30 West 16th Street New York, NY 10011 news@xavierhs.org
Xavier’s Mission
Founded in 1847, Xavier High School is an academically rigorous, Catholic, Jesuit, college preparatory school in New York City that educates intelligent, motivated young men of diverse backgrounds and means. Xavier teaches students to take responsibility for their lives, to lead with integrity, to act justly in service of others, to pursue excellence in every endeavor and to deepen their relationship with God. Ultimately, Xavier forms young men who will go forth to transform the world for God’s greater glory.
About This Report
Xavier High School’s Annual Report celebrates gifts made to 16th Street during the 2024 fiscal year, from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
Every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of this report. If an error or omission has been made, please accept our apologies and notify the Advancement Office at 212-924-7900, ext. 1581.
Sustainability
In keeping with Xavier’s commitment to sustainability, this publication is printed on FSC-certified paper.
Goodness Made Real
Dear Sons of Xavier, Parents and Friends:
Greetings from 16th St.
Fr. Vincent Hart, S. J. served as Xavier’s rector-president from 1937 to 1943. The Lynch building floors were in desperate need of repair. It would take every bit of the money we had to fix them and would leave us with precious little in the bank. Fr. Hart’s consultors advised against the work. America was in the midst of the Great Depression; the economic outlook was precarious. War was raging in Europe. Payroll was always around the corner. Certainly, the project could wait reasoned the consultors.
Confident in Xavier, Fr. Hart moved the project forward.
No sooner was the last payment made and the next payroll looming, that a large gift arrived. Other gifts followed. The faculty was paid, the building was safe and sound, and the new floor was beautiful. Fr. Hart’s faith, in God and in Xavier, was rewarded. This is not the only story of Fr. Hart’s utter confidence that if the work is of God, people will support it. There are tales of his work after Xavier, and his advice to other directors of the works, to be generous to others and to spend to advance the cause. And as the stories go, his faith was always rewarded.
There is a risk this story can seem magical, or worse, that it can leave one thinking that they need not do anything because someone else, someone with more money or more resources, will magically step up to save the day. Reading Fr. Hart’s decision that way would be a grave mistake. It was Fr. Hart’s belief in the mission and his tireless efforts to advance that mission that is the moral of the story. Just as God worked through Vincent Hart, God works through each and every one of us. Over 4,000 people are listed in these pages and over 6,000 gifts. Those gifts were joined by thousands of prayers. All signs of God’s work through us and all witness to your faith in Xavier’s mission, a mission that has God as its origin and its end.
There’s no magic here. There is goodness made real. Wonder inspired. A future envisioned by you and your generosity.
Earlier this year, I met with Emilia Fazzalari P’21 to discuss endowing a scholarship. I hoped to secure one scholarship so we could open the doors of Xavier to one more young man who lacked the resources to enroll on 16th St. During the course of our conversation Emilia asked how she and her husband Wyc could do more. She then proposed four endowed scholarships so there would be one student in each year at Xavier supported by their gift. Once again, no magic here, instead, a belief in the work. Goodness recognized and made possible at Xavier once again. Emilia and Wyc took responsibility for a future not their own. Every donor listed in this annual report has taken responsibility for Xavier. This is how God’s kingdom is made real. Thank you for living that responsibility.
For 178 years, September has brought new possibilities to tens of thousands of young men at Xavier. What has made these new opportunities possible has been the same for 178 years: the generosity of parents, friends, alumni and Jesuits. Benefactors, seen and unseen, known and unknown.
This Annual Report went to press as we were beginning classes for the 178th year. One of the great joys of school life is we begin again each September. The new year is truly new. The gradebook is a blank sheet. The same with the game book and the depth chart. New opportunities; new possibilities. I struggled through Latin 1 in 1975. I was a star in Latin 3 in junior year. Lessons learned. Shaped by success
and failure. Helped along by natural maturation. Influenced by outstanding men and women in the classroom and the field of competition. Gifted by grace. This is what awaits our students this year.
For 178 years, September has brought new possibilities to tens of thousands of young men at Xavier. What has made these new opportunities possible has been the same for 178 years: the generosity of parents, friends, alumni and Jesuits. Benefactors, seen and unseen, known and unknown. Most of these individuals directly connected to Xavier, some not; but all believing in the goodness of our mission. And for 178 years, presidents have had the privilege of holding our benefactors in gratitude and thanking you. Your gifts are a blessing. Those gifts bless and sustain the work, and the work in turn blesses and sustains each and every one of us. There is a wonder to that sustenance. It is God’s grace made manifest through Xavier.
This formal recognition of our donors for fiscal year 2024 opens the door to our fundraising for fiscal year 2025. Like each school year, we begin again. We begin with a blank slate and myriad possibilities. One thing is certain, without the commitment of alumni, parents and friends, excellence at Xavier would not be possible. I look forward to building on our success this past year to increase annual fund participation, grow commitments to planned giving, meet the Keenan Challenge and secure major gift commitments.
From our youngest alums in the Turkey Bowl Challenge to our anniversary classes, from our current parents to those of many years ago, please join us once again to make Xavier possible and keep her strong and excellent. Share the Xavier story. Give, and invite others to give. The gifts you give we will never forget. Thank you for what you have done, and for what you will do.
And the next time you’re at Xavier, please visit 2L and take a look at the floor and the tiles that keep that hallway so magnificent. Remember the faith of Fr. Vincent Hart, his faith in God and his faith in Xavier. Thank you for continuing his work. Please remember Xavier in your prayers, and be assured of mine.
Jack
Raslowsky President
A Shared Investment
Dear Parents, Friends, and Sons of Xavier:
In my role as chair of Xavier’s Board of Trustees, I often receive questions about the school’s financial model and sustainability. Many of those questions center on our endowment. What is it, and how does it work? How much is it worth? Why can’t we borrow generously from it when we want to? For these reasons, I thought it would be useful to review Xavier’s financial model and explain the endowment’s purpose and structure.
As many know, the Board is entrusted with Xavier’s fiscal management. Because that management (in partnership with the school administration) has been successful over the long term, Xavier is
in Xavier
financially strong, and it can intentionally run with an operating gap— meaning the actual cost to provide a Xavier education far exceeds what families pay in tuition, regardless of whether they receive financial aid or scholarships. Keeping Xavier accessible and affordable to families of all backgrounds is central to our mission, and the Board strives to make that mission real with the work we do.
Some schools set tuition at the full cost of the education provided, while others set tuition at a premium to help subsidize financial aid and scholarships. Xavier has long opted for a third way. During the 2023-24 school year, Xavier’s tuition was set roughly $6,000 below the actual cost to educate each student. This operating gap (as well as financial aid and scholarships) is funded almost entirely through generous donations to the Xavier Annual Fund and special events, as well as the annual draw taken from the endowment.
Xavier’s endowment is a set of funds established by generations of donors to provide a critical base of support to operate the school in perpetuity. The majority of the endowment supports student scholarships and financial aid.
At the Board level, we have been comfortable allowing the operating gap to increase in recent years (thus keeping tuition as low as possible) in large part because of the sustained growth of the Xavier endowment. This past year, we reached a historic milestone when the endowment crossed $100 million in value (in comparison, the value of the average private school endowment in the Tri-State Area is $35 million). This is a tremendous sign of institutional strength and longevity, and it is a credit to the great work of the Board and its Finance Committee.
So what exactly is an endowment, and what purpose does it serve for Xavier?
Xavier’s endowment is a set of funds established by generations of donors to provide a critical base of support to operate the school in perpetuity. It is not a single entity. Instead, it contains a combination of assets, some of which are labeled “Board designated” (meaning they can be used at the Board’s discretion) and others that are restricted
$100 Million+
Total net value of Xavier’s endowment (among the top five New York City private school endowments)
by the donor for a specific purpose. The majority of the endowment supports student scholarships and financial aid. Donations to the endowment come in many forms, including restricted or unrestricted gifts of cash or appreciated stock via major gifts or estate gifts. Donors trust Xavier to prudently invest these funds for the long term while using a current portion of the cash flow, including earnings, to support the annual operating budget.
As a Board, we will continue to manage our investments wisely so every qualified young man—regardless of his ability to pay—can benefit from a transformational Jesuit education at Xavier.
The best way to ensure this dual mandate of investing for the future while supporting the present is achieved through two clear Board policies and processes—the spending policy and the investment policy.
The spending policy, which the Board reviews and sets annually, determines the endowment draw and is informed by New York State law governing prudent management of endowment funds. The Board’s policy has evolved to budget a blended draw in the range of 4 to 5% on both the restricted and Board designated funds in the endowment.
XAVIER’S APPROACH TO INVESTING
A 4 to 5% draw is widely considered best practice among university endowments and is also directly linked to the Xavier investment policy, which—simply stated—requires the Xavier endowment to grow after accounting for inflation and the spending policy.
For Fiscal Year 2025, the Board voted to increase the endowment draw to 5% for both the Board designated and restricted funds to strengthen investments in all school programs, including robust support for financial aid and scholarships. This increase to the top end of our policy range is only possible thanks to the continued generosity of our donors. Skilled endowment management and successful fundraising have enabled Xavier to flourish. As a Board, we will continue to manage our investments wisely so every qualified young man—regardless of his ability to pay—can benefit from a transformational Jesuit education at Xavier.
If you would like to assist in our ongoing effort to strengthen our endowment by making a major gift, or if you would like to discuss estate gift options, please contact the Advancement Office. Each and every gift helps us support the current and future needs of Xavier High School.
As always, thank you for all you do for Xavier. God bless.
Paul Enright ’91 Chair, Board of Trustees
Generations of Sons of Xavier have contributed to the remarkable success of Xavier’s endowment—as have many trustees who have helped manage it with great skill and foresight. Our approach to investing is as follows.
Target returns for the endowment require forecasting a long-range inflation target of 2-3% paired with a 4-5% spending policy, resulting in a long-term investment strategy seeking greater than 6-8% annual returns. Fortunately, the stock market has averaged 11% returns over the past 20 years, which supports this strategy.
These returns are volatile from year to year, however, with annual returns as high as 30% and losses as great as 38% during that time span. It would be imprudent to calculate a spending policy draw based on a potential short-term peak in the endowment. To assist in managing this volatility, the endowment draw is calculated using the five-year rolling quarterly endowment average balance. In other words, while the current endowment is roughly $100 million, our draw for Fiscal Year 2024 was based on 4% of the average quarterly endowment balance over the last five years. In this way, if the rolling average balance in the endowment continues to grow, so too will the annual endowment draw. This policy has been back tested and for all years in the 20-year measurement period, the five-year average growth of the endowment has been positive.
News from 16th Street
News and Notes
Two hundred and thirty-two members of the Class of 2024 earned their Xavier diplomas at the 182nd Commencement on Thursday, June 13, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
The evening’s speakers emphasized the importance of relationships—no surprise for a class that entered high school at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The people with you today, the people waiting outside the massive doors of this magnificent cathedral when you leave, are the people who will carry you when you cannot walk, when it doesn’t seem like you can go on,” said valedictorian Sean Welker ’24, bound for Stony Brook University. “Be proud of what we have accomplished, but also look back on what others did to get us here and try to make them proud as we enter this next phase.”
Salutatorian Reid Vanto ’24, bound for Georgetown University, echoed Welker’s sense of gratitude. “Thank you to the institution of Xavier. It has formed me, and us, as a class, in precisely the way intended and I am forever grateful,” he said. “This graduation is one of the last of the lasts. Now we begin
with firsts: our first moments as alumni, our first steps into adulthood, and our first chance to make our mark in the world.”
Fifty years after his own Xavier graduation and weeks after his 50th reunion, Bill McKiernan ’74, president of WSM Capital, LLC, returned to deliver the Commencement Address. “You should be very proud to graduate today from the finest high school in New York City,” he told the graduates, “and when this ceremony is over, I want each of you to take a moment and thank your parents, your grandparents, and all the dedicated people in your life who made this day possible. … From this day forward, you will always be a Son of Xavier. You will always have a home on 16th Street. Now, as St. Ignatius said, go set the world aflame.”
Xavier’s Commencement also marked the conclusion of celebrations for retiring teacher Cindy Castro, who was awarded the Robert Bellarmine Medal—an honor given to longserving members of the faculty and staff upon their retirement. Castro, who taught French and Spanish at Xavier for 29 years, was also
fêted on the last day of classes, when students, faculty, and staff crowded the hallway outside her classroom—French flags in hand—to applaud her service.
“I learned from her that every teacher must love their profession in order to succeed,” said Modern and Classical Languages Department Chair Israel Salvador. “Cindy demonstrates a true passion for teaching foreign languages because she teaches not only with wisdom, but with an energy and love for what she does.”
1. Bill McKiernan ’74. 2. Reid Vanto ’24. 3. Sean Welker ’24. 4. Students, faculty, and staff applaud retiring teacher Cindy Castro after her last class.
of all students receive financial aid
or merit scholarships
News and Notes
Earlier this year, the Board of Trustees reached a critical juncture in its master planning process and now faces key decisions regarding infrastructure (energy, heating, and cooling) and the proper phasing for the remaining work in C and D Buildings. In order to assist them in making these important decisions, the Board convened an Infrastructure Task Force of highly experienced professionals— architects, engineers, and developers—in April under the leadership of facilities chair Tom Evans ’81. The task force will evaluate various options for the ongoing renewal and improvement of Xavier’s plant and advise the Board on the best way to proceed. Members of the task force include Xavier alumni, parents, and friends: Paul
Angerame ’78 P’27, Chair Tom Evans ’81, Bobby Hubner ’97, Sal Mazzeo P’24, Paul Kieliszek ’10, and Margaret Kittinger. President Jack Raslowsky, Vice President for Planning and Principal Giving Maggie Murphy Stockson, Vice President for Finance Mike Pender, and Director of the Physical Plant Frank Leahy P’10 are the internal members of the task force.
In May, Jack Raslowsky and University of Scranton President Fr. Joseph Marina, S.J. signed an agreement that creates a pathway for eligible Xavier graduates to earn a Scranton degree in three years. The agreement, which grants college credit at Scranton for rigorous coursework taken at Xavier, will begin in the 2025-26 academic year. “I am delighted and
grateful to see Scranton and Xavier working together on establishing this new linkage,” said Fr. Marina, who returned to the Xavier Board of Trustees this July. “Having served on Xavier’s Board of Trustees in the past and as pastor of the Church of St. Francis Xavier right next door, I know first-hand how seriously Xavier takes its Jesuit mission. Its students are of the highest caliber, and they are exactly the type of students we wish to attract to the university. This new avenue for both of our institutions will provide a more efficient and cost-effective pathway to higher education and bond the Jesuit charisms of our schools in a new and creative way.”
Xavier rugby defended its New York state title on June 9, defeating Pelham High School,
1. Travis Mitterway ’26, Connor Lane ’26, and Adam Perez ’26 on CFX Tennessee in July. 2. Emir Yuksel ’24, Alexander Zagoreos ’24, and Mehdi Merah ’24 were named to the USA U18s team as All-American rugby players. 3. Fr. Joseph Marina, S.J. and Jack Raslowsky at the University of Scranton.
Photo by Byron Maldonado, courtesy of the University of Scranton
XAVIER WELCOMES FIVE TRUSTEES
On July 1, 2023, Xavier welcomed five new and returning members to the Board of Trustees. Steve Vincent ’75 (a returning trustee), Claudia Joyce P’22 ’24, Br. Tyrone Davis, C.F.C., Fr. Jose-Luis Salazar, S.J., and Ulderico Calero, Jr. ’83 (not pictured) brought fresh perspectives and insight to the critical work of the Board. “We are so grateful for their time, their generosity, and their expertise,” said Vice President for Planning and Principal Giving Maggie Murphy Stockson. THE CLASS OF
BY THE NUMBERS 311 Enrolled freshmen 47% Students of color
45-7, to retain the Mike Tolkin Cup. Three members of the state championship-winning rugby team—Mehdi Merah ’24, Emir Yuksel ’24, and Alexander Zagoreos ’24—were named to the USA U18s team as AllAmerican rugby players. The group traveled to Uruguay, where they played Chile and Uruguay on July 6, then crossed the border into Argentina to play the Buenos Aires Academy on July 10 and 13. “It was a great experience to be able to play internationally,” Merah said. “The game was extremely fast, and it took a lot out of us physically and mentally.” Added Yuksel: “Talking to kids and seeing their culture, eating their food after games, and understanding where they come from and why they play rugby was great to learn. Hospitality from the players and
coaches was amazing, as after every game and sometimes practices we were invited to a meal.”
Xavier’s Companions of St. Francis Xavier (CFX) program once again sent students to serve communities near and far this summer. Groups traveled to Mexico, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Maryland. NET-TV (New York’s Catholic television station), The Tablet (the newspaper of the Diocese of Brooklyn), and The Good Newsroom (the online news outlet of the Archdiocese of New York) all featured stories about the trip to Maryland, where 29 rising sophomores and five chaperones worked at First Fruits Farm, harvesting produce to be sent to shelters, soup kitchens, and food banks.
Scholars 71 Relatives of Xavier alumni 976 Total applications received INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR THE CLASS OF 2029?
Alumni Reconnect, Raise Critical Funds at Reunions
By DAVID ORLANDO ’17
Every year, Sons of Xavier make their way back to 16th Street for reunions that mark important milestones since they first walked out of St. Patrick’s Cathedral with their brandnew diplomas in hand. These gatherings are filled with laughter, nostalgia, and camaraderie that stretches back to when these Sons roamed Xavier’s halls themselves.
“Reunions help reveal the strands that make up the fabric of Xavier—whether that’s a recent alumnus re-connecting with the faculty member who helped them discover their love of writing, members of the 60th reunion class sharing their favorite memories of Fr. Keenan, or members of the Class of 1974 commemorating a fallen classmate by supporting an endowed scholarship in his memory,” Vice President for Planning and Principal Giving Maggie Murphy Stockson remarked.
Reunion giving is a powerful reflection of the enduring commitment of Xavier’s alumni to the institution, to each other, and to future Sons. This was exemplified by the Class of 1974’s 50th reunion gift in the form of an
endowed scholarship honoring their deceased classmate, John J. Ryan, who perished at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Spearheaded by Bill McKiernan, Kevin McLaughlin, Phil Whalen, and many others, the Class of 1974 raised more than $230,000 in the months leading up to their reunion weekend. “I think it’s a great way to remember classmates, and it’s a great way to pay it forward,” Whalen said. “These kids, someday they’re going to have their 50th, and hopefully they’re going to do the same thing. If someone steps up in their class every year, then we can rest assured that Xavier will be going strong into the next century.”
The Class of 1974 was not the only one celebrating an important anniversary, though, as Xavier was delighted to welcome back hundreds of alumni spanning every generation during two reunion weekends in May. From recent graduates to our newest Golden Knights, there was a palpable joy that permeated 16th Street. We spoke to attendees and asked them to share some thoughts on what brotherhood means to them in light of their milestone reunions.
“There were so many guys that I had not seen in 50 years. It’s like we stepped back in time. There was no catching up to do, really, other than their marriages, or children, that kind of thing. But for the most part, they were the same great guys. I actually worked the phones, and what we were telling people, which was the truth, is that we missed seeing them. That’s really the crux of the whole thing, just to get back. Everyone’s really interested in what you’ve been up to, and it’s from the heart. It’s not just a line.”
—Phil
Whalen ’74
Class of 2004 Class of 1974
Class of 1984
“It was about refueling those relationships, the bonds that were created on the train rides, in the classroom, on the playing field. Now at 40 years, the significance just appears greater, to just rebuild that feeling of camaraderie, and enjoy each other’s company, and recall the shenanigans and the joy we had outside the classroom. Now it becomes a deeper—dare I say, more spiritual—need to do those things. Xavier allows us to do that. And hopefully, through that relationship comes a little more recognition of why it was so important, and why it’s so important for other young men at this time to have that same experience.”
—Pat Cusanelli
’84
“We have a great community, a great network, and I am grateful to be part of such a lifelong community. Our class drew from all areas, and so did the folks at the reunion. There were folks from Rockaway, Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, which was great. Twentyfive years is a long time. You get to see the passage of time. A lot of us realized that so many of the important lessons in life were learned at Xavier. Independence, resilience, self-sufficiency, things like that, that we didn’t always appreciate, but certainly do now. I
think everyone looked back fondly at their time at Xavier.”
—Andrew Troisi
’99
“The reunion was a special and unique night for me given the different connections I had to the classes being celebrated that night. I had the opportunity to spend time with my own classmates celebrating our 20th reunion, I was familiar with the fellow Sons of Xavier from 2009 who were in my younger brother’s class, and I also reconnected with my former students and athletes from 2014 and 2019. Everyone is eager to catch up with one another and hear about the careers and families that have been started and how they have grown, all while recalling the many memories made during our time together at the school. Events like these remind all of us of the love for and pride in Xavier that our alums, faculty, and staff all share.”
—Evan
Bernstein ’04, Dean of Faculty
“When I first started going to Xavier, I was one of a small handful of students from Long Island. There weren’t many of us, but through sports and classes and many other things, I was able to make a lot of good friends at
Xavier. A big part of that now as an alumnus is finding those connections once again, in a different phase of life. There’s a level of comfort there that you can’t often find in other places. I think it’s important when you have a place like that and you have people like that. It’s an incredible support system that you want to make use of.”
—Aidan Hughes ’14
“It’s nice to remind yourself of the bonds that you share with people you’ve met at Xavier, the friendships that wouldn’t have been formed anywhere else. People go to school, there’s this parting that happens after graduation, and reconvening five years later is a nice reminder. Revisiting not only these wonderful friendships and these wonderful people, but it’s a reminder of who you are. There’s a grounding in your identity because we all shaped each other.”
—Julian Navarro ’19
David Orlando ’17 is Xavier’s Associate Director of Communications and Marketing. He is a graduate of New York University.
Sons of Xavier attended alumni reunions this spring
Class of 2014 Class of 1999
A LOYAL AND GENEROUS SON
By MAGGIE MURPHY STOCKSON
Remembering
“In a world accustomed to force, his life was mild and gentle … He was simple enough to realize that his faith and his family were more important than anything else the world could offer,” John F. Quealy ’64 wrote about his father, Arthur J. Quealy P’64, upon his death.
The younger Quealy, one of Xavier’s most devoted Sons, passed away unexpectedly on December 16, 2023, just six months shy of the 60th reunion he had been hard at work organizing. His wife, Dorothy Crowley, explained that the beautiful poem John
penned for his father captured her beloved husband as well.
An only child of older parents, John Quealy grew up in Richmond Hill, Queens, where he was surrounded by cousins and aunts who lived nearby. After graduating from Holy Child of Jesus Church and Grammar School, he arrived at Xavier in the fall of 1960 and joined the track team, Sodality, and Knights of the Blessed Sacrament. Classmate Bob Persichette ’64 fondly recalled many afternoons when “the Queens guys would meet up and hang out at Jahns, an ice cream parlor in Jackson Heights.”
Quealy with members of the Regiment during Xavier’s 175th anniversary veterans’ event.
Quealy continued his Jesuit education at Fordham University. After his freshman year at Rose Hill, he joined a cohort of 50 Fordham students who traveled to Prince Edward County, Virginia in the summer of 1965 to participate in a literacy program for children funded by the Office of Economic Opportunity. The instructors worked in four-hour shifts in the morning and evening, teaching 450 children. Quealy was interviewed about the program for the September 30, 1965 issue of The Fordham Ram, explaining that “the entire project educated the instructors as well as the children. We got to know … the families, visit their homes, and see their living conditions.”
After graduating from Fordham, Quealy joined the Navy Reserve and served on the U.S.S. Basilone in the Mediterranean Sea. He then went on to a successful career in sales, marketing, and client development, working at firms including Grey Advertising, RSI, and Standard and Poor’s. His track roots remained firm, and he went on to run 14 New York City Marathons—he even met his wife Dorothy through a running group.
Members of the Class of 1964 explained that throughout their post-Xavier years, Quealy was the glue that brought the class together. “He was a great delegator in bringing us together,” Bob Donnelly ’64 said with a laugh. “He knew Donnelly could get the Stuy Town guys and Persichette could get the Beefsteak regulars.” After their 20th reunion in 1984, Quealy helped organize an annual reunion at the Columbus Club. He later spearheaded first Friday lunches at Reidy’s in Midtown, with Fr. Joe Latella, S.J. sometimes joining the group.
Dennis Klejna ’64 explained that his friendship with Quealy actually began long after their days on 16th Street. When Klejna, also a Fordham alumnus, returned to New York after many years in Washington, D.C., he began going to Fordham football games. He invited Quealy to join him, and it began a new class tradition.
Crowley and several classmates relayed the incredible pastoral work Quealy did in his own no-fuss, faithful way. He called classmates to console them upon the death of a spouse or a child, visited them in the hospital when they were ill, and helped them with job searches.
Many classmates mentioned their gratitude for the Class of 1964 Zoom calls Quealy set up every other Thursday during the COVID-19 pandemic, which now continue monthly thanks to Tim Dwyer ’64. Quealy would proudly don his Xavier sweatshirt or vest with a pint of Guinness in hand. Persichette explained, “On any given call we would have 10 to 25 guys from all over the country. It was such a wonderful tonic during COVID to share stories. It was like a Seinfeld episode— we would laugh for an hour about nothing!” Quealy also arranged for special guests, including the beloved Fr. Jim Keenan, S.J. and Xavier’s then-new headmaster, Kim Smith.
Veteran faculty member Jennifer Kennedy-Orlando P’21 formed a great friendship with Quealy and the Class of 1964 over the last decade. “I met John Quealy in 2014 at the Drinks at Xavier summer reunion event. He was wearing this great-looking fitted X cap, and I
asked where and when he got it. John confessed that he was ‘a pain in the neck’ to Xavier about getting the right kind of baseball caps for his class’ 50th reunion!”
Kennedy-Orlando and Quealy later reconnected at other Xavier and Fordham events. “My friendship with John went next level when he spotted me at a Fordham football game,” said Kennedy-Orlando, whose son, Lou Orlando ’21, serves as the assistant sports manager at WFUV, Fordham’s radio station, where he is the primary play-by-play voice for Fordham football. “That was the first time my family met John. For the next three years, I’d meet up with John at Fordham football and women’s basketball games. He’d text me any time he planned to go to Xavier or Fordham.”
The Jesuit tenet of being a man for others was part of Quealy’s fabric and touched every part of his life. He could often be found wearing his maroon Xavier cap as he walked his rescue dog Nola in Richmond Hill, smoking his pipe and catching up with neighbors.
Through these neighborly chats, Quealy befriended a family whose son needed help with English. Just like those days in the summer of 1965, Quealy found great joy in helping their son with his reading and writing. He encouraged him to attend Xavier’s Higher Achievement Program (HAP) and to apply to Cristo Rey New York High School, co-sponsored by the Jesuits in East Harlem. The young man graduated from Cristo Rey this past June and now attends Fordham University.
Upon his death, Quealy—a loyal donor to Xavier for decades— made a generous estate gift to his alma mater, helping to ensure that the school remains a strong institution forming young men in the Jesuit tradition for years to come. Loyal Son, husband, friend, classmate, leader, consoler, and mentor—he will truly be missed.
Maggie Murphy Stockson is Xavier’s Vice President for Planning and Principal Giving. She is a graduate of Georgetown University, New York University, and Fordham University.
HONORING GEM ADU ’24 THROUGH GENEROSITY
By SHANE LAVIN ’03
Gemstain Adu, known to many as Gem, was a beloved member of the Class of 2024.
His untimely death in October 2023, after a brief illness, left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew him. In many ways,
Gem epitomized the qualities of a true Son of Xavier: he was quiet yet deeply funny, prayerful, and committed to his community.
He traveled with classmates to Costa Rica, shared spiritual moments on a Kairos retreat, and marched proudly up Fifth Avenue with the Regiment.
Diverse members of the Xavier community, moved by Gem’s spirit and tragic loss, came together with a shared desire to honor his memory through acts of generosity, establishing the Gem Adu ’24 Travel Fund and the Gem Adu ’24 Scholarship.
Gina Maria Leonetti, a close family friend of Gem and his mother, Elizabeth Darkoah P’24, had known Gem since his childhood. “Gemstain was one of the sweetest and most thoughtful kids I had ever encountered. He was always kind of shy around me and other adults until you got him into a situation where he was comfortable.” A fellow parishioner at St. Paul and St. Andrew United Methodist Church on the Upper West Side, Leonetti has been a pillar of support for Darkoah since Gem’s passing. “I think I got more out of my relationship with Elizabeth and Gemstain than they did,” Leonetti said. “No one expected Gemstain would pass away at such a young age. Being able to be there for Elizabeth has really been a gift to me.”
Leonetti was particularly touched by the profound impact Gem’s travel experiences had on him, especially his trip to Costa Rica. “I was so in love with Xavier and what they did for Gemstain and how they supported Elizabeth when he was in the hospital. I wanted to do something for the school and so Gem’s name continued on at Xavier,”
Leonetti said. “I have always been sensitive to the child who is a financial aid recipient and who does not have the resources to take part in special events. The disparity between the haves and have nots is highlighted.”
In Gem’s memory, Leonetti established the Gem Adu ’24 Travel Fund. This fund will provide financial support to one or more students participating in Xavier-run travel programs. The first recipients of these grants will embark on their journeys during the 2024-25 school year, continuing Gem’s legacy of exploration and cultural exchange.
Gem’s classmates, driven to remember their fallen brother, chose to pay tribute by establishing a one-year scholarship in his name as their senior class gift. During the 2024-25 academic year, a member of the Class of 2028 will receive the Gem Adu ’24 Scholarship, ensuring that Gem’s spirit of generosity and community support lives on through future generations of Xavier students.
“It was a relatively easy decision to choose this particular class gift,” said Gem’s classmate, Patrick Lucey ’24. “We knew we wanted to do something in Gem’s honor, and we felt the scholarship would be the perfect way to encapsulate it. I remember Gem as a kind-hearted, easygoing classmate, never hesitant to offer help or even a witty joke.”
Matthew Mistretta ’24 reflected: “Helping establish this scholarship has been very meaningful during what has understandably been a difficult time. While I still deeply miss Gem, coming together with my classmates to support a future student in the way he did means so much…it’s incredibly gratifying to see Gem continuing to make a positive difference, even after he’s gone.”
These lasting tributes ensure that Gemstain Adu’s legacy of kindness, humor, and dedication will inspire future Sons of Xavier and keep his memory alive in the hearts and minds of all who knew him.
Shane Lavin ’03 is Xavier’s Vice President for Advancement. He is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross and Villanova University.
The late Gem Adu ’24, left, in Costa Rica.
569 donors made gifts during XAVIER RECEIVED
379 young alumni donated during the Turkey Bowl Challenge
408 new donors joined our generous group of supporters
The top three Annual Fund gift designations were:
1
6,257 gifts from alumni, parents, and friends Financial Aid
2 Rugby
3
360
1,642 DONORS made gifts of $100 or less last year, resulting in nearly
$105,000 OF SUPPORT FOR XAVIER
PROFILES OF GENEROSITY
By MICHAEL O’BRIEN ’19
MakingLastingAImpact
The late Fr. Jim Keenan, S.J. with Bob Donnelly ’64.
The Keenan Challenge, named in honor of the late Fr. Jim Keenan, S.J., aims to secure 67 new members of the Larkin Legacy Society to celebrate Fr. Keenan’s 67 years as a Jesuit. On the pages that follow, five Sons of Xavier who answered the call explain their reasons for giving.
The Xavier community’s continued generosity, most often shown through its support of the Annual Fund and other special events, has proven to be absolutely vital in furthering the school’s mission. But some may not be aware of a different kind of opportunity to make a lasting impact on 16th Street—by including Xavier in their estate planning.
Earlier this year, Xavier launched the Keenan Challenge, an effort to encourage alumni, parents, and friends of the school to consider including Xavier in your long-term giving plans.
Spearheaded by Director of Annual and Planned Giving Brian McCabe P’23, the challenge honors Fr. Jim Keenan, S.J., Xavier’s 29th president and 46th headmaster, who passed away in August 2023.
With the goal of adding 67 new members to the Larkin Legacy Society by the end of the calendar year in remembrance of Fr. Keenan’s 67 years as a Jesuit, the challenge represents a significant investment in Xavier’s long-term institutional success.
Planned giving displays a deeply conscious and thoughtful commitment to Xavier’s future—qualities that made Fr. Keenan a natural fit to name this challenge after, as McCabe explained.
WHAT ARE ESTATE GIFTS?
Donors can name Xavier as a beneficiary in their will, trust, 401(k) or other retirement account, investment account, donor advised fund, or life insurance policy.
Paul Ching ’80
“He’s a beloved figure, and one of Fr. Keenan’s hallmark traits was his investment into relationships,” McCabe said. “The Keenan Challenge felt like an apt name because people saw him as somebody who was there for them, so it made sense then to frame this challenge as a long-term relationship, which is what a planned gift is.”
McCabe illustrated that planned gifts foster a significant connection between the individual and the institution. “We strive to build lasting relationships with every donor. Each gift, no matter the size or type, makes a difference and we want to celebrate them with genuine gratitude. Because planned gifts are deeply personal in nature, relationships strengthen as well. Folks are letting us know that they have an intentional desire to make a lasting impact and engage in lifelong friendship. Often, the largest gift of one’s lifetime is the one they leave in their will.”
The launch of the Keenan Challenge is also Xavier’s way of giving alumni, parents, and friends a chance to deepen their understanding of estate planning in general, which the school has done in the past at on-campus events led by alums like Peter A. Maniscalco ’72 P’00.
A member of Xavier’s Board of Trustees, President’s Council donor, and certified public accountant, Maniscalco spoke about the importance of estate plans, including wills, trusts, and other long-term financial structuring at a well-attended event on campus in January. But while Maniscalco’s career path may naturally have led to his involvement in assisting friends of Xavier with financial planning, it was his close relationship with Fr. Keenan and love for Xavier that truly led to his generous dispensing of knowledge.
“Fr. Keenan was someone who married countless alums
PETER A. MANISCALCO’S ADVICE ON SMART GIVING
A veteran CPA and tax advisor, Peter A. Maniscalco ’72 P’00 spoke at a popular financial planning event at Xavier in January. Here are a few helpful tips he shared with attendees:
• During a donor’s lifetime, he or she can transfer gifts of appreciated securities directly to Xavier—thus avoiding capital gains tax on the increase in value of the stock and securing an income deduction for the full market value of the stock at the time the gift is made.
• Those over age 70½ can gift up to $100,000 from their IRAs to satisfy their annual Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) without incurring any federal income taxes. “You’re not paying any tax on the RMD because it’s going directly to a 501(c)(3) like Xavier,” Maniscalco said.
• There are various ways to leave Xavier a gift after one’s death (see sidebar on page 17)—among them, naming Xavier as a full or partial beneficiary on an IRA. These moves reduce the taxable value of an estate.
Peter A. Maniscalco ’72 P’00
and baptized their children,” Maniscalco said. “If I can help someone understand the process of making a gift in his name, that’s all I can ask for.”
Planned giving displays a deeply conscious and thoughtful commitment to Xavier’s future—qualities that made Fr. Keenan a natural fit to name this challenge after.
In addition to providing his expertise on estate planning to the Xavier community, Maniscalco has included Xavier in his estate plans, a further testament to his commitment to bettering Xavier’s future.
Other alums share Maniscalco’s sentiments, such as wealth management advisor Kevin McLaughlin ’74, a President’s Council donor and former trustee who felt moved to make a planned gift to Xavier in Fr. Keenan’s memory.
“I’ve been a regular supporter of the Annual Fund for over 30 years. It’s so important as it helps close the gap between tuition and the true cost of a Xavier education, which is higher than the tuition charged, thereby keeping the school accessible for all,” McLaughlin said. “In the back of my mind, I thought I would do something in addition by remembering Xavier in my estate—when I can no longer give through the Annual Fund. When this challenge was announced, I thought what a great tribute to Jim, which spurred me to go ahead and do it.”
Any member of the Xavier community who wishes to discuss gift or estate planning options can call Brian McCabe P’23, Director of Annual and Planned Giving, at 212-924-7900, ext. 1617.
Victor Perez ’82
Fr. Keenan and the Maniscalco family at the Baptism of Peter’s grandson, Salvatore.
Kevin McLaughlin ’74
McLaughlin said he was further inspired to contribute to the Keenan Challenge by the generosity of his friends from the Class of 1974. At their 50th reunion in May, the class announced their gift to the John J. Ryan ’74 Memorial Scholarship in honor of their late classmate, who was among 10 Sons of Xavier killed at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
Bob Donnelly ’64, another Keenan Challenge donor, referred to himself and Fr. Keenan as “exceedingly close friends.”
“He had that indelible quality of warmth that you can’t teach,” said Donnelly, an attorney who specializes in music industry clients. “I would say, without a question of a doubt, he was the single nicest, most selfless person I’ve ever been lucky enough to meet, and the most genuinely decent human being.”
In addition to the relationship he forged with Fr. Keenan, Donnelly is also choosing to include Xavier in his will because of the “catapult” it gave him in life. “Virtually everybody in my graduating class came from a household where they were the first generation to go to college,” he said. “It was an extraordinary time to be going to Xavier, and it was the perfect place to help us accomplish what we did.”
“Xavier played a vital role in my formation. Ultimately, I decided that I wanted to leave something for the school because of the part that it played in my life and where I’ve come because of it.”
—Paul Ching ’80
Victor Perez ’82, who said attending Xavier remains the “best decision of my life,” also called his attendance an “investment” that his parents made in his education. Perez now feels compelled to make a personal investment in future Xavier students, sustaining the school’s historic mission to keep a Jesuit education accessible and affordable for every qualified young man.
“For me and my wife Nancy, we agreed that Xavier should be part of our estate planning. We want to make sure that 16th Street lives on after we’re gone,” said Perez, a trade compliance professional. “It’s a way of ensuring that Xavier’s work and legacy will live on into the next generations, and it brings me some comfort to know that other boys will benefit just as I did.”
Paul Ching ’80, a private banker, also understands the importance of long-term giving, and he recently decided he wanted to make a lasting commitment to Xavier.
“I recently turned 60 and began reflecting on my life, and I realized that Xavier played a vital role in my formation,” Ching said. “Ultimately, I decided that I wanted to leave something for the school because of the part that it played in my life and where
“We want to make sure that 16th Street lives on after we’re gone. It’s a way of ensuring that Xavier’s work and legacy will live on into the next generations.”
—Victor Perez ’82
I’ve come because of it.”
Ching credits Xavier for instilling a “lifelong love of learning” within him, a value that has taken him far in life long after graduation.
“I had great teachers during my time at Xavier, and if I hadn’t gone there, I don’t know where my trajectory would have led,” he said. “Xavier gave me an introduction to the liberal arts, showing me a well-rounded approach to education that would eventually take me on the path where I am now.”
Recently, Brian McCabe traveled to the funeral of Dr. Chester Schmidt ’52, the first person to commit to a planned gift during McCabe’s tenure in his role.
“During my first year in this job, I was at a reception in Washington, D.C., and I met Dr. Schmidt there. We made a connection and kept in touch, and he eventually expressed an interest in leaving a planned gift. He had always been what I described, a loyal annual donor, and we finally had the conversation about making a planned gift,” McCabe said. “I felt connected to him, and now I feel like I’m honoring Fr. Keenan and the role that he played. He would have been the one to go down to funerals and weddings and baptisms, and now this challenge can help us make relationships and do the work that he did.”
Fr. Keenan’s memory is one that is cherished dearly by countless Sons of Xavier, and this challenge in his honor is the perfect opportunity to make a lasting gift that will also be long remembered.
“This initiative is a joyful thing, an opportunity that
people see and say, ‘I’m grateful to be in a position to do this,’ and that ‘I know Xavier will make an impact on someone else the way it made an impact on me,’” McCabe said.
Michael O’Brien ’19 is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross. He is a freelance journalist.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PLANNED GIVING TO XAVIER
Bob Donnelly ’64
StrengtheningCommunity
Each year, hundreds of parents volunteer their time to Xavier, playing a critical role in ensuring the success of various advancement, admissions, and student events. From Maroon and Blue Day to the Celebrate Xavier Scholarship Gala, from the Open House to working as team parents, Xavier parents answer the call to serve.
By ASTREA SLEZAK
Parent volunteers at Maroon and Blue Day 2023
Open House 2023
At this year’s scholarship gala in April, the Xavier community raised $358,000 for student scholarships. Parent participation in the event is crucial, from co-chairing the gala and serving on the gala committee to preparing gift baskets, soliciting gifts, setting up for the event, and volunteering during the event itself. Furthermore, parents were responsible for 93% of the super raffle tickets (a $10,000 raffle to benefit the Xavier Scholarship Fund) purchased and sold for the gala, which alone raised $52,800 this year.
Parent participation is invaluable for larger events such as the gala, but it also plays a pivotal role in smaller events like the Annual Fund Phonathon, when parents and alumni make calls to the community to solicit donations that fund immediate educational priorities at Xavier.
“There are a great number of events that take place throughout our school year, and there is no way that our staff could put on these events as successfully without the support of our parent/guardian volunteers,” said Director of Special Events Ryan Kirwan. “From pre-planning to staffing, and all the logistics that go into producing a successful event, the work of our volunteers makes it possible for our school to continue to not only host events but ensure that we are able to meet
our commitment to keep a Xavier education accessible.”
Not only does parent participation mean more hands on deck during Xavier events, but it also creates a platform for parents to engage more closely with each other and in their students’ lives on 16th Street.
“Secretly, the boys very much appreciate that their parents are engaged with their school and love seeing them on campus,” said Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Claudia Tierney P’20. “I have been told numerous times about the fun conversations parent volunteers have when their sons ask them, ‘What happened at school today?’”
Volunteering is actually what drew Tierney to apply to work at Xavier. “The teachers, the parents, and the students inspired me. The sense of community at Xavier is truly special, and I wanted to be a part of it.” She first volunteered at Open House in 2016 when her son Eamon was a freshman.
Tierney joined the advancement staff in 2017 as director of special events. Now, in her second year on the admissions staff, she notes a common thread between the two offices— their work would not be possible without the support of parent volunteers.
In 2021, when her son Christopher was a freshman, Yolanda Williams P’25 met with Tierney about volunteering for the Celebrate Xavier Scholarship Gala. As a retired NYPD officer, Williams had time to offer. “Everyone volunteering does so with a pure heart, and they give freely what they can, if that means time or resources,” Williams said. “We come together for a common goal, and it’s beautiful to watch. You’re really giving back.”
Williams has consistently volunteered her time to assist in planning and preparing for each year’s gala, and she also helps with other events like Open House, Accepted Students Night, eXplore Xavier (an admissions event targeted toward sixth and seventh graders), and the Military Ball. Williams noted a great sense of appreciation during the Military Ball in particular. Given her background in police work, she said she felt strong emotions that night.
Additionally, from outreach and collection of auction gifts to managing the auction webpage, Williams was heavily involved in the production of the gala.
“At the gala, when I saw the ‘total raised’ number coming up on the screen, I was really overwhelmed. It was heartwarming to see everyone so excited about and competing to give. It was selfless and altruistic,” said Williams. “It was beautiful; it gives you chills
Beth Lubeck P’22 ’24
Aldervan Daly P’27
to see that number grow. You feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself. You may not have the resources that someone else has, but you played a big part in doing something good for our community.”
“Parent participation and being in the know is very important,” said Carla Rooney P’25, mother of Jackson Rooney ’25. “It has a positive impact on my son, knowing that I’m involved. It helps his self-esteem and morale. I’m not just sending him off to school. It’s important to me and it’s important for him.”
“ The work of our volunteers makes it possible for our school to continue to not only host events but ensure that we are able to meet our commitment to keep a Xavier education accessible.”
—Ryan Kirwan
Rooney balances her volunteerism with her work as a property manager for Paramount Group, Inc. She first began volunteering at her children’s preschool and then at their middle school. She later decided it was important to carry that through high school as well.
Rooney recalls volunteering at the Admissions Phonathon as a particularly rewarding experience. While there, parents call admitted students’ families to share the news of their acceptance. “I found it so fulfilling,” said Rooney, who added that volunteering is a great way to forge connections with other parents.
Through her volunteer work, Rooney ended up meeting the parent who called to congratulate her own son on his Xavier acceptance during the 2021 Admissions Phonathon—a
Yolanda Williams P’25
Carla Rooney P’25
Tom LaMere P’27
full-circle moment for both parents.
Rooney has also volunteered for Open House, where she welcomes prospective families to 16th Street and shares her Xavier experience with them. “It was easy to talk about a school that I absolutely love,” she said. “I hope that when the parents and students came in, my cheerfulness and enthusiasm for the school translated into encouraging them to be there.”
And that much is true. Prospective parents place great value in speaking to current parents, who along with students serve as Xavier’s best ambassadors. “Parents’ presence is not only important for logistical reasons, but they are the ones who provide the enthusiasm and energy to these events, making Xavier so welcoming to all of our prospective families,” said Tierney. “Many of the families that join our community cite their interactions with current families as part of their decision to commit to Xavier.”
“I have seen the benefits of being involved through my child’s eyes. Volunteering my time towards their education is important to them and they thrive,” added Rooney. “I’m invested in their education. They see me as part of their growth and their success.”
Aldervan Daly, father of Joseph Daly ’27, first volunteered for Xavier’s Open House last fall. “What was fun about that one was I had flashbacks of having done it myself just a year earlier,” said Daly, who serves as vice president of development and communications for the nonprofit HousingPlus. “We were made to feel incredibly comfortable by the parents who did this for us, which is why it was so important, I felt, to volunteer.”
In his first year as a Xavier parent, Daly also volunteered for the fall and spring JROTC Awards and eXplore Xavier.
“Bringing your kid to high school for the first time is a huge, life-changing moment,” he said. “I need to do what I can to help. The
parents volunteered during the 2023-24 school year
school is going to do their part. I am going to do my part, which is to support the school.”
Many parents, including Daly, cited the opportunity to form relationships with other parents as a benefit of volunteering. “I have met many parents of my son’s friends, which has been helpful to me, to see people from all walks of life also giving back,” Daly said.
It is that community, that sense of knowing and helping one another, that keeps so many parent volunteers actively engaged.
When touring high schools, Miles LaMere ’27 was enthralled by Xavier’s sense of community. And that same concept is what inspired his father, Tom LaMere P’27, to begin volunteering on 16th Street. “In order for it to be a community,” he said, “you also have to have the parents involved.”
Like many parents, LaMere—owner of Connect the Room, an executive coaching company—was eager to volunteer for Open House. From handling boxes to meeting parents, faculty, and staff, he felt that connection—the sense of community his son noted. “You immediately become a part of this community because you find out all the different ways that your son will maneuver this incredible web of opportunity,” LaMere said. “That was pretty fantastic.”
Also important to LaMere is the support that parent volunteers provide to admissions and advancement staff members as they stage complex events. “It gives them the best opportunity to present themselves, without having to worry about all the other pieces,” he said.
Beth Lubeck P’22 ’24, mother of Robert Ceffalia ’22 and Jack Ceffalia ’24, first volunteered at a Xavier Open House as well. She too found the sense of community to be endearing. “It was a really good experience, and it made me feel that I made the right choice in sending my sons there,” she said. “It was such a lovely feeling being able to talk to incoming families with my son by my side.”
After that experience, Lubeck—who serves as principal at P.S. 132 The Conselyea School in Brooklyn—said she was able to get to know Xavier on a deeper level, from a parent’s point of view. Over the years, she also made time to volunteer at Accepted Students Nights and the Celebrate Xavier Scholarship Galas. “To sit around the dining table and hear [my sons] talk about school—and be able to identify with it, and know the whole of it, and the teachers they are talking about—really resonated with me in terms of being a mom and raising high school boys,” she said.
“Volunteering led to another level of fulfillment within me and my family. A big thing that Xavier teaches the boys is how to be men for others, and through our experience at Xavier, I think our whole family learned how important it is to be a family for others. … I think it’s important for families to know what a unique experience it is to be a part of their sons’ high school journey,” Lubeck added. “As my last son just graduated, I said to him as we were standing on the steps of St. Patrick’s Cathedral that it was such a beautiful experience to be able to be a part of his high school journey with him and alongside him. And that is something that is really special and unique to the school, and something I hope my family can still be part of for years to come.”
“There are a lot of components of volunteering at Xavier. It’s a team effort. It comes together beautifully when a lot of the parents are involved. It’s amazing when you work with the other parents who you feel like you may not have something in common with and create something spectacular,” said Williams. “My son is blessed to have found a family at Xavier, but what I did not expect was that I would also find a family here.”
Astrea Slezak is Xavier’s Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing. She is a graduate of Marist College.
Rooted in Gratitude
With a new scholarship, Dr. Gifford Leoung ’71 pays it forward.
By BRIAN M c CABE P’23
Although eras and personal circumstances vary, a central aspect of Xavier’s ethos remains the same: Sons of Xavier remember where they came from. It’s a thread that runs through the history of 16th Street, unfaded by time, distance, or the successes and struggles of life. Their recollections are rooted in gratitude that cultivates a desire to pay forward the gifts they received with intentionality. Dr. Gifford S. Leoung ’71 is part of a long line of graduates who have never forgotten the places and people that laid the foundation for their adult life.
The son of immigrants, Leoung was raised just outside of Chinatown with his three sisters. He attended Transfiguration School, a Catholic elementary school located half a mile from his home. His Hong Kong-born mother worked as a seamstress in sweatshops and taught herself to speak English. His father, born in China, became an airplane mechanic in the United States. Like so many others in their community, the Leoungs stressed the value of academic rigor and the importance of doing well in school.
“Somehow my father discovered Xavier and felt the strong discipline would be a good fit for me,” Gifford Leoung recalled with a smile. Xavier exposed Leoung to a whole new world outside of his Chinatown neighborhood. He was happy and intrigued to meet new people from across the metropolitan area, including many classmates from New Jersey and one student who commuted all the way from West Point. Leoung ran track for legendary coach Jim Scott P’79 ’84 and earned the rank of Cadet Major in the Regiment.
More than 50 years after his graduation from Xavier, his fondness and appreciation for his teachers is undiminished. “Mr. Baker’s class was fascinating and enjoyable, Fr. Aracich, S.J. was fiercely intelligent, and Mr. Foley taught us to always look deeper. The people at Xavier, students and faculty alike, helped me move forward immensely in life,” he said.
Leoung went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in chemical
engineering at Columbia University. He credits his success there to the discipline, respect, and integrity that was taught at Xavier High School. “Compared to Xavier, Columbia was a free-for-all,” he said. “No one was checking up on you or caring very much about what you did. The internal structure and responsibility I learned at Xavier definitely made all the difference. I ended up choosing chemical engineering as a major because it was more rigorous. If I hadn’t gone to Xavier, I would not have had the courage to take the harder road.”
Xavier’s lasting influence continued as Leoung pursued a medical degree from Cornell University and a career as an infectious disease specialist. “Xavier instilled a desire to put my abilities at the service of others and the greater good,” he said. “I was taught to treat people with dignity. Getting into medicine made sense, because I could cure people and help them recover.” Later, those core values continued to shape his profession as he worked at the forefront of the AIDS epidemic in San Francisco. “It was extremely difficult because everybody died in the first 10 years. There was no way to treat the underlying issue in the beginning. All I could do was care for people and accompany them through a terrible time.”
Reflecting on his 45-year career of distinguished, patient-centered care, Leoung decided to make an impact for the benefit of others in a different way. Remembering where it all began brought him back to 16th Street. In April, he launched the Leoung Family Scholarship to provide four years of tuition assistance (beginning in the 2024-25 academic year) to deserving students whose families qualify for needbased aid. The scholarship prioritizes students from Transfiguration School, which brings the gift back full circle to his roots on Mott Street.
In sharing his hopes for his giving, Leoung explained: “High school is the beginning of those critical formative years. Young men are starting to understand who they are, how they fit into the world, and what kind of people they can be. The purpose of this scholarship is to support students who have the ability and desire to succeed at Xavier, but couldn’t afford to attend without help. I feel as though I have a
responsibility to help them get started. Xavier will teach them the rest.”
In May, Leoung visited Xavier to speak with several current Xavier students who graduated from Transfiguration School. “I was glad to see that Xavier was getting students from Transfiguration in the first place, because I didn’t know of any others in my time,” he said. It was a moving conversation in both directions, as Leoung and the students shared their stories from then and now. “My story is not a unique one,” Leoung reflected. “Academic achievement is still emphasized in Chinese families, especially in the fields of medicine, law, and engineering. But things are different now. The choices are not as narrow as they used to be, and these young men recognize possibilities to have success in other fields. Xavier’s rigorous curriculum, updated facilities, dedicated teachers, and timeless values keep it well suited to help them figure it out.”
“ The purpose of this scholarship is to support students who have the ability and desire to succeed at Xavier, but couldn’t afford to attend without help.”
—Dr. Gifford Leoung ’71
16th Street continues to be a gathering place for amazing people to strengthen each other and work together to further a shared mission. Gifford Leoung’s story—like those of so many other “loyal sons and true”—breathes life into the words of Deutoronomy: “Do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” The result is a world transformed for God’s greater glory.
Brian McCabe P’23 is Xavier’s Director of Annual and Planned Giving. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Saint Peter’s University.
Leoung with Xavier students who attended Transfiguration School, his elementary school alma mater.
“Xavier Truly Lives Its Mission”
Trustee and loyal donor Sandy Sabean P’14 explains her commitment to Xavier.
By SHAWNA GALLAGHER VEGA
When Grant Sabean ’14 transferred to Xavier in 2012, he and his family quickly learned about the power and depth of Xavier relationships.
“He was only there for two years, but he made great friends,” said his mom, Sandy Sabean P’14. “He was on the swim team. He loved JROTC. He’s a huge military history buff. And he loved Colonel Campbell. They’ve stayed in touch for many years afterward.”
The Sabeans deeply appreciated the way Xavier held their son accountable, putting Grant on a path toward success in college and beyond. “Xavier runs a tight ship, and my son really needed that,” Sandy said. “When Grant attended Marquette, he received one of the Xavier High School Scholarships—a half-tuition award that Marquette grants to a graduate from each Jesuit high school.”
In gratitude for their son’s accomplishments and happiness on 16th Street, Sandy and her husband, Richard Sabean P’14, became loyal, lasting supporters of Xavier. While Grant was a student, they began attending the Celebrate Xavier Scholarship Gala and became members of the President’s Council, Xavier’s recognition society for its top donors.
“If I can contribute to help young men who otherwise couldn’t attend without financial aid, I’m more than happy to do so.”
—Sandy Sabean P’14
“It truly is a community,” Sandy said. “I was shocked when I went to my first President’s Dinner and saw how many alums were there from 50, 60 years ago. That speaks volumes to the camaraderie, the community, and how it really is a family.”
Five years after Grant’s 2014 graduation, Dan Denihan ’65, then chair of the Board of Trustees, recruited Sandy to the Board.
“I’m not from the world of finance and was concerned about making substantial donations,’ she recalled. “But Dan said, ‘There are other things you could contribute, especially in the realm of brand, communications, and marketing. I was thrilled that I could offer my experience to raise awareness of Xavier. It’s a really great story.’”
A graduate of the School of Visual Arts and longtime advertising executive, Sandy Sabean brought unique strengths to Xavier’s Board. In 2007, she co-founded Womenkind, an agency focused on marketing to women. She now serves as CEO of Merity, a personal and professional development platform for women.
“This was a natural extension of the focus on female consumers and the particular challenges women face. I know personally how hard it is to balance career and family life—taking care of aging
parents, taking care of your kids while advancing professionally,” she said. “There is a lot of need for reflection and rediscovery of our strengths, interests, and passions.”
Her strengths became especially critical for Xavier in 2020, one year into her time on the Board, when the COVID-19 pandemic upended daily life—including life at Manhattan schools. Assisted by trustees including Ken Ng ’80, Sandy chaired a brand subcommittee of the Board’s strategic planning initiative, championing brand research and positioning that have had a powerful effect on Xavier’s admissions and communications efforts. “We asked, ‘How do we build Xavier to open up that funnel and create awareness?’”
She saw tremendous opportunities to share Xavier’s story— in particular, its historic mission to ensure that an excellent education remains accessible and affordable for all qualified young men. It’s the same reason she continues to give generously to 16th Street each year.
“When we transitioned from Trinity School to Xavier, I was stunned by the difference in tuition,” Sandy recalled. “It was a third of the cost, yet Grant didn’t miss out on anything academically. I realized then that Xavier is a school worth supporting. If I can contribute to help young men who otherwise couldn’t attend without financial aid, I’m more than happy to do so.”
“The future of Xavier is incredibly bright,” she added. “The facilities are outstanding, and there’s nothing quite like a Jesuit education. I choose to give because I know it can help transform a young man’s life. Xavier truly lives its mission.”
Shawna Gallagher Vega is Xavier’s Vice President for Communications and Marketing. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Boston College.
Grant and Sandy Sabean before Xavier’s 175th Anniversary Gala.
Thank you.
DURING FISCAL YEAR 2024, 4,124 ALUMNI, PARENTS, FACULTY, STAFF, STUDENTS, AND FRIENDS STRENGTHENED XAVIER WITH THEIR FINANCIAL GIFTS. EVERY DOLLAR IS CRITICAL TO XAVIER’S CONTINUED ABILITY TO EDUCATE INTELLIGENT, MOTIVATED YOUNG MEN OF DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS AND MEANS.
OPERATING REVENUE
OPERATING EXPENSES
*Please note this statement only includes revenue received for operating purposes; restricted endowment and capital gifts are not included. Deficit covered with cash reserves.
My experience at Xavier was one-of-akind—definitely a unique experience. Out of all the institutions I’ve attended, this is the closest to me. I went to George Washington University and I give to them, but I focus more on giving and engagement with Xavier. Education is really important to me, so that’s one aspect. Now that I have children, it’s even more at the forefront of what I do or focus on. And to me, because the experience at Xavier was so unique, I really feel like it’s important to try to do anything that I can to be part of the solution or journey to help as many students as possible to access an experience and education like Xavier. It wasn’t easy for my parents to send my brother and me to Xavier, so I want to follow in their footsteps and do what I can. I think it’s important to be able to give and be part of the community that supports Xavier. —ERIC
Xavier is a special place. It turns boys into men and into scholars. I found purpose, solitude, and community on the football field and the classroom that is more authentic and longerlasting than any institution I have been a part of. Learning to think deeply and critically about the world around me has served me far better than any education I received, from my undergrad and MBA programs or even in my roles in investment banking and restructuring. I give in the hope that others will gain as much as I have.
—PATRICK NILSEN ’10
The gala raised enough money to fund
full scholarships
379 young alumni donated to the 2023 Turkey Bowl Challenge
72 students participated in the first year of the Holocaust Studies Program
ADMISSIONS
OPEN HOUSE
October 19, 2024
TURKEY BOWL PEP RALLY & YOUNG ALUMNI LUNCHEON
November 27, 2024
TURKEY BOWL
November 28, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. RECEPTION
December 4, 2024
BEEFSTEAK DINNER
January 10, 2025
GOLDEN KNIGHTS LUNCHEON
May 2, 2025
50TH REUNION WEEKEND
May 2-3, 2025
5TH-25TH REUNIONS
May 30, 2025
30TH-45TH, 55TH AND 60TH REUNIONS
May 31, 2025
For the latest event updates, visit xavierhs.org/events.
The average need-based student award was $10,598
Xavier unveiled
5,800
square feet of renovated space in Fiscal Year 2024
Investing in Xavier today means investing in the leaders of tomorrow. A donation is not just a gift; it’s a commitment to the future mission of Xavier, grounded in our Catholic faith and values. It’s a promise to nurture the potential of every student who walks through these sacred halls. Every contribution helps provide the resources and opportunities that can transform dreams into reality, all while fostering a strong moral and spiritual foundation. It enables Xavier to offer advanced technology, enriching extracurricular activities, and essential programs that might otherwise be outside our reach. By donating, every alum plays a pivotal role in shaping a brighter future, not just for individual students but our entire faith-based community. Let’s build a legacy of excellence, faith, and empowerment that will resonate for generations to come.
—KEN MARINO ’95
2023 Hall of Fame inductees Ken Ng ’80, Armando Núñez ’78, Jim Haybyrne ’62, Rocco Iacovone ’62, Paul Gannon ’75, and Dr. Tom McGinn ’78.
All of our contributions make a difference.
Listed below are options to consider when making your gift.
CASH OR CHECK
Gifts may be made by cash or check, payable to Xavier High School.
CREDIT CARD
Credit card gifts may be made by visiting xavierhs.org/give, sending in an Annual Fund donation card complete with your credit card information, or calling the Advancement Office at 212-924-7900, ext. 1617
VENMO
Gifts may be made on Venmo @xavierhs. Please include your full name, class year, or other Xavier affiliation in the notes.
MATCHING GIFTS
Many employers will match employees’ donations. This opportunity presents an additional source of income for Xavier and an easy way to leverage your gift into a larger donation. To find out if your company participates in a matching gift program, check with your human resources department or visit xavierhs.org/give, click on Employer Gift Matching, and search for your employer.
Donors must initiate the matching gift process, so be sure to secure the proper forms to forward with your gift to Xavier. Donors are given credit for their original gift and any matching gift they secure.
PLANNED GIFTS
Donors may consider giving through such means as life insurance, bequests, or charitable trusts. Gift planning can be a way to reduce or avoid estate and inheritance taxes. We encourage you to speak with your financial planner when considering any type of planned gift.
Xavier is pleased to provide you, your attorney, or tax advisor with additional information and assistance. Keep in mind that this information is general in nature. Always contact your professional tax advisor to learn how this general information relates to your individual circumstances. We are grateful for your philanthropic support. For more information, please visit xavierhs.org/plannedgiving or contact Brian McCabe P’23, Director of Annual and Planned Giving, at 212-924-7900, ext. 1617 or mccabeb@xavierhs.org.
STOCKS OR SECURITIES
A gift of appreciated stock generally offers a two-fold tax saving: avoiding capital gains tax on the increase in value of the stock and providing an income tax deduction for the full market value of the stock at the time of the gift. Gifts of stock are valued at the mean price on the date of transfer to Xavier. Stock donations should be transferred directly by your broker to Xavier’s brokerage account at Vanguard. For your convenience, visit xavierhs. org/stock and fill out the form to notify Xavier of the stock gift, or contact Shane Lavin ’03 (lavins@xavierhs. org or 212-337-7611) or Brian McCabe P’23 (mccabeb@ xavierhs.org or 212-9247900, ext. 1617) with the details as soon as the gift is made or instructions are sent to your broker. This will ensure proper and timely crediting of the donation to your gift record and avoid any confusion as to the origin of the gift.
GIVE NOW
Summer Receptions
1. Larry Lauricella ’66, George Plichta ’66, John Maloney ’66, and Gary Horan ’66 at the Jersey Shore Reception. 2. Alex Anastasiades ’97 P’24, Alex Anastasiades ’24, and Danielle Anastasiades P’24 in Rockaway. 3. Joseph Dell’Olio ’20 and Anthony Borrello ’56 in Rockaway. 4. John Monteverdi ’57, Rae Monteverdi, Elizabeth Milanese, Bob Milanese ’63, and Fr. Ken Boller, S.J. 5. James Coster ’83 and Steve Vincent ’75 in Quogue. 6. The Xavier contingent at the Jersey Shore Reception.
Remembering Patrick J. Sullivan, S.J., 30th President of Xavier High School
By JACK RASLOWSKY
Fr. Pat Sullivan, S.J. was called home to the Lord on Monday, May 27. Thinking of Pat Sullivan always brings a smile to my face. From 1972 to 1988, Pat served Xavier with great generosity, dedication, and care as an English teacher, department chair, and unexpectedly, at least for him, as our 30th president. His time as president is a reminder that “God’s plans are not our plans.”
After the Jesuit ordinations in June 1981, Fr. Jim Keenan, S.J., Xavier’s 29th president, received a call from Kohlmann Hall, then the province curia. He was asked to come to the Bronx to see Fr. Dan Fitzpatrick, S.J., the vice provincial for secondary education. He thought it a somewhat strange request since they had spoken recently during Xavier’s visitation and saw one another at ordinations earlier that day, but off to the Bronx he went. Fr. Fitzpatrick informed Fr. Keenan that he was needed in Rochester to serve as president of McQuaid Jesuit High School. When Fr. Keenan asked when, he was told, “September.” To say he was less than delighted with that news would be an
understatement. When he asked, “And what about Xavier?” He was told, “You are in great shape. You’ll figure it out.” By Monday morning, Fr. Keenan figured it out. He invited Fr. Sullivan in for a conversation. It was the quickest presidential search in Xavier history!
It was a position Pat Sullivan neither sought nor desired, and he expressed honest concerns about his ability to do the job, but there was a need, he loved Xavier, and he responded with great generosity of spirit. This was a time when a number of Jesuit high schools in the United States already had undertaken successful efforts to strengthen administrative and financial performance, enlist increased support from alumni, and thereby achieve long-term sustainability. Pat Sullivan, the reluctant president, set his sights on these objectives for Xavier. He started by building a solid leadership team. First, he appointed Jack Galbraith ’61—his right-hand man—as director of development to lead the establishment of an energized alumni relations and development program. Ken Sidlowski ’71 P’05 was hired as the business manager
to modernize Xavier’s financial oversight and performance. Later, Fr. Ken Boller, S.J. served as headmaster and played a key role in the implementation of the first major facility improvements since the early 1970s.
The result was a lot of change, all at once. The first predominantly lay Board of Trustees was appointed, taking fiduciary responsibility for Xavier in partnership with the Society of Jesus to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Ignatian mission and identity of Xavier as a Catholic, Jesuit school. More broadly, Xavier’s alumni from across the generations were invited to fully participate in and embrace the mission of Xavier. The modern Advancement Office came into being with expanded alumni programming, growth of the Annual Fund, and an increased focus on capital and planned giving. A robust reunion program, a new Alumnews, organized class giving, class chairs, reunion committees, regional alumni receptions across the country, and the first successful capital campaign in a generation all created a sense of enormous energy. Fr. Sullivan led Xavier through a
paradigm shift. Xavier was put on a very firm foundation. And we are all better for it.
Some have said that the time for such change had arrived and the decisions Pat Sullivan made had become, by the mid-1980s, the obvious next steps for a school such as Xavier. But he encountered voices of opposition to the change that he sought—from some alumni, from some faculty, from some of his fellow Jesuits. His agenda for Xavier was far from obvious and not without its doubters. Yet, he persevered with a confident boldness.
Xavier predecessors, Fr. Bill Wood, S.J., to move halfway around the world to become the director of St. Ignatius House of Studies, a residential pre-seminary program run by the Society of Jesus in Guam. For several years Pat guided young men who felt called to the priesthood or religious life through a program focused on prayer, academics, and community life. When he finished there and before returning to New York, Pat served as acting director of Xavier High School in Chuuk, Micronesia for three years. Initially, Pat came to fill in for former Xavier Rector
Fr. Sullivan led Xavier through a paradigm shift. Xavier was put on a very firm foundation. And we are all better for it.
That’s not to say that it was easy. The challenges were real and the work was hard. At times, Pat Sullivan carried his office like a cross. Exhausted by the conclusion of his tenure, he was ready for a change. He had served Xavier, and had served her well.
In 1988, once again proving his wonderful availability, Pat said yes to an unexpected request from another of his
and Trustee Fr. Jim Croghan, S.J., then the director of the school, when Jim was away for his tertianship program. Pat graciously and very generously agreed to continue for two additional years when Jim was asked to serve the Church in the Marshall Islands, which had an unexpected need. Pat Sullivan always kept a light touch during my time as president. I appreciated his
wisecracking wit. He was happy to help when asked, and even happier to stay out of the way when not. As with all my predecessors, Xavier was always better with Pat Sullivan around. I’m grateful for his presence through the years at President’s Council Dinners, reunions, and other Xavier gatherings.
A few years back, we began honoring members of the support staff with the Bene Merenti award after 20 years of service to Xavier. Previously the award was only given to faculty and administrators. The first group of honorees were members of the maintenance staff—Rodman, Rene, Julio, and Dario. They were first hired by Pat Sullivan. Pat was delighted and thought this was the best thing we had done in years. The unsung folks, the little guy—they had a special place in Pat’s heart. He remembered them and celebrated them. I hope we can do the same.
When the Lord called Pat Sullivan home on May 27, instead of an unexpected assignment, he received the one for which he always hoped. May Pat rest in God’s peace.
Jack Raslowsky has served as Xavier’s 33rd President since 2009. He is a graduate of the University of Vermont, Harvard University, and Seton Hall University. Fr. Ken Boller, S.J., Fr. Jim Croghan, S.J., Jack Galbraith ’61, and Rich Nolan ’83 contributed memories to this article.
Why I Give
By SEAN KELLY ’10
At some point—I can’t remember when—I realized that my four years at Xavier represent one of the most important periods of my life. That realization could have happened after any number of events. Like after looking at my wedding party and counting eight Xavier alums as groomsmen. Or after celebrating the 10-year anniversary of winning the rugby national championship (Xavier’s fourth) with my teammates and coaches. Or, more likely, after seeing how the Xavier community offered its overwhelming support for my late dad, John Kelly, who received an honorary degree in 2015 after serving as head freshman football coach for a decade. These events and others like them made me realize that my Xavier experience, more than any other, represents a through-line across so much of my life.
And that’s why I give.
I give to Xavier because I’m grateful for the coaches, teachers, and administrators who prepared me and my classmates for life’s challenges; for the countless memories made on the practice field, in the classroom, and during the daily commute from Breezy Point; and for the many alumni, a list too long to name, who have made themselves available to provide career advice, a simple word of encouragement, and help whenever possible. I give, in part, to try to pay back a debt owed to Xavier. But it’s equally important to look forward.
Xavier has served for generations as a second home for students from every borough and every background. I also give to Xavier because I want to support that tradition. I want others to benefit from their own Xavier experience, to graduate as young men equipped to take on the world, wherever their path takes them, and to one day have their own realization about what those four years on 16th Street meant to them.
A graduate of Florida State University and the St. John’s University School of Law, Sean Kelly ’10 is an associate at Hecker Fink LLP, where he focuses on white-collar and regulatory enforcement.
