All for Xavier! Energizing Our Community
2012 annual report
From the President
Dear Sons and Friends of Xavier, This year’s Annual Report went to press as we were processing into the church for the Mass of the Holy Spirit. And once again, I am struck by the juxtaposition of beginnings and ends, ends and beginnings. Four Quartets, T.S. Eliot’s poem written in and around the Second World War, has long been a wonderful source of material for my prayer and reflection. I am drawn to the richness, the beauty and the mystery of the poem. Much of that draw has to do with time and transcendence. In “East Coker,” the second of the quartets, Eliot writes, “The beginning is the end...And in the end the beginning.” The publication of this Annual Report marks the end of the official fundraising work for the 2011–2012 school year. And I end as I always begin, with deep and profound gratitude for all you are, all you do and all you have done for Xavier. The past year saw $3,748,179 of total giving by 4,245 donors. In addition to these financial gifts, thousands of volunteer hours, outstanding presence at events near and far, and countless prayers supported and nurtured our work. Thank you. As this year’s 1,046 Sons of Xavier continue the journey that you somehow began years ago — as a student, parent, grandparent, teacher or friend of one on 16th Street — the old year ends, the new one begins, and the journey continues. And it continues with, by and because of your support. It was the hope of St. Ignatius that all our Jesuit schools would be tuition-free. Few have attained that goal, but all of our schools, and Xavier is certainly no exception, have always provided a scholarship to each and every student regardless of need. That scholarship, the cost of a Xavier education over and above tuition, is nearly $3,000. The generosity of alumni and friends, the sacrifice of faculty and staff, and the service of Jesuits through the years have made these scholarships possible. Tuition has never covered the cost of a Xavier education and many are not aware of the gifts that make that education possible. We have worked in recent years to make sure we regularly and effectively tell the great story that is Xavier — through a redesigned alumni magazine, through regular E-News and through travel across the country. It is always an honor for me to tell our story. It is a story that I happily tell just as it is a story that you happily live out each day with the values learned on 16th Street. One part of the story I tell is of the generosity of so many in supporting our work. Another part of the story is the ongoing and growing need for support so Xavier continues to be a leader in Catholic education. So how do we hope to strengthen support, and what can you do? Let me outline six points for your consideration: 1. Continue Giving. If you gave in 2011–2012, please give again when this year’s appeal arrives. Some will be in a position to increase their gift, even if by a small percentage; some will want to give the same amount, and some will need to make a smaller gift. Whatever situation applies to you, please give again. Consistency is one of our biggest challenges. Every year we “lose” almost $250,000 in gifts from those who gave in the previous year. Usually this is just because people lost track of time and forgot to give by June 30th. We want to keep our givers giving, even if the amount you give year to year varies by circumstance. 2. Begin Giving. If you did not give in 2011–2012, please respond to the first solicitation with a gift that makes sense for you, but please give something. A $25 gift is just over $2 per month. Forty such gifts would provide three scholarships to a Kairos retreat or fund the purchase of 40 rugby balls. If a $10 gift makes sense, then start there. Building participation in the Annual Fund is an important sign. It encourages others to give and sustains the integrity of the Annual Fund.
On the cover: Megan and Paul Enright ’91 at the first Celebrate Xavier Gala.
Xavier high school
2012 annual report
3. Make Giving Easy. On the Xavier website, you can schedule automatic gifts to the Annual Fund. You can schedule these gifts periodically or monthly. Scheduling smaller monthly gifts to Xavier spreads the impact of your gift over the entire year for Xavier and your wallet! Giving automatically ensures you will always be part of supporting Xavier. It is quick and easy. And if your preference is to make your gift directly from your checking account, we can do that too. Please call Mark Mongelluzzo at (212) 901-5151 to arrange gifts directly from your checking account. 4. If you are not giving, please consider why. a. As I mention above, virtually every gift advances the cause, so please do not think, “If I can’t give more, I won’t give at all.” Please do not wait until you have more to give or until you can “give big.” Giving what you can now makes a difference and is of real value. b. If you are not giving because you are upset at Xavier, please call me. My direct line is (212) 337-7538. It is important for me to know and understand your concerns. If I can remedy them, I will. This is not just about giving. It is helpful to neither you nor Xavier for you to be upset if it is over issues that can be resolved. c. If you are supporting other causes and Xavier is not high on your philanthropic priority list, please consider making a small gift. Participation is an important measure of our success and we would love to have you in the mix. d. If we are unclear about why we need your financial support, please let me know. Quite simply, nothing is untouched by the Annual Fund. Need-based financial aid provides access to hundreds of students and is supported by the Annual Fund. Athletics is supported by the Annual Fund. Music and the arts are supported “As we celebrate your giving in this by the Annual Fund. The Regiment is supported report, I ask you to commit yourself to by the Annual Fund. I am happy to talk about Xavier finances and giving in great depth if you continuing the cycle with even greater are interested. You can reach me at the number dedication and vigor.” above or email me at raslowskyj@xavierhs.org. 5. Consider an estate or other planned gift. Estate and other planned gifts help ensure Xavier’s future and may even bring tax advantages to the donor. Please contact Mark Mongelluzzo at (212) 901-5151 or mongelluzzom@xavierhs.org to discuss planned giving. 6. Recruit another giver. After you make your gift, please recruit one specific person who has not been giving to join you in supporting Xavier this year. It may be your brother, a teammate or a friend from the old neighborhood. Call them, let them know you gave and ask them (strongly!) to join you. And then follow up. If everyone who gives this year recruits one new person to join them, it will be a record-breaking year. While such actions may get you less attention than the bundlers for the presidential candidates, the rewards are very real. For 165 years, the Xavier journey has been an unending cycle of beginnings and ends: A journey of challenging opportunities and new growth through good times and bad. As we celebrate your giving in this report, I ask you to commit yourself to continuing the cycle with even greater dedication and vigor. I thank you for doing so. Pray for us on 16th Street. You are in my prayers each day.
Sincerely,
John R. Raslowsky President
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Xavier high school
2012 annual report
Energizing Our From New York City to the California coast, our community is stronger than ever. We grew hoarse cheering on the Knights at traditional gatherings like the Turkey Bowl. We rekindled bonds of brotherhood at dozens of alumni receptions throughout the country and celebrated an institution that means so much to us at the first annual Celebrate Xavier Gala. Our collective energy, commitment and love are producing great things for Xavier.
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Senior Send-Off
Turkey Bowl
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2012 annual report
Community
Beefsteak Dinner
Father-Son March Madness
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Xavier high school
2012 annual report
A
Xavier High School gathering is no ordinary gathering. Miles may separate classmates from one another, yet time and distance evaporate when Sons of Xavier come together. The connection to an institution and community that taught, inspired and challenged generations of Xavier graduates to
of friendship were in his own life and the lives of classmates. “I would not be half the man I am today without Xavier,” he said. “We say it’s more than four years…we say it’s a lifetime.” “Sometimes the connection is too difficult to describe to people who never attended Xavier,” noted Bill Kelly ’91 who served on the school’s Advancement Committee for several
lives and full-time responsibilities. As a result, Xavier has instituted initiatives to strengthen its community through cherished traditions like the Beefsteak Dinner and Turkey Bowl, new events geared to young alumni and families, extensive travel to meet and greet Xavier alums, plus a media campaign that leverages online communication and social media.
“We say it’s more than four years…we say it’s a lifetime.” become better men is deep, long lasting and powerful. “People are often envious of the way we speak of Xavier,” observed Michael Avalos ’94, a contract attorney in New York. Like so many of his Xavier brothers, Mr. Avalos recognizes how formative the combination of Jesuit education, Catholic values, discipline and bonds
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Celebrate Xavier Gala
years and was elected to the Board of Trustees in September. “But if you did spend time at 30 West 16th Street, you understand the connection and pride that comes with calling yourself a Xavier man.” For alums with strong ties to 16th Street it’s not about wanting to connect, but finding ways to deepen the Xavier connection amidst busy
Xavier President Jack Raslowsky said the unprecedented outreach conducted during the 2011–2012 academic year was vital and necessary. “When we go out and meet alums in Burlington, Vermont or Detroit, we hear transformational stories about Xavier and an educational experience that was the foundation for a good and successful life,”
Mother-Son Dinner
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he explained. “We travel and host events so we can share Xavier’s story, but we also have a responsibility to provide opportunities for alums to stay connected and tell their own story. Their success stories affirm our mission and are an important part of our history and future.” “You want [events] to be meaningful for people,” said Paul Enright ’91, who is pictured on the cover of this publication with his wife, Megan, at the first annual Celebrate Xavier Gala at the Tribeca Rooftop held in March. Attended by more than 340 alumni, parents, graduate parents and friends of the Xavier community, the evening was a chance to have fun, renew close friendships, raising $105,000 in scholarship support for the school. “The Gala was a first step,” Mr. Enright remarked. “Balancing the social interaction with the fundraising that is really needed for Xavier is important to do.”
2012 annual report
Two Class of ’91 members step up
Bill Kelly ’91
College may take Sons of Xavier away from home, but many quickly find their way back to 16th Street. For Paul Enright ’91 it was teaching in the Higher Achievement Program (HAP) for three summers while attending the College of the Holy Cross and meeting up with Xavier rugby players and coaches post-college. Bill Kelly ’91 says Xavier’s presence is visible every day from the classmate who introduced him to his wife, Danielle, to the alumnus who is godfather to his eldest daughter. Both men stepped up their commitment to their alma mater and were recently elected to the Xavier Board of Trustees, Mr. Enright in 2011 and Mr. Kelly in September 2012. Both say they felt compelled to give back to an institution that played such a formative role in their lives.
Paul Enright ’91
Mr. Enright, a portfolio manager with Viking Global, points to Xavier as one of a handful of experiences in life that, “Keeps me grounded. It is intangibly visible in how I live my life on a day-to-day basis, therefore I can’t not want to give back, or support Xavier.” “Serving as a Trustee is a tremendous responsibility and it will allow me to give back in a meaningful way to a place that has done so much for me,” added Mr. Kelly, Director, Eastern Division of International Value Advisors. “Xavier’s best days are still ahead. I am excited to serve on the Board of Trustees and help ensure that we will continue to go in the right direction.”
Xavier Reunion
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Xavier high school
2012 annual report
The Event Before The Event Thanksgiving Eve Takes On Added Meaning The annual Turkey Bowl rivalry between Xavier and Fordham Prep is a cherished tradition. For the Xavier Class of ’97, though, the eve of that event has become an important occasion as well. Anthony Saporito ’97 was one of the alums Anthony Saporito (middle) with Andrew behind their first Thanksgiving Eve gathering. (l.) and Matthew Dory, (r.) all class of ’97 Now an annual tradition, it sees anywhere from a dozen to 26 class members gather at the same restaurant in Little Italy. “We started in 2001,” he recalled, “which is the first year we all got out of college. It was also right after September 11th. Being from Xavier, we knew so many people who died that day.” Still, the night was designed around fun. According to Mr. Saporito, “We give out awards, where we basically just roast each other. We’ve known each other a long time, so we can do that. You might go to Xavier for four years, but you never really leave. We all know that our friendship means something. We’ve all come to really, really appreciate it over the years.” The value of that friendship became even more evident after the death of classmate LCPL Michael D Glover ’97. Killed while serving with the United States Marines in Iraq during 2006, he had been a regular at the annual Thanksgiving Eve gathering. This November, he will be inducted into the Xavier Hall of Fame. Mr. Saporito, like other members of Class of ’97, is planning on attending the induction dinner. “Along with a few other classmates, I plan on really pushing the event,” he said. “We want as many guys from our year to buy tickets to this dinner as possibly can. It’s just the right thing to do.”
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Young Alumni Welcome Home BBQ
Other decades-long traditions like the annual Beefsteak Dinner are nonfundraisers that foster camaraderie among Sons of Xavier. Beefsteak 2012 was positively electric with a record-setting attendance of 781 graduates representing the classes of 1948 through 2008, plus current and former faculty members and friends. For many, it’s a can’t-miss event. “The Beefsteak is one of the best Xavier events. It’s a must-attend. I get to see and catch up with old classmates that I usually only get to talk to during phonathons or at Reunion, and it’s great that we’re back in the school building,” said Jim Gildea ’70, describing why he attends Beefsteak every year. Xavier Reunion, held May 4–5, also drew a strong showing of alumni and even made national news when it was featured on TODAY. Al Roker ’72 attended the 40th Reunion Gala, his first
Xavier high school
since attending the Class of 1972’s fifth year reunion in 1977. “It was really kind of cool getting to pick up with guys I had not seen in years,” said Roker who screened clips of Xavier’s reunion on the show. “Great guys altogether…it was a really good time.” Members of the Xavier community built pride and spirit at a number of newer traditions including Father-Son March Madness on March 16, the Mother-Son Dinner on May 11, a Welcome Back Barbecue for collegeage alumni on May 23 and the first Xavier Family Friends Night with the Brooklyn Cyclones on June 27. More than 120 alumni, parents and friends turned out for the sold-out, familyfriendly event where Xavier’s President was called to the mound to throw the ceremonial first pitch. Vice President for Advancement Joseph Gorski said the Office of
Golf Outing
Advancement will continue its outreach initiative with events that appeal to a broad range of alumni, parents and students. “It’s definitely an undertaking,” he said. “But also a privilege and honor to celebrate old and new traditions that bring the Xavier community together.” The effort is also instrumental to sustain the school’s mission to provide excellent, affordable Jesuit Catholic education to current and future Sons of Xavier. When fiscal year 2012 closed on June 30, the Annual Fund reached $2,035,473, the second year the Fund surpassed the $2 million mark since crossing the threshold in 2011. Following a busy summer of alumni receptions (see “Xavier on the Road” page 8) the Class of 2012 College Sendoff was held on August 14. Xavier’s most recent alumni
Reunion
2012 annual report
signed yearbooks and caught up with classmates and teachers before taking the next important step of their lives. Members of the Class of 2012 will represent Xavier High School at Cooper Union, Case Western Reserve, Cornell, Dartmouth, McGill, UPenn, Chicago, Johns Hopkins, Notre Dame, Berkeley, and Jesuit colleges such as Boston College, Fordham, College of the Holy Cross, Loyola, and Marquette. Before the sendoff ended, Mr. Raslowsky reminded the group that this wasn’t a goodbye to Xavier, but the beginning of a new relationship. “We share in the excitement as you begin to realize the new and amazing ways that Xavier can have a presence in your life,” said Mr. Raslowsky. “Understand the depth and beauty of this relationship and take joy in it.”
Family Friends Night with Cyclones
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2012 annual report
Xavier on the
Xavier is on a mission to bring thousands of graduates from all class years together for their alma mater and each other. Since becoming president of Xavier in 2009, Jack Raslowsky and members of the Office of Advancement have crisscrossed the country to meet with alumni at regional reunions and receptions in scores of locations throughout the U.S. “Xavier has a tremendous network of alumni who care deeply about an institution that played such an important role in their lives,” said Shane Lavin ’03, director of alumni relations. “Our aim is to keep strengthening the network and identifying opportunities for Sons of Xavier to step up their involvement in ways that are meaningful to them.” Alums also relived their days on 16th Street. More than 350 alumni representing the classes of 2002, 1997, 1992, 1987, 1982, 1977, 1972, 1967 and the Golden Knights (Class
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of 1962) attended the Reunion Gala Dinner on May 5. When Xavier wasn’t “on the road” the school made an impact in cyberspace as well. The award-winning E-News, which features exciting school and alumni news, colorful photos and great video, is published every Thursday during the school year. News of Xavier is also spread through the Facebook page, as well as both Twitter and LinkedIn. New and archived videos are posted on YouTube, while past issues of Xavier Magazine are among the publications posted on issuu.com. According to Michael Avalos ’94, Facebook offered “an opportunity to integrate Xavier into the way people communicate these days.” He was instrumental in organizing the Sons of ’94 Alumni Society, a Facebook page exclusively for 1994 Xavier alumni. “At the Beefsteak and the reunions, there’s lots of nostalgia and memories,”
Xavier high school
Road
Mr. Avalos recalled. “But what if you made that an everyday experience? You can keep alumni connected to their class and their school.” The impact was immediate. Over the past two years, Class of ’94 participation numbers for events like the Beefsteak have increased exponentially. It’s not surprising that other classes are also using Facebook to organize alumni activities and events. As Mr. Avalos observed, “We had to find a way to connect ourselves back to Xavier, and stay connected with each other. Social media gives us a chance to do both.”
2012 annual report
Here, there and everywhere Sons of Xavier share a deep and unique bond and when the Office of Advancement stepped up its schedule of regional reunions, alums from all parts of the country responded. Here’s the short list of cities, towns and regions we’ve been to in the last three years: Atlanta, GA
Marco Island, FL
Austin, TX
Miami, FL
Belmar, NJ
Morristown, NJ
Bloomfield Hills, MI
Phoenix, AZ
Boston, MA
Quogue, NY
Breezy Point, NY
Raleigh, NC
Burlington, VT
Rockaway Beach, NY
Charlotte, NC
San Diego, CA
Chicago, IL
San Francisco, CA
Denver, CO
Santa Monica, CA
Englewood, FL
Spring Lake, NJ
Fort Myers, FL
Staten Island, NY
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Stuart, FL
Houston, TX
Tucson, AZ
Hyannis, MA
Vero Beach, FL
Live Streaming!
Jupiter, FL
Virginia Beach, VA
Those who couldn’t make it to St. Patrick’s Cathedral for Commencement Exercises on June 14, 2012 got to watch it live online. More than 500 viewers streamed Xavier Commencement, marking the first time Xavier was able to share graduation with an audience beyond those gathered in the historic Cathedral. The stream was made possible by the Cathedral and is archived on their website.
Kiawah Island, SC
Washington, DC
Little Compton, RI
Water Mill, NY
Los Angeles, CA
Weehawken, NJ
Mamaroneck, NY
West Palm Beach, FL
Manhasset, NY
Westport, CT
Keep up with Xavier and old friends. Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/XavierHS or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/XavierHS.
Find out when Xavier High School will be in your area. Visit xavierhsalumni.org/events for updates on regional reunions in 2012 and 2013.
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Development Young Alumni Make Steady Progress Young alumni annual giving to Xavier has seen a steady rise over a three-year period, increasing from a total dollar amount of $56,000 in 2010 (a decrease from FY2009, the result of the economic downturn) to $103,000 in 2012 with a more than 1.5% overall participation rate increase during this period as well. Director of Development Mark Mongelluzzo attributes the progress among members of the Classes of 1991 through 2007 to increased outreach within this age group as well as a greater overall effort to educate alumni about the critical role the Annual Fund plays in keeping tuition affordable. “There is a great love for Xavier among our ‘under 40’ alumni,” Mr. Mongelluzzo said. “They care for this institution as much as any generation has, and they appreciate what Xavier has meant to their lives and to the men they have become. They want to play their part in sustaining the tradition. Just look at the alumni profiled in this Report. From the classes of ’91 through ’08, the message is the same: Xavier had an impact upon them and they want to give back and help keep the Xavier experience affordable.” Still, more progress is needed from the entire alumni population. Every year, the total Fund dollar amount raised has increased, yet for several years the alumni percentage of participation has remained between 23% and 25%. There is a critical need to see that number increase to 30% in the near future.
YOUNG ALUMNI GIVING Classes 1991 – 2007 $200k
$150k $103k
$100k $83k $50k
$56k
$0
2010 2011 2012
“There’s nothing wrong with a $50 or $25 gift if that’s the right amount for you. Seeing a long list of classmates listed in the pages of the Annual Report says a lot about that class, and the hope is that in the near future we can see more of our young alumni perform like the Class of 1948 or 1959. It’s a work in progress, but we will get there. No matter how old, they are all ‘loyal Sons and true’ after all,” added G Mr. Mongelluzzo. Transfer from Endowment 8%
Student Activities 6%
Student Activities 1% Parents’ Association 0%
Auxiliary Programs 4% Alumni Activities/ Parents’ Events 2% Annual Fund 12% Investment Income 1%
General and Administration 25%
Tuition and Fees 72%
Instruction 48%
Auxiliary Programs 1% Transfer to Endowment 8% Operations and Maintenance 12%
REVENUES Tuition and Fees $11,848,262 72% Student Activities 153,323 1% Annual Fund 2,035,473 12% Alumni Activities and Parents’ Events 269,315 2% Auxiliary Programs 715,491 4% Investment Income 191,690 1% Transfer from Endowment 1,323,464 8% Total Revenues $16,537,018 100% 10
EXPENses Instruction Operations and Maintenance Student Activities Auxiliary Programs General and Administration Parents’ Association Transfer to Endowment % Total Expenses
$7,977,067 1,931,937 925,431 223,014 4,087,722 25,812 1,366,035
48% 12% 6% 1% 25% 0% 8j13
$16,537,018 100%
Xavier high school
2012 annual report
2012 Summary of Gifts AnNUAL FUND Alumni Parents Friends Total Annual Fund
$1,688,158 $246,094 $101,221 $2,035,473
Restricted Gifts Capital Campaign Current Fund Scholarship Scholarship Endowment Plant Endowment Other Restricted Gifts Total Restricted Gifts
Annual Fund Range of Gifts Giving Society Gift RANGE President’s Council $1,000 + Xavier Society $500–$999 Loyola Associates $250–$499 Century Club $100–$249 General Contributor $1–99 Total Contributors
Total Annual Giving by Class with Less than 150 Members 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1957 $330,136 1946 $110,407 1966 $95,953 1963 $69,662 1949 $47,336 1961 $42,305 1991 $37,270 1952 $35,124 1956 $35,105 1972 $34,434
Total $ Amount $1,475,323 $186,963 $165,302 $175,874 $32,011 $2,035,473
Total Donors 520 349 608 1,491 820 3,788
Total Annual Giving by Class with 150 Members or more 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
$642,081 $188,900 $602,547 $31,148 $117,402
1962 $134,727 1970 $129,995 1958 $90,521 1987 $82,485 1965 $79,745 1959 $65,291 1985 $60,995 1968 $56,465 1971 $44,948 1983 $40,715
$1,582,078
Fundraising Events Celebrate Xavier Gala
$105,000
Golf Outing
$25,628
Total Fundraising Events
$130,628
TOTAL RAISED
$3,748,179
Percentage of Participation by Class with Less than 150 Members 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1938 1948 1954 1952 1957 1963 1947 1955 1945 1956
100% 64% 59% 52% 51% 49% 48% 47% 44% 41%
Percentage of Participation by Class with 150 Members or more 1 2 3 4 5 5 7 8 9 9
1959 1965 1962 1970 1958 1967 1973 1951 1975 1977
57% 48% 43% 42% 40% 40% 37.5% 36% 34% 34% 11