many homes and donated all their tools to the families once the job was done. Mr. Steven Noga and two rising seniors joined Cleveland, Ohio’s St. Ignatius High School in the middle of South America, immersing themselves in the culture of Ecuador. Throughout the course of their stay, they volunteered in a soup kitchen, painted homes and tutored young children. Again, it was an experience in a shared Jesuit tradition as the two schools came together in faith to serve and love through the work of their hands. Leo Mordasini ’05 reflected, “Experiencing the poverty in Ecuador, my life has been changed forever. It has strengthened my commitment to help anyone who is in need.”
Tijuana
Throughout the entire school year, students are committed to raising substantial funds to support the expenses of the program. With the help of donations from family, friends and parishes, as well as many inschool fundraisers such as the Acoustic Coffeehouse, CFX members were able to raise more than $48,000 to cover the costs of the program. Plans for CFX 2005 are already in the works, with the application process having taken place in the fall. CFX will return to Tennessee and Mexico next summer, with plans to host an in-school medical supplies drive to maintain Xavier’s relationship with the people of Ecuador. Not only did these young men build and repair homes, they also built bridges of community between themselves, students from other parts of the country, and the local people with whom they worked. Beyond all their effort, they enjoyed recreation time, as well as the hospitality of shared meals with local families. Most importantly, in the group’s prayerful reflection these young men discovered that the good work of their hands was guided by the hands of Christ, who calls us to love and serve wherever we may journey. The Companions of Xavier Service Program has deeply affected the lives of our students in so many ways, as the words of Sal Scapelito ’05 can attest, “My time in Tennessee made me realize what it meant to be a true Man for Others. In working with the community, my faith grew stronger.”
Ecuador
– Joseph A. Petriello Tennessee
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For the past three issues of Alumnews, a new section of the magazine, titled ReuKNIGHTed, has appeared. The column has been a great success; alumni from all graduating years and walks of life have shared their tales of chance encounters with fellow Xavier alumni. It is with pleasure that we continue the column, and share two stories of alumni reconnections and one of Xavier nostalgia. The column will only continue its success with your contributions. Please contact Caroline Gallagher with your story at gallagherc@xavierhs.org or by phone at 212.924.7900 x1435.
Garage Tale During his freshman year at Xavier, in Father Lynch’s Fine Arts class, Joseph Re ’78, created a 10” x14” wooden block bearing Xavier’s insignia. He has carried it with him throughout the years and, after settling on Lido Isle in Newport Beach, CA in 1987, hung the memento in his garage. In 2001, the fathers of the local Indian Princesses of the Shoshone Tribe met to discuss the tribe’s evening activity. While enjoying a cold beer in Joseph’s crowded garage, one of the girls’ fathers pointed to the wall and indignantly asked, “Where did you steal that wooden thing from?” Joseph responded that it was his own, that he had made it in high school. Immediately recognizing the truth in his explanation, the inquisitor proudly exclaimed that he attended Xavier as well, and introduced himself as Mark Zielinski ’77.
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Joseph Re ‘78
Mark Zielinski ‘77
The two alumni confirmed their discovery by looking through old yearbooks and, although they never met while attending Xavier, have crossed paths regularly since their recent discovery. Joseph explains that both he and Mark are in the process of building new homes on Lido Isle. While the garage location of his Xavier keepsake resulted in connecting with a fellow Xavier alumnus, Joseph will be hanging his wooden block inside of his new home.
Many miles from home, a Xavier graduate meets a fellow cadet Years ago, George Camisa ’45 was an LTJG aboard an LST, or Landing Ship Tank, which was setting up Air Force weather stations in the Eastern Caroline and Marshall Islands in preparation for the 1954 Hydrogen Bomb tests. The men were delayed in Pohnpei Island. After learning that there was a missionary on the island, who had built both a church and vocational school for native Micronesians, George decided to pay him a visit. The two shared a refreshing libation and George discovered that the missionary was Rev. Hugh Costigan, S.J., a Xavier graduate of the Class of 1932. Not only did the two share the same high school alma mater, they were raised only a few blocks from one another! Before leaving the island, George donated shoring lumber, George Camisa ‘45 Rev. Hugh Costigan, S.J. ‘32 no longer needed by his ship, to Father Costigan’s school. He expressed that Father Costigan, who died in 1987, was a “great priest who did marvels on that small island” and he was glad to meet him, if 7,000 miles away from home.
The Long and Winding Road The following is not a story about alumni being reunited, but it does recall the conviction with which one alumnus traveled to attend Xavier. Paul Meyer ’46, who resided in Clifton, New Jersey during his high school years, wrote in a recent letter, “I walked one mile from my house to the Erie Railroad Station, and then took a train to Jersey City. Next was a ferry boat across the Hudson River to Chambers Street in Manhattan. I walked up from Chambers Street to Xavier.” In reading Paul’s letter, one thinks about the effortful and circuitous trip he undertook each day to obtain a Xavier education. His travels home were equally intriguing. “I walked from school to the Lincoln Tunnel on 42nd Street and then hitchhiked back to Clifton.” Upon examination of his Xavier yearbook, Paul’s family and friends questioned his rank of Private, one of only a few listed. Paul explains that, after all his time on the road, he had little time to study.
Paul Meyer ‘46
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Scavullo
Robert Scavullo ’60
“ Vo l u n t e e r o f t h e Ye a r ” “Men and Women for Others” and “Cura Personalis,” the personal care of every individual, are two phrases which strike familiar chords in Jesuit-educated individuals. In Xavier: Reflections on 150 Years, Xavier’s 31st president, Rev. Kenneth J. Boller, S.J. said of Xavier men that they are not “just the leaders at the front of the parade, but leaders in service to others.” The Jesuits went into education as a part of the Church’s mission. At Xavier, the goal has been to provide an education of high quality, a value-centered education that will equip students to assume responsible roles in society as leaders, as “Men for Others” in the service of God. This year, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger tackled a budget crisis by signing an executive order to create the California Service Corps and calling on volunteers to lend a hand through public service. San Francisco School Volunteers (SFSV), a nonprofit organization, contributed by sending more than 2,200 volunteer workers into classrooms to help by doing things like reading to students. SFSV’s Executive Director, Alan Lessick estimated the value of the organization’s efforts at $9 million. Xavier alumnus, Bob Scavullo ’60 has already contributed for two years now by volunteering at San Francisco’s Gateway High School. In October, at a ceremony in San Francisco City Hall, he was named San Francisco School Volunteer’s “Volunteer of the Year.” Now retired, Bob worked in the computer software industry for thirty-six years, holding positions from programmer to CEO. Prior to his career in computer software, he graduated from Boston College with a BA in Math and from the University of Chicago with an MBA.
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In May 2002, he found himself looking for a new challenge, and discovered one at the Gateway High School Learning Center. Today, he volunteers twenty-five hours a week as a learning coach. Gateway High School is a college preparatory charter school in San Francisco whose Mission statement maintains, in part, “Working with teachers committed to our mission, Gateway students will acquire the skills, habits and knowledge necessary for academic and personal success in college and in adult life.” Those teachers include individuals like Bob, who volunteer their time, energy and knowledge. Learning coaches work with students one-on-one in Math, Physics, History and English, but Bob admits that it is “while working with students on developing mathematics abilities that I have had the greatest impact.” Bob initially discovered that many students lacked understanding of basic math concepts, therefore naturally ran into difficulty grasping more developed equations and word problems. Bob helps students discover their best learning style, goes back to basics, and helps them build a solid mathematics
Bob Scavullo brought up the rear to help stragglers on a Gateway Outdoor Leadrship Skills (GOLS) student backpacking trip in May 2004
foundation. Called by Gateway’s founding principal, Peter Thorp, a “spectacular example of how this state is full of people with a commitment to its public schools…[Bob] brings to his math conversations with kids, not only tremendous education experience, but the ability to answer questions like, ‘Why do we have to study this stuff?’”
Volunteers, Bob is able to do just that. His dedication as a volunteer and commitment to the Jesuit ideals of “Cura Personalis” and “Men for Others” make him a fine model of a Xavier graduate who leads by his own good example.
Bob recently commented, “My objective is to have all my students enjoy Math, get respectable grades and, most importantly, to be able to apply Math principles in their daily lives.” Through his work with San Francisco School
Alumnews - Fall 2004
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The 2005 Annual Fund A C o m m i t m e n t t o X a v i e r ’s Fu t u r e The Annual Fund continues to be the most significant factor in successfully funding programs, providing tuition assistance and scholarship aid, compensating faculty and enriching our endowment. A goal of $1,805,000 has been set for the 2005 Annual Fund as we strive to bridge the gap of $2,500 per student that exists between tuition and fees charged and the actual cost of educating a student at Xavier. Your early participation in this year’s fund with a leadership gift will also allow us to decrease costs by reducing the number of individual mailings we make throughout the fiscal year. We hope that the Annual Fund remittance envelope folded into this issue serves as a convenience for you when you want to update your personal information for our files, submit news for “Class Notes” or remember Xavier with a gift. Please note that updates and gifts to Xavier can be made at any time online at www.xavierhsalumni.org. We are pleased to announce that Michael A. Puglisi ’68 and Michael J. O’Rourke ’91 have agreed to serve as Co-Chairmen for this year’s Annual Fund. You will be hearing from them in the near future and all alumni can be sure to hear from class chairmen during phonathon and at reunion time. The help of all is greatly needed to attain the $1,805,000 goal. To a great extent, the success of the Annual Fund depends on the growing involvement of our alumni as volunteers and as donors. The names of those who, at the time of this printing, have volunteered their time and efforts as class chairmen are listed on the following page. Please participate in the phonathons and assist the class chairmen in their efforts to maintain the strong bond that Xavier enjoys with its many sons.
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Alumni Class Chairmen Michael A. Puglisi ’68 Michael J. O’Rourke ’91 Annual Fund Chairmen
1930 Msgr. John R. Torney
1961 C.P. Connell, Jr.
1931 James M. Horan
1962 Thomas M. Callahan
1932 John A. Winter
1963 Peter E. Schwimer, C.S.W.
1984 Christopher P. Conniff, Esq.
1935 Kevin E. Kavanagh, Esq.
1964 Raymond J. Lustig, Esq.
1985 Timothy J. Walsh
1938 Harold J. White
1966 John C. Meditz
1986 Kevin P. Cuddihy
1939 Thomas M. Doyle
1967 James Crisafulli
1987 James B. McHugh
1940 Ralph R. Ilaria, Esq. 1942 Felix R. Suarez 1943 Thomas L. Doyle, Jr., M.D. 1944 Francis J. Dwyer, Esq.
Francis B. Orlando, Esq. 1970 James P. Gildea Edward S. Kulesza, M.D. 1971 Kenneth J. Sidlowski
Aloysius C. Tattam
1972 Donald W. Gross, Jr.
1945 William A. Murphy
Peter A. Maniscalco
1983 Richard T. Nolan, Jr., Esq. Richard A. Stewart
William Peterson 1988 Nicolas Mahedy John C. McHugh John P. Piccard 1989 John R. Thorburn 1990 Joseph A. Janos
1947 Leo B. Connelly, Esq.
1973 Robert H. Maguire
1992 Richard W. Lustig
Albert J. Melzl
1974 Richard J. Scheller
1993 Daniel C. Steffens
1948 James E. Tweedy, P.E.
1975 James E. Hillman
1995 Eric G. Eschenauer
1952 Thomas A. Conniff, Esq.
1976 Louis J. Papa, Esq.
1954 Franklin D. Piasio
1977 John J. Young, D.D.S.
1997 George Sinnott
1955 John R. Mellert
1978 Craig A. Eaton, Esq.
1998 Jonathan Chiacchere
1957 Thomas H. Donnelly, Ph.D.
1979 Marc T. Corea
1999 Randy Fernandez
1958 Gerard F. Feeney
1980 Stephen T. Keller
1959 John P. Keker
1981 Gil L. Cosenza
Gerald M. Knapp 1960 James W. Cuddihy Robert V. Scavullo
1982 Kevin M. Gori, Esq. Timothy T. Tweedy, P.E.
Matthew M. Scalzo
Matthew Strong 2000 Raymond Otton Timothy A. Williamson 2002 John Pfabe 2003 Mark Montaruli
Alumnews - Fall 2004
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Ignatian Scholars Always Ready to Lend a Helping Hand
X
avier is one of New York’s leading Catholic high schools for young men, a characteristic resulting from its long history and Jesuit tradition. The Ignatian Scholars Program assists Xavier in continuing to attract the best and brightest students. Last year, the admissions committee invited high achieving students who scored in the top seven percent on the COOP Exam to participate in a newly developed program, the Ignatian Scholars Program. Xavier’s honors program was enhanced in order to provide more stimulating academic opportunities. St. Ignatius Loyola desired that his companions be rigorously trained. In addition to learning classical literature, language, rhetoric, philosophy and theology, these early Jesuits learned to use their God-given gifts in the service of others. Following in the tradition established by these first Jesuits, Ignatian Scholars are immersed in a demanding course of study in addition to participating in guest lectures, field trips, arts exposure, academic research, cultural outings and community service. The first activity of the Ignatian Scholars took place on October 14th. Mr. Joseph Petriello said grace, and moderators Ms. Erin Lockwood and Ms. Eileen O’Neill explained the event as students enjoyed a pizza party. Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that disturbs the central 18
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nervous system. Approximately 400,000 Americans are known to have MS; worldwide, the disease may affect more than 2 million individuals. The New York Multiple Sclerosis bicycle tour, held on October 17th, raised more than $1.5 million for people with MS and their families in New York City, and to fund research looking for a cure. Xavier’s Ignatian Scholars were among 5,000 cyclists and volunteers who participated in the event.
gift certificates, toiletries and promotional items. Ignatian Scholar, Steven Moccia ’08 said of his experiences: ‘Volunteering our time to help people with MS was a wonderful experience. We spent the afternoon creating gift bags that were given to the participants of the MS Bike Tour to thank them for supporting this effort. Hopefully, the money raised will help researchers make medical breakthroughs. Xavier students worked on an assembly line, and we were
Michael Elka ’08, a newspaper staff writer and Ignatian Scholar, wrote the following about the event: The Ignatian Scholars program went on a trip to the South Street Seaport to lend a helping hand at the annual New Ignatian Scholars, Steven Moccia ‘08 and Andrew Olsen ‘08 York Multiple Sclerosis able to make hundreds of the bags. It was bicycle tour. After school, the scholars, a great chance for us to work with our approximately thirty in number, attended teachers and to experience being ‘men for a pizza lunch and were given information others.’ about the disease and who would be helped by their efforts. They then made The students worked quickly, and their way by subway to the South Street conservative estimates put their bag total Seaport, chaperoned by three teachers, at 1,000, returning to Xavier late at night including Ms. Lockwood and Ms. O’Neill. before heading home. Overall, a great They were instructed by MS Bike Tour time was had by everyone and there was coordinators how to assemble gift bags a wonderful feeling of accomplishment for the bikers, who would be riding among the band of students. That day, throughout the weekend. Forming three the scholars did a small but important small groups, the Scholars bagged several thing for their fellow human beings, and items which would be handed out at the conducted themselves as true “Men for finish of the tour. The gift bags included Others.”
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Xavier’s Legacy Helped by Annuities Estate planning offers many opportunities to make a tangible and long lasting difference at Xavier. Annuities are an estate planning vehicle that benefits, not only the students of Xavier, but also you and your family.
Looking for Xavier on the Web?
This giving vehicle allows you to: • receive an income for life that will never decrease in size or frequency no matter how the economy or the stock market performs • make a gift that is free from estate taxes • provide for a spouse or other beneficiary
For news, events or to relay information, go to: www.xavierhsalumni.org
Want to investigate other planned giving ideas for Xavier?
• help provide the means for Xavier to continue or more than 157 year tradition of educating young men in the Jesuit tradition To find out more or to make a gift, please contact Bill Reidy ’94 at 212.924.7900 x1611 or reidyw@xavierhs.org.
Go to www.xavierhsalumni.org and click on the “Planned Giving Advice” feature located on the left.
Xavier Hall of Fame Nomination The President’s Office wishes to inform you that nominations for induction into the Xavier Hall of Fame for the 2006 ceremony will close on January 31, 2005. Qualifications for admittance into the Hall of Fame require that the person be a graduate, faculty member or administrator at Xavier who has been outstanding as a “follower of Christ” in the tradition of St. Ignatius Loyola and St. Francis Xavier in the service of God, his neighbors, his country or civic community. Please return this nomination form to Xavier High School by January 31, 2005. Your Name & Class Year (if applicable): Nominee’s Name & Class Year (if applicable): Briefly describe the reason for nomination:
Day Phone:
New Board of Trustees’ Members Xavier is pleased to announce the addition of two new members to the Board of Trustees. Rev. Arthur C. Bender, S.J. and Richard T. Nolan, Jr. ’83 have graciously agreed to lend their time and talents to Xavier. Rev. Arthur C. Bender, S.J. Father Bender has devoted his life to the apostolate of Jesuit education. As a graduate of Regis High School, Father Bender obtained a BA from Fordham University prior to attending the University of Toronto for his masters in Medieval Studies and degrees in Divinity and Theology from Regis College in Toronto. Father Bender began his teaching career at Canisius High School in Buffalo before heading back to his alma mater to teach Latin at Regis. His range of teaching abilities was utilized at New Jersey’s St. Peter’s Prep throughout the 1980s, where he taught History, Latin and Theology before serving as Acting President from 1986 to 1987. Since 1991 Father Bender has taught History and Latin at Regis. His experience as a trustee is extensive: Father Bender has served on the Boards of St. Peter’s Prep, Regis High School, Fordham Prep and Loyola School. Of his recent decision to join Xavier’s Board of Trustees, Father Bender said, “For more than 150 years Xavier has been providing an outstanding education to the young men who have come through its doors. I am honored to be associated now with this fine school, and I look forward to serving the school community in the coming years as a member of the Board.”
Richard T. Nolan, Jr. ’83 Following his Drew University graduation, Rich Nolan returned to Xavier to assume the role of Director of Annual Giving. Following this two-year stint in the Advancement Office, Rich attended Fordham University’s School of Law, where he obtained a Juris Doctor in 1992. Today, Rich is a partner with McCarter & English, LLP, New Jersey’s oldest and largest law firm. Rich’s involvement with Xavier has been consistent throughout his adult life. In addition to his role as class chairman, Rich is a familiar figure at the annual Beefsteak Dinner and at phonathons. He has given time to serve on Xavier’s Advancement Committee and on the Hall of Fame Nominating Committee. Rich’s new position offers him the opportunity to expand his involvement at Xavier. He said, “I’ve long enjoyed participating in alumni activities. However, this new opportunity to serve Xavier as a Trustee is very exciting and an enormous honor. The Board consists of a wonderful group of talented people. I look forward to working with them.”
With gratitude for their service, Xavier welcomes Father Bender and Rich Nolan to the Board of Trustees.
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Stand So All The World Can See, the capital campaign that Xavier undertook just over two years ago, has raised more than $12.3 million in pledges that are payable over a five year period. So far, in excess of $3.6 million of those pledges have already been fulfilled. This means that Xavier has already begun to realize the objectives established in the campaign. This fundraising effort aimed, in part, to increase Xavier’s endowment. The endowment allows Xavier to extend to those in need the financial aid necessary for them to go to school on 16th Street. Certainly it is not the case that every Xavier student needs financial aid, but those that do should not be denied a Jesuit education. The capital campaign, by infusing the endowment with $7 million over five years, will greatly support the vehicle that generates the funds necessary to offer financial aid to those in need. Gifts to the campaign have already begun to generate that strong growth. 1847 is a date that rings a familiar tone in the minds of Xavier men. It was in that year that Father Larkin founded Xavier. Since then, the school has known only four locations and has been on 16th Street since 1850. Our oldest building was built in 1862 and our youngest building is already forty years old. Because of the age of the physical plant, there are a number of, perhaps not glorious but, certainly necessary upgrades and repairs that the buildings require. The campaign was, in part, dedicated to creating a reserve fund that could address these needs.
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One of the biggest changes that Xavier has encountered since its inception has been the composition of the faculty. These days, with fewer Jesuits in the classroom, the number of lay faculty has greatly increased. In order to maintain our Jesuit identity, it is important for this campaign to set aside funds that will create new programs that teach generations of teachers and students alike what it means to go to a Jesuit school. Already, we are seeing the dividends of these initiatives taking effect. Plans are in the works to repair and restore the 15th Street facades of both “C” and “D” buildings. New York City requires, by law, that buildings be pointed with regularity. This process is necessary because, over time, the mortar joints that hold the bricks in place can become soft or the mortar itself could be cracked or damaged. Xavier has wanted to undertake this project for some time. Now, thanks to the generosity of those who donated to the capital campaign, we can begin to address this and other projects that are necessary throughout the campus. Campaign funds will also allow for a new post to be created that will directly address the issue of how to remain a Jesuit school when there are fewer Jesuits. A new position, the Director of Ignatian Programs, will work to assure that the identity and philosophy of Jesuit education will remain strong today and in the future. Nothing great is ever accomplished at Xavier without a combination of leadership, hard work and
dedication. The four campaign cochairs as well as the alumni and friends who made up the campaign Steering Committee have brought those qualities to this most-important fundraising effort. A campaign is built one step at a time. As with any task, sometimes the first step is the most important. By bringing together four co-chairmen who would be willing, not only top make a leadership gift, but also approach some of their fellow alumni and request that they too get involved in the campaign, the campaign had taken that most important first step. Chairmen are not merely symbolic heads of a campaign. As such, Dan Denihan ’65, John Meditz ’66, Eugene Rainis ’58 and Fred Salerno ’61, were asked to stand for all the world to see and they responded by giving of their time, talents and financial support. Their leadership and hard work got the campaign off the ground. The Steering Committee was the next group to be enlisted for this effort. They also were asked to make a gift and then ask their fellow alumni to do the same. All of the men listed at the end of this article did great work and, without them, the campaign would not have come close to reaching the initial goal of $10 million, or the reset goal of $12.5 million. As on any team, there are standouts. We would be remiss if, in addition to the co-chairs, we did not acknowledge the diligence of Eugene Cooke ’45, Tom Lamberti ’48, Roger Shay ’54, Bob Scavullo ’60, John Spollen ’62 and Rudy Cecchi ’69. Their tireless work and diligent effort was instrumental in helping us achieve so much in such a short span of time. Undoubtedly, they made this campaign a priority in their busy personal and professional schedules.
success. We thank them and we look forward to the end of this year when the campaign reaches, and hopefully surpasses, its monetary goal of $12.5 million!
CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRMEN Daniel J. Denihan ’65 John C. Meditz ’66 Eugene C. Rainis ’58 Frederic V. Salerno ’61 STEERING COMMITTEE Rudolph Cecchi, Esq ’69 Rev. David S. Ciancimino, S.J. ’77 Eugene L. Cooke ’45 Nicholas J. D’Agostino, Jr. ’56 James J. Gallagher ’54 Paul Gannon ’75 Rev. Daniel J. Gatti, S.J. ’59 Joseph F. Gorski Thomas W. Keaveney ’63 Roger T. Kirwan ’60 Thomas M. Lamberti, Esq. ’48 Thomas A. Maher ’80 William S. McKiernan ’74 Michael J. Moriarty ’64 William A. Reidy ’94 Robert E. Robotti ’71 Robert V. Scavullo ’60 Rodger D. Shay ’54 Charles J. Smith, Esq. ’69 John W. Spollen, Esq. ’62 Francis X. Tirelli ’70 Steven P. Vincent, Esq. ’75
As the end of the year approaches, we are eager to surpass our final goal of $12.5 million. The entire fundraising effort, one that is highlighted by hundreds of generous gifts, has been a great experience. These alumni have worked together and their diligence has made Stand So All The World Can See a real
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Class Notes
Compiled by Martin J. Kurzatkowski ’02
1935 James Tierney is still sitting as arbitrator for NASD DC Superior Court and the DC Bar.
1938 Harold White is proud to announce the birth of his first granddaughter, Isabelle White.
1941 Phil McAuliffe and his wife, Kathleen, are in their third year at the retirement community for military officers located adjacent to Fort Belvoir, VA. It is a great place with many old friends, and Phil and his wife are quite happy there.
1944 Leo Kiley relocated to Cedar’s in Chapel Hill, NC. Leo continues to play golf and root for the Tar Heels.
1945 Best wishes on a speedy recovery to William Boyan, who is recovering at home from coronary artery bypass surgery.
1947 A 75th birthday party was thrown in May for Harold Brauner by his wife, Betty, their children and friends. Xavier celebrants were Leo Connelly, Frank Galdi and Ernie Wagner. Ernie Wagner and his wife, Maryellen, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on August 7, 2004 at a gala arranged by their children and friends. Participating in the festivities were Hal Brauner, Leo Connelly, Frank Galdi and Ernie’s son, Michael Wagner ’83. Tom McMahon gets together with John Watson on an annual basis.
1948 Thomas Kennedy contributed a chapter to a volume entitled Madame Chiang Kai-shek and her China to be published this year.
1949 On the weekend of September 10th, the Class of ’49 held its 14th annual “informal” reunion at the home of Bill Bolger in Glen Ellyn, IL. This year, 20 members of the class made the trip for a great weekend that included cocktails and dinner on a converted Nova Scotia ferry boat on the Chicago shoreline. The weekend attendees included John
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Beglan, Bill Bolger, Ed Brandstoettner, Chip Cippola, Bill Clarke, Steve Conti, John Hauss, Jack Kelley, Lou Lopez, Jack Madaras, Dick McCauley, Ken McGinty, Bob Moynihan, Gerry Nappy, Bill and Tom O’Brien, Dick and Charlie Potter, John Sergio and Bob Wokoun. Next September, the reunion will take place in Cape Cod. Phillip Wallace is the author of Call of the Sea, a historical novel set in the time leading up to the War of 1812.
1952 Robert Lauder, a professor of philosophy at St. John’s University in New York, has put out his eleventh book entitled Magnetized by God: Religious Encounters through Film, Theater, Literature and Painting. Robert Robertazzi recently built and opened a new 90,000 sq. foot, 3-level Lincoln Mercury dealership and service facility on Route 3 in Clifton, NJ.
Police Academy. James Hanigan has completed 25 years of teaching at Duquesne University. Wilbur Ross recently married Hillary Geary, granddaughter of Xavier Hall of Famer Thomas E. Murray ’08 of Atomic Energy Commission renown, and also sold his company, International Steel Group. Congratulations, Wilbur!
1957 John Stone underwent total replacement hip surgery in August and is back playing golf.
1958
Joseph Von Zwehl, along with his wife, Noreen, operate Rosa Mystica House of Prayer in Edmeston, NY. If you are interested, you can contact them at www.rosamystica.us.
Peter Hoffmann was elected to serve a two-year term on the Hawaii County Council beginning December 2004. Gil Keteltas and his wife, Maryellen, are working at Cardinal Spellman High School in Brockton, MA. Stephen Koch and his wife have sold their Connecticut home and are building a new home on Hilton Head Island in the Seabrook Landing section of the Hilton Head Plantation. Eugene Rainis has been inducted as an “Honorary Consul” in the state of New Jersey for the Government of Lithuania.
1954
1960
Congratulations to Dick Caime and his wife, who celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in September. Kenneth Kramer has traveled extensively and has had the opportunity to explore five continents. Ed McCarthy has retired after 38 years with Met Life. Ed now works part-time at the local parish as a pastoral minister and parish business manager.
Deacon John Cavallaro presided at the marriage of his son, James. Rich Bory, Vin Bova, Mike Byrne, Jim Cuddihy, Bill
1953
1955 Congratulations to John C. Gallagher, who received a plaque from Eugene J. Corcoran, U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of New York at a dinner honoring him upon his retirement as Suffolk County Police Commissioner. The event, marking the conclusion of his seven years as Commissioner, was attended by federal, state and local law enforcement officials from the greater New York area. John received several honors at the dinner, including the County’s Medal of Honor, the highest award given by Suffolk County. The Suffolk Community College Board of Trustees voted to rename the Suffolk County Police Academy The John C. Gallagher
John C. Gallagher ‘55 receiving a plaque from U.S. Marshal Eugene Corcoran
Haybyrne and Bob Oliver got together in New York recently for lunch.
Champion at a ceremony during their national convention on July 20th in New York. Frank was recognized for his work in founding and supporting Academics of Finance in Arlington area high schools, and for his role as the local AOF Board Chairman. Andy Mazzara was elected to the Board of Directors of the State College Little League and named as Director of Basketball Operations and Head Boy’s basketball coach of Our Lady of Victory Catholic School.
1968 Members of the class of 1960 got together for lunch
1962 John Carroll published Sustainability and Spirituality.
1967 The National Academy Foundation honored Francis Dong as an Advisory Board
Charles DuPont is living near San Diego. Thomas Healey was appointed the Director of Client Services for the Educational Testing Service in Princeton, NJ. Lucille and John Neuenfeldt celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in August 2004.
1977 Paul Klementowicz is still making headway in acting, theater and film. Welcome back to Reid Muller, who spent portions of this past year deployed in Iraq and Columbia with elements of the 174th Fighter Wing.
1981
1969
1982
1970
Dan Cronin, John Draghi and Joe Burke had a reunion at the wedding of Joe’s son, Daniel, with a follow-up gathering at the Four Seasons in Manhattan. Dan has recently retired after many years as an attorney for Pfizer.
1972
Carl Ferdenzi’s daughter, Allison, got married on September 5th at Oheka Castle on Long Island. The wedding was filmed by “A Wedding Story” and aired on The Learning Channel in October.
Leonard Alfano became the business manager of The Morris School on Staten Island. Leonard is responsible for the financial operations of the school. George Hillman has been honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award in Humanities by Gannon University. Tom Kosten continues as professor of Medicine and Psychiatry at Yale University. Tom recently served on the National Academy of Sciences and wrote a book on immunotherapics for addictions.
1963
senior at Xavier. He will graduate with the Class of 2005.
Charlie Brown has purchased a home in the Wilmington, DE area, where he is now the Vice President of the Winner Automotive Group. Patrick Doyle got married on July 10th and his daughter, Kathryn, was a bridesmaid while his brother, Tom ’69, was the best man. Michael Laracy was awarded the honor of Distinguished Alumni by Livingston College, Rutgers University. Edward Kulesza and his wife, Beth, celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary at a party at La Terrazza Restaurant in New York City. In attendance were Lynne and Tony Depietro, Barbara and Kevin Fitzgerald, Gloria and Bob McGuirl, Frank Paquin, Kevin Stack and the best man, Billy Kulesza ’72.
1971 Eugene Laurich is getting together with the Xavier alumni in the Hilton Head Island area. Ken Sidlowski’s son, Michael, is a current
John Crapo has accepted the position of Associate Director of the California Public Policy Research Center of the University of California – Office of the President. Philip Lynch is studying to achieve a second master’s degree in Education. Michael Fox is the owner of Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation Physical Therapy Center. The center is expanding and opening a spine center. Peter Weiss just finished his term as president of the Passaic County Bar Association and recently began a three-year term as municipal judge in Wayne, New Jersey.
1984 Andrew Corrigan recently moved to Northport, LI with his wife and two children and is in the process of pursuing his Certified Financial Planner designation. Michael Walter’s company, Elite Entertainment, recently performed at their 10,000th event. 2005 marks their 15th anniversary.
1985 Jesse Mojica has been appointed as the Bronx representative to the Panel for Educational Policy. Jesse is the parent of an autistic child and serves on the NYC Autism Taskforce. In addition to his advocacy work, Jesse is a produced playwright and theater director. He was recently awarded a Van Lier Fellowship by the Repertorio Espanol Theater and promotes the works of emerging Latino playwrights.
1986 Paul Dallemagne, USAF Reserve, left for his annual mission to Antarctica on October 27th and expects to return by March 2005.
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Robert Suarez attends Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Michigan, pursuing his J.D. degree.
1987 Jim Povey deploys to Iraq in January 2005 with the 102nd FA unit.
Engineering. James will be moving on to San Diego. Congratulations to Andrew Gorski on the completion of his M.S.E.E. degree from Northeastern University in May 2004. Steven Spyliopulos was named InHouse Scholar at Torah el Shalom Yeshiva in Kensington, Brooklyn.
1989 Joseph McCarthy was recently named Director of Corporate Development at Ambassadors International to develop and direct its growth through mergers and acquisitions in the leisure field. MichaelAlexander Saa obtained his master’s degree in Business Administration with a Certificate in International Business at Iona College. Michael currently works at the Chubb Insurance Company.
1991 Joseph O’Grady coaches freshman basketball at Regis High School and also owns Martell’s Restaurant.
1994 Joseph Leff started his own Insurance Wholesale Agency called J.M. Leff Facilities Inc., located in Queens, NY and Poughkeepsie, NY.
1995 Matthew Scalzo is living in Washington, D.C., teaching and coaching at St. John’s College High School while finishing his MA in Theology.
1997 James Cruickshanks, was joined by his brother Jonathan ’01 and Dean of Admissions and Record Richard Bory ’60, who gathered on Commencement Day at Cooper Union to congratulate James for achieving his master’s degree in
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2001 Jonathan Cruickshanks continues to play soccer for Cooper Union and plans on staying for his master’s degree in Engineering. James Crum will graduate from Penn State in May 2005 with a degree in history. David Pereira is a senior at St. Peter’s College with a major in psychology. David is involved in the center for personal development as a resident assistant of the college performing in a play A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Daniel Rinaldi was invited to sing an operatic song in a concert led by Daniel Rodriguez at St. Ephrem’s Church in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Michael Toomey will graduate from Fordham University in May 2005.
Jonathan Cruickshanks ‘01, Richard Bory ‘60 and James Cruickshanks
2000 Frank Marullo graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in Toy Design and an associate’s degree in General Illustration. Frank is currently employed at Design Edge, a product development company located in Merrick, Long Island. Richard Scarponi graduated from the School of Visual Arts on the Dean’s List in May 2004. Richard spent a month backpacking in Europe and is now the Art Director for Tracy Locke Brand Activation network. Michael Vida was hired in March 2004 by NASO as a compliance examiner.
2002
Tom Panazzolo opened Empire State Studios as its producer and events coordinator. Tom continues his major in music production at SUNY Purchase and works part-time for Lehman Brothers as a consultant. John Toomey will study in Ireland in 2005.
2003 Michael Trano is at Marist College in Poughkeepsie. Michael’s major is Criminal Justice and he is also playing rugby.
Mileposts Deaths Alumni Nicholas A. Nehrbauer ’27, September 14, 2004 James E. Fogarty ’31, September 26, 2004 Donald E. Shannon ’32, August 8, 2004 Joseph C. Cristiano ’34, January 19, 2004 James Daly ’35, October 21, 2004 Harry J. Brix ’39, October 28, 2004 John J. McCarthy ’39, August 4, 2004 Bernard J. McDonough ’40, July 24, 2004 William D. Brown ’42, August 8, 2004 Thomas R. McCarthy ’42, October 13, 2004 Alphonse S. Rinaldi ’42, August 4, 2004 William F. Tierney ’44, July 14, 2004 Richard W. Ward ’45, September 21, 2004 John F. Tuffy ’46, July 23, 2004 Henry J. O’Brien ’47, August 5, 2002 Ronald J. Binda ’51, March 28, 2004 Thomas Gilfillan ’53, August 26, 2004 John R. Bratge ’54, June 12, 2004 Brendan Carney ’55, May 30, 2004 Joseph M. Galvin ’55, February 6, 2003 Eugene F. Martin ’55, March 31, 2004 Robert E. Tuffy ’55, June 28, 2003 James P. Maher III ‘62, August 1, 2004 Paul R. Carini ’69, September 6, 2004 Thomas L. Stofka ’72, May 6, 2004 Edward J. Winslow ’72, July 8, 2004 Bruce Goldner ’79, September 29, 2004 Lawrence Lamphere ’81, September 6, 2004 Family John Byrne, grandfather of Brendan ’05, September 8, 2004 Helen Corrigan, grandmother of Sean Finnerty ’00, June 22, 2004 Joan D. Donovan, mother of Thomas ’73 and Gerard ’78, September 12, 2002 Marie Gross, mother of Donald ’72 and grandmother of Daniel ’03, October 16, 2004
Ann Hayes, mother of Martin ’66, June 21, 2004 Annie Herron, mother of Erik ’03, September 24, 2004 Noel Higgins, wife of Paul ’46, October 7, 2004 Gene A. Intano, father of Gabriel ’59, January 7, 2004 Gilbert Keteltas, father of Gilbert ’58, August 30, 2004 George Landers, father of John ’73, June 29, 2004 William J. Lane, father of John ’80 and Thomas ’80, March 30, 2004 Etta Linney, wife of John ’39, August 2, 2004 Rocco F. Lofaro, father of Ronald ’55, March 5, 2004 Sola C. Lofaro, mother of Ronald ’55, January 8, 2003 Edward Mackey, father of Kevin ’72 and Edward ’74, July 22, 2004 Mary Mulligan, wife of John ’45, February 25, 2004 Geraldine Savino, mother of Frank ’78, December 25, 2003 Janet B. White, wife of Paul ’56, August 3, 2004
Olivia Lauren Atlas, August 22, 2004 Deena and John Atlas ’87 Justin Raleigh Riddick, April 23, 2004 Lakisha and Carlton Riddick ’88 Melanie Tania Prosser, August 27, 2004 Tania and Gregg Prosser ’89
Friends
Weddings
Raymond Glanowski, father-in-law of Michael LiVigni, Assistant Headmaster, August 8, 2004 Maureen O’Callahan, Tara O’Callahan & John Oldgis, sister, niece and nephew of Kevin Connelly, former chemistry teacher, October 9, 2004
Births
Megan Kathleen Cahalan, February 19, 2004 Andrea and James Cahalan ’90 Samantha Julia Janos, June 9, 2004 Karen and Joseph Janos ’90 Ciara Patricia O’Connell, May 20, 2004 Julie and Jim O’Connell ’90 Christopher Michael Zysk, September 18, 2004 Marisa and Michael Zysk ’90 Emily Rose Brady, October 19, 2004 Michele and Gerard Brady ’91 Jack Hagan Maguire, May 11, 2004 Kerry and Robert Maguire ’91 Ciaran John Murray, June 23, 2004 Heather and Brian Murray ’91 Jack Louis Shea, April 28, 2004 Moira and William Shea ’91 Shannon Castellanos, July 27, 2004 Analiz and Christian Castellanos ’94 Caterina Dean Mangano Leff, February 2, 2004 Michelle and Joseph Leff ’94
Patrick Doyle ’70 and Laura Larkin, July 10, 2004 Joseph O’Grady ’91 and Katelyn Murphy, August 28, 2004 Joseph M. Leff ’94 and Michelle Dean, May 24, 2003 Andrew Lund ’96 and Jennifer Donovan, October 2, 2004 Michael-Alexander Saa ’98 and Karen Lopez, August 24, 2002
Elizabeth Rose Portelli, September 28, 2004 Carmelina and John Portelli ’81 Giana Rosa Suarez, October 23, 2003 Lena and Robert Suarez ’86
Alumnews - Fall 2004
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Sports According to Xavier: Reflections on 150 Years, in the early part of the 20th century, “Xavier was handicapped in its athletic program by the lack of accessible practice fields…Perhaps the most important sport at Xavier in the early 1900’s was track, or ‘relay’ as it was sometimes called. In competition with other schools, Xavier often won distinguished honors. Like the military drill, these competitions were held at the local armories. Many of Xavier’s students excelled at running: ‘Why even back in 1909, we had intramural runners who could do a 4:54 mile or a 2:13 half…not bad marks in those days.’ A silver cup was awarded every year to the best track man in both the high school and college departments. The competitions were important to school spirit, and uniquely appropriate since St. Francis Xavier himself seems to have excelled in track at the University of Paris. We know this because later on he did penance for the pride he took in running.”
XAVIER TRACK THE TRADITION CONTINUES
Today, track remains an important component to Xavier’s athletic program. With coaches including Mr. Pat Dormer, Mr. Steve Noga, Mr. Phil Petrullo and Mr. John Verlezza, today’s times have improved, and many of Xavier’s harriers have gone on to compete at the collegiate level.
Anthony Gochal ‘08
Below, Mr. Verlezza highlights the team’s achievements as of the time this issue went to print.
The Xavier Cross Country team began its season in an impressive fashion. The Varsity, led by seniors James Hamilton and Nick Peterson, along with juniors Dan Murtagh, Matt Muratore and Ryan Woerner, has set the tone for the year by capturing first place at the McQuaid Invitational in Rochester. The Varsity continues to strive in a positive direction as they set their sights on qualifying for States as a team for the third time in school history. The Junior Varsity, led by juniors Mike Long and Eric McGivern, and sophomores Mike Batista and Joe Bode, has followed in the tradition of hard working Xavier runners as the season winds down. The Junior Varsity has been impressive as they improve their times with each passing meet. Led by Andrew Powers, Anthony Gochal, Klodian Pepaj and Aamen Nsouli, this year’s Freshmen team has come to be one of the most dominant frosh teams in years. The Frosh A team of Powers, Gorchal, Pepaj, Nsouli and Peter O’Neill captured third place at the Fordham Prep Ram Relays. As they approach their championship part of the season, the Freshmen look to become the first team in school history to capture a Freshmen Sectional Team Championship. – John Verlezza, Coach
In other sports news... The Varsity Fall Baseball team beat Iona Prep (8-2) and the Varsity Football team was victorious against Nazareth (19-6) and St. John the Baptist (30-13). The team continues to improve under the leadership of new head coach, Mr. Chris Stevens ’83. The JV and Varsity Bowling teams defeated Rice, with Senior Steven Maruffi leading the way for the Knights of the Lanes. The JV Soccer team tied Holy Cross and Regis in early October, and beat Fordham Prep (1-0) mid month. The Varsity team began the season with a victory against Regis (2-0) and tying Fordham Prep and Holy Cross. Their season continued with wins against Stepinac (31), Regis (1-0) and Iona (3-2). They then tied Fordham Prep and Stepinac, and went on to win against Xaverian (4-3), with senior Lucas Telmo scoring two goals, and seniors Salim Lewis and Steven Pozzuoli each scoring one. In the playoffs, the team beat St. Peter’s (3-1), with senior Brendan Smith scoring twice and Lucas Telmo scoring one for the Knights. Freshman Swimming has a 3-1 record, celebrating victories against Molloy, St. Peter’s and Xavierian.
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Alumnews - Fall 2004
XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL
C AR R AFFLE We invite you to take a chance for Xavier!
GRAND PRIZE 2005 SUBARU Forester (Arrangements provided by Beltway Buick-Subaru)
OR
$15,000.00 CASH!! Drawing to be held at Xavier High School
MAY 6, 2005
$20.00 PER TICKET Winner must be 18 years of age or older. Winner need not be present. Winner will assume all responsibility for State and Federal Taxes and all licensing and registration fees. All proceeds to benefit Xavier High School. TICKETS CAN NOW BE PURCHASED ONLINE AT www.xavierhsalumni.org/raffle2005 CLIP & MAIL TO: Xavier High School Advancement Office 30 West 16th Street New York, NY 10011-6302
For additional information call:
212.924.7900 x1436
Enclosed is my check for $_____________to purchase __________(number of ) tickets at $20 each. Your VISA/MASTERCARD is accepted. __________________________________ Card Number_____________________________Expiration Date__________ Your Signature
Indicate the name to appear on each ticket. Prize will be awarded to party listed below. Name_________________________________________________________________Class of______________________ Address___________________________________________________________________________________________ City__________________________________________State____________________Zip Code_____________________ Phone No. (
)__________________________ E-mail ____________________________________________________
Your ticket stub will be mailed to you.
Alumnews Calendar Class of 2004 Reunion
January 6, 2005
Parents’ Social
February 5, 2005
Beefsteak Dinner
January 21, 2005
Florida Receptions
February 24 - March 4, 2005
Open House
January 29, 2005
Boston Reception
March 31, 2005
Visit the Xavier Web site at www.xavierhs.org for further information.
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE
30 West 16th Street New York, NY 10011-6302
PAID
BRIDGEPORT, CT PERMIT No. 75