Xavier Alumnews: Summer 2005 by Xavier High School

XAVIER

ALUMNE W S OF XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL

SUMMER 2005

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 Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations

XAVIER ALUMNEWS Summer 2005/Vol. 8 No. 3

Features

Debra Ryan Director of Annual Giving Michael L. Benigno ’00 Managing Editor of Alumnews Director of Alumni Relations and Public Information Loual Puliafito ’00 Advancement Officer Helene Strong Parents’ Association Coordinator Barbara Ciulla Advancement Office Manager

Martin Kurzatkowski ’02 Thomas Wierzbowski ’00 Contributing Writers

The Parents’ Association hosted its major fundraiser gala, themed the “Knights of Broadway,” benefiting the Annual Fund.

News from the Quad

PHOTOGRAPHY Michael Benigno ’00 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 benignom@xavierhs.org

Front cover: The Xavier flag flying on a summer afternoon.

15th Street Façade Undergoes Major Renovations

Looking Deeper into Television Comedy A new book published by Rev. Michael Tueth, S.J. examines television comedies from several decades and their impact on American family life.

The exterior of the C, D, and Lynch buildings were repaired and renovated over the summer, making for a safer, more attractive building that will guide Xavier through the upcoming years. The improvements are the latest work to be done to two of the oldest buildings on 15th Street.

Additional Articles

Graduates Walk the Isle at St. Patrick’s Over 200 members of the Class of 2005 walked the isle at the Cathedral of St. Patrick during this year’s commencement ceremony. A number of graduates and faculty members were honored for academic achievements and service to Xavier.

President’s Message

From the Advancement Office

A Letter From the Headmaster

ReuKNIGHTed

Class Notes

Mileposts

Alumni Remember Joe Caruso

New Faces

Planned Giving

Thomas M. Doyle ’39 - Passing Of A Giant Dear Alumni, Parents and Friends, The quiet peace of summer has been broken with the tragic events of terror, the bombings in London and in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. The loss of innocent lives is horrific, bringing inconsolable grief to hundreds of families and leaving countless thousands more in a state of shock, aware of their vulnerability in the ordinary activities of daily life. Death is no stranger to any of us, but how differently it touches our lives. Death can be peaceful, anticipated, sudden or early; death can be confusing, cruel, or murderously criminal. Whenever human death occurs, it should remind us of what we can all too easily take for granted, the value, dignity and preciousness of life. The relative quiet of summer here at Xavier was recently broken with the news of death: the mother of one of our seniors died after a long struggle with cancer, and a loyal, revered alumnus and his devoted wife, both dying within days of each other, went to their eternal reward. Allow me to reflect on the life of that alumnus. Though short of stature and quiet in demeanor, Thomas M. Doyle ’39 was a giant of a man whose life proclaimed loudly the values of his Catholic faith. Tom’s early upbringing must have been rock solid, a credit to his parents. He entered Xavier in 1935 and simply excelled. In his senior year he was the colonel of the regiment, member of the debate team, captain and quarterback of the varsity football team, captain and starting guard on the varsity basketball team, and in four years, no doubt had collected a number of First Honors cards. He went on to Fordham University, then entered the military service and after discharge began work in the mailroom of W.R. Grace and Company. Forty one years later he retired as a Senior Vice-President. In November 2003, he was warmly welcomed into Xavier’s Hall of Fame. He and Ellen, his wife of 58 years, raised nine children, two daughters and seven sons, six of whom graduated from Xavier. In the space of a week or so in July, Ellen had a stroke, Tom peacefully died after a long illness, and Ellen had a second, more severe stroke. She died the day before Tom’s scheduled funeral, so it became a double funeral, their caskets side by side in the sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception Church on 14th Street, near to their home in Stuyvesant Town. A Knight of Malta and a Knight of St. Gregory, Tom had also been a friend and benefactor to the Jesuits, the Trappists, and to other religious orders, a Board member to several colleges, and with Ellen, a great supporter of the Greenwood Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to the sanctity of life. A picture is worth a thousand words. There is such a picture of Tom Doyle in the Xavier archives, and among the nearly two thousand stored there, it’s one of my favorites. The original photo appeared in a local New York newspaper. It shows young Tom Doyle stretched out horizontally, feet off the floor, diving mid-air reaching for the basketball. Yes, it was only a game, but the camera prophetically caught a life. Active, determined, dedicated, self-sacrificing, striving, reaching to succeed—all true descriptions of him throughout his life, captured at a high school basketball game in a single click of the camera. How precious and inspiring, the rich individual life of Thomas M. Doyle! Reflecting upon it brings restored peace to summer.

Alumnews - Summer 2005

God bless you always,

Rev. Daniel J. Gatti, S.J. ’59 President

he Five Year reunion drew close to 40 participants, many who had not seen each other since graduation day… The Parents’ Association held another successful event this year, with their Gala Fundraiser, themed “Knights on Broadway.” The gym was decorated with movie marquees that were made by dedicated parents who helped prepare for the event…The HAP program brought Xavier graduates together with younger students who might make their way to the school in the future. Tutors and teachers spent five weeks working with the students and organizing activities in preparation for a HAP competition late in the summer with the HAP program at St. Peter’s Prep…Xavier’s Golf Outing brought dozens of alumni to the Westchester Fr. Gatti and Keviin Cuddlhy at the Golf Outing Hills Golf Club for a fun day of golf…Spirit Day gave students and faculty members a chance to bond with one another during exciting events that took place on 16th Street and in various parts of the school….After a $1,000,000 campaign donation made by John Meditz ’66, Xavier’s Library/Learning Center was renamed, giving the beautiful facility a fresh new image for the upcoming school year… The Companions of St. Francis Xavier donated their time and energy toward making several service trips throughout the summer, including a trip in August that brought students and faculty volunteers to Tijuana, Mexico. Spirit Day

HAP Students Pass Summer at Xavier

Students spent their afternoons practicing different intramural sports including basketball, volleyball, soccer, and dodgeball.

This summer, Xavier continued to host the Higher Achievement Program, a tradition here that is over 33 years old. Students going into the 8th grade from a number of schools around New York were tutored each morning by staff members and tutors in three subjects – mathematics, reading, and English.

Every summer the teams compete against HAP students from St. Peter’s Prep, in Jersey City, playing in a competition day held at each school. Throughout the five-week program they also went on a number of trips, going to the New York Aquarium, the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, and the Bronx Zoo.

Students are instructed in preparation for the TACHS test, a test they will take in November of their 8th grade school year, qualifying them for admission into high schools within the Archdiocese. “Even though it’s a five week program it’s good to see the kids mature and grow not only academically or athletically, but also as a total person,” said Martin Kurzatkowski ’02, who has been a HAP teacher for the past five years. Alumnews - Summer 2005

John Rowland ’00 saw similar growth in his students throughout the past summer, leading up to HAP graduation on July 28th. “I loved my Xavier experience and I wanted to have the chance to show the kids why it’s so great,” Rowland said. “I think they get exposure and learn how to interact with people that they haven’t known their whole lives for the first time – people from different parts of the city and from different cultures. They’re shown the real world in ways they haven’t seen before.”

Five Year Reunion On the evening of April 26, the Class of 2000 gathered together for their fiveyear reunion, held at M.J. Armstrong’s. The evening provided the perfect atmosphere to reminisce and share what we have been doing since the last time we saw each other. Some friends were well on their way up their career ladders, or eager to begin new jobs, while others were continuing their education. All were enthusiastic to be around their classmates again.

The reunion was also a great opportunity to hear about the latest goings-on at our favorite alma mater. While there are new faces at Xavier, the spirit is the same. Many classmates were happy to hear about the latest renovations to improve the facility on 16th Street. Upgrades in computer technology, improvements to the building’s façades, and other important changes offered new insight into what’s invloved in running a top-notch academic institution. The Five Year reunion for the Class of 2000 was a huge success. The turnout was great; people were laughing, sharing stories, and having a wonderful time—a visible sign of what all alumni seem to remember about Xavier High School. -Thomas Wierzbowski ’00

Parents’ Association Gala Fundraiser “Knights on Broadway” was the theme for this year’s Parents’ Association annual Gala Fundraiser.

Lori Trezza P’07, Nancy Misseri P’07, ‘08, and Indria Hamilton P’08, pictured under one of the marquees made for the Gala, help distribute baskets that were raffled off.

On May 6, over 600 parents and guests filled Xavier’s gymnasium and Larkin Hall – rooms that had been decorated with Broadway marquees, taxi-cab yellow tablecloths, checkerboard signs, and colored balloons that resembled traffic lights – all set up by parent volunteers who generously donated their time. Sal Favia P ’04, ’06, a banker by trade, built six wooden marquees which stood in the gym. His wife, Rosemary, worked with other talented members of the Parents’ Association, including Connie Pattison P ’99, ’02, to design the marquees before production. At the event, guests had the chance to win a number of great prizes, including two weekend hotel packages, a wide variety of house wares, electronics, dinner prizes, and even a college dorm starter kit. “It was a successful event,” said Parents’ Association coordinator, Helene Strong. “Everybody had a really enjoyable time and we raised a significant amount of money for Xavier.”

Spirit Day

Group shot of the Class of 2000’s Five Year reunion.

Alumnews - Summer 2005

Xavier’s Spirit Day celebration took place May 13, as 16th Street was closed to traffic to provide games and other activities that entertained students from

all four years, as well as members of the faculty and administration. The ever popular dunk tank event once again offered students the opportunity to dunk some of their favorite teachers and administrators. Starting in February, by selling raffle tickets for a 2005 Subaru Forester, students raised $63,000. The winner of the raffle had the option to choose between the car or a prize of $15,000.

But aside from the fundraising aspect of Spirit Day, most students view the event as a chance to interact with peers, teachers and administration outside of the classroom. The annual facultystudent basketball game took place in the gym before the street activities began, and led to a victory for the faculty. Other events of the day included a gladiator joust competition, an obstacle course, a bungee run competition, a water balloon toss, a pie eating contest, volleyball, and a tug-of-war. Finally, volunteers from the Xavier Parents’ Association hosted a barbecue for students in the quadrangle before students were released early for the day.

Students on Spirit Day

“The Spirit Day raffle gives students an opportunity to do their part for the annual fund as Xavier’s alumni, parents and friends do every year,” said Debra Ryan, Director of Annual giving. Ryan said the funds go toward the annual “Bridge the Gap” fund, and they also help strengthen Xavier’s endowment while increasing both scholarship and financial aid resources.

The lucky winner of the raffle was Patricia Brady P ’07, who chose the cash prize.

Reunion Gala The last weekend in April, alumni from graduating classes ending in 5 and 0 returned to Xavier for their Reunion Gala. A total of more than 450 guests, some traveling from as far away as Canada, England and Paraguay,

Christopher Arvani ‘55, with Joseph Robinson ‘55 at the Reunion Gala

returned to their alma mater for a weekend filled with festivities. Due to active participation by many reunion classes, six Friday evening receptions were held this year. While the 5th and 50th Reunion Friday receptions are planned and managed by Xavier and class reunion committees, the other receptions were planned by members of the classes themselves. The Class of 2000 met at M.J. Armstrong’s; the 1980 class celebrated at Quigley’s; the Class of 1975 caught up at Tracks’ Bar & Grill; Aleo’s Restaurant hosted the Class of 1965 while Moran’s Restaurant welcomed the Class of 1960.

Companions of St. Francis Xavier The Companions of St. Francis Xavier traveled to Tennessee earlier in the summer for a service trip with several Xavier faculty members. Pictured here are the volunteers from the trip, posing for a group shot between work time. The students helped put up walls for a house being built, and worked with local residents to learn about and to benefit the community. Several trips took place this summer, including a trip in August, to Tijuana, Mexico.

Alumnews - Summer 2005

with a check for their reunion gift in the amount of $40,000. Dinner and dessert were served and classmates and guests spent the remainder of the evening remembering the “best four years of their lives.” The evening concluded with Fr. Gatti and former Dean of Students, Frank Gregory, leading the assembled in a rousing edition of “Sons of Xavier”. Fr. Gatti, with Xavier alumni, Thomas Carroll ‘55 and Christopher Kloss ‘55

The Golden Jubilee Class of 1955, gathered at the Union League Club on Park Avenue and 37th Street. A cocktail reception began at 7:00 p.m. followed by a Filet Mignon Dinner at 8:00 p.m. After dinner members of the class were able to reminisce with the group at an open microphone. These recollected memories were sometimes humorous, sometime poignant and in every case examples of their life long attachment to Xavier. On Saturday, the Gala celebration began with a Mass in the Church of St. Francis Xavier, honoring the deceased members of the reunion classes. Following Mass, school tours were provided by current Student Council members and cadets. This year, the X-Squad, which typically performs in the Quad, was unfortunately not available. As a substitute, video of past X-Squad performances was played along the tour route, in one of Xavier’s Smart Classrooms. After alumni and guests had reacquainted themselves with the school itself, they had the opportunity to meet up with former classmates at class cocktail receptions. The receptions, held in the Commons, Larkin Hall, Jesuit and Student Libraries and Faculty & Staff Lounge provided alumni with the chance to reconnect with old friends in an informal setting. The class receptions were followed by a Gala Dinner for all attendees in the gym where the individual members of the class of 1955 were introduced and presented with gifts of school ties and class pins. The class of 1955 then presented Fr. Gatti

Alumnews - Summer 2005

21st Annual Golf Outing

hole-in-one. Unfortunately, the 200-yard par 3 hole was so difficult that the car was unclaimed at the end of the day. At 5:30 p.m., golf completed, the evening festivities began with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the club house, where golfers had one last chance to buy a 50/50 raffle ticket and enter in other drawings for various prizes. This was followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m., which included a carving station and a pasta area, along with a full line buffet.

Awards for the day were announced Xavier’s 21st Annual Golf Outing took after the meal. The winner for the 50/50 place June 13 at the Westchester Hills drawing was Michael McGoldrick ’85, who Golf Club, in White Plains, NY. Over 80 purchased his ticket on the Xavier website. golfers were on hand for the event and were greeted at registration by the Advancement staff. After registering, they received a “goody bag” that included, among Each winner from the annual golf outing was presented with an award and posed other products, for a picture with Fr. Gatti. Pictured here are Xavier alumni and friends, Mike a cap, Xavier Golf Abatemarco, Tom Deehan, Jay Sessa P’06, Ray Boller, Steve Ferngren, Jr.., ... Outing golf shirt and a sleeve of Xavier logo golf balls. They then were treated to a full brunch while catching up with old friends. Dennis Sullivan, Sergio Alcivar, Papa Travaglione, Jay Sessa, and Don Karisen. The shotgun start took place at 12:15 p.m., and participants made their way around the course. There was a high level of anticipation on the fifth hole as each golfer had their opportunity to win a 2006 Hyundai Sonata, donated by Giuffre Hyundai of Yonkers, by making a

Ray Boller and his foursome at the Annual Golf Outing

Skill prize winners were as follows: 1st Low Net – Papa Travaglione 2nd Low Net – Joseph Travaglione P ’99 3rd Low Net – William Guarinello 1st Low Gross – Jay Sessa P ’06 2nd Low Gross – Dennis Sullivan 3rd Low Gross – Steve Ferngren, Jr. 1st Calloway – Howard Feuer 2nd Calloway – Raymond Boller ’68 Closest to the Pin (#3) – Don Karlsen Clostst to the Pin (#12) Rich DiNapoli Closest to the Pin (#14) Tom Deehan Closest to the Pin (#16) Jay Sessa P ’06 Closest to the Line – Mike Abatemarco Longest Drive (Reg.) #4 – Doug Travaglione ’99 Longest Drive (Sr.) #1 – Sergio Alcivar ’65 Most Honest Golfer Award – Joe Annunziata

Meditz Family Library/ Learning Center On the evening of June 15, 2005, the Xavier High School library and technology lab was rededicated and renamed the The Meditz Family Library/ Learning Center at a reception and dinner for major donors to the recently concluded capital campaign, Stand So All the World Can See. The campaign raised just under $15,000,000 in pledges and cash gifts during a 26 month time frame. Donors and guests who had made campaign commitments of $50,000 or more gathered at 6:00 p.m. for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the newly renamed library/learning center to celebrate the most successful Xavier campaign to date and to honor John

Meditz ’66 and his family not only for the seven figure leadership gift that he made to this campaign, but for the many years he and his family before him have financially supported the mission of Xavier. Fr. Daniel J. Gatti, S.J., the President of Xavier, thanked John for his significant leadership gift and spoke of the many positive changes at Xavier that would be possible because of the generosity of those present as well as the many others not at the event who contributed to the success of the campaign. At 7:15 p.m., the attendees moved to the second floor of the Lynch building where Fr. Gatti dedicated the new Wall of Fame which lists all the contributors to Stand So All the World Can See and is located across from the entrance to the student chapel. The group then made its way to the Jesuit Library where dinner was served.

After dinner, Fr. Gatti, with the help of Joe Gorski, VP for Advancement and Alumni Relations, presented two Co-Chairmen of the campaign, John Meditz ’66 and Gene Rainis ’58 with special plaques to thank them for their leadership efforts. These wall plaques included a “little piece of Xavier” , wooden decorative elements from the school which had been refinished by Fr. Gatti, and then mounted on these recognition awards. The other two campaign Co-Chairmen, Dan Denihan ’65 and Fred Salerno ’61, were unable to attend and received their awards at a later date. Fr. Gatti then presented members of the steering committee in attendance with recognition awards in the form of a plaque representing their Xavier Varsity Letter in Fund Raising. The evening concluded with remarks from Gene Ranis and John Meditz, followed by dessert and coffee.

Looking Deeper Into Television Comedy Michael Tueth S.J., currently residing in the Jesuit residence at Xavier, recently published his first full-length book, Laughter in the Living Room: Television Comedy and the American Home Audience (Peter Lang Publishing, Inc.). Tueth’s book falls under the genre of media studies, as he examines television comedies throughout the 20th Century and the new millennium. Tueth studies popular shows like The Cosby Show, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and I Love Lucy, looking at the value that American culture placed on each show. The controversial television show, Amos ‘n’ Andy, for instance, debuted in June 1951, and several distinct public opinions quickly developed. A faction of viewers saw the show strictly as a comedy, but racial implications of the comedy offended other viewers.

“Some saw the show as stereotypical and harmful for the image of black people after W.W. II when they were trying to prove that they could be good, middle-class American citizens,” Tueth said in an interview. When the show was taken off the air after two years, it was viewed as a victory for those who fought for its removal, but there were few, if any, instances of black men and women seen on television again until 1968. Tueth, who teaches a course called “Television Comedy and American Values” at Fordham University, said he was inspired to write the book when he saw a lack of adequate texts available on the subject. He hopes his book will be useful not only as a companion text for the course he teaches, but also for college students and professors at other universities. “I noticed that what distinguishes television comedy from film comedy, stage comedy or other forms of comedy is that it comes into the home. Once I noticed that, I was amazed to see how every genre of television comedy somehow deals with the home or the family,” he said.“The home is a very special place for Americans—I believe, even more so than in other cultures.” Tueth’s book is available online at amazon.com. Alumnews - Summer 2005

From the A d v a n c e m e n t O ff i c e Joe Gorski Vice President for Advancement

pringtime at Xavier is a very hectic period. From the end of Easter break to graduation, the pace in both the school and in the Advancement office is at break-neck speed. This past spring, the Spirit Day Raffle took place during the month of March, followed by preparation for the 2005 gala reunion which was held the weekend of April 29th and 30th. Numerous other events followed in rapid succession – the Parents’ Gala Fundraiser on May 6th, Spirit Day on May 13th, Volunteer Dinner on May 25th, Baccalaureate Mass and Dinner on June 4th, the Senior Breakfast on June 7th, Graduation at St. Patrick’s on June 9th, the Golf Outing on June 13th and an additional event this year, a reception and dinner to thank major donors to the recently concluded capital Campaign, Stand So All the World Can See on June 15th. Planning and execution of these events were also impacted by the departure of two members of the Advancement team during the spring season. Bill Reidy ’94, the Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving left Xavier High School at the end of March and Caroline Gallagher, the Director of Alumni Relations and Public Information, departed in mid-May. Although we were sad to see each of them move on, we feel fortunate that we had them with us for the period of time that we did. Bill joined the Advancement Office at the beginning of March 2002 (after three years as Director of Admissions and a brief foray into the for profit world) to help us prepare for and run Xavier’s capital campaign as well as

Alumnews - Summer 2005

institutionalize our newly developed planned giving program. Bill not only was successful in these duties, but also managed to initiate and keep our on-line community up and running as well as working with various alumni to develop events for segmented groups such as football and track and field alumni. We will miss Bill, but we are pleased that he not only has stayed in the non-profit field, but has also stayed within the Jesuit family when he was promoted to Director of Development for the New York Province. Caroline also joined us in 2002. She quickly proved herself more than adept at successfully organizing and running the more than 20 events the Advancement office holds each year. During the course of her three years at Xavier each event increased in attendance and her efforts along with the rest of the team guaranteed a wonderful time for all the attendees. Her efforts as managing editor of the Alumnews led to improved content, a more sophisticated design and an awardwinning magazine that alumni, parents and friends look forward to receiving three times a year. Caroline has taken a position with our campaign consultants, Changing Our World, to broaden her experience in the non-profit world. We thank both Bill and Caroline for the wonderful work that they did for Xavier and we wish them great success as they move onward. Change can be challenging, but it must be embraced because it is always with us. It brings with it

some anxiety, but also, if properly managed, new ideas and great enthusiasm. Our two new additions to the Advancement team have an abundance of both. Loual Puliafito, our new Advancement Officer and Mike Benigno, our newly hired Director of Alumni Relations and Public Information are both graduates of the Xavier class of 2000 and they bring with them, among other talents, a knowledge and love of their alma mater. Loual, a graduate of Fordham University in 2004, joined us in May as a replacement for Bill Reidy. He will focus on continuing to build the planned giving program and on making the on-line community more interactive and responsive to the needs of our growing alumni base. He will also be working with young alumni and segmented alumni (basketball, football, track & field, theater et al.) to develop ways to increase their participation in the life of Xavier. Mike, a 2004 graduate of St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia joined us in July. He spent the last year working as a writer for two weekly newspapers in the Philadelphia area. He will be responsible for the continued growth of the Alumnews and the planning and running of our annual slate of events. I am delighted to have both these young men aboard. As I look forward to working with them for the next several years to bring the best of Xavier to each of our constituencies, I know that they likewise are looking forward to meeting and working with you. I know they will be dedicated and innovative professionals working intently to make Xavier a sought-after second home for all of you.

Graduates Walk theWalk Isle at St. Patrick’s Graduates the Isle

avier students spend four years coming together on different levels – in classrooms, on one of our many competitive sports teams, in academic clubs, theater groups, and through service opportunities like Senior Service and Big Brothers. At the graduation ceremony held June 9 at the Cathedral of St. Patrick, Xavier’s seniors came together as a class for the last time to celebrate the culmination of four years of their achievements. Donning tuxedos and dress blue uniforms for the event, students united their families with the Xavier family they came to know during their time at school. This year’s graduating class was 214 strong, filling the entire front section of the Cathedral. As the procession filed in through the massive main doors of the building, parents snapped pictures and videotaped their sons, making no attempt to hide their pride. The ceremony was highlighted by speeches from valedictorian William Moccia ’05, salutatorian Peter Stefanik ’05, and by commencement speaker Rev. James N. Loughran, S.J., president of St. Peter’s College, in Jersey City. Alumnews - Summer 2005

During the ceremony, awards were given to graduates and faculty members who earned special distinction during the 2004-2005 school year. Moccia was presented with six departmental awards, for Religion, Science, English, History, Mathematics, and Italian, and also received the gold medal for having the highest four-year cumulative average, at 99.02. In addition, Moccia and two other students, twin brothers Chris A. Riso ’05, and James L. Riso ’05, were National Merit Scholarship finalists. Moccia was one of only 2500 students nationwide to be awarded the scholarship. Two faculty members, Mr. John Burpoe and Mr. Lawrence Lebow, were awarded Bene Merenti awards for 20 years of service to Xavier. As a whole, members of the Class of 2005 proved themselves throughout the past year, following what is usually a hectic time period filled with college applications and scholarship forms – not to mention saying goodbye to longstanding friends while planning to move on. Their accomplishments stand on their own. $3,263,190.00 in scholarships was awarded to the class by colleges and universities across the country this year. And on a scale of 1600, the average SAT combined math and verbal score was 1171, topping last years average score by11 points and making the highest average score in 32 years. There were six individual exams taken by Xavier students that were scored a perfect 800.

Alumnews - Summer 2005

“Our students rise to the occasion in tuxedos and in such an impressive setting they understand that graduation isn’t just an important event for them, but also for their parents and grandparents as well,” said Dr. Joseph Gerics, Xavier’s headmaster. “This has been an exemplary senior class. Their work at Christian Service placements was uniformly highly praised by their supervisors and I’m most impressed with the percentage who participated in the optional Kairos retreat. Academically, they excelled and will be attending some of the finest colleges and universities in the country.” During the weeks leading up to graduation, the seniors gathered at a number of different events, beginning with the Senior Prom on May 27, held this year at the New York Athletic Club, on 59th Street. Seniors and their dates pulled up to the building in limousines and enjoyed dinner and a night of dancing. Prom pictures were taken at the event to give seniors a memento of this special occasion. On Saturday, June 4, the Baccalaureate Mass and Dinner took place at Xavier. The Mass was a memorable ceremony followed by the dinner, which was hosted by the Xavier administration, the Advancement Office, and the Parents’ Association. Seniors celebrated the transition they were about to make from students to alumni and their many accomplishments of the last year were also given recognition.

Finally, one of the newer additions for the senior lineup of events was the Senior Breakfast, which took place on June 7 and was followed by a graduation rehearsal. Seniors were treated to a full breakfast hosted by the Advancement Office, and the event also provided an opportunity to gather one last time before convening at St. Patrick’s for the actual graduation

ceremony which followed that week. Chris Stevens ’83, Xavier football coach, spoke at the event, explaining to the seniors why he came back to Xavier and why graduates should give back to the school in the future. - Michael Benigno ‘00

Congratulations to the Class of 2005! The following is a partial listing of the colleges and universities to which the members of the Class of 2005 have been accepted. American Art Institute of Boston Bard Belmont Abbey Bennington Bob Jones Boston College Boston University Bucknell California State Maritime California University of PA Canisius Carnegie Mellon

Case Western Reserve Catholic University of America Citadel Clark Clarkson Colgate College of Mt. St. Vincent College of New Jersey College of the Holy Cross Columbia Cooper Union Cornell Creighton

CUNY Honors College Baruch Brooklyn City College Queens Dartmouth Dominican Dowling Drew Drexel Eckerd Fairfield Fordham Franklin & Marshall George Washington

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Georgetown Gettysburg Hamilton Hampshire Hampton Hobart & William Smith Hofstra Howard Immaculata Indiana Iona Ithaca James Madison John Carroll Knox Lafayette La Salle Le Moyne Lehigh Loyola – Chicago Loyola – Maryland Loyola – New Orleans Loyola Marymount Manhattan Marist Marquette Michigan State Molloy Morehouse Mount St. Mary N.Y. Institute of Technology New York University Northeastern Notre Dame Ohio State Oregon State Pace

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Penn State Pepperdine Polytechnic Portland State Pratt Institute Providence Quinnipiac Regis Rensellear Polytech Rhode Island School of Design Rochester Institute of Technology Rockport Rutgers Sacred Heart Sarah Lawrence School of the Art Institute of Chicago School of the Museum of Fine Arts School of Visual Arts Seton Hall Siena Skidmore Southern Methodist St. Francis St. John’s St. Joseph’s College St. Joseph’s University St. Leo St. Louis St. Olaf St. Peter’s Stevens Institute of Technology SUNY Albany Binghamton Buffalo F.I.T. Geneseo Maritime Stony Brook Honors

Syracuse Temple Trinity Tufts U. of California U. of Chicago U. of Colorado U. of Dayton U. of Delaware U. of Hartford U. of Massachusetts U. of Miami U. of North Carolina U. of Oregon U. of Pennsylvania U. of Rochester U. of San Francisco U. of Scranton U. of South Carolina U. of South Florida U. of Southern California U. of Vermont Ursinus U. S. Air Force Academy U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Utica Vassar Villanova Wagner Wells West Virginia Wheaton Wheeling Jesuit Widener Worcester Polytech Xavier

A Letter from the Headmaster Greetings from 16th Street! Dear Alumni, Parents, Friends, and Students, June is a month of joy and fulfillment at Xavier High School. Students welcome summer vacation at the end of a grueling final examination schedule. Seniors look back on their achievements in our classrooms, on our courts and playing fields, in the community, and in clubs and activities. The Class of 2005 will attend some of the finest colleges and universities in the country. Since Fr. McGowan’s time as college counselor and earlier, Xavier has enjoyed a strong relationship with Jesuit higher education, and 32% of this year’s graduates will go on to Jesuit schools, including 24 at Fordham, 10 at Scranton, 5 each at LeMoyne and Loyola MD, 4 at Georgetown and 3 at Holy Cross. On stage, senior actors took the leads in two challenging and well-received dramatic productions, The Matchmaker and The H.M.S. Pinafore. Musicians leading the Blue Night Band impressed audiences in the school, elsewhere in New York, and on tour in the Dominican Republic. The JROTC senior leadership continued the Regiment’s tradition of excellence, once again earning Gold Star status in its triennial Army inspection. The “MechaKnights,” seniors in a new Robotics course, completed in BotBall for the first time, winning the New York- New Jersey regional championship and finishing fifth in a national competition held in Orlando. Athletes maintained Xavier’s winning tradition, with division championships in swimming, hockey, and bowling, a City Championship in tennis, a Jesuit Championship in track, and the Eastern States Championship for the sixth consecutive year in rugby. Reflecting on these accomplishments, on June 9th, parents and faculty beamed with pride as 214 tuxedo-clad graduates received diplomas from Fr. Gatti in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. As proud as we are of them, we realize newspaper clippings will fade, scores will be forgotten, and trophies will gather dust. Yet the spirit of the Class of 2005 will remain alive in our hearts. We will remember their secondsemester Mondays spent at community service agencies in the Christian Service Program, their hearty voices singing “Sons of Xavier” as they returned to the Student Chapel from Kairos retreats, and their work as Companions of St. Francis Xavier building housing for the poor in Tennessee and Mexico. Since 1847, Xavier High School has weathered many changes – even its first lay headmaster! Still, the traditions of academic excellence and service to our Church, our community and our country, which they loyal Sons of Xavier have established over generations, lives on at their alma mater. Sincerely,

Joseph Gerics, Ed.D. Headmaster

Alumnews - Summer 2005

ReuKNIGHTed is a section of Alumnews that runs in each issue, telling the stories of Xavier graduates that found themselves crossing paths with other graduates from their class, members of other years, or, in this issue’s case, former members of Xavier administration. The ReuKNIGHTed section has run in many previous issues of the Alumnews, but is only successful with ample reader response. Contact Mike Benigno with your ReuKNIGHTed story either by email at benignom@xavierhs.org, or by phone at 212-924-7900, x. 1435.

Double Reunion This issue’s first ReuKNIGHTEDed story is actually a double reunion that first started in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Xavier graduate Richard Diaz, Class of 1983, teaches at the San Felipe de Neri School. Diaz had a run-in with a true Xavier All-Star one morning several years ago when he took his class to a Mass during the school day.

Frank Gregory, former Dean of Students

Alumnews - Summer 2005

Richard Diaz ’83

“I had the biggest class, so we sit near the back of the church,” Diaz said. “I looked over to my left and saw someone that looked like Mr. Gregory, the former Dean of Students at Xavier.” When classes were dismissed and his students were greeting the pastor, Diaz approached the familiar looking church guest, who was wearing a Xavier cap. Sure enough, it was Mr. Gregory, who happened to be visiting a family member in New Mexico. They chatted and caught up for a few minutes before leaving, but a few days later the church pastor approached Diaz with a gift Mr. Gregory had passed along – his cap. Diaz kept the cap as a souvenir of his chance encounter and wasn’t expecting to have the opportunity to meet Mr. Gregory again, until this July. While on a family vacation in New York, Diaz wanted to show his wife and two children the school he attended before moving to the Southwest. During a tour on an afternoon when the school is mostly empty with the exception of staff and students from the Higher Achievement Program and several administrators, Diaz and Mr. Gregory met again. “During the tour, the person giving the tour knocked on the door and Mr. Gregory was there,” Diaz said. Mr. Gregory recalled their encounter in the church a few years back and the two reminisced about old times at Xavier. “It was great to be back, and it was just great to see the school.”

Xtra Tough On July 2 at the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of the Jersey Shore’s Annual Outing held at Monmouth Park Race Track, John Murray, DMD ’67 and his wife ran into an old friend of John’s, who introduced him to Xavier grads, Kevin McLaughlin ’74 and Rich Scheller ’74. John and the two other grads took the picture seen at the right after winning on a horse named, ironically, Xtra Tough. More recently, John’s neighbor, a St. Peter’s Prep alum told him he had met a Xavier graduate at the Norwood Inn, in Avon, NJ. The graduate turned out to be Rich Scheller ‘74. “It really is a small world,” John wrote to the Alumnews. Rich Scheller ‘74, John Murray ‘67, and Kevin McLaughlin ‘74.

John is the current treasurer of the Friendly Sons, and among their past presidents are Dan Healy, Esq. ‘57, Dr. Bill O’Grady ‘61, and the late Frank Moore, Esq. ‘51. Also in the general membership is Joe Garvey, Esq. ‘67.

Alumnews - Summer 2005

Green tarp shrouded the buildings for several months during the construction.

Ensuring the Future, While Preserving Xavier’s History Detailed restoration work on 15th Street will make for cleaner, safer buildings. Major repairs and renovations were made to the 15th Street side of Xavier over the summer, causing the outside walls of the C building, D building, and Lynch building to be shrouded in green tarp for several months. The work began on June 13, and scaffolding went up. Since then, up to 17 workers at a time have been at the site – four stories high above the ground. While the exterior of the two buildings might seem simple at first glance, their facades are actually decorated with brick, stone, and ornate terra cotta. They are also two of the oldest buildings still standing on 15th Street. The C building dates back to 1924, and the D building was built in 1894. The extent of the damage and wear-and-tear over time was not evident until workers and construction consultants were able to utilize the scaffilding and 16

Alumnews - Summer 2005

inspect the façades up close from angles not possible from the ground looking up. Special attention is being given to the repair and stabilization of the terra cotta elements on the C and D buildings, and nearly the entire area of face brick is undergoing a careful cutting and pointing procedure, where mortar between bricks is being removed and replaced. In addition, a new copper cornice is being put atop the D building, replacing the original, which has been missing since the early 1990s. The work is being done by a contracting firm, P.C.F. State Restoration, Inc., which has extensive experience working on a schools and church buildings in Brooklyn and Manhattan, including the Cathedral of St. Patrick. The finished product will be a row of buildings that are both structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing, reflecting Xavier’s tradition while ensuring a safe future.

Before the D building was erected, an original L-shaped 1850 building stood on 15th Street - the first Xavier school building. A small church was built on 16th Street the following year, and the two were connected with a corridor for access from the school grounds. Xavier, at the time, was just beginning its development into the much larger school it is today. Fr. Gatti recalls learning that Xavier students and faculty once reported being able to see farmlands and pastures out of one of the doorways in the school – a sight that has long since been replaced by taxi cabs and tall buildings. Over a period of years, additional buildings were constructed and the L-shaped building was taken down, and replaced with today’s C building.

One of the newly restored terra cotta elements.

Interesting to note, however, is that the quadrangle has always been an area used for play. The steps leading up to the current quadrangle once ran downward to a recreation area. Early records indicate that Xavier students and faculty once commented that the 1862 construction of what is now the Lynch building would impede on open field space. Pedestrians traveling on 15th Street had to walk under protective scaffolding for several months as a precaution, while most faculty and students were out of the building for the summer. Also throughout the summer, work is being done to rehabilitate the East-side alley along the Lynch Building, an alley that acts as an air shaft for surrounding classrooms and is also used during fire drill exercises.

Several parts of the 15th Street wall were badly vandalized over time. This section was covered with graffiti.

“It’s not the kind of project that physically affects the classroom,” Fr. Gatti said. “But it assures that the classroom will be there.” - Michael Benigno ‘00

Alumnews - Summer 2005

Class Notes

Compiled by Martin J. Kurzatkowski ’02

1937 The late John Manning wrote and published As I Remember It—The War Years 1940-1945, which contains photos and provides his insight into the events he encountered during the war. Copies of the book are available in the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C. and the Library of Congress.

1940 Fr. Robert Rice, S.J. celebrated his Golden Jubilee Mass on March 15, 2003. Fr. Rice has since returned to the Philippines to continue his mission and service.

1942 Tom Drennen is selling real estate in the Mission Viejo area of California. John Maloney celebrated his 81st birthday in February. John has written, directed and acted in 2 local stage productions while serving as a permanent deacon for 32 years.

1944 Fr. Joseph Novak, S.J. returned to Fordham to serve as Alumni Chaplain after six years as rector of St. Peter’s College Community.

1945 Frank Geoghegan moved to Myrtle Beach, S.C. in February 2005 and would like any alumni from Myrtle Beach to contact him.

1946 Jim O’Connor retired as Field Sales Manager in June 2004 from D.P. Murphy Co., Printers and Stationers for the Catholic Church.

1947 Robert Stolarik became a grandfather for the thirteenth time.

1948 Paul Connelly was at the Florida Xavier reception in March that was hosted by

Alumnews - Summer 2005

John Balaguer ’53 and ran into Bill O’Brien ’48 and Charles Walsh ’49. Dan Fitzgerald published his first novel, Paul Dolan Kilcoyle. Ray Strakosch introduces a new self-lighting house numbering system that can be seen at www.daynightsolar.net. Vincent Vella just completed his collection of North American Big-Game Animals that includes deer, antelope, caribou and a few exotic animals.

having dinner together at the Culinary Institute (the former Jesuit novitiate of St. Andrews-on-Hudson).

1953

Gaspar Cipolla is planning this year’s annual get-together for September on Cape Cod.

Thomas Carver was appointed Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development by Governor Richard Codey. Mark Delaney recently received the President’s Award from the Association of Former Intelligence Officers in a ceremony in Las Vegas. The award recognized Mark’s voluntary outreach program which has provided advice and guidance to thousands of Las Vegas teenagers.

1950

1954

Joseph Brostek was recently honored by Newsday as an “Everyday Hero.” Joseph is now the director of alumni affairs and special events at Queens College and devotes his free time to community service in Queens. Hank Lavery is recovering well from open heart quadruple by-pass surgery and is looking forward to a 16-day tour and cruise to Alaska. Pat and Raymond McQuade celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on September 25, 2004.

Andrew Lawler was awarded the Norman S. Ostrow Award by the New York Council of Defense Lawyers in recognition of his defense of liberty and the preservation of individual rights.

1949

1951 John Girvin has survived four hurricanes with minimal damage while living in Rotonda West, FL. John Maher recently retired from graduate level teaching at Westchester University after nearly 20 years, but still remains active as County Health Director for the Chester County Health Department. James Shields and his wife, Fran, celebrated their Golden Anniversary in February 2005 at their home in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL with a family reunion, which includes six children and sixteen grandchildren.

1955 Bill Daly spent 28 years in the U.S. Army with the 82nd Airborne Division jumping out of transports. Bill has retired as Colonel and has been working with NGIT/TASC. Paul Spera and his wife, Peggy, will celebrate 45 years of marriage in September 2005.

1956 Kevin Donohue is living in Fairfield, CT with his wife, Mary Ann, and was recently blessed with the birth of his 11th grandchild.

1957 Tom Scheil continues to follow the running regime started by the Xavier Track team in 1953. Tom now runs 5060 miles per month and occasionally competes in 10K’s and Masters 200 & 400 yards.

1952

1958

Sil Resciniti is still practicing law in Brooklyn and living in midtown Manhattan. At a recent surprise 70th birthday party, Joe Wolfe was surprised by one of his best friends at Xavier, Leo Gafney ’53. They have rekindled an old friendship as a result and are

Charles Crawford won a Del Ray Beach, FL Senior Softball Tournament. After the tournament, Charlie visited with Bob Baratta and Eugene Rainis in Stuart, FL, who reminisced about their winless (0-8) 1957 Senior Football Team at Xavier. Norman Dauerer has welcomed

his newest grandson, Maximilian, on October 5, 2004. Thom Wolek retired to golf in PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, FL.

1959 Robert Hourihan recently received disabled status from service connected injuries in Vietnam. Robert often dines with Harry Lynch and John Quevedo in NYC. Congratulations to George Johnston, who became a grandfather for the first time. John Spiegel retired from the Foreign Service in 2000 and is now living in Bucks County, PA. John occasionally works for short periods overseas. John Walsh welcomed his newest grandchildren on March 21, 2005.

1963 Allen Chin has retired from Raytheon Missile Systems in July 2004 and spends his time playing golf and doing other things that he has always felt like doing. Ed O’Shaughnessy will be retiring from ABX Air, Inc. after 18 years as a DC8 pilot in September. Ed expects to spend his time volunteering for the American Red Cross and playing golf. Rico Valera has finished his first year as a Field Investigator for the Division of Wage and Hour Compliance of the NJ Department of Labor.

1964 George Mickus has retired from Northport H.S. on Long Island after 25 years of teaching English and Latin, but will continue to teach Latin part-time in Port Washington.

1965 John Nicki is the proud grandfather of a beautiful girl. Robert Posteraro earned his Master of Biomedical Informatics degree from Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR on June 2, 2005.

1966 Alfred Ashford is a member of the Board of Directors and the Chief Medical Spokesman for the American Cancer Society of New York and New Jersey. Andy Mihalick is now practicing insurance coverage litigation and

federal civil rights defense, as well as continuing his practice of product liability defense counseling, litigation and commercial litigation.

1967 Joseph P. Maher has relocated back to the East Coast after 25 years in California and is looking forward to meeting fellow alumni at Xavier functions. Bill Strasser has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Bergen Commercial Bank, based in New Jersey.

1969 Ray O’Connor is currently serving as an associate general counsel in the DOD Inspector General’s Office after serving 18 years as Deputy General Counsel at the U.S. Army Audit Agency.

1970 Brian Blanchfield retired after 30 years from the U.S. Navy and now works for the Lockheed Martin Corporation, in Northern Virgina.

1971

1968 Matthew Mari has been elected VP of the New York Criminal Bar Association and is a Director of the newly formed Xavier Bar Association.

Valneo Buttari is a board certified physician in internal medicine. Valneo is currently in private practice in the Mount Vernon/Bronxville area of Westchester, NY.

Daniel McCarthy ’71

Bronx Assistant District Attorney is Honored

Assistant District Attorney Daniel McCarthy ’71, Chief Trial Counsel and Director of Trial Training at the Office of the Bronx County District Attorney, has been recognized by his peers for his deep commitment to public service in representing the People of the State of New York. The New York Prosecutors Training Institute (NYPTI) honored ADA McCarthy with its Trial Advocacy Award, which is given to a prosecutor who “consistently demonstrates dynamic trial skills, leadership, and selfless dedication to criminal prosecutions in New York State.” McCarthy received the award at the annual meeting of the District Attorneys Association of New York State (DAANYS), which was held recently in upstate Cooperstown, NY - home of the Baseball Hall of Fame. The outgoing President of DAANYS, Putnam County District Attorney Kevin Wright, said in presenting the award, that McCarthy “has devoted his life to public service -possessing a unique blend of personal traits that enable him, not only to connect with juries, but also to inspire his fellow prosecutors, both young and old. In addition, his ethical standards serve as a model to both experienced and inexperienced prosecutors”. Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson said: “It is an honor to be able to call Dan McCarthy a colleague. He is a tremendous asset to our office and to the community at large. The people of Bronx County are well served by his presence on our staff”. McCarthy, a career prosecutor in New York City since 1981, has tried over 150 felony cases to verdict including kidnapping, serial murder, bias murder, police corruption and charges related to various organized crime enterprises. McCarthy joined the staff at the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office in January 1992 after serving for eleven years as an Assistant District Attorney in Queens County.

Alumnews - Summer 2005

1972 Gerry Gilligan is a member of the Commonwealth Club in Montclair, NJ. Gerry has also been named Chairman of the Annual Charity Golf Outing held at Forest Hill Field Club in NJ. Jack Menendez retired from the Navy on October 1, 2004 after 28 years of service as a commissioned officer.

1973 Bob Citelli is in his eighth year as Principal Founder of @Sales and Marketing in California. Patrick Connolly is now in the chief division of spinal surgery at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Tom Masterson has retired after 26 years with Deluxe Corporation, in St. Paul, MN and is now working at SUPCO, in Weehawken, NJ. Bruce Giaimo released his CD, “Satin Covers,” in October 2004.

1975 Tom Maffey is assigned to the 4 Infantry Division, at Ft. Hood, TX, as assistant division commander. th

1976 Dennis Campagna was promoted to VP/Assistant Controller for Time Inc. Peter Sciabarra was accepted into the doctoral program school of education at the Univeristy of San Diego. John Sinnott is the chief of operations for the New York City Law Department Office of Corporation Counsel.

1977 Rene Mack was presented with the 2005 Lifetime Achievement Award by Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International for significant contributions to the travel industry. Rene is also the President of Weber Shandwick Public Relations Travel and Tourism Practice.

1979 Ted Hynes son is playing rugby on the Metropolitan Rugby Unions AllStar team with several Xavier players. Adam Soyer is a partner at the Hudson

Alumnews - Summer 2005

plans to stay there till the end of the year and is looking forward to attending fellow alum Paul Srinuan’s wedding in Bangkok, Thailand in November.

1982

1993

Patrick Buckley was ordained on May 15, 2004 by the Archdiocese of NY. His first assignment is St. Stephen’s, in Warwick, NY. Ted Musho is a licensed architect working on the design and construction of a residential tower in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Christian Lee graduated from the U.S. Naval War College on June 17, 2005 with an MA in National Security and Strategic Studies. After five years on Capitol Hill, Lt. Lee and his family will move to Key West where he will take over command of a US Coast Guard Cutter.

1983

1994

Favio Lopez was promoted on May 2005 to LTC. He is currently serving as a staff officer in Headquarters Department of the Army G3/5/7 in the battle command simulation and experimentation division.

Justin Browne just completed his first year of law school at the University of Maryland. Adrian Diaz is a Special Agent with the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service for the New York Field Office.

1985

1974

Valley Orthopedic Center in Kingston, NY. Jeffrey Whelan is a senior counsel for CB Richard Ellis, a global real estate services provider.

Ferdinand Suarez became Associate Director of Internal Audit at UBS Investment Bank.

1987 Frank Luongo graduated from Wharton with a master’s degree in Business Administration.

1988 Fernando Romero completed the 2004 NYC Marathon in less than 4 hours. Fernando was also hired as Director of Online Sales for Fuse Music Television.

1990 Ray Lustig has entered the PhD program in Music Composition at the Julliard School of Music.

1991 Peter Kullman is a corporate sales manager for the New York Giants.

1992 Alex Kedzierski will be deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. While on career break from the Northern Ireland Civil Service, Sean O’Mara traveled to Australia and is currently working for Dun & Bradstreet in Melbourne. Sean

1995 Thomas Frohnhoefer is a captain in the 65 Army 3rd Division and is currently in Baghdad.

1996 Keith Barnes has been working at the West Bank Café, a 27-year-old restaurant on 42nd Street. Kwame Ohemeng graduated from SUNY Downstate College of Medicine in May and is doing his internship year of medicine at the Staten Island University Hospital. After a year, Kwame will return to downstate to begin his residency in Anesthesiology.

1997 Jason Otano was recently admitted to the NY Bar. Joseph Stapleton has relocated from Baghdad, Iraq to Germany. Joseph is with the First Armored Division of the U.S. Army and in September 2004 was made Sergeant. Ed Wahesh is currently an area coordinator at the University of Scranton and is finishing up his master’s in secondary school counseling.

1998 David LaValle is currently stationed in Iraq as a 2LT in the U.S. Army. David is assigned to a new weapons defense system and welcomes emails at david. lavalle@us.army.mil.

Recognizing Service to Our Country

Brian Mulvihill ’93 Earns Bronze Star for Efforts, Valor Captain Brian T. Mulvihill ’93, serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, was awarded the Bronze Star with special recognition for valor on July 7, 2005. The award commended Brian for exceptional service and achievements while participating in combat operations in Fallujah, Iraq throughout November 2004. According to the Narrative Justification document for the award, the battalion Brian was traveling with was ambushed twice while traveling in a convoy between Taji Military Complex and Fallujah. The incidents were initiated by an improvised explosive device and were continued with mortar and small arms fire. One Marine in Brian’s battalion was killed in combat, and 16 others were injured. Brian organized the battalion and established defensive positions before helping remove those wounded to a truck for treatment. During an assault on the Al-Mujahareen Mosques, Brian charged across 100-meters of machine-gun swept terrain and was the first into the compound while engaged with insurgents defending the mosque. On November 13, after an attack on another mosque, a 20-minute firefight ensued that resulted in a senior Marine being wounded. Brian directed the defense of the area while suppressing fire from a 12.7 mm machine gun. In the end, the seizure of the Al-Hadhrah Al Mahamudiya Mosque yielded valuable intelligence, including pictures and biographies of several high-value targets.

Captain Brian T. Mulvihill ‘93

Later in November 2004, Brian went on to work with the 5th Battalion’s humanitarian assistance efforts, supervising and directing operations that fed, clothed, and provided water to over 300 displaced civilians each day. The award was presented to Brian at the United States Marine Corps Base, in Quantico, Virginia.

2001 Christopher Cius graduated from Loyola College in Maryland with a degree in Business Administration. Chris will be attending the Culinary Institute of America for the Fall semester. Paul Dimoh was selected to represent the Class of 2005 as senior class marshal at Syracuse University’s 151st Commencement ceremony. Paul graduated with dual Bachelor of Science degrees in information management technologies and entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises. Thomas Napolitano graduated from Fordham University with a degree in Business

Administration. David Pereira graduated from St. Peter’s College, in New Jersey, with a degree in Psychology.

2003 David del Cuadro-Zimmerman will be going into his third year at West Point. David has been on the Dean’s List every term and has been placed in the Academy’s Honors Curriculum for this year. Michael Johnston is currently a student at Fordham University and has been accepted to the London School of Economics for study during his junior year. Michael Trano is majoring in

Criminal Justice at Marist College and is also playing rugby.

2004 David Lopez has been re-elected to serve his second term as Class President of the Class of 2008 at the College of the Holy Cross. Robert Kurzatkowski spent a week in Florence, Italy studying the effects of the Roman dome on society and culture. Daniel Rolon has successfully completed his freshman year at Fordham University.

2005 Eric Saa is headed to the University of South Carolina with a scholarship.

Alumnews - Summer 2005

Mileposts Deaths Alumni Carl H. Jensen ’29, June 2004 Eugene O. Casey ’30, February 14, 2005 Francis J. Tierney ’30, May 6, 2005 Stephen V. Duffy ’31, March 21, 2005 James E. Fogarty ’31, September 26, 2004 Raymond P. Reilly ’36, March 2, 2005 John F. Manning ’37, February 22, 2004 Charles B. Mallon ’38, March 14, 2005 Thomas M. Doyle ’39, July 16, 2005 Andrew Mullally ’43, June 4, 2005 James P. Tolan ’43, July 7, 2005 John J. Bennett ’44, April 22, 2005 William J. O’Rourke ’44, April 12, 2005 John P. Laburt ’45, January 16, 2005 John M. Morena ’47, December 13, 2004 Arthur E. Feeley ’48, April 8, 2004 Robert M. Loftus ’48, June 14, 2004 Frank T. Descisciolo ’51, July 9, 2003 Paul J. Maher ’51, July 12, 2005 Kenner Ketchell ’55, December 5, 2004 Joseph McNicholas ’56, October 27, 2004 John M. Moore ’58, February 13, 2005 John E. Connolly ’72, January 20, 2005 Thomas M. Wilson ’72, December 26, 2004 John Connolly ’73, January 20, 2005 Lennard George ’84, April 21, 2005 Alfred M. Pipiton ’95, April 14, 2005 Family Allan Cohen, father of Adam ’94, February 26, 2005 Barbara Cohen, mother of Adam ’94, February 27, 2005 Maureen Conquest, mother of Jarrell ’07, February 27, 2005

Alumnews - Summer 2005

Ellen Doyle, wife of Thomas ’39 and mother of Thomas ’69, Patrick ’70, Vincent ’72, Brendan ’77, Dennis ’79 and the late Arthur ’75, July 22, 2005 Monica Edgell, mother of James ’06, July 17, 2005 Linda Giordano, mother of Joseph ’59, May 6, 2005 Jenne Guyette, sister of Paul ’00, June 14, 2005 Anne Healey, mother of Joseph ’65 and Thomas ’72, April 16, 2005 Mary Ann Lally, wife of Philip ’43, February 26, 2005 Priscilla Lorenzo, mother of Thomas ’78, Joseph ’79 and Jack ’81, November 13, 2004 Dorothea McConnell, wife of Thomas ’47, February 17, 2005 Janet McEwen, wife of John ’51, February 11, 2005 Anne E. McIntosh, mother of James ’72, March 4, 2005 Leo A. Newball, Sr., father of Leo, Jr. ’99, May 5, 2005 Anne Reynolds, wife of Edward ’50, March 9, 2004 Ellen L. Silberstein, wife of Albert ’36, March 4, 2005 Rachel Smith, mother of Roger ’78 and Richard ’79, April 2005 Matthew Sommella, son of Salvatore ’67 and brother of Timothy ’96, July 12, 2005 Michael Wlach, father of Michael ’71 and grandfather of Christopher ’01, June 28, 2005 Friends Francis J. Leahy, Sr., father of Frank Leahy, Director of Physical Plant, April 16, 2005

Births Michael Carl Savino, May 15, 2005 Debra and James Savino ’72 Robert Paul Andrew Daly, March 14, 2005 & Peter Marcus Charles Daly, March 14, 2005 Frances and Robert Daly ’73 Aidan Mack, May 26, 2005 Phyllis and Rene Mack ’77 Catherine Fiona Ingoldsby, January 11, 2005 Elizabeth and John Ingoldsby ’83 Claire Marie Daudelin, April 5, 2005 Molly and Douglas Daudelin ’85 Natalia Elise Antaki, August 30, 2004 Suzanne and Alan Antaki ’87 Giulia Nicole Arlia, March 31, 2005 Dina and Frank Arlia ’88 Roman Lee St. Gerard, February 8, 2005 Trina and Pascal St. Gerard ’88 Elias Wright Romero, August 16, 2004 Michelle and Fernando Romero ’88 Caleb Domenick Maldari, April 27, 2005 Liza and Frank Maldari ’92 Margaret Grace Frohnhoefer, August 12, 2004 Audrey and Thomas Frohnhoefer ’95 Edward Mulvey, December 7, 2003 Lauren and Steven Mulvey ’01

Weddings James Savino ’72 and Debra Hacker, June 19, 2004 Owen Duffy ’88 and Nina Sherwin, April 2, 2005 Antonio Otero ’90 and Allison Meyer, May 14, 2004 Peter Kullman ’91 and Amy Brookover, May 8, 2004

Caruso

Alumni Remember Joe Caruso Joseph Caruso, a longtime Xavier faculty member who taught from 1949 to 1984, died on August 3, 2005 after a long illness. When Joe announced his retirement in 1984, an Alumnews article praised his expertise in history, his great ability to establish a rapport with students, and his career accomplishments. Originally from Newton, MA, Joe served in the US Army for five years before teaching. While holding a part-time teaching position at St. Peter’s College, he received the Centennial Medallion in 1972 for exceptional intellectual integrity, and he was also recognized at the college’s “Bene Merenti” award ceremony in 1976. Upon his arrival at Xavier, Joe allowed himself to develop into a talented teacher who helped students excel on many levels. Inside the classroom, Joe took pride in the rigorous preparation students went through a year before taking the Advanced Placement examination in history. He was remembered as a challenging teacher who wanted the best for his students. But after school dismissal, Joe always found the time to share some of his other talents – his ability as a piano player and singer. As moderator of the Glee Club, Joe helped young people discover their own hidden abilities. The club attracted students from all walks of Xavier life – athletes, the outgoing, and also the quieter types. The Glee Club enjoyed great popularity, and Joe dedicated himself as a man for others for many years. The original composer of the popular song “It’s a Big, Wide, Wonderful World,” he shared that vision with thousands of his grateful students. After his death, an email notification was sent to alumni who studied at Xavier while Joe was a faculty member. Dozens of alumni responded to the email, and many shared their fond memories of Joe, especially in connection to his encouraging work with the Glee Club. John King ‘59 said he had never sung in front of an audience before a friend encouraged him to try out for the Glee Club. John recalls being asked to sing “Around the World” while Joe played the piano, and he went on to enjoy singing from that moment on, with Xavier and also during later years. “He never knew it, but that was the start of a rather long, serious avocation in music,” John said. “He started me singing and, some 46 years later…I’m still at it.” “He put a song in my heart and it has been there since Xavier days,” said Bill Daly ’55. Other alumni wished to express their sympathies to Joe’s family. “Mr. Caruso was a great man who taught me a lot,” said Jim Menendez ’81.” Ron Lucas ’64 said Joe was a teacher that impacted his life. “He made a lasting impression as a teacher who really cared and he will be missed,” Ron said. Joe is survived by his wife, Rose, and his son, Joseph. A funeral Mass was celebrated on August 8 near his home in Queens, at St. Kevin’s Church, where he was an active parishioner and usher for 40 years.

Alumnews - Summer 2005

New Faces Three graduates from Xavier’s Class of 2000 are now employed by the school, serving in two offices on the 2L corridor. They each expressed their excitement about being able to return to the Xavier community, this time as staff members, rather than students. Thomas Wierzbowski ’00 rejoined the Xavier community last year as the Director of Admissions. He welcomes back his classmates Mike Benigno and Loual Puliafito to Xavier. Upon graduating from Xavier High School, Tom attended the City University of New York at Brooklyn College, and graduated cum laude with a BA in English. While in college, he worked part time in the Advancement Office and now while serving as the Admissions Director, Tom travels throughout the New York City metropolitan area talking about Xavier to prospective students and their families. “It is an opportunity to share my own love of Xavier, and help to continue the legacy of academic excellence and the tradition of brotherhood,” Tom said. “As an alumnus returning to 16th Street with a new generation of Xavier students, it is apparent that the 158 years of Jesuit education is thriving and vibrant.”

During his Xavier years, Loual was coeditor-inchief of the Xavier High Thomas Wierzbowski, Director of Admissions School Yearbook, played varsity Tennis, and was a member of Companions of Xavier. Loual went on to become the editor-in-chief of Fordham University’s yearbook, The Maroon, for his four years. While studying to receive his B.A. in History, Loual also found the time to be a Resident Assistant in his Junior and Senior years and worked at the Ram Van, Fordham University’s Intercampus Transportation, as a driver and then as an Assistant Operations Coordinator. Through Loual’s Fordham years, he never forgot his home on 16th Street, letting many know of his great learning experiences he had during high school. Loual is excited to be able to serve Xavier, this time not as a student, but as an employee.

While at Xavier, Mike was the photography editor Loual Puliafito, Advancement Officer for the Xavier High School yearbook during his senior year. Following his Xavier years, he went on to study English at St. Joseph’s University, where he was a leader of several volunteer programs, including a student service trip, Project Appalachia, and Outreach, which unites students with homeless men and women on Philadelphia streets. After graduating in May 2004 with a Bachelor’s Degree, he worked as a staff writer and photographer for a weekly newspaper in Northwest Philadelphia, while freelancing to another weekly publication. Mike looks forward to continue gaining writing experience while using his time and energy working with the Advancement Office team to plan events that will benefit his alma mater.

Michael Benigno, Director of Alumni Relations and Public Information 24

Alumnews - Summer 2005

Planned Giving Augmenting Gifts… Each year the difference between tuition charged and the cost of a year of Xavier education is a gap that is usually filled with subsidies given to each student. To “Bridge the Gap,” roughly $2 million is given to sponsor the students through funds that come from the Annual Fund and by returns from Xavier’s endowment. While many donors choose to make cash gifts each year, others decide to make pledges to include Xavier in their wills to ensure their gift will be a part of the school’s future. These gifts, which range from small donations to very substantial sums of money, all make a difference because they are invested directly into the endowment, which perpetually generates aid for students. By donating to the Annual Fund or taking part in planned giving, you are literally providing an opportunity for a student to attend Xavier. When the time comes to formulate or adjust your estate plans, please keep Xavier in mind. A gift of any size will help perpetuate Jesuit education on 16th Street. Your gift will give a student the chance to be challenged intellectually, athletically, and spiritually in an environment that promotes the formation of Men for Others. Visit Xavier online and explore the wealth of information and aids available to help you with your planned giving needs: www.xavierhs.org/alumni/support.htm. If you have any questions as to how your estate plans might benefit Xavier, please contact Joe Gorski, Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations at (212) 337-7539 or by email at gorskij@xavierhs.org.

Alumnews - Summer 2005

Alumnews Calendar Xavier Society and Loyola Associates Reception Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Council Dinner

September 21, 2005 September 29, 2005

Career Day

November 10, 2005

Young Alumni Luncheon and Rally

November 23, 2005

Washington, D.C. Alumni Reception

December 7, 2005

Kairos Reunion

December 21, 2005

Class of 2005 Reunion January 5, 2006 Rugby 30th Anniversary Dinner January 13, 2006 Beefsteak Dinner

January 20, 2006

Florida Receptions

February 23, 2006 - March 3, 2006

Boston Reception

March 30, 2006

Reunion Gala and Dinner

June 9, 2006 and June 10, 2006

Visit the Xavier Web site at www.xavierhs.org for further information.

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