How Xavier is How teaching me toXavier think is teaching me to think
Winter 2012
Xavier MOMENT
Maroon vs. Blue in a test of strength, the tug of war. Mr. Jerry McKinney served as referee.
>> Maroon vs. Blue One of the favorite fall traditions at Xavier is also a fairly new one: Maroon and Blue Day, held on September 30. The annual school spirit celebration divides the entire high school into two teams, Maroon (sophomores and seniors) and Blue (freshmen and juniors), and this year was the biggest event yet. The teams battled throughout the day in rock-climbing, dodgeball, football, Battle of the Bands, Karaoke, video games, a costume contest, and of course, the grueling tug-of-war. The festivities not only filled the halls of Xavier High School, but they extended out onto a closed 16th Street as well. Students weren’t the only ones to enjoy the fun-filled day. Xavier faculty and staff were equally involved in the bonding celebration. Even Xavier Headmaster Michael LiVigni subjected himself to the outdoor dunk tank in full suit and tie. The day of friendly competition resulted in an overall Maroon victory, but all would agree that the entire community triumphed through Xavier camaraderie.
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From the PRESIDENT Dear Sons and Friends of Xavier, Greetings from 16th Street. Seeing the proofs of Xavier Magazine before it goes to press is always a thrill. In this issue, we celebrate the work of the faculty, a faculty that is second to none. Since Fr. John Larkin, S.J., opened our doors on the Lower East Side, the faculty has been the foundation upon which the work of Xavier is built. This continues to be so. Whenever I travel, the refrain about our teachers from our alumni is the same, “They taught me how to think. Not what to think, but how to think.” This is one of the hallmarks of Jesuit education. In a world where there is far too much noise and far too little critical analysis, it seems that teaching young men “how to think” is of crucial importance. Carefully examining sources, looking at issues from a variety of perspectives, constructing and deconstructing reasoned arguments, evaluating commentaries, asking pertinent—and occasionally impertinent—questions, writing clear and persuasive prose: these are all habits of the well-trained mind. They are activities that those who are taught how to think are asked to engage in regularly. They are habits that Xavier faculty members across the disciplines have been developing in students for 165 years. Some of the tools they have used to develop those skills have changed and others remain the same. Today we are using more science than Latin, yet The Canterbury Tales, the Constitution of the United States and the Sacred Scriptures all hold eternal truths. At a hockey game right before exams, a freshman mother was effusive in her praise of Xavier. She said, “I don’t know how Mr. Cambras does it, but he is just an outstanding teacher.” She has strong and positive feelings about all her son’s teachers and went on to “In a world where there is far too much noise and speak movingly about the work her is doing and his engagement in far too little critical analysis, it seems that teaching son his studies. During my travels this young men ‘how to think’ is of crucial importance.” fall, alumni across the country and the years spoke about the impact of their teachers on their lives. Some were scholastics here only a few years like Matt Flood, S.J., and Dan Fitzpatrick, S.J. Some had long careers at Xavier like Mike Hoag, S.J., Franklin Caesar, Al Nilles and Grace Lamour. Some are still teaching at Xavier like Mike Wlach, Bob Reinhart, Margaret Gonzalez, Joe Petriello and Denise Iacovone. You’ll read about others in this magazine. Generations of philosophers, scientists, theologians and thinkers across the disciplines have written about the human mind. Since the 16th century, teachers at Jesuit schools have dedicated themselves to molding minds, to training their charges to fully use this gift from God by teaching them how to think. For with that gift, all things are possible. I hope this edition of Xavier Magazine serves as a reminder of those who helped you learn to use your mind well and of those who taught you how to think. Pray for them and for us, as we do for you. I am grateful to our editor, Mike Benigno ’00, who has once again done an excellent job sharing the Xavier story. Thank you for all you do to help us teach the next generation to think, and think well. Wishing you God’s blessings and peace,
For Xavier,
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John R. Raslowsky President
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In this issue
>> Winter 2012
Winter 2012 Volume 15 Number 1 Xavier High School John R. Raslowsky President Michael LiVigni Headmaster Rev. John Replogle, S.J. ’51 Assistant to the President Joseph F. Gorski Vice President for Advancement Michael L. Benigno ’00 Director of Communications and Managing Editor of Xavier Magazine Editorial & Design Services Erbach Communications Group
8. 20. 12. 8.
For Xavier With more than 2,000 years of service to Jesuit education, the dedication of Bene Merenti recipients has impacted generations of Xavier Men.
How to Reach Us Xavier Magazine Managing Editor Xavier High School 30 West 16th Street New York, NY 10011-6302 e-mail: benignom@xavierhs.org To submit a Class Note, e-mail classnotes@xavierhs.org
12. LEARNING HOW TO THINK Seven stories about teaching, learning and the pursuit of excellence at Xavier.
Departments 1. 2. 4. 24. 32.
Xavier Moment From the President News from 16th Street Class Notes Back Story
18. SUPPORT YOUR PASSION Directed Giving will now allow donors to support their greatest passions at Xavier. 20. MAROON AND BLUE A recap of a historic football season and a close look inside Xavier’s up and coming ice hockey team.
On the cover: Kurt Motyka ’15
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News from 16th Street Campus Ministry IS BRIDGE BETWEEN CLASSROOM AND WORLD Xavier’s Campus Ministry program works side-by-side with students to provide a bridge between lessons learned in the classroom and active comprehension of the world beyond 16th Street. “We see everything we do in Campus Ministry as part of the same effort and vision for students to embody Ignatian ideals, while developing a deepened awareness and spirituality,” said Dee Kittany, co-director of campus ministry. Peer ministry opportunities at school liturgies are open to all levels of students, who serve as lectors, altar servers, assistant sacristans and choir members as they take steps toward constructing an active faith life. Three donation drives over the course of the year offer every student the chance to make a difference in the lives of those
(L to R) Kaija DeWitt, Joseph Petriello and Dee Kittany with Rev. Ralph Rivera, S.J.
in need, while classroom conversations encourage students to examine the root of the need for food, clothing and shelter. “The drives are visible signs of our charity in action,” said Joe Petriello, director of Ignatian service programs. “But this charity must always move toward justice.” Expansive lessons in the classroom on unjust social conditions provoke challenging questions. “That analytical process is central to our Jesuit mission and Ignatian identity.” Companions of St. Francis Xavier service trips and the senior Christian Service Program enable students to be on the front lines of major charitable organizations, as well as hundreds of shelters, hospitals, agencies and schools. At the same time, junior and senior classroom curriculum focuses on injustice and the concern for human dignity and, later on, the powerful concepts of consolation and desolation. Similarly, Xavier’s four-year sequence of retreats — the freshman in-house day of reflection, the Montserrat retreat for sophomores, Kairos for juniors, Magis and the Senior Silent Retreat for seniors — is designed to encourage ever-growing, everevolving faith and spirituality.
Co-Director of Campus Ministry Kaija DeWitt points out that seniors’ interest in the Magis retreat, even with its weekend timeframe, shows the tangible need for slowing down, quiet prayer and reflection in their busy lives. “The retreat is rooted in the Spiritual Exercises, and the aim is for our seniors to begin to cultivate a mature and lasting prayer life that will serve them when they leave us,” she said. Students and faculty alike may also meet one-on-one with Fr. Ralph Rivera, S.J., the Xavier chaplain. “Our students and faculty are not only involved in academic matters, but with the challenges and questions of life itself,” said Fr. Rivera. “My daily work plan is often ‘interrupted’ to deal with problems and issues that students and teachers wish to discuss,” says Fr. Rivera. “In some cases I may work for weeks with a student or faculty member. I consider this an integral part of our Campus Ministry, for it implies meeting people where they are and letting them know their concerns are taken seriously. This type of ministry is an honor and a labor of love since, in this way, I encounter how God is working through the lives at this marvelous place we call Xavier.”
Antediluvian–Before the flood–Old-fashioned Legendary English teacher’s study guide resurfaces A recent Facebook post asking former students of the late Rev. Vincent Taylor, S.J., to submit English papers sparked a deluge of comments. Before long, a copy of the legendary English teacher’s Princeton Review Hit Parade surfaced, courtesy of Brendan Faughnan ’01, who is now teaching English at Cristo Rey New York High School. Alumni also provided several sets of definitions featuring the exact 4.
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word groups Fr. Taylor repeated for an unknown number of his 53 years teaching at Xavier. The Princeton Review Hit Parade famously provided several basic definitions or synonyms for tricky vocabulary words students were likely to encounter on the SAT exam. It is unclear for how long Fr. Taylor had been using the same handwritten, photocopied list, but right up until his death in 2000, the
list was introduced at the start of the school year and his vocabulary lessons and exams were amazingly effective. Rev. Vincent Taylor, S.J. To take the actual vocabulary test Fr. Taylor gave as late as 2000, (and to see if you can match Faughnan’s perfect score!) visit www.xavierhsalumni.org/taylor.
The 2:35 [Math] Club What does a classroom full of math scholars competing for glory sound like? Silence. Drop in on the Xavier Math Competition Club and the only sounds you will hear are the scratching of pencils and students blowing away eraser dust as their fingers race across calculator buttons. “I could do it in about 10 minutes,” said Xavier math teacher Kristen Matroni to a few laughs as she walked into the room and sat next to another faculty member. Ms. Matroni copied the questions onto a blank scrap page to practice her skills and added, “Probably without a calculator, too.” Several students shushed her. Jennifer Velazquez, the club moderator, says the club meets once per quarter on a Tuesday afternoon
after the eighth period bell, giving students the chance to compete against other schools in the state that take the same exams distributed by the New York Mathematics League. Exams — which must be completed in 30 minutes — are graded by mail and certificates are awarded to students who answer all six questions correctly. The school with the highest average score is also recognized. At the competition last October, several students solved four or five questions correctly, but there were no perfect scores. Matthew Maquiling ’13 (four out of six) said he enjoyed competing off the athletic field. “It’s fun and I just like to have the chance to beat Mr. Lavy,” he said. And then he did.
HONORING XAVIER’s ACADEMIC SCHOLARS Decades of graduates might remember the Xavier Honors Assembly. You worked hard all quarter, were called down to the gymnasium, lined up and heard your name announced before the entire school. The First or Second Honors card was a reminder of a quarter’s worth of note-taking, late-night studying, writing papers and completing exams. The Honors Assemblies at Xavier today look much like they did in the past. During the October assembly, Headmaster Michael LiVigni urged students to become leaders who utilize their gifts and talents to be of service to others. “When we show love for those around us, when we offer help to those in need, when we do not shy away from what is right because it is difficult and when we begin to understand that God’s love for us is without question, we have fulfilled that purpose for which we are created,” he said. Students who received special awards from colleges and foundations were called to the stage, followed by outstanding sophomore, junior and senior scholars who
earned First and Second Honors leading up to the close of the last school year (freshmen will be recognized at the next assembly). Following First and Second Honors recipients was the commissioning of new members of the Xavier student council, led by student council president Dan Donahue ’12. The student council members, as well as the new officers in Xavier’s JROTC Regiment who were also commissioned, will serve the Xavier student body, the city and nation during the next year and beyond.
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News from 16th Street
Bringing History to Life Military History Club discusses notable military battles Medieval to modern. Members of Xavier’s Military History Club were treated to a creative and dramatic combat reenactment from James LaVelle ’14 and Luis Torres ’14, who used Flight Command, a popular real-time strategy game, to depict France’s controversial Operation Harmattan, The Military History Club discusses battles ranging from the Crusades to that launched sea and air forces to assist in the modern day warfare. enforcement of the Libyan no-fly zone. The actions, LaVelle and Torres pointed out, earned rebuke from the United Nations last summer after the operation resulted in a high number of civilian casualties. They also explained different tactics deployed by both French and Libyan forces, including each side’s armed capabilities — from France’s Charles de Gaulle nuclear aircraft carrier and its attached battle group of air and sea equipment to the defensive naval and air force strategies taken by Libya. Students watched as air forces were attacked by French Rafale fighter planes, but true to last summer’s real-life action, not without some French losses. The Military History Club holds weekly or bi-weekly meetings to discuss notable military battles ranging from the Crusades to modern day warfare. Members are required to make two presentations per year, and the club is open to all members of the Xavier student body.
Remembering
10 Years Later Xavier alumni, friends and family were invited to a special Mass of Remembrance to honor the memory of the 10 Xavier graduates and 20 family members who lost their lives in the attacks on September 11, 2001. The Mass, held in the Church of St. Francis Xavier, was celebrated by Rev. David Ciancimino, S.J. ’77, the current provincial of the New York Society of Jesus. To read a collection of September 11 related news articles published about members of the Xavier community, visit www.xavierhsalumni.org/xaviermedia.
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Some of our Most Loyal Followers
A gathering of former Jesuit Nativity students.
Twenty-five Xavier students who previously attended one of New York’s Jesuit Nativity schools gathered in the Jesuit library last October, to recognize their common bonds and longtime commitment to Jesuit education. “In many ways, they are some of our most loyal followers,” said Rev. Gerald Chojnacki, S.J., rector of the Xavier Jesuit Community. “Three years at a Jesuit middle school, four years at a Jesuit high school and, for some of them, four more years at a Jesuit college or university — we want to thank them for staying with us and make sure they get to meet one another and help one another out while here at Xavier.” Initiated in 2007, the annual gathering has grown to encompass middle school apostolates from Nativity, Brooklyn Jesuit Prep, St. Ignatius Middle School in the Bronx, St. Aloysius in Harlem, and the REACH program hosted by Regis High School. Said Fr. Chojnacki: “The whole idea is to praise them, recognize what they have to offer a high school community like Xavier and to instill in them the importance of working with, and helping one another, and any new kids who come each year from those Jesuit schools or programs.”
Dish Duty Little known fact. When Xavier volunteers spend a week on CFX (Companions of St. Francis Xavier) Mexico to build homes each July, they do so in an environmentally conscious way. This includes one-minute showers to conserve water and serving meals without paper plates or plastic utensils. “We wanted to stay true to form and not contribute to the garbage problem in the area,” said Maureen Reinhart, assistant to the dean of students at Xavier, who has volunteered with her husband, religion teacher Bob Reinhart ’69 for four years on CFX Mexico. The challenge, however, is the bacteria-laden tap water. The Reinharts came up with a system for washing and sterilizing non-disposable items that involves three separate cycles of hand washing and rinsing. Dishes are then air dried to avoid the transfer of bacteria. The process requires immense
teamwork and Xavier students are happy to help, often finding inventive ways to stack dishes so they dry before the next meal. Small actions like the dish duty process also highlight the larger issues volunteers encounter on Xavier service projects. “People assume that Mexicans are immune to the water CFX volunteers on dish duty. because they live in the area,” said Mrs. Reinhart. “Like us, dish duty torch to former Xavier they have to buy drinkable water and are history teacher, Ed Young, and family. spending what little money they have to Mrs. Reinhart volunteered for CFX do so. That’s what I took away from my Maryland last summer and plans to do four years on this trip, the behind-thethe same this year. “Service is a major part scenes things that people don’t see.” of the school,” she said. “Xavier really In 2010, the Reinharts passed the prepares these students for everything.”
OFF THE CHARTS
Thanksgiving Food Drive Provides Surplus of Food Xavier’s Thanksgiving Food Drive surpassed all expectations last November as students and staff members donated 7,285 food items, along with over $3,000 raised through a dress-down fundraiser. Chicken stock, canned vegetables, stuffing mix, gravy and more items lined the entire floor of the Xavier Commons on collection day, November 18, as student volunteers sorted the items and prepared them to be packed. During Thanksgiving week, 188 baskets of food (representing 5,000 meals) were distributed to families. On Thanksgiving day, 500 holiday meals were provided to Manhattan residents who either attended Thanksgiving Dinner at the Church of St. Francis Xavier or received homebound meals delivered to them. There was even a surplus of donated food this year, which, along with the funds raised, will go toward
FOOD DONATION, 2004–2011 # items 8,000 7,000 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000
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stocking Xavier Mission’s customer-choice food pantry. “Each year, Xavier students display increasing generosity, donating more food items and money, challenging themselves to beat their previous records,” said Cassandra Agredo, director of Xavier Mission, based out of the Church of St. Francis Xavier. “The students of Xavier consistently display an interest in the work we do at Xavier Mission, and care and concern for those in need.” Xavier Magazine
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For Xavier
With more than 2,000 years of service to Jesuit education, the dedication of Bene Merenti recipients has impacted generations of Xavier men.
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ike many of Xavier’s Bene Merenti recipients with 20 or more years of service to the school, John McGoldrick remembers the excitement and challenge of working in a Jesuit school as if his first day were yesterday. “I fell in love with Xavier High School and its Jesuit values and commitment to family,” said the history teacher, who has also served Xavier as a coach and campus minister. Mr. McGoldrick recalls one Bene Merenti faculty member, English teacher Rev. Vincent Taylor, S.J., who advised him during that first year as a new teacher on 16th Street. Today, there are 34 living Bene Merenti recipients who inspire and challenge the Xavier community on a daily basis. The living Bene Merenti recipients, who include former and current teachers, administrators and staff, were honored at a special Mass and unveiling of portraits on September 16, 2011. “The faculty that have been honored with the Bene Merenti Award through the years represent almost 2000 years of service to Jesuit education and an outstanding
institution on 16th Street has been built on their years of service,” said Xavier President Jack Raslowsky. “They have molded countless young men to be leaders in their communities and churches, to be caring parents, committed spouses, people of faith and engaged citizens. We owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.” Bene Merenti means “well deserved” and was first awarded by Pope Pius VI in recognition of military
“They have molded countless young men to be leaders in their communities and churches... We owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.” merit. By the early 20th century the mark of recognition expanded to include service to the Church and was awarded to individuals who performed civil, military, lay and religious services. At Xavier and most institutions
First row (L to R): Janet Bonica, John Burpoe and Philip Caliendo; Second row (L to R): Franklin Caesar, Ed.D., ’72, P ’00, Denise Conway, Angela DeVita and Rev. Jack Replogle, S.J. ’51. Third row (L to R): John Foley P ’77, 79, 81, 86, Rev. Louis Garaventa, S.J., and Franklin Gregory P ’80, ’86, ’87. Fourth row (L to R): Donald Gross ’72, P ’03, Rev. Michael Hoag, S.J., Denise Iacovone and Rocco Iacovone ’62. Fifth row (L to R): SGT James Jones, Christopher Kennedy ’62 and Dee Kittany.
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“… The love and support of my Xavier family has made me a better teacher, coach, father and person.” of Jesuit education, the Bene Merenti award is one way to honor the dedication and commitment of employees with 20 and more years of service to the institution. During the Mass, Rev. John Repogle, S.J., ’51 pointed out that this recognition means more than a job well done. Through their faithful service to Xavier, Bene Merenti recipients make significant contributions in furthering the Jesuit mission of the school and serve as important role models for the community. “The work of our educators, administrators and staff is similar to that of Christ’s disciples,” he said. “More specifically, the innumerable followers whose evangelical work helped carry Christ’s message long after his death.” In a “Faces of Xavier” profile published earlier this year, Mr. McGoldrick described his service to Xavier as a great privilege. “Xavier has been my home and support these past 20-plus years in the good times and in the rough times. The love and support of my Xavier family has made me a better teacher, coach, father and person,” he said. “For these things and more I am grateful I listened to Fr. Russ Sloun, S.J., when he said to me 20 years ago, ‘You will never regret giving teaching a try.’ Fr. Sloun was right. I have never regretted teaching or coaching in my years here, and look forward to many more years doing what I love at Xavier, God willing.” To honor their contribution, formal portraits of faculty, administrators and staff now hang in the fourth floor of the Lynch Building near the entrance to the
Jesuit Community. These are the first portraits in a continuing series to recognize these employees’ lasting contributions. Headmaster Michael LiVigni said the intellectual and spiritual contributions of Bene Merenti faculty are invaluable. “Xavier is at a crossroads,” he noted. “More and more our faculty is shifting towards young and those who are mid-career. People who have the Bene Merenti represent our tradition and our way of approaching education. It’s important for us to have them so they can pass that down to our younger teachers.” Patrick Mahon ’04, who began his first year teaching history at Xavier last fall, says he has learned a lot from his mentor, Bene Merenti history teacher Jerry McKinney P ’92, ’94. “There is no situation or problem that I can present to him that he has not already been through in his own professional teaching career,” Mr. Mahon said. “I find a great level of comfort meeting with him on a weekly, in some cases daily, basis just to check in with him. Younger faculty members like myself can use the Bene Merenti faculty members as a true guide and example of everything that is right and good about Xavier and teaching in general.” “Xavier is lucky we have a good energetic and gifted older faculty and a young enthusiastic and talented younger faculty, “ Mr. McGoldrick added. “It is a recipe for teaching at a great place.”
First row (L to R): Grace Lamour P ’82, Lawrence LeBow and Rev. Joseph Lux, S.J. Second row, (L to R): John McGoldrick, Joseph McGrane, Jerry McKinney P ’92, ’94 and Brian Moroney. Third row (L to R): Jerome Neuhoff, Albert Nilles and Anthony Paolozzi. Fourth row (L to R): Norma Piecyk, Ken Sidlowski ’71, P ’05, Christopher Stevens ’83 and Michael Tolkin ’85. Fifth row (L to R): Mike Wlach ’71, P ’01, Vincent Vargas, Henry Woehling ’55 and Rev. Henry Zenorini, S.J.
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Learning Ho 1. Intellectual Transformation Patrick Nolan ’12 always viewed art as an expression of an era or culture. Then he took AP European History with Eileen Carty and discovered its power to influence thinkers, generate new ideas and move the world forward. “I never thought of art as that big of a deal,” Nolan admitted. “But this project showed me that I was wrong and that [art and literature] are impactful.” The project that changed Nolan’s perspective is an AP European History assignment that traced the evolution of an idea from a Renaissance artist and writer to a Reformation revolutionary. “The goal is to show the connections,” Ms. Carty explained. “Particularly how the Reformation emerged. That’s very different than studying an artist like Michelangelo in isolation. For an idea such as Individualism, students will first think about how a Renaissance artist embraced Individualism; second, how that idea was expressed by a Renaissance writer; and third, how might that have influenced the individual spirituality expressed by St. Ignatius Loyola or Martin Luther.” Nolan examined the Flemish painter Rogier van der Wyden, the classical scholar Desiderius Erasmus and their connection to John Knox, a leader of the Protestant Reformation. He partnered with Marcus Kelly ’12 and Giuliano Derteano ’12 who researched different figures from this period of history. Group work and collaboration is a big part of the AP history curriculum. 12.
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“The hard part is [students] coming together to share ideas,” said Ms. Carty, who also teaches AP Comparative Government. “Students need to know how to do that. They need to know how to communicate with one another. Making these connections and not taking information presented at face value is what builds critical thinking skills.” Reflecting on all they have learned midway through the academic year, Ms. Carty’s students say intensive group projects, rich content and rigorous writing assignments have been intellectually transforming. “In addition to the general understanding of European History and an appreciation of European History, you learn to look at European History critically,” said Kelly. “It really puts things in perspective.” “AP European History has taught me to view history not in a literal view,” added Derteano, “But as a ‘big picture’ perspective taking account of everything connecting to another and how all of it influenced history as we know it.”
2. Creating the ‘Aha Moment’ Physics teacher and Science Department Chair Alex Lavy frequently witnesses the proverbial light bulb go on in Xavier students’ heads when they solve a physics problem. “That’s a wonderful moment,” he said, especially in a Jesuit high school where students are assigned the freedom and responsibility to examine scientific concepts and make discoveries.”
ow to Think This approach may involve a lot of trial and error, but it’s well worth it, according to Mr. Lavy. When students are given the opportunity to experiment and draw conclusions for themselves, they better understand how science works. This recently occurred in a freshman physics study of electricity, when a group substituted a mechanical pencil for wire to complete a circuit board. The students’ eureka moment came after noting the correlation between the length of the pencil lead and the light bulb’s brightness; the group created a light dimmer. This type of discovery happens on a regular basis in Xavier science labs and is very much rooted in the Jesuit tradition of teaching and learning.
7 stories about teaching, learning and the pursuit of excellence at Xavier
3. Common Reading. Uncommon Approach. Thousands of New York City high school students will read The Canterbury Tales each year. Only a handful will go behind-the-scenes to experience a central theme in the 600-year-old piece of literature. Since 2007, Xavier English teacher Anthony Paolozzi has brought his senior class to a vault inside the Church of St. Francis Xavier to examine dozens of first-class relics. Sons of Xavier may remember the antagonist in the Geoffrey Chaucer collection of stories is The Pardoner who offers indulgences in the form of counterfeit relics. According to Mr. Paolozzi, an indulgence was similar to a pardon sold by a church
“We constantly reflect. That’s a much harder process than just ‘tell me the answer.’ This is what forms students who know how to think.” “You can only get so much from reading a book,” said Garrison Schwer ’15. “Hands-on gets into a whole new level of learning. We are building transformers while learning about electricity.” “Students are stepping back and reflecting on what this all means, not just in science but in all subjects, whether it’s physics or learning how to pray,” Mr. Lavy said. “We constantly reflect. That’s a much harder process than just ‘tell me the answer.’ This is what forms students who know how to think.”
official that offered the purchaser remission of sins and a secure seat in heaven. The granting and selling of indulgences was a source of controversy in the Medieval Church. “Showing students the relics is a concrete example of this tradition that was pretty important during the Middle Ages,” he explained. The artifacts presented at the Church of St. Francis Xavier differ greatly from the animal bones passed off as saints’ relics by The Pardoner and include the sacred remains of St. Ignatius Loyola, St. Francis Xavier and other Jesuit and non-Jesuit saints.
Photos above (L to R): Garrison Schwer ’15, Dennis Baker, S.J. and class, Alex Lavy and students in physics laboratory.
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Mr. Paolozzi has taught The Canterbury Tales for 22 years. For most of those years he showed students the reliquaries located in the main part of the Catholic Church, but only learned of the hidden relics after the pastor, Rev. Joe Constantino, S.J., offered a special tour to Xavier students. The opening of the Church vault to reveal its reliquaries quickly became an academic tradition for students as well as faculty members in history and religion. “You can tell students what a relic is, but now they’re actually seeing it,” Mr. Paolozzi commented. “It makes it a little more real and tangible. It’s a good thing for them to do.”
4. How the Classics Stack Up The study of classics at Xavier is an integral portion of all students’ English studies throughout their high school careers. Each year, students read and reflect upon one Shakespearean play, while the works of Dante,
on books they will encounter in the future during both academic and personal study. “We want students to understand the larger questions of life, like the definition of a happy life, or what makes a person good, or the meaning of faith,” said Margaret Gonzalez, chair of the English department. “These are questions that authors have wrestled with forever, and studying great works serves as a guide with which to talk about these topics, learn new perspectives and experience individual epiphanies through the revelations of great characters readers can relate to.” The study of classic works is made into an active process at Xavier, with discussions, creative writing and group work that supplements weekly reading. Detailed lessons on historical and social context before and during readings, and reflection sessions afterward allow students to have a multidimensional perspective on literature. Critical analysis and response take that perspective even further. Nick Bellone ’12 says that he has been able to transfer this reading approach to his studies in other
“For my AP Literature and Composition class, the motto is to not just read between the lines but also go outside the box. Whenever I read something, I don’t just read the words on the page, I read it and apply it to different aspects of my life. ” Faulkner and Joyce provide the foundations for cultural literacy and an awareness of literary tradition. More contemporary works like To Kill a Mockingbird and The Catcher in the Rye continue to engage students, proving that classic works weren’t only written hundreds or thousands of years ago, while informing their outlook 14.
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areas. “For my AP Literature and Composition class, the motto is to not just read between the lines but also go outside the box. Whenever I read something, I don’t just read the words on the page, I read it and apply it to different aspects of my life,” said Bellone. “It’s something you don’t forget.”
5. Unlearning Assumptions Joseph Sweeney ’85 isn’t interested in his history students’ opinions. “What I am interested in,” said the Xavier dean of faculty and teacher of AP United States History, “is the argument that backs up their opinion.” In this Advanced Placement history class, students tackle weighty arguments that can range from who was the better president, John Adams or Thomas Jefferson, to the current Occupy Wall Street movement. “That’s especially timely right now,” Mr. Sweeney noted. “When is it appropriate to break the law, when we are a nation founded on breaking the law?” In addition to the rich conversations that occur in class and in extended discussions online, the Occupy movement is a jumping off point to explore the role of Abolitionism, the Civil Rights Movement and other acts of civil disobedience throughout U.S. history. Debate and writing go hand-in-hand in Mr. Sweeney’s class. “One of the essentials is learning to write well,” he said. “You really learn how to think when you write. It forces you to ask yourself, ‘does this argument make sense?’” Former students frequently credit the veteran teacher and administrator, now in his 19th year as a member of the Xavier faculty, for helping them “unlearn assumptions.” That’s because history is presented from multiple perspectives. Students who learned that Christopher Columbus crossed the globe at great risk in grammar school, might be surprised how the explorer is portrayed when they read Howard Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States. The first chapter of the classic, now utilized in many AP history and college courses, examines Columbus’ exploits through the eyes of Native Americans. “I don’t recommend or endorse the whole book,” Mr.
Sweeney explained. “What we do is take apart [Zinn’s] argument and accept that all history is biased. That is often groundbreaking for the guys because they think of history as the truth.” Throughout the academic year, Xavier students are continually challenged with different perspectives and gain deeper insight into events and patterns in American history. “When you break down assumptions you get a more mature and nuanced view of the world,” Mr. Sweeney added. “It leads to a mature understanding of people.”
6. Open to Growth Christian Knoch ’11 hopes to become an intelligence specialist within the branches of the U.S. Army or Navy one day. An international studies major and Arabic minor at American University, Knoch became deeply interested in the foreign language after one year of study at Xavier High School. When he signed on for the course, Knoch was a member of the JROTC and knew he wanted to pursue a career in the military. “My study of Arabic at Xavier solely began with a significant desire to learn something that was highly unique,” he said. “Furthermore, I was aware that the class would be taught by one of Xavier’s finest, Doc Caliendo.” “Doc,” a.k.a. Dr. Philip Caliendo, the foreign language teacher who began the program in 2007, recalled the program’s origins. “[Arabic] was something beneficial and interesting to the boys who want something challenging,” he said. It was an extracurricular course for three years. In 2010, Arabic I and II courses were offered to juniors and seniors as electives in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages. Students study Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) the
Photos above (L to R): Brandon Efap ’15, Joseph Sweeney ’85, Christopher Columbus and Native Americans.
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literary standard across the Middle East and North Africa. The goal is for graduates to master two years of the language so they may continue to advance in college. Many like Knoch place directly into advanced Arabic classes, putting them further ahead of the curve. “Doc and his class prepared me so well for advanced beginner Arabic at American that my first semester has thus far been a breeze in reinforcing the basics, and I will have room in my study to focus on dialects and
difficult language; however, now that I have overcome its greatest and most basic challenges, I feel that I could learn any language.” Through discipline, patience and ultimate success with a demanding foreign language, Xavier students like Watch and Knoch embody the ideal of “Open to Growth,” a core principle outlined in the Graduate at Graduation profile developed by the Jesuit Secondary Education Association ( JSEA) that guides all aspects of a Jesuit high school education. Xavier’s nascent Arabic program is also grounded in Jesuit history and tradition. “Arabic is ‘practical and useful,’ in the words of St. Ignatius,” Dr. Caliendo said. “He always wished for more Arabic speakers for missionary reasons.” Like the founder of the Society of Jesus, today’s Xavier students also recognize the utility of Arabic in an increasingly global society and are eager to tackle something new. In that respect Dr. Caliendo continued, “I think we’re accomplishing [St. Ignatius’] wish.”
“Arabic is without question a difficult language; however, now that I have ovecome its greatest and most basic challenges, I feel that I could learn any language.” colloquial forms of the language in the coming years,” Knoch noted. Proficiency is especially complex, says Dr. Caliendo, since each letter of the language changes depending upon its position within a word. Students must also adjust to reading right to left, memorize a larger alphabet and translate vocabulary without vowels. “Overcoming these challenges feels great,” said Gregory Watch ’12, who is taking Arabic following three years of Italian. “Arabic is, without question, a 16.
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7. The 24/7 Classroom When a stimulating debate or discussion gets underway in a Xavier classroom, a 40-minute period just isn’t enough. Before the advent of online learning tools, teachers would often have to pause a serious conversation among students and resume it the next day. With the recent integration of blogs, online discussion forums and social media into the curriculum, class is in session practically all the time at Xavier.
Rev. Ralph Rivera, S.J.
The latest digital learning initiative comes from Dennis Baker, S.J., a Jesuit Scholastic in Regency who teaches Global Studies and U.S. History. The Jesuit created Facebook groups for each of his classes to encourage interaction with the academic material and assist students after hours. “Facebook and other social networks are typically used to avoid homework and studying,” he said. “Having students utilize it as a studying tool allows us to infiltrate this space.” The technique is especially useful in a school community like Xavier where students commute from five boroughs and beyond, and can’t always meet for study groups in the neighborhood. “It allows kids to have conversations about the lessons,” Mr. Baker explained. “They can ask questions from home that are answered by either myself or their peers.” Other Xavier faculty members use blogs, websites and discussion boards to keep students updated and have also incorporated online textbooks and online testing into the classroom. “Technological advances have had an immense impact not only on how a student learns but also on how a teacher must instruct,” said Sheryle Neuffer-McCann, a science teacher who maintains a website for each course. “Students have access to much more information and they now need to learn how to recognize legitimate and reliable sources.” Mr. Baker estimates that 90 percent of his students are utilizing the Facebook study group. Although it’s in its first year, he reports that no negative incidents have occurred, as he regularly monitors all of its conversations. “We should all recognize that this has become a part of our world,” he added. “When used properly, it can be an incredibly beneficial learning device.”
Photos above (L to R): science teacher Sheryle Neuffer-McCann, Arabic script.
Knowing that You Don’t Know When religion teacher Rev. Ralph Rivera, S.J., introduced his students to the homily, “May those who have Eyes, See; and those who have Ears, Hear,” they initially took it quite literally. But according to Fr. Rivera, the greatest duty of Xavier teachers is to teach the students how to ask questions. “It requires knowledge to have an opinion,” said Fr. Rivera. “It’s important that they know that they don’t know.” To help his students grasp this perspective, Fr. Rivera incorporates St. Ignatius’ exercise of doing more for God, known as Magis. Applying this Jesuit philosophy in the classroom, students encounter alternative perspectives, and eventually gain a greater understanding of reality and their particular role within it. As students learn about current topics like healthcare, poverty and immigration, and through activities like retreats, their eyes are opened to things that might be missed by others. Fr. Rivera explained how, during volunteer trips that he and students have taken to Mexico, he has witnessed first-hand this moment of realization. “At first, they are astonished at the happiness and gratefulness of the people despite all that which they lack,” he said. “St. Ignatius said that the greatest sin was the sin of ingratitude, and they become more aware of what they receive.” According to Fr. Rivera, these experiences allow Xavier students to connect with the wider world. “We help them see that there’s more than meets the eye and why,” he said. “It is our hope that we have equipped them with these tools, so when they walk out that door, they’re ready for the real world.” Xavier Magazine
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Advancing Xavier
Support Your Passion Xavier introduces Directed Giving to Boost Annual Fund
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lumni define their Xavier experience in a multitude of ways. For some, it was the bonds of brotherhood formed on the athletic field, or the discipline acquired as a member of the JROTC Regiment. Others are grateful for tuition support they received as a student and want to ensure that a new generation has the same opportunity. Now, donors have the opportunity to direct an Annual Fund gift to their greatest passion at Xavier. Areas of support include: financial aid, fine arts, campus ministry, the Regiment, or any of the school’s 12 athletic programs. When funds are directed to any of these categories they alleviate the budgeted amount for that area of need. “People like to give to the things that made a difference in their lives,” said Bhrett J. Pizza, Esq. ’76, an attorney in private practice in Marietta, Ga. Xavier Football was the difference maker for Pizza, but for years he resisted giving to the Annual Fund because previously, gifts to the Fund were unrestricted and could not be applied directly to the team. He had a change of heart after meeting Xavier President Jack Raslowsky at an Atlanta alumni event. Pizza made the case for Directed Giving, and since then, he has given generously to the Annual Fund and become a member of the President’s Council. “The things I learned from my football experience, I carry with me to this day in my law practice,” Pizza explained. “From football, I learned discipline and to never be satisfied and always seek more. I’m grateful for 18.
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the coaches and the lifelong lessons. I’m glad to be able to give to the thing that I cherish.”
Consistency is Key The Annual Fund goal for 2012 is $2,175,000, a nine percent increase over the previous year. Director of Annual Giving Mark Mongelluzzo, Esq. says the increase reflects rising costs and a desire to continue Xavier’s commitment to accessible and affordable tuition. Consistency in giving and increased alumni participation go a long way in achieving this. “Sometimes confusion arises because Xavier runs on a fiscal year, from July 1 through June 30, not on a January through December calendar year,” Mr. Mongelluzzo explained. “If we could see an average gift of $100 from the 900 people who drop off on average in any given year, that’s an extra $90,000 — or four percent of the entire 2012 goal.” The Advancement Office has increased its efforts to stay in touch with alumni as the end of the fiscal year approaches in June through print mailings and e-mail reminders. There are currently more than 1,000 alumni and 195 graduate parents and even current parents who have given for more than 10 years in a row. “Many people greatly value their consecutive giving history and Xavier greatly values their consistency and generosity,” Mr. Mongelluzzo added. Robert Bateh ’92 marked his 20th consecutive year of giving this year. Bateh, who is also a graduate of Boston College, is a firm believer in Jesuit education. “I was raised
Cover Story
Planned Gifts: Now, or Later?
understanding the importance of being philanthropic and feel fortunate to be in a position to give back,” he said. “I love to support the school. I appreciate my Jesuit education and know that tuition doesn’t cover the full cost of educating a Xavier student.”
Participation Matters Sustaining Xavier’s commitment to affordable excellence also requires greater participation among the total alumni population. “We hope to see greater involvement this year from the Classes of ’79 through ’06,” Mr. Mongelluzzo said, stressing that gifts at any level really do make a difference. “Your participation is what matters. We want to encourage alums who may still be re-paying student loans, starting families and taking on mortgages to give what they can, and to give to an Annual Fund category that matters most. It all adds up and by June 30, we’ll see the Fund reach its $2.175 million goal.”
Xavier Annual Fund Directed Giving In addition to unrestricted gifts, Annual Fund donations can now provide direct support to any of the following areas:
Financial Aid Fine Arts Campus Ministry JROTC Regiment Knights Athletics (choose any team)
To designate a gift to the Annual Fund, visit www.xavierhsalumni.org/2012AF.
It pays to plan ahead. Whether you are in a position to part with assets now or in the future, charitable planned giving can be a smart strategy to reduce your tax liability, secure a future income stream and take care of Xavier. Philanthropic-minded individuals may have even further incentive to make an estate plan since the federal estate tax is set to expire on December 31, 2012. “People should be concerned about the estate tax,” said Joseph LaFerlita, Esq.,’92, an associate who specializes in estates and trusts at Farrell Fritz, P.C., in Uniondale, N.Y. “Given the current economic and political climate, there’s a lot of uncertainty regarding the estate tax. It’s not clear what’s going to happen.” The present top rate of 35 percent will increase, according to Mr. LaFerlita, to 55 percent in 2013. Additionally, the exemption will drop from $5 to $1 million, assuming Congress does not change the law. Even if the federal law remains, Mr. LaFerlita points out that New York currently exempts $1 million in estate taxes. Therefore, assets of $3 million are subject to $182,000 in state taxes. Still, estate planners say the present uncertainty is a window of opportunity. It all comes down to your immediate and long-term priorities to determine the best vehicle to meet your financial and philanthropic goals. Outright gifts now to avoid capital gains taxes or reduce the value of an estate may work best for some. Others may find the best course is a future bequest or a charitable trust that provides an annuity or other benefit. “Estate planning is necessary,” Mr. LaFerlita continued. “It ensures that the people who you want to enjoy your assets, get to enjoy them, whether it’s family members or a charity.” Xavier has a number of gift and estate tax planning options. The Advancement Office would be glad to work with you and your financial advisors to identify the right plan for you. To learn more, contact Vice President for Advancement Joseph Gorski at (212) 924-7900 ext. 1539 or e-mail gorskij@xavierhs.org. Xavier Magazine
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Maroon and blue
Trouncing Adversity A tough road made the Knights even tougher
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he 2011 Xavier Varsity football team left deep cleat-prints in an already-historic program. The Knights scored record-shattering points, going 7–0 in the CHSFL AA-A, to eventually become the crowned champions of the Division. The tremendous season wasn’t handed to the team; they encountered plenty of challenges along the way. The record and stats show that when dealt a tough hand, the team responded by playing even tougher football. This was the first time that Xavier earned the Division Championship in addition to earning an undefeated league record. “In 129 years, Xavier has won seven games in a season only eight times,” Head Football Coach Chris Stevens ’83 announced during the Turkey Bowl Rally. “We’ve done it now four out of the last five years. With a record of 39–15 over the last five winning seasons from 2007 to 2011, this has become the winningest era in Xavier history.” One obvious obstacle was the lack of a dedicated practice facility. With their home field located a borough away in Brooklyn, the team is often separated from an ideal practice environment. Yet the coaches and players at Xavier have successfully found ways to bring the turf into the city. “Everyone laughs at me, but I love practicing in the gym,” Coach
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Stevens said. “It’s warm and we can practice as long as we want without the commute and field times.” And when the forecast predicted a bizarre October blizzard before a Saturday battle against Cardinal Spellman, Coach Stevens made sure the team was ready. “We practice in four different locations in a single week. In the gym, I have the players practice with the wet ball,” Coach Stevens said, referring to College Football Hall of Fame Coach Hayden Fry’s technique of soaking footballs in buckets of water to familiarize the players with the slippery surface. “I stole that page out of Fry’s book, and we try to incorporate it into every practice.” The team had its share of injuries this season as well. Yet after Xavier
lost two of its star players, others stepped up to the plate, filling in the voids and often assuming multiple roles. William “Tre” Solomon III ’14 was called upon to take the reigns of the team’s ground game when senior starter Brent Scardapane ’12 was injured early in the season. “At first I was nervous,” said Solomon. “But my mom told me that God gives us chances for a reason, and I took that to heart.” His mother was right. Solomon’s first game as starting running back set him against the Xavier rival, Cardinal Hayes. The sophomore’s 235 yards and four touchdowns helped the Knights overcome a 19-point deficit in the second half to rout Hayes 33–32. Although he accepted the starting position and
Xavier facing off in Bayonne, N.J. Opposite page: Charles Giraud ’12 breaks into St. John the Baptist’s secondary; Above left: The Knights went undefeated in league games and won the Division Championship for the first time ever; Below left: Defense was the unsung hero of 2011 allowing an average of only 14 points per game. Photos by Megan Stevens.
2011 Xavier Football Stats and Fast Facts Record: CHSFL AA-A (7–0)* Overall (8–3) 2011 CHSFL AA-A • Regular Season Champions* • Howie Smith Trophy Winners Point Differential: +157 2 Shutout Wins *First season in Xavier history having both the Division Championship and a 7–0 record.
gave a superstar’s performance, he remained impressively humble. “It was still Brent’s team,” he said. “After he got hurt, he was still a leader from the sidelines. He helped me. He helped everyone.”
the school. “I always knew that he had an immense physical impact on our players, but I never realized the emotional connection that they had,” said Coach Stevens. In lieu of flowers, the family requested that
howevser, saw the 2011 season from a different perspective. “The season was definitely a success,” he said. “It was a young team and a lot of us had to step up. Everyone played their roles and for that, I’m proud.”
“With a record of 39–15 over the last five winning seasons...this has become the winningest era in Xavier history.” The most devastating event of the season was one that affected the entire Xavier community. On September 29, JV assistant and strength and conditioning coach Bill Costa passed away. Costa joined the Xavier family in 1998 when his son, current freshman coach James Costa ’02, became a student at
friends make donations to Xavier High School in order to buy new equipment for the school’s weight room. “Nearly $12,000 has been raised. I think that’s a testament to who he was.” According to the New York press, Solomon was the “King” of Xavier’s victorious year. He,
Coach Stevens’ pre-game practice speeches where he would bellow, “We’ve got something to play for!” possessed more meaning than anyone outside the huddle could ever understand. “I’m really proud of these kids,” said Coach Stevens. “For having this much success during this season, I am incredibly proud.” Xavier Magazine
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Maroon and blue
Young Players Hit the Ice The Xavier hockey team sees their youthful roster as strength in their playoff push Photo to come
The Knights have a strong shot at the playoffs this year.
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hey may be young, but Xavier’s Varsity hockey team is a potent force on the ice. After just missing playoff berth last season, Coach Al DiMauro thinks that his young roster has great potential to do some damage en route to a well-deserved championship. Although three-quarters of his team are underclassmen, Coach DiMauro is very optimistic about the advantages of such a young core. “This year, with the group that we have rounding out the roster, everyone’s given the chance to make
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contributions,” he said. However, the coach is well aware that he needs to instill the fundamentals in his young skaters. “Every time we hit the ice at practice, the objective is to develop and improve their skills.” With a 20-man varsity roster, consisting of nine sophomores and five freshmen, the team lacks game time experience. Still, Coach DiMauro has faith in the determination of Xavier students of all ages. “We’re talking about an academically demanding school; Xavier is an intense atmosphere for any student-athlete,” said Coach DiMauro. “These players are on the
ice a minimum of three times a week, and hockey is the longest-running sport throughout the academic year. This, and the fact that we travel on a bus to our home ice in Bayonne, just goes to show the commitment being made by all of these kids.” Elias Owen ’14 found that being a member of the young team has given him greater opportunities on the ice. The sophomore forward, whose number 25 can regularly be seen on the starting roster, credits his playing time during his freshman year for his quick adjustment as a varsity player. “As a freshman, you’re getting on the ice and getting a feel
of what the league’s like,” said Owen. “Now I’m expecting a lot more from myself and I’m ready for it. I’m a better player, and I’m a bigger player for the team.” Varsity defenseman and Knights’ Captain Joseph DeAngelo ’12 is a proud advocate for the youth-rich team. DeAngelo stated that being a part this year’s team has made him a stronger leader. “I have a lot of responsibility,” he noted. “The older players have to show the underclassmen what to do and how to do it. It’s a lot of weight on our shoulders, but we continue to work
hard and to be strong leaders with the hope of taking our team to a championship.” The Knights hockey team has
wants to win a championship, but our goal is to become one of the seeds for the playoff competition,” he said. “Once you get into the playoffs,
“It’s a lot of weight on our shoulders, but we continue to work hard and to be strong leaders with the hope of taking our team to a championship.” only missed the playoffs twice in the past seven seasons, and Coach DiMauro thinks his team’s playoff chances this year are as good as any year prior. “Obviously, everyone
it’s a whole new season and anything can happen. We’re looking to get back on track and to take another shot at that championship.”
Cross Country is Just Getting Started Xavier’s cross country program is in many ways one of the most inclusive sports on 16th Street. More than 100 student athletes ran in the season that began last October, including 36 freshmen and spanning all four academic years. The varsity team qualified for the New York state championships and Nike Regionals, finishing fourth in the intersectionals, while freshmen placed third. “Everyone on the roster ran every weekend,” said Head Coach Pat Dormer. “There’s even a lot of mixing during free periods here at the school — just visit my classroom.” Surprisingly, young runners like John Rice ’15 and Eliot Kaufmann ’14 competed at the varsity level, with Rice posting the second fastest 1 ½ mile time in league history (8:13:00). “There isn’t too much pressure on freshmen or sophomores, so to see them come through consistently and want to push one another to a higher level is impressive,” the coach added.
The cohesive nature of the team is bolstered by senior leaders like Dmitri Zucarrello ’12, current school record holder for the 1- and 2-mile outdoor races. “Dmitri exudes a quiet self-confidence that all the other kids pick up on,” Coach Dormer said. “He’s not a loud person, but everyone wants Dmitri to be in their race because they know they have a much better chance of winning with him on board.” The team competed — and picked up medals — in races up and down the northeast, from Philadelphia to Albany, while winning accolades on courses closer to home, like Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx and Bowden Park in Poughkeepsie. The indoor track season began in December and much pride will be on the line as the number-onein-the-nation sprint medley relay of Domenic DeNiro ’12, Gabriel Spooner ’12, Ed Wagner ’12 and Isidro Camacho ’13 will defend their title. The 4x800 meter relay of
Camacho, Zucarrello, Kaufmann and Gregory Watch ’12 is also ranked seventh in the nation. “The team as a whole is young. With five out of seven top runners coming back next year, the future looks even brighter,” Coach Dormer noted. “We’re just getting started.”
The Xavier invitational at Van Cortlandt Park. Xavier Magazine
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Sons of Xavier
President’s Council Dinner
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The President’s Council Dinner took place October 12, at the New York Athletic Club. Thank you to all supporters and guests who attended the lovely event. 1. Jack Raslowsky, Xavier president; 2. Suzanne Muller, Rev. Jim Keenan, S.J., John Muller, M.D. ’75 ; 3. Rich Scheller ’74, Rev. Robert Lauder ’52, Dona and John Foley P ’77, ’79, ’81, ’84, ’86; 4. Adam Lynch ’97, Terence Tubridy ’99, Martin Tubridy ’97, Joe Sweeney ’85; 5. Rev. James Van Dyke, S.J., Rich Nolan, Esq., ’83, Xavier board chair, Peter Dell’Orto ’83, Nick DePalma ’83; 6. Craig Eaton, Esq. ’78, Col. Michael Gould, James Moore ’78.
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Xavier Society and Loyola Associates Reception 2
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The Xavier Society/Loyola Associates Reception took place September 28, in the Xavier Commons. Supporters and guests had a wonderful evening in the hallways of Xavier — thank you to all those who attended. 1. George Plichta ’66, Ray Lustig, Esq. ’64, Regina Lustig, Edward Reynolds, D.D.S. ’50; 2. Rev. Ralph Rivera, S.J., Manuel Gomez; 3. Carol Emsworth P ’93, James Emsworth ’93, Pauline Reenock P ’01, Kristin Rooney, Stephen Reenock ’01; 4. Mark Moss and Cynthia Harisch P ’08, Jack Raslowsky.
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Class notes 1933 Charles Tantillo writes to thank Mike Benigno ’00 for the fine article he wrote about him for the Xavier website.
1939 Ed Brown was named American Legion Commander of Garden City, N.Y. Ed attended Fordham University and Georgetown Law after serving in the 16th Regiment in World War II.
1945 Leo McGinty writes that he had lunch with Bill Laffan at Ponte Vedra Beach earlier this year, and plays golf regularly with Warren Nolan at the Wheatley Hill Golf Club where both Xavier alums have been members for 60 years. Rev. Bob McGuire, S.J., writes that he is still functioning for the Kingdom and assures us of his prayers. Myles Mierswa moved to California to be near his daughters and grandchildren.
1946 Jim O’Connor has four great grandchildren (three girls and one boy), ages 4 months to 3 ½ years.
1948 Tom Kennedy meets with Jack Hauss, ’49 in October of each year at a reunion of the officers of the USS Chilton APA 38. He hears from Manny Alvarado-Hinds via e-mail. Manny is retired and living in Tulsa, Okla.
1949 Gaspar Cipolla reports that he just returned from French Polynesia after cruising as a “dance host” and continues to work as a substitute teacher in Manalapan, N.J. “All because of Xavier,” he writes.
1950 John Tyrell is happy to report that he and John Donovan attended the 64th reunion of St. Ignatius Loyola Grade School. Both alums received altar boy/choirboy scholarships to attend Xavier. Joe Brostek enjoyed the 2010 Turkey Bowl game he attended with his grandson (a Fordham Prep student). Joe writes that he rooted for Xavier.
1951 In a recent letter, William Walsh remembered Rev. Frederick Frohnhoffer,
S.J., and the physics course he taught. He said led him to a fine career in electronics systems engineering. John Maher was inducted into the Sturzenbecker Hall of Fame at West Chester University on October 29, 2011.
1952 Anthony Kaspar has retired from the investment banking business and resides in New York City and Florida. Sil Resciniti still practices law and lives in midtown Manhattan. Sil is in touch with Ed Hawkins and Tom Conniff, and enjoyed seeing Bob Robertazzi and Bill McGuth at the President’s Council Dinner at the New York Athletic Club last October.
1953 John Methfessel, of the law firm Methfessel and Werbel, writes that the firm now has 43 attorneys with offices in New York and New Jersey. After 30 years practicing law in Dunedin, Fla., and the rearing and education of four children, William Uber, Jr. has retired. William lives quietly with his wife, Ginny, in Bloomington, Ind. John Spizziri announces the birth of his fourth great-grandchild, Cornelia Quinn, who joins Christopher, Elijah and Anthony Xavier Quinn.
1954 Ed Shalhoub retired to Sea Girt, N.J., in June 2010. George Gibson attended the Xavier Alumni Reception in Phoenix, Ariz. He reports it was great to hear the most up-to-date plans from the president of Xavier. Robert Gmelin wants to inform alums about the Xavier Emeritus Club, a club for all Xavier graduates who are now fully retired. Robert says, “They have earned their way!” Kenneth Kramer became a great grandfather on August 2, 2011. He recently returned from a 20-day Mediterranean transatlantic cruise from Venice to Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Richard Caime and his wife, Jane, celebrated 52 years of marriage. Their son, Rev. James Caime, S.J., is on a three-year Jesuit assignment in China.
1955 Francis Spera and his wife, Peggy,
celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary on September 17, 2011. They also visited their daughter, Lauren, and son-in-law, Steve, in Italy for three weeks. Fred (Rick) Mink, Hank Woehling and Larry Pesce meet for dinner every change of season in Queens. All classmates are welcome. Call Rick at F.M. Brush, Glendale, N.Y. James O’Connell and his wife, Pauline, are enjoying retirement in Williamsburg, Va., and ask that you let them know if you plan to visit.
1956 Lou Cumming and his wife, Gloria, welcomed grandchild number eight into the family last June.
1958 Raymond Flood, Jr., and his wife, Joyce, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their six children and 12 grandchildren last August.
1959 Thomas Fitzpatrick, of Warrensburg, Mo., writes that he is expecting a granddaughter on Christmas Day and asks for prayers for mother and daughter. Rev. Daniel Gatti, S.J., is the Interim Director of Alumni Relations at Fordham University. Fr. Gatti also serves as Alumni Chaplain at Fordham.
1960 Nick Connolly writes to recommend a new edition of The Bible Through the Seasons: A Version for Children and Families.
1962 Steven Arlinghaus writes to say that he is looking forward to meeting his classmates at the 50th reunion in June. Rocco Iacovone writes to say that the Xavier alumni “Band of Brothers” will play at charities, parties and cocktail parties. A portion of the band’s fee is donated to charity. Contact iacovoner@ xavierhs.org.
1963 John Dalessio and his wife, Kathie, have been married for 44 years. The couple has seven children and eight grandchildren. They are members of People of Hope, a charismatic covenant community with gifts of prayer, evangelization and family life. Two years ago their evangelization took them to Xavier Magazine
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Alumni Receptions 1.
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1. San Diego 2. Manhasset, N.Y. 3. Rockaway, N.Y. 4. Chicago 5. Atlanta 6. Watermill, N.Y. 7. Weehawken, N.J.
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2012 Hall of Fame Inductees Xavier High School Hall of Fame Dinner
Friday, November 9, 2012
Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers New York, NY
Please join us as we induct eight new members into the Xavier Hall of Fame. These seven men and one woman are distinctly dedicated to serving their community, their Church and their nation. They are people of the highest character who have a deep commitment to the values of Xavier High School.
Rev. David S. Ciancimino, S.J. ’77 Provincial of New York Province; former principal of Canisius High and headmaster of Xavier; Xavier Insignis Medal recipient.
Rev. Vincent J. Duminuco, S.J. 45th headmaster; former president of JSEA and secretary of Education for the Society of Jesus in Rome. †
LCPL Michael D. Glover ’97 Selfless man of service, motivated by Sept. 11th attacks, killed in action as a Marine in Iraq. †
Mr. Roger T. Kirwan ’60 Founder Ganis Credit Corporation, Chairman/CEO Woodside Credit Corporation; major philanthropic force at Xavier, religious and non-profit organizations.
Mrs. Grace Lamour One of the legends of Xavier faculty: a long-time teacher, the first female faculty member, a scientist...and a Rockette!
Rev. John J. McDonald, S.J. ’45 44th headmaster, provided crucial guidance and leadership during the 1960s, late 70s. †
Mr. William S. McKiernan ’74 Founder of CyberSource and former COO of McAfee; entrepreneur and businessman; major charitable force for cancer research, global economic issues and educational organizations.
Mr. Thomas J. O’Hara,III ’69 Founder of the nationally renowned Xavier Rugby program, former teacher; unparalleled alumni sports correspondent. † = Deceased
For more information, please contact Helene Strong at strongh@xavierhs.org or 212 924-7900 x1654. Please join us in recognizing these extraordinary individuals!
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Class notes India to walk in the steps of St. Francis Xavier. John and Kathie spent three weeks leading retreats for married couples with a side trip to Goa to see the tomb of St. Francis Xavier.
1969 Thomas Forlenza, M.D., has become a consultant in medicine at Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital. Rafael Martinez welcomed his granddaughter, Bianca Marie, on May 13, 2011. His daughter, Laura, graduated with a finance and marketing degree from the University of Miami and began working as a financial analyst at Prestige Cruise Lines last May.
1971 Eric Hoffmeyer still works for the Army in the Pentagon, supporting our aviation forces. Robert Hynes commutes between Boston and Washington, D.C., working on the housing crisis for the Federal Finance Housing Agency. He has five children; two of his children attend Colgate University.
1972 John Neuenfeldt writes to say that he is looking forward to seeing many of his classmates in 2012 for the 40th reunion.
1973 Tony del Valle and Marta Fernandez celebrated five years of marriage on March 10, 2010. Jack Merritt writes of the 1973 gathering at Tracks: “Special Award of Thanks went to Bruce Caulfield, owner of Tracks; Special Award of Achievement to Frank Comerford on being named the Grand Marshall of the 2012 St. Patrick’s Day Parade; Special Award of Outstanding Service to Xavier’s President, Jack Raslowsky, for his outstanding commitment to the alumni, and the John W. Reilly Memorial Award to Bob Maguire for his contributions in keeping the class together. Over 20 alumni and former teachers were present.”
1975 After 20 years in the scrap metal industry in New Jersey, Peter Hyzak has switched gears and is now the manager of the Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Bonita Springs, Naples, Fla. John Kulpa returned to Florida as the regional manager for Jacobs Engineering.
His older son, Peter, was married in 2010, and his younger son, Gabriel, is finishing school in Coral Gables, Fla.
1978 Joseph Manogue’s son, Michael, is a sophomore at Jesuit College Preparatory School, Dallas, Texas.
1981 Jim Menendez celebrated the graduation of his daughters, Alex, from York College and Christine, from Mt. de Sales Academy. Christine is off to Saint Joseph’s University to experience a Jesuit education.
1984 Michael Walter has written and published a book for his industry entitled, Running Your Multi-Op.
1985 Mike Tolkin coached the U.S. Men’s National Rugby Team in New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup.
1986 John Crotty is working with Work Force Housing, buying buildings in the Bronx.
1987 Peter Heidt recently welcomed Norman Mejia to the Morgan Stanley office in Boca Raton, Fla. Elliott Robinson, J.D., has joined Trove, Inc. as an executive advisor and coach. His specialty areas include executive coaching, management skills training, succession planning, hiring and turnover strategies and family coaching. Elliott also maintains a blog on relationships and communications: www.wisdominlove.com.
1989 Mark Morison is currently working as a manager of the Digital Media Group of ABC News. Jeffrey Zahka is a foreign service officer with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and is stationed in Dakar, Senegal. Juan Rodriguez marks his 16th year at the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office and just completed his first year at Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Services. Gregg Prosser organized two July bone marrow drives (one in Bay Ridge, the
Tom Weatherall ’82 (above) and the MakeA-Wish castle (right).
Opening Imaginations while Serving the Sick If every Knight has his castle, the castle Tom Weatherall ’82, president and CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey, helped bring to life will be dedicated toward serving those most in need — sick children. The new home of Make-A-Wish New Jersey, in Monroe, is a one-of-a-kind starting point for sick children embarking on adventures even as they struggle with life threatening illnesses. “Children facing illness often have their imagination stifled,” Weatherall said. “They cannot see beyond their immediate circumstances. For the last 30 years we’ve conducted our mission in either the hospital room or the child’s living room. There needed to be a third alternative, a space where our mission permeates the entire environment.” Designers, including former members of the Disney Imagineering team, conceptualized the castle-shaped structure, which will provide a magical journey through colorful, specially designed rooms and theaters, all planned to spark the imagination. Make-A-Wish is funded by private donations. The 20,000-square-foot structure has been in the works for as long as eight years, but it became a reality following a generous land grant and a $3 million lead gift, the first ever seven-figure gift to Make-A-Wish. Three other Xavier graduates also helped make the new Wishing Place a reality — Bill Gyves ’78 and Jay Garibaldi ’69 as Make-AWish past and present board members — and Pat Dunne ’89 as a major donor. In addition, Jack Caulfield, a graduate and past chair of St. Peter’s Prep, serves as Make-A-Wish CFO. Xavier Magazine
27.
Sons of Xavier other in Park Slope) for six-year-old Aiden Seeger.
1990 Thomas Gately is in practice as a naturopath in Sydney, Australia.
1995
1998
Mike Egan (along with fellow firefighters, Kevin Coursey and Bob Keiley) lasted for five weeks on the ABC reality television show “Expedition Impossible Extras.”
John Murphy and his wife, Kyla, are expecting their first-born in January 2012.
Lewy Scanlon is working at Conor, Strong and Buckelew, a property and casualty insurance brokerage firm in Philadelphia. Lewy is vice president for the major accounts division that serves clients in the real estate, construction, architecture and engineering fields.
1996
1992
Michael Lee relocated from Pompano Beach, Fla., to Huntington Beach, Calif., last November. He is a vice president of McRoberts Maritime in Los Angeles and will be overseeing cruise ship port security operations throughout the West Coast.
Thomas Lee, a partner at 451 Marketing in Boston, Mass., spent Thanksgiving in Rockaway with his wife and three daughters. Thomas and his dad attended the Thanksgiving Day game and had a great time reconnecting with Xavier brothers.
1993 Walter J. Cross, III is still living in California’s Napa Valley region and is devoted to managing and providing direct care for autistic clients. Christian Lee recently took command of the USCG cutter Richard Etheridge. He and his three children recently moved to Pembroke Pines, Fla., where he awaits the arrival of the cutter this spring.
Brian Purnell writes that Geoff Cole ’95 visited him in Maine. Along with Geoff ’s son they travelled to Camden State Park and hiked one of the scenic summits.
1997 Jared Brogan was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Patterson on May 18, 2011 Mike Comeau was interviewed for an article in the Canadian National Post in which he described witnessing 9/11 from the 69th Street pier in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, and his recent return to the same pier to remember the scene. Joseph Stapleton is serving in Afghanistan with the Virginia Guard.
2000 Andrew DiVeglio received his MBA in Accounting from the Lubin School of Business of Pace University in May 2011. After completing a 13-month tour in Afghanistan as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot and the Captain’s Career course in Enterprise, Ala., Captain Jared Marinos will be stationed at Fort Eustis in Va. He is engaged to Megan Hubbard from Frederick, Md., and will be married on May 5, 2012, at Holy Trinity Church at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point.
2002 Mike Petri was vice-captain of the U.S. Men’s National Rugby Team for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. Francis Elman is currently serving with the U.S. Air Force in Iraq. He is a munitions/armament specialist. Francis is stationed in Germany with his wife, Nadine, and proud of his B.A. from Loyola University, Maryland. Adam Persiano has settled into Buffalo and happily holds the position of sales manager for Schuster Construction, LLC in Depew, N.Y.
Rich in Legacy Alumni keep the Xavier tradition alive Any Xavier graduate will describe in great detail the impact that four years at 16th Street had on their lives. Many choose to extend these profound times. Currently, there are 18 Xavier alums on the school’s faculty, administration and staff, representing nearly 20 percent of employees. This constant presence upholds the institution’s rich tradition of academic excellence and Jesuit ideals. Many of Xavier’s young men go on to do great things elsewhere, but these individuals choose to return to their roots. They say that it’s like “coming home.” “I would attribute it to the Jesuits’ ideal of education; educating the whole person,” said Xavier English teacher James Cappabianca ’05. “We are inspired by the faculty and teachers that we had. We have the urge to do the same for others. We are a family in a good way with the students. We want them to have the same experiences.” The Xavier community is grateful to have such an influential 28.
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Front row (L to R): Evan Bernstein ’04, Michael Mulé ’04, Rev. Jack Replogle, S.J. ’51, Mike Tolkin ’85, Chris Stevens ’83; second row (L to R): Shane Lavin ’03, Bob Reinhart ’69, Pat Mahon ’04, James Cappabianca ’05, Donald Gross ’72; third row (L to R): Ken Sidlowski ’71, James Costa ’02, Michael Wlach ’71, Christopher Kennedy ’62; back row (L to R): Greg Dolan ’89, Renzo Ventrella ’92, Mike Benigno ’00, Joe Sweeney ’85.
population of former students educating new generations of “Men for Others.” Together, their legacies are secure. “We are privileged to have these fine individuals in our classrooms,” said Xavier President Jack Raslowsky. “They are model representatives of Xavier’s strong Jesuit identity, and their teaching allows the mission to thrive in the young minds of tomorrow.”
Class notes 2005
good pay and benefits.
to St. Francis College.
Steven Elman or “M” earned his B.A. from Fordham University in 2009 and enlisted in the Marines the following year. After graduating from Boot Camp, he was a Recruiter Assistant in Queens. Promoted to Lance Corporal, he graduated from Marine Corps Intelligence School and was assigned to Hq. Co., first Marine Regiment, Camp Pendelton, Calif.
Andres Botero is a student at Bowdoin College and enjoys life in coastal Maine.
David Campmier is a sophomore at Adelphi University, studying history and running for Adelphi’s track team.
Sgt. William Lembo writes that he is doing well at Fort Bragg, N.C., finishing his contract with the U.S. Army.
2007 Michael Chiaia graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point on May 21, 2011 as a member of the Dean’s List and attained a final class rank of 563 out of 1083 graduates. He began flight school on September 8 at Fort Rucker, Ala. Philip Gordon recently spent several months in India and in Israel. In India, he worked with impoverished children in school districts throughout the country through Life Program. In Israel this past summer he was an athletics specialist working with both Israeli and Palestinian children as part of Project Harmony.
2008 Carlos Galletti will be commissioned into the U.S. Army as a military intelligence officer on May 9, 2012. Andrew Olsen is in his last year at the University of Maryland. He has begun searching for a place to live in Foggy Bottom and will attend medical school at George Washington University. Last year, Andrew finished a research fellowship where he worked in a lab on campus developing ion transporters that could be used to cure Cystic Fibrosis. He also finished a one-year term as president of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. Now he is coasting through the last few months of senior year.
2009 An article by Dylan Kitts appeared in the New York Daily News about the Breezy Point Biathlon organized by Ryan Woerner ’06 and Tom Woods ’10, and won by Kevin D’Emic ’08. Current Xavier junior Dan Smith ’13 was also featured in the article. Rob Rumely did double duty in two jobs last summer for Quadrant Construction and Omni Development, where he learned the back office part of a construction and development organization. Matthew Pellerzi is a junior at RPI where he has made the Dean’s List for two years in a row. Christopher Coll is taking courses in Asian Studies and Japanese at Saint John’s University, and is training in Kyokuchiu Karate. Paolo Chioni is a student at the City College of New York. He is studying psychology. Jonathan Messina is studying entrepreneurship at Saint Joseph’s University. Jonathan still runs a business that he began with a friend and is in the process of opening a restaurant in Brooklyn. Chris Sheehy is a sophomore at Saint Michael’s College. Nicholas Ciminelli will soon receive his associate’s degree from a community college and is on his way to Baruch College next semester.
Michael Rizzo is studying meteorology at Kean University and putting Xavier’s “Men for Others” to work. With all this crazy weather it is important to stay safe and there is no better way to keep people safe than knowledge, communication and proper judgment. Robert Furatero is studying biochemistry. He finds the course work demanding, but says his time at Xavier has helped him manage the workload. Michael Trizzino is studying electrical engineering at the Polytechnic Institute of NYU. Roman Ilnicki attends Boston University. Joseph Orlando and Efrain Neri-Valencia both attend St. Francis College and say Xavier prepared them well for college studies. Michael Kaye is working at Legend Securities on 45 Broadway. He is learning the tricks and trade of the stock market. Evan Ferrer is studying accounting at the Villanova University School of Business. He took courses last summer and is searching for an internship. Alesandro Iannuzzi is entering a five-year program to earn his master’s degree in English. Peter Insdorf plays rugby at York College in Pennsylvania.
2010
Luis Espinal is a sophomore at Scranton University. He is also a translator for the Geneva World Wide Corporation, a student officer with the University police and a mentor at Scranton Prep.
Matthew Hickey writes that his life is great, but without the leadership skills he gained at Xavier, he doubts he would have the same mindset.
Dominick Congiusta attends Fordham University, but says that Xavier will always be the school that defined who he is.
2011
John Giachetta is attending graduate school at Boston College and is pursuing a master’s degree in philosophy.
Joseph Fusaro is a student at the Culinary Institute of America; through his studies, Joseph began an externship at Mario Batali’s Greenwich Village restaurant, Babbo.
Mike Reid is finishing up college with a major in psychology and a minor in cognitive science.
Christopher Corrado is a sophomore at Stevens Institute of Technology and a coop student working at SIG on Wall Street.
Scott Blais is a criminal justice major at St. Francis College. He also works on the Upper East Side as a doorman with
Jesse Fuller is maintaining his St. Clair scholarship and is active in Greek life. He encourages Xavier students to come
Thomasz Jajszczok is studying business at Baruch College. Nicholas Byrne plays rugby at the University of Alabama and watches Trent Richardson’s kids play in his dining hall. Joseph Bellettiere is playing rugby at the University of Delaware and studies mechanical engineering. Xavier Magazine
29.
Sons of Xavier John Kahaly misses the seniors on the baseball team and still remembers the times they shared every day. Joe Wasserman is studying music and English at Adelphi University. He recently published “Write Out Loud,” an article in Adelphi’s Creative Magazine. Joe is growing his beard to extensive lengths. James McCool and Sean Meekins have just completed the fall baseball seasons at Lafayette and Trinity Colleges respectively. The two former co-captains are representing the Knights at the next level. Peter Hawkes reports that he has been playing a lot of golf in the Mile High City of Denver and in his off time, plays Frisbee with friends. Patrick Gilmartin was elected to the Student Senate at West Virginia University. Greg Stelzer is studying classical languages at Fordham University and is happy to have chosen a Jesuit college because the people and programs are more friendly and welcoming than he could ask for. Greg says he is proud to continue his education at a Jesuit school.
Mileposts Births
Katie and Mark Morison ’89 proudly announce the birth of their daughter, Juliet Allerton Morison, on May 24, 2011. Michael Targaglia ’82 and his wife proudly announce the birth of Kyle Aiden Tartaglia on May 7, 2010. Terrence Daly ’88 and his wife, Mary, welcomed Rory Catherine Daly on June 20, 2011. Andrea and Marlon Hosang ’87 proudly announce the birth of son Maxwell on September 19, 2011.
Engagements John Militano ’99 is engaged to Rebecca Frizzel (St. Savior Class of ’98). They are planning a New Year’s Eve wedding on Dec 31, 2012. Jason Christopher ’02 announces his engagement to Jennifer Modrich. The wedding will take place in late 2012.
Marriages
Adam Duignan is playing rugby at Saint Joseph’s University with classmates Joe Wolfer and Nick Conte. A.J. Rosado holds two jobs, is enrolled in six classes in pre-law and is still having a good time. Sean Ruane worked over the summer to pay his college tuition. Daniel Haber is studying business at Villanova University and enjoyed grandma’s cooking during Thanksgiving. He spent a portion of the summer with his cousin, Capt. Neil Bucken ’00, in San Diego.
Mr. Joseph Nardiello ’80 was included in the In Memoriam section of the Summer 2011 edition of Xavier Magazine in error. Mr. Nardiello is not deceased and should not have been included in the listing.
30.
The consecutive giving history of Fr. Daniel Gatti, S.J. ’59, a member of the Century Club, was omitted in error from the Xavier Annual Report. Fr. Gatti should have been listed with the Class of ’59 as: Rev. Daniel J. Gatti, S.J. ’59 +++ (denoting Xavier 15–19 Magazine years of consecutive giving).
Charles P. “Chip” Connell, Jr. ’61 passed away peacefully on December 11, 2011 at St. Barnabas Charles P. “Chip” Hospice. He was born in Connell, Jr. ’61 Kingston, N.Y., and lived most of his life in NYC until moving to Little Silver, N.J., in 1975. Chip was an active and dedicated Xavier alumnus, chairing his 50th class reunion last spring. He graduated from Saint Peter’s College in Jersey City and completed his MBA at Long Island University. Chip was a realtor with Coldwell Banker of Rumson for many years and served as an IT consultant for AIG. He was also a past captain of the Little Silver Fire Police and a trustee of the Little Silver Fire Company. He is survived by his wife, Mary, his sons, Ed and Ryan, and his daughter, Marianne. William Costa, father of James Costa ’02 and stepfather of Jimmy Kowalski ’08, passed away on September 29, 2011. Bill Costa first got involved in the Xavier football program in 1998, officially joining
In Memoriam Thomas Wierzbowski ’00 was married to Lauriann Kress on June 18. In Tom’s wedding party were fellow Xavier alumni, Tom’s brother, Paul Wierzbowski ’93, Loual Puliafito ’00 and Mike Benigno ’00. Kevin Pohlman ’03 was married to Jessica Langan on December 10, 2011, at the Church of St. Francis Xavier. Rev. David. Ciancimino, S.J., ’77 officiated.
Corrections
REMEMBRANCES
Mr. Gerard Mack ’64 was omitted in error from the Annual Report. Gerry should have been listed as a member of the Loyola Associates with the Class of ’64 as: Gerard Mack ’64 + (denoting 5–9 years of consecutive giving). Mrs. Lisa Buddenhagen P’12 was omitted in error from the Annual Report. The Buddenhaggens, President’s Council members and Bridge the Gap contributors, should have been listed with Parents of the Class of ’12 as: Mr. & Mrs. Donald Buddenhagen P’12.
Alumni William S. Endres ’28 12/6/2008 Francis S. Moseley, Ph.D. ’28 2/18/2008 Alfred J. Bradford ’29 7/24/2008 Joseph F. Cook ’30 5/11/1994 Joseph A. Butler, Jr. ’32 2/10/2005 Joseph Dooley ’32 12/27/2005 James R. Murphy ’33 1/5/2001 Edmond J. Parker ’33 4/17/2007 Walter J. Walsh ’33 3/18/2000 Maurice J. O’Connell ’33 1/18/2011 John A. Scunziano ’34 8/3/2004 Rev. Arthur A. Clarke, S.J. ’34 8/2/2009 Frank L. Corrado, Jr. ’34 3/15/2000 Thomas D. Gallahue ’34 10/14/2004 Joseph L. Marino, Esq. ’34 9/1/2000 John J. Marley ’34 3/11/2008 George E. Murray, Jr. ’34 10/24/2006 John H. Villhauer ’34 6/12/2007 Joseph G. Rush ’34 11/22/2011 John M. Cunneen, Esq. ’35 9/27/2011 John J. Monahan ’35 11/8/2011 James J. Curry ’35 3/3/2008 John A. DiFiore, M.D. ’35 11/3/2009
Class notes
the athletic staff in 2005 as junior varsity and strength and conditioning coach. He developed the junior varsity’s off-season training to prepare them for the regular season and he also helped to condition student athletes on other Xavier teams. In addition to his son, James, his daughter, Ishe Costa, and a sister, Judy Costa, also survive. His longtime partner, Diane Artura, and her two children, his stepchildren, Jimmy and Alanna William Costa Kowalski, also survive. Rev. John F. Garvey, S.J., passed away on October 19, 2011 at Lenox Hill Hospital. Born in Brooklyn, he entered the New England Province Jesuit novitiate in Lenox, Mass., in 1962. Following philosophy studies at Loyola Seminary in Shrub Oak, he taught at Xavier High School in Truk, Caroline Islands. He returned to New York for theology studies at Woodstock College and transferred to the New York Province in 1970. Fr. Garvey was ordained in 1974, after which he returned John A. Bowden ’36 4/25/2011 George F. Nix ’36 2/28/2008 William P. Mulry, Jr. ’37 6/23/2001 William T. Ratigan ’37 12/31/2010 Timothy V. Smith ’37 9/20/2011 Richard J. Edge ’41 6/26/2011 John P. McCloy, M.D. ’42 5/14/2011 James P. Crotty ’43 3/15/2011 COL John J. Doody, USA (Ret) ’43 7/23/2011 Francis X. Carillo, M.D. ’45 6/6/2011 William R. Cashman ’45 8/15/2011 John J. Cavagnaro, Jr. ’45 6/8/2011 James J. Giger ’45 3/7/2011 Rev. John J. McDonald, S.J. ’45 9/16/2011 Dominic A. Tortorice, Esq. ’46 1/24/2011 Louis P. Bancheri, Jr. ’46 4/17/2011 James R. Jennings ’48 9/24/2010 Harry L. Mulligan ’48 10/1/2011 William J. Bolger ’49 10/8/2009 Michael J. Burke ’49 7/4/2011 Edward J. Fletcher ’49 6/26/2011 Eugene J. Keating ’49 8/5/2011 Robert B. Ware ’49 11/17/2010 Thomas M. Gray ’50 12/9/2002 Philip L. Mulholland, M.D. ’50 4/28/2011 James T. Gahan ’51 5/7/2011
to the Caroline Islands for pastoral ministry until 1978. For the next nine years he was a retreat director, administrator and superior at St. Ignatius Retreat House in Manhasset. The Jesuit arrived at Xavier in 1989 and served as director of campus ministry while joining the school’s religion department. For the next 13 years, he left an indelible impression on students and was a dedicated moderator of the Xavier yearbook. Fr. Garvey joined the New York Jesuits’ publications office in 2006 as publications assistant. In that post he created the New York Province publication A Holy Boldness, the New York and Tri-Province newsletters and was most recently coRev. John F. Garvey, editor for Jesuits magazine, S.J. the magazine of the Maryland, New England and New York provinces. Rev. John J. McDonald, S.J., ’45, headmaster at Xavier from 1962–1969 passed away on September 16, 2011 at Murray-Weigel Hall. Born in West New York, N.J., he entered Emanuel J. Ronzoni ’51 12/22/2007 James M. Rider ’51 4/6/2011 Dr. Gregory T. McAllister, Jr. ’52 5/19/2010 John H. McCord, Esq. ’52 5/18/2011 Richard F. Cioffi, M.D. ’58 9/3/2011 Anthony R. Sorrento ’58 2/17/2011 Kevin B. O’Shea, C.P.A. ’60 7/14/2011 C.P. Connell, Jr. ’61 12/11/2011 Joseph J. Garibaldi III ’62 4/13/1997 Russell M. Warga ’62 5/28/2005 Alfred F. Samenga, Jr. ’62 12/28/2003 Joseph J. Garibaldi III ’62 4/13/1997 J. Michael Marshall ’62 6/21/2011 Michael D. McDonnell ’62 2/19/2010 Vincent M. Lapolla ’63 12/25/2010 Arthur W. McGrath ’63 5/28/2010 Arthur J. Massett, Jr. ’63 9/20/2010 William P. Vanvooren ’64 6/7/1997 Andrew S. Hall, Jr. ’65 5/22/2011 Peter L. Bertacchi, M.D. ’67 9/2/2010 Thomas E. Rohan II, Esq. ’68 7/6/2011 Louis R. Gomez ’69 9/1/2006 Francis W. Hughes ’71 8/2/2011 Michael J. Gilligan ’73 11/4/2011 Francis K. Cuddihy ’79 10/17/1998 Roger S. Muller, Esq. ’81 10/8/2011
the Jesuits at St. Andrew-on-Hudson in Poughkeepsie in 1945 and professed vows in 1947. He studied at Woodstock Rev John J. McDonald, College in Maryland S.J., ’45 and was ordained at Fordham University Church in 1957. Fr. McDonald taught Latin and religion at Fordham Prep in the Bronx from 1960–1962. He also taught at Brooklyn Prep and at McQuaid Jesuit High School in Rochester, where he was superior, rector and president. Following his term as Xavier headmaster, he served as student counselor for three years. He served the Jesuits’ New York Province as vice president for secondary education from 1982-1987, and director of the Jesuit Seminary and Mission Bureau from 19891991. More recently, he was a retreat minister at Loyola Retreat House, and superior of Murray-Weigel Hall and Loyola Hall. To contribute to the Fr. John McDonald, S.J. ’45 Memorial Fund at Xavier, visit www. xavierhsalumni.org/mcdonald John P. Molloy ’84 8/15/2011 Sean Kealy ’84 9/4/2011 Donald P. Brady ’91 1/25/1996 Michael J. Lynch ’03 12/11/2011 Former Faculty Rev. John F. Garvey, S.J. 10/19/2011 Br. Jude Conniff, MM 9/7/2011 Parents Emil Laszlo P’00 8/10/2011 Katherine Fagan P’05 11/29/2011 William Costa P’08 ’02 9/29/2011 Viola Warga P’62 ’66 4/1/2006 Baptist Maruca P’64 12/9/2010 Isabelle Delaney P’66 8/29/2011 Marion Traico P’71 1/22/2011 Edward W. Kulesza P’75 5/14/2011 Marcella G. Hanafin P’77 ’72 7/24/2010 Dr. Charles Scheid, Jr. P’77 5/18/1998 Joseph L. Keefe P’82 ’76 8/28/2009 Lynn Penketh P’82 8/26/2010 Harry J. Morpurgo P’84 12/4/2011 Rita Grady P’88 12/1/2010 Donald M. Grady (Rita) P’88 7/15/1994 Lee Ann Catalano P’95 5/25/1993 Anne M. Shannon 6/13/2011 Xavier Magazine 31. Elaine Larkin 11/30/2009
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Our Ministry of Presence Westchester County 1 placement, 1 location
The Bronx
4 placements, 3 locations
Manhattan
97 placements, 38 locations
New Jersey
4 placements, 2 locations
Queens
36 placements, 23 locations
Nassau County
Brooklyn
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The Christian Service Program for 2012 began on January 23, with 254 Xavier seniors participating in the service initiative that places students in non-profit agencies throughout all five boroughs of New York and beyond. Founded in the mid-1980s, the program is a graduation requirement; seniors are expected to complete 72 hours of volunteer service and reflect on the experience in prayer, group discussion and a written paper. Service days are every Monday from January to April. Sons of Xavier are working with children in HEAD Start programs in low-income neighborhoods, preparing and serving meals in soup kitchens, providing companionship to the elderly and individuals with 32.
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disabilities, and mentoring students in Catholic grammar schools. “This program is in many ways the capstone of their four years of religious education at Xavier,” said Joseph Petriello, Xavier’s director of Ignatian service programs. Students also come together to pray, reflect and connect their service experience to the Gospel, Catholic social teaching and Xavier’s Ignatian identity. “For some, it is one of the most transformative programs because it pushes them out of their comfort zone,” Mr. Petriello noted. “Their ministry of presence is not in the busywork that they do, but in being present and sharing their gifts and talents with others.”
X
Maroon and Blue will see William “Tre” Solomon ’14 through.
William “Tre” Solomon ’14 wants to be a
leader. A sophomore who is learning important lessons of perseverance in the classroom and
on the football field, William has accomplished much in just two years at Xavier. “Xavier kept the promise it made to me on my first day here,” he said. “They said they’d make us into better men and I can already feel that happening.” With your support, Xavier will see William and 1,019 other students through. To make your gift to the 2012 Annual Fund, call (212) 901-5151, or visit xavierhsalumni.org.
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2 0 1 2 A n n ua l F u n d William “Tre” Solomon ’14
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Mar. 8
Florida Receptions
Mar. 5–8
Pittaluga 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Mar. 24 Boston Reception Apr. 19
4.
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Reunion Weekend
May 4–5
28th Annual Golf Outing
June 19