The magazine for alumni, parents, and friends of Xavier High School
XAVIER’S
SONS
Spring 2018
SPRING 2018
Xavier High School Jack Raslowsky P’16 President Michael LiVigni P’21 Headmaster Rev. John Replogle, S.J. ’51 Assistant to the President Daniel Dougherty Executive Vice President Shawna Gallagher Vega, APR Director of Communications Editor, Xavier Magazine Contributors Jeanette Alvarez Jay Burke P’84 ’87 ’91 ’94 Gregory Byrnes ’74 Dr. Franklin Caesar ’72 P’00 Charles Carames ’78 P’19 Thomas Conniff ’52 P’83 ’84 John Edwards ’97 Keith Gearity ’05 Shane Lavin ’03 Edward O’Callaghan ’87 P’17 ’20 Tom O’Hara ’69 P’04 ’06 Rosemary L. McGinn Mark Mongelluzzo Ronald Rivera ’66 P’90 ’96 CAPT Peter Sciabarra, USN (Ret.) ’76 Martin Steffens ’16 Kyle Stelzer ’13 Lead Photographer Michael Marmora Contributing Photographers Harisch Studios Stephanie Massaro Mike Olivieri Mark Wyville Design Erbach Communications Group How to Reach Us Xavier Magazine Xavier High School 30 West 16th Street New York, NY 10011 Email: news@xavierhs.org Class Notes: classnotes@xavierhs.org
Xavier’s Mission
Founded in 1847, Xavier High School is an academically rigorous, Catholic, Jesuit, college preparatory school in New York City that educates intelligent, motivated young men of diverse backgrounds and means. Xavier teaches students to take responsibility for their lives, to lead with integrity, to act justly in service of others, to pursue excellence in every endeavor and to deepen their relationship with God. Ultimately, Xavier forms young men who will go forth to transform the world for God’s greater glory.
On the Cover (clockwise from left): Alumni
families abound, including three generations of Lannings (Rich Lanning ’83, Gerald Lanning ’21, Chris Goger ’09, Gerald Lanning ’56 P’83 ’92, Vincent Pavan ’18, and Tim Lanning ’92 P’21); Joel Briscoe ’84 and his uncle, Dr. Franklin Caesar ’72 P’00; Jose Aquino ’77 P’07 ’19 and his sons, Emmanuel Aquino ’19 and Jose Aquino ’07; and Ken Nolan ’65 and MIX his grandson, Quinn Paper from Lynch ’19. responsible sources FSC® C022085
Featured in This Issue
8. A Family Tradition
14. In Their Own Words 22. Sons of Xavier: A Photo Essay 28. An Athletic Legacy
Departments 2. From the President 3. News from 16th Street 34. Class Notes 52. Back Story
XAVIER MAGAZINE 1
From the PRESIDENT
Celebrating Xavier’s Families Dear Parents, Friends, and Sons of Xavier:
Raslowsky, his wife Sarah P’16, and son Christian ’16 at the 2014 Hall of Fame Dinner
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What smiles! Take another look at our cover. I’ve known some of those guys a very long time, and they’ve never looked happier. When Shawna Gallagher Vega put out a call for pictures and stories on families at Xavier, the response was overwhelming. We added pages to the magazine and did our best to use as much of the material we received as possible. Given the affection Sons of Xavier have for one another, I am surprised by neither the response nor the smiles. What is behind the response? At its heart, it is about connection and intimacy. Fathers were loved and transformed for good on 16th Street. They wanted that same experience for their sons. Brothers rejoiced in the common ground they shared at Xavier. These same feelings resonated with cousins, uncles, nephews, godparents, and in-laws. For generations of young men, the story of Xavier is a story of learning, growth, and goodness, and the opportunity to share that story with those we care about most has deep meaning. Xavier has always been a family experience. In anticipation of graduation each year, I remind the seniors that while it is their graduation, it is not only their graduation. When they march into St. Patrick’s Cathedral, they are carrying the hopes, dreams, and desires of their parents, grandparents, and all who made their Xavier experience possible. Families fund a Xavier education, shop for clothes, help with homework, cook meals, rejoice in victory, and embrace us in defeat. This issue celebrates not just Xavier’s sons, but Xavier’s families: Grandfathers, fathers, sons, godfathers, uncles, and cousins; and those too often unseen in these pages, grandmothers, mothers, sisters, godmothers, and aunts. When we celebrated the Feast of the Holy Family on the Sunday after Christmas, this magazine was well on its way to completion.
As I reflected on the family stories shared here, it became clear to me that at its best Xavier is an invitation to us all to recognize we are part of God’s holy family. The love and care we have shared at Xavier binds us together, but if it only binds us together, we sell Xavier and ourselves short. We sell God short. The Sons of Xavier, the families of Xavier, have received a great gift on 16th Street. Xavier binds us together, and it frees us to reach beyond ourselves. We send forth our sons to expand Xavier—to expand her life and love, her values and her mission so we can recognize all we meet as the sons and daughters of God. The great Jesuit storyteller Tony de Mello, S.J. told of a mystic who was asked at what point night becomes day, at what point does the light cast out the darkness. After hearing a host of answers, the mystic smiled, “Night becomes day when you can see the person next to you is your brother.” I hope this celebration of Xavier’s families allows us to see that we are all indeed brothers and sisters in the Lord. Francis Xavier spent his life witnessing to this fact. May his Sons do the same. I always have the honor of having the first words in the magazine. I am delighted that Marty Steffens ’16 has the last words today. Marty’s is a great Xavier family, and he is a delight. It took Sister Jean 33 years at Loyola Chicago to get the Ramblers to the Final Four. Marty only needed a year and a half. Happy reading and many smiles. Be assured of my prayers for an Easter season filled with God’s blessings. Sincerely,
Jack Raslowsky P’16 President
Unity in Diversity Held in early February, Xavier’s annual Unity Week inspired and challenged students, faculty, and staff to engage in meaningful conversations about race, identity, and their communities at large. The week ended on an uplifting note with a dress down day benefiting education in Tanzania, various cultural demonstrations (including this Latin dance class taught by Kalif Cooper ’20), and a festive, food-filled Diversity Night.
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News from 16TH STREET
Dougherty Elected President of Cristo Rey
F
Dan Dougherty
or the past seven years, Executive Vice President Dan Dougherty has been a constant, gracious presence at Xavier—often seen welcoming guests at events, cheering on student-athletes at games, leading retreats, even spearheading a student trip to Ireland. Behind the scenes, his impact also has been profound. With quiet determination, Dougherty has dedicated himself to strategic initiatives, school governance, and institutional advancement. He has worked to improve faculty compensation, developed tuition and financial aid policies, and played a significant role in the funding and construction of new facilities—to Xavier’s lasting benefit. On July 1, Dougherty will take his considerable expertise to 106th Street and Park Avenue when he assumes the presidency of Cristo Rey New York High School. Cristo Rey New York is part of a
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growing, nationwide network of 32 Cristo Rey schools. Its unique combination of a rigorous, college preparatory education with a four-year corporate work study program has yielded tremendous results for its students, who come from exclusively low-income families. The Society of Jesus, the Christian Brothers, and the Sisters of the Holy Child collaboratively support Cristo Rey New York. “The school’s in amazing shape. [President] Joe Parkes, S.J. and [Principal] Bill Ford have led the school to great heights,” Dougherty said. “From an operational standpoint, the school runs because of philanthropy and corporate partnerships. The expectation is that I will attract additional donors and corporate sponsors and that I will sustain and solidify existing relationships.” “So I invite all the readers of Xavier Magazine to visit Cristo Rey!” he added with a laugh. Dougherty’s election to the presidency of Cristo Rey is the highlight of a career
path that took some time to discover. After graduating from Harvard University, he spent three years working for the pharmaceutical giant Bristol-Myers Squibb—but he soon realized that wasn’t his calling. Thinking back to the fulfillment he had once felt coaching grammar school basketball, he returned to his alma mater, Regis High School, as a college guidance counselor and baseball coach in 1993 (and met his future wife, Hee-Sun Hong, in the process). Two years later, he became the school’s Dean of Students, a position he held for 13 years. A stint at what was then the New York Province of the Society of Jesus followed before he arrived on 16th Street. Asked to reflect on his most memorable Xavier moment, Dougherty immediately cited the community’s response to Hurricane Sandy. “To see how the Xavier community supports one another in difficult times was extraordinarily moving,” he said, recalling the busloads of students, faculty and staff members, and alumni who traveled to hard-hit areas for weeks in a row in late 2012. “It educated me in the depths of love people in this community feel for each other—even people they’ve never met.” As he prepares to head uptown once more, Dougherty said he feels deep gratitude for his years on 16th Street. “Periodically, people would mention that being at Xavier was the redemption of my soul, having worked so long at Regis,” he said with a smile. “And I do feel like a more complete person, having been at Xavier for seven years. Xavier has a lot of heart. I’ve grown in ways for which I’m very grateful.”
Kyle Stelzer ’13 and Jimmy Buckley ’13
Young Alumni Return to Serve Since 2012, Xavier’s Alumni Volunteer Program has drawn young Sons home to 16th Street for a post-college year of service. The program provides young alumni with valuable work experience, personal connections, and an opportunity to make a real impact at their alma mater. Last August, Jimmy Buckley ’13 and Kyle Stelzer ’13 returned to Xavier as Alumni Volunteers. Buckley works in the Admissions Office and coaches cross country, while Stelzer—the younger brother of Greg Stelzer ’11, a former Alumni Volunteer and current Director of Ignatian Service Programs—works in Advancement and Communications. “Part of my responsibility this year is helping recruit Xavier’s next class of freshmen,” said Buckley, a Rockaway Beach resident and University of Scranton alumnus. “I have been encouraging young sixth, seventh, and eighth graders to attend Xavier.” “Some of my major responsibilities this year are contributing to Xavier’s alumni event planning, such as Beefsteak and class reunions, covering stories for the Xavier E-News, and aiding the advancement team in various capacities,” said Stelzer, a Long Island native and Fordham University graduate. Both volunteers hope to remain in the education field after completing their year of service. Buckley will pursue a master’s degree in school counseling with the eventual goal of becoming a guidance counselor. Stelzer plans to begin a doctoral program in history this fall to prepare for a career in academia.
FOLLOW US ON
News from 16TH STREET
SELF-PORTRAIT Students in Art 3 recently created selfportraits by “painting” themselves with pieces of magazines. Sean Caulfield ’19, who plans to apply to colleges as an architecture student, portrays himself here.
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1.
2.
3.
4.
1. Jack Cregg ’20 and Finnian O’Callaghan ’20 in The Importance of Being Earnest. 2. Jack Raslowsky, left, and Pat Dormer P’17, right, with President’s Medal winner Gerry Slattery ’65. 3. The victorious indoor track team at the CHSAA state championship. 4. The hockey team celebrates after winning the CHSHL B division title.
News & Notes The Xavier Dramatics Society presented Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest in Keenan Commons in December. Finnian O’Callaghan ’20 and Jack Cregg ’20 played the lead roles of Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, respectively. On January 28, Xavier’s indoor track team won the CHSAA and city championships for the fourth year in a row. Two weeks later, the team triumphed at the CHSAA state championship, with Xavier Sweet ’18 bringing home the individual long jump state title. That same day, Pat Heaney ’18 placed second in the shot put, Josef Oettl ’18 placed second in the 1600-meter race, and Michael Crorkin ’18 took third place in the 600-meter race. The varsity hockey team captured its fourth CHSHL B division championship in five years on March 6. The Knights sealed their title victory with a 9-1 win over Xaverian at Rich Korpi Ice Rink in Bayonne, New Jersey. Computer science and technology department chair Michael Chiafulio published his second game, Lost Souls, to the Google Play store. (The free game can be found by searching for “Mike Chiafulio Lost Souls.”) The 2D platform game was designed to be a model for Xavier students working to publish their own games. Chiafulio has also designed a new elective for juniors and seniors, Game Design with Unity, that will be offered this fall.
Religion teacher Jonathan Dwyer was selected to participate in a nine-day immersion program for educators in Jordan. The program, which took place in late March, engaged teachers with geopolitical, cultural, and religious issues in the contemporary Middle East. Dwyer teaches Scripture to freshmen and Social Justice and World Religions to seniors. “This immersion experience fit perfectly with my professional responsibilities and interests as well as my personal passions,” he said. Last October, Dr. Stephen Haller ’05 spoke at a conference held at Pennsylvania’s West Chester University. He delivered a paper titled “For Citizenship and Virtue,” an excerpt of his doctoral dissertation, at the conference, which had a “Pennsylvania’s Global Connections” theme. His paper argued that there was a different idea about the role of education in the Early Republican period because it was meant to train young active citizens of a republic, not subjects of an aristocracy. Guidance counselor Annie Happel earned the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) designation last summer. To earn the license in New York State, individuals need a master’s degree in social work and at least three years of post-master’s supervised experience in diagnosis, psychotherapy, and assessment-based treatment planning.
Last fall, religion teacher Jim Hederman, S.J. offered popular presentations about the Blessed Mother’s message and offering of blessings at Fatima, marking the 100th anniversary of the Fatima apparitions. Xavier parents prayed the Rosary together and left roses representing their special intentions near the statue of the Virgin Mary in the Student Chapel of Our Lady. Last summer, Dee Kittany completed all requirements for the third and final level in the cantor certification process through the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM). The NPM Cantor Colleague Certificate recognizes the achievement of a musician’s advanced skills for serving as cantor and psalmist of the Sacred Liturgy and an equally advanced understanding of a spirituality of ministry. In early February, Gerry Slattery ’65 was awarded the President’s Medal for outstanding service to Xavier. “Gerry Slattery is the epitome of loyal. Loyal to his classmates. Loyal to his friends. Loyal to his family. Loyal to the mission of Xavier High School,” Executive Vice President Dan Dougherty said while presenting the medal. “He sees the good in all things and in all people and has been unwavering in his commitment to Xavier—her people and her ideals. He is an unassailable, inspiring optimist who confronts obstacles with faith and fortitude.”
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Xavier’s SONS
A FAMILY
TRADITION
For many on 16th Street, a Xavier education is an integral part of the fabric of their family. Memories are woven from Turkey Bowls and Beefsteak Dinners—and even more so from the values instilled by their common Jesuit education. On the pages that follow, proud Sons of Xavier share their stories. The Saa Family By Shawna Gallagher Vega Eric Saa ’05 and Kevin Saa ’11 are poster children for “growing up Xavier.” Their father, Jose Saa ’76 P’05 ’11, spoke happily and often of his alma mater and his experience in the Regiment. Their grandparents, who lived upstairs, proudly displayed photos of their sons (Jose’s brother, Bolívar Saa ’75, is also a Son of Xavier) during their 16th Street days. “I hoped and prayed they would choose Xavier and was very proud once they decided Xavier was the right choice for them,” said Jose, who originally thought his New Jersey-bred sons would choose an option closer to home. As it turned out, he had little reason to worry. “I was drawn in by the idea of continuing my education in a challenging environment as well as the ability to be in New York City every day,” Eric recalled. “Having heard about Xavier for as long as I can remember, it was—and is—a great source of pride for me to have followed my dad through Xavier. It’s something we will always share. Then, having my younger brother follow suit just deepened that connection.” Although six years separate them, Eric and Kevin Saa said 8 XAVIER MAGAZINE
their most influential experiences of Xavier are similar ones. They often reflect on their time on retreats and Companions of Francis Xavier service trips (Eric went to Tennessee; Kevin to Tennessee, Mexico, and Alabama) and the values teachers and coaches instilled in them. Each of the Saa men said the lessons they learned on 16th Street are driving forces in their lives. For that reason, they are dedicated, involved alumni who are proud to share a common title: Son of Xavier. “As much as things change, I believe that a lot remains the same,” Eric said. “The values instilled in and exhibited by the people, faculty and staff included, who pass through the school keep us connected and give us a similar guiding force in our lives.” “It truly is amazing to be able to share the alumni experience, since I graduated in 1976. It feels like I never left Xavier,” Jose added. “As a kid, I was fascinated by the freedom and structure that Xavier provided. As a man, I have come to realize over the years that the values and dedication Xavier taught me have helped me in my life. The alumni experience is more than just meeting classmates from your school. It’s about what binds us all. And that would be the Xavier experience—the belief that we are truly men for others.”
Kevin Saa ’11, Jose Saa ’76 P’05 ’11, and Eric Saa ’05
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Xavier’s SONS
Ken Nolan ’65 and Quinn Lynch ’19 By Shawna Gallagher Vega When Ken Nolan ’65 took Christine Connolly to his senior Military Ball, it signaled the beginning of a lifelong family connection to Xavier. The Nolans married in 1969, shortly after Ken’s graduation from Boston College. They had five daughters, ruling out the possibility of becoming Xavier parents—but the ties binding them to 16th Street remained. “Jim Keenan, S.J. has been our family priest and a true friend, so the connection has been strong,” Nolan said. “In addition, Vin Biagi, S.J. ’67 is also close with us, and of course I have lifelong friends who have been close for the past 50-plus years—Dan Denihan ’65, Brian Kiely ’65, Tim O’Toole ’65, Gerry Slattery ’65, Mike Ford ’63.” Nolan has remained active in Xavier life both as a generous supporter and as a volunteer. In 2010, he joined the Xavier Finance Committee, sharing the expertise he’s gained over a long career as a CPA and financial advisor. In 2012, he began serving on the Board of Trustees—“the best experience,” in his words. Ken and Christine’s 13 grandchildren grew up immersed in Xavier stories and connections. “I remember my grandpa telling me how great of a school it was and how much he loved it when he was there,” his oldest grandchild, Quinn Lynch ’19, recalled. “He also would talk about the hard work he had to do, but how much it helped him prepare for his future.” In 2014, to Nolan’s surprise, his grandson took an interest in attending Xavier. That year’s Open House sealed the deal. “I had never really thought of going to high school in the city since I lived in Long Island,” Lynch said. “I was interested when I saw that the people and environment at Xavier were like no other school I had visited. It was a much more open environment. I felt like I was already a student at Xavier— like I belonged there, because of how welcoming the faculty and students were.” It also helped that Xavier had just added a lacrosse program, — QUINN LYNCH ’19 something Lynch had set his sights on. In May 2017, with his parents (Kevin Lynch and Jenifer Nolan Lynch P’19) and grandparents in the stands, the then-sophomore attacker helped his team win Xavier’s first CHSAA B division lacrosse title. “It means everything to me to attend my grandfather’s alma mater,” Lynch said. “Being at Xavier gives me a great opportunity to grow spiritually while also having the best education possible, and I probably would have never thought to come to Xavier if it wasn’t for him. It has also been a great experience to share the legacy and tradition at events like the Turkey Bowl or even just a lacrosse game.” For his part, Nolan considers his grandson’s enrollment at Xavier an honor: “I hope he comes away with loyal friends and relationships as I was so fortunate Ken Nolan ’65 and to experience.” Quinn Lynch ’19
“ It means everything to me to attend my grandfather’s alma mater.”
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“ Xavier was the best investment I have ever made.” — BARBARA GOGER P’09
The Lanning Family By Mark Mongelluzzo When Gerald Lanning ’56 P’83 ’92 graduated from Flushing’s St. Andrew Avellino School in January 1953, only Brooklyn Prep would accept him at such an odd time of the school year. Traveling from Flushing to Crown Heights proved difficult, however, so he arrived on 16th Street as a sophomore transfer student in September 1953—just missing the chance to walk the halls with his brother, Richard Lanning ’53†, who had graduated that June. The day he arrived on campus, Jerry extended a family tradition that began in 1949 upon his brother’s arrival and continues today, shaping three generations of Lanning men. Xavier was not initially the first choice of Richard Lanning ’83, but a chance encounter at a fall 1978 football game involving his father and then-president Jim Keenan, S.J. changed that. Even at a young age, he could sense that Xavier was a special community he wanted to be a part of. Thirty-five years after graduating, he noted:
“It is the Jesuit philosophy of academic rigor, pursuit of personal and spiritual growth, and the call to help others that have impacted my life the most. That and the great sense of community it fosters.” His younger brother, Tim Lanning ’92 P’21, continued the Xavier tradition a decade later and now has a son, Gerald Lanning ’21, enrolled on 16th Street. “Gerald has grown in just a few short months at Xavier,” Tim said. “His borders now extend to the limits of his MetroCard. He has both new classmates and teammates and is routinely challenged academically and spiritually. He has become a better version of himself.” Jerry’s daughters, Barbara Goger P’09 and Maura Pavan P’18, also sent their sons Christopher Goger ’09 and Vincent Pavan ’18 to Xavier. “Xavier was the best investment I have ever made. Chris lives his life trying to make the world a better place, something he learned at Xavier,” Barbara reflected. “Vince graduates this year,” added Maura, “and I am amazed at how much he has grown. I am excited by his future and grateful that Xavier helped him find his voice and become a man.” Perhaps Colleen Lanning P’21 summed it up best for her family. “I see the result of the Xavier education as evidenced by the wellrounded Lanning men in my life. They make for wonderful husbands, fathers-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, and sons. I am proud that Gerald ’21 is carrying on the fine tradition of a Xavier education.”
Rich Lanning ’83, Gerald Lanning ’21, Chris Goger ’09, Gerald Lanning ’56 P’83 ’92, Vincent Pavan ’18, and Tim Lanning ’92 P’21
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Xavier’s SONS The Aquino Family By Shane Lavin ’03
Jose Aquino, Sr. ’77 P’07 ’19, Emmanuel Aquino ’19, and Jose Aquino, Jr. ’07
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The deep connection between the Aquino family and Xavier High School had its true beginning in the fall of 1972, when Jose Aquino, Sr. ’77 P’07 ’19 attended Xavier’s Open House at the suggestion of family friend Tony Aguero ’71. “After that moment, there was no other consideration. For [my father], it was realizing a dream—Xavier represented the fruit of my parents’ struggle to flee communism so I could determine my own purpose,” Jose Sr. said. “He loved the JROTC, the Jesuits, and the location. And I was also impressed.” Born in Cuba the year Fidel Castro seized power, Aquino, his parents, and his maternal grandparents left their native land in 1965 as political refugees to join one of his aunts in Spain. His father was forced to leave most of his family behind. The Aquinos lived in Spain for six months before moving to New York City and settling in Queens, where they have lived ever since. When it came time for Jose Aquino, Jr. ’07 to begin his own high school search, there was little question where Jose Sr. wanted him to enroll. However, he wanted to make sure his son was making his own choice. “I remember seeing Xavier on the field at Turkey Bowls and my dad meeting up with classmates throughout the years. That made a big impression on me. But he didn’t push me to go to Xavier. He made me go to other Open Houses. We left Xavier for last, and once I came to the Open House, I fell in love with the school. It was really exciting to follow in the footsteps of my dad.” Jose Jr., who now teaches religion at Xavier, coaches JV football, chaperones CFX service trips, and is a fixture on Kairos retreats, embarked on his own Xavier journey in 2003. During his four years on 16th Street, he played football, threw shot put, went on CFX trips, and became a Kairos student retreat leader— all the while setting the Aquino family record for JUG. “I should probably still be walking!” he joked. By the time Emmanuel Aquino ’19 was ready for high school in 2015, there was a little less deliberation about where he would go. “It was a done deal. My first memory of Xavier was my brother’s senior year Turkey Bowl when they beat Fordham Prep 28-14. When my brother started teaching at Xavier, I started going to football games and then I went to HAP. After that, there was no question Xavier was the place I wanted to go.” “Between the three of us, Xavier has created another bond. Anything that happens to Xavier is important to all three of us and we feed off each other,” Jose Sr. noted. “I saw William McGowan, S.J. at Jose’s Open House and he remembered me over 20 years later. It showed me the love and concern they had for us. Little things like that happen every day at Xavier that make you realize the dedication the Jesuits, teachers, and administration have to the students.”
The Buckleys and Strehles By Shawna Gallagher Vega Since 2009, eight—count them, eight—Buckley and Strehle boys have journeyed from their Rockaway Beach homes to 16th Street. They’re the first generation of their family to attend Xavier, and they’ll quickly assure you their family tradition is just beginning. Jimmy Buckley ’13 began that tradition, setting a standard for school involvement that his brothers and cousins soon followed. He volunteered on CFX trips, attended retreats, and ran cross country; in the years to come, Buckleys and Strehles would distinguish themselves in other sports as well (principally rugby and football) and deepen their faith through Kairos retreats and service trips. John Strehle ’14 and Kyle Strehle ’16 arrived while Jimmy was still at Xavier. In time, Kevin Strehle ’17 and Connor Buckley ’17 came, too. Brendan Buckley ’19, Terence Strehle ’19, and Michael Strehle ’21 are now walking the halls of Xavier, as Jimmy is once again. (He returned for a year of service through Xavier’s Alumni Volunteer Program last August.) As with most things, Xavier is a family affair for the Buckleys and Strehles, who live just a block from each other in Belle Harbor. “We joke that Jimmy made the family decision for all of us because of how much we all look up to him,” said Connor, who is now a freshman at Iona College (where John Strehle is a senior).
“His love for Xavier made us all want a taste of it.” “Going to school with so many of my relatives was one of the best parts about Xavier for me,” said Kevin Strehle ’17, now a freshman at the U.S. Naval Academy. “I would often hear, ‘Oh, you’re John and Kyle’s little brother,’ and this always instilled a little pride inside and forced me to conduct myself in such a manner as to uphold the standard my brothers and cousin had set before me.” The Buckleys and Strehles also had their parents’ example to emulate. James and Margaret Buckley P’13 ’17 ’19 and John and Christine Strehle P’14 ’16 ’17 ’19 ’21—proprietors of Brooklyn’s beloved Buckley’s Tavern—have been heavily involved in Xavier life themselves, giving generously of their time and treasure. The Buckleys and Strehles can often be seen catering Xavier events, with their sons around to lend a helping hand. “Seeing our parents’ love for the school made it that much more important to us to make the most of what we learned here,” Jimmy reflected. Now, as the Buckley and Strehle boys consider their future, each of them mentions involvement with Xavier—from teaching to coaching to counseling. “The Xavier community is one like no other,” Kevin said, encapsulating the family’s feelings. “We will always be involved here.”
Kyle Strehle ’16, Michael Strehle ’21, John Strehle ’14, Jimmy Buckley ’13, Terence Strehle ’19, Connor Buckley ’17, and Brendan Buckley ’19. Not pictured: Kevin Strehle ’17
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“ Xavier’s SONS
IN THEIR
Own Words When Xavier Magazine issued a call for alumni family submissions last November, Sons of Xavier responded in droves. Many wrote heartfelt, unprompted letters about Xavier and its people, giving rise to this feature. A common theme emerged: In times of consolation and desolation, Xavier stands as a beacon for her Sons. The following testimonials provide a lasting reminder of that.
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THE CAESAR FAMILY By Dr. Franklin Caesar ’72 P’00 It all started back in 1967. I attended the Brooklyn Prep Higher Achievement Program (HAP), and we competed against Xavier HAP in softball, track, dodgeball, and basketball. I attended Xavier’s fall Open House with my parents that year and fell in love with the dress blue uniform of the cadets standing at attention in front of the entrance. When I was offered a HAP scholarship to attend Brooklyn Prep in 1968, I did the unimaginable—I asked if I could transfer that scholarship to attend Xavier High School. My mother, Virginia Caesar P’72 ’81, was my inspiration for making the request. My two older brothers had attended Rice High School, the Christian Brothers school in Harlem. Everyone thought that I would also attend Rice. But it was the lure of the JROTC that swayed me. A long story short—even though it had never been done, I was granted permission to attend Xavier with my HAP scholarship. So began the family legacy at Xavier High School. I graduated as a captain in the Regiment, played basketball, and ran cross country and indoor track. I was a HAP tutor for four years and ultimately returned to Xavier after attending St. John’s University. I was a teacher, department chair, coach, director, and assistant headmaster over a span of 20 years. My youngest brother, Francis Caesar, Esq. ’81, also graduated as a Regimental captain. He was the 1981 class president, coeditor of the Xavier Review, a saxophonist in the Jazz Ensemble, a Regimental band drum major, and a Xavier HAP tutor for four years. He went on to the University of Chicago. Our family expanded through my nephew, Joel Briscoe ’84. I married Joel’s aunt, Marthajean Buchanan Caesar P’00, in 1982. We met through Joel’s mother, Patricia Briscoe P’84. Joel played football and basketball, participated in the AfricanAmerican Culture Club, and continued the family tradition of being a HAP tutor for four years. He went on to Cornell University. My oldest son, Nicholas Caesar ’00, arrived at Xavier in 1996. He attended HAP, participated in cross country, indoor track, and basketball and became a member of the African-American Culture Club. Nicholas went on to St. Thomas Aquinas College. My second cousin and godson, Vincent Caesar ’01, graduated as a 1st Lieutenant in the JROTC, ran indoor track, and was part of the bowling team. A member of the National Honor Society, he attended Washington University in St. Louis.
Joel Briscoe ’84 and his uncle, Dr. Franklin Caesar ’72 P’00
I feel blessed that my son, nephew, brother, cousin, and I were able to experience a Jesuit education at Xavier. Personally, I learned how we, as human beings, can be a force for good in this world. I learned how to discern all of my actions in life. This made me see how being a man for others was the key to being a good person. Finally, I came to see God in mankind and realized we have more similarities than differences. Race, religion, ethnicity, culture, or sexual orientation are just the myriad faces of God. At Xavier, I learned that we need to love ourselves and all others with the same passion.
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Xavier’s SONS
THE EDWARDS FAMILY By John Edwards ’97 My father, uncle, three brothers, and I—and now my nephew—all graduated from Xavier in a family tradition that saw the first of us graduate in 1961 and the most recent in 2017. My father, Thomas Edwards ’61 P’85 ’87 ’94 ’97†, met his best friend, Augustine Jehle ’61†, at Xavier, and he eventually married Augustine’s sister, Ann Jehle Edwards P’85 ’87 ’94 ’97. Tom and Ann then sent their sons, William Edwards ’85, David Edwards ’87 P’17, Philip Edwards ’94, and me to Xavier. My brother David now has the oldest grandchild, Matthew Edwards ’17, who graduated from Xavier last June and is currently attending the University at Albany. Augustine passed away in 2011, and my father passed last August. During my father’s wake, my mother and I commented that the room was full of Xavier graduates spanning 60 years. We will forever be thankful to Xavier for sending a Jesuit to help preside over our father’s funeral Mass. Personally, I received emails of support from classmates I have not spoken to in 20 years. Xavier has played a large role in defining my family for the better part of 60 years, and it will continue to do so for decades to come.
The Edwards brothers: William ’85, John ’97, Philip ’94, and David ’87 P’17
THE BYRNES FAMILY
Richard Byrnes ’50 P’74† and Ann Ryan Byrnes P’74
By Gregory Byrnes ’74
John J. Byrnes II ’25 P’49 ’50† 16 XAVIER MAGAZINE
Gregory Byrnes ’74 and his late father, Richard ’50 P’74†
The Byrnes family’s connection to Xavier goes back three generations, beginning with my grandfather John J. Byrnes II ’25 P’49 ’50†, my father Richard A. Byrnes ’50 P’74†, my uncle John J. Byrnes III ’49†, and myself—Gregory A. Byrnes ’74. My mom, Ann Ryan Byrnes P’74, and my dad met at a Xavier-Dominican Academy dance at The Roosevelt Hotel around 1946-47. Guy Lombardo was on the bandstand. My mom’s brother is J. Richard Ryan ’47, so the proud Xavier tradition runs on both sides of the family.
Brian Burke ’14, Jay Burke P’84 ’87 ’91 ’94, John Burke ’84 P’07 ’14, Kevin Burke ’94, John Burke ’07, and Paul Burke ’87
THE BURKE FAMILY By Jay Burke P’84 ’87 ’91 ’94 Our family’s Xavier journey began in 1980. I remember that my wife, Alice Burke P’84 ’87 ’91 ’94, and I were concerned about our son, John Burke ’84 P’07 ’14, traveling into Manhattan from Brooklyn, but he—and we—liked what we saw and heard at the Open House. John loved his Xavier experience, playing football and rugby. By his senior year, his brother Paul Burke ’87 was a freshman. Paul played football and rugby as well, and he went on a rugby trip to Hawaii as a sophomore. (Sending a 15-year-old to Hawaii! Boy, did we loosen up.) He was on Xavier’s first national championship rugby team alongside Mike Tolkin ’85. Our son, Matthew Burke ’91†, continued the Xavier tradition. He, too, played rugby, and he was the quarterback of the freshman football championship team coached by his brother John, then a senior at Fordham. Matt was easygoing and loved by all. Kevin Burke ’94 came next, playing basketball, track, and rugby. (In 2001, our son-in-law Ian McDonald ’88 joined the family Matthew Burke ’91† when he married our daughter, Annmarie.) All the while, Alice and I were involved parents. We volunteered with the “bingo parents” for fundraising duties and attended potluck dinners, athletic awards, and school plays. There was a great rapport among the parent body. And after 35 years in New York City high
schools, I joined the Xavier faculty in 1996. I served as an English teacher, football coach, and eventually assistant headmaster. Our wonderful lives came crashing down on September 11, 2001, when Matt—at work in his office at Cantor Fitzgerald, on the 104th floor of the World Trade Center—was murdered. It remains the worst day of our lives. But the love and support we received from the Xavier community helped us through the worst of times—from Margaret Gonzalez singing “Red is the Rose” at Matt’s memorial to the 12 priests, mostly Jesuits, who helped us celebrate his life. We remember Matt each year with an award at Xavier’s graduation and a scholarship in his name. Years later, when our Breezy Point home was destroyed in Superstorm Sandy, we felt “the word made flesh” once again as Xavier students, parents, and alumni showed an outpouring of support. Xavier is truly a community for others, as generations of my family now know. I finished my time as assistant headmaster in 2003—when one of my grandsons, John Burke ’07, arrived on 16th Street. He continued the football and rugby tradition and went on to Xavier University. Brian Burke ’14 came next, playing the same sports as his brother and father. He is a senior at Loyola University Chicago. Xavier has provided us all with a true education in the Catholic and moral tradition. We are grateful.
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Xavier’s SONS
TOOLAN/GEARITY FAMILIES
John Toolan ’72 and Keith Gearity ’05
By Keith Gearity ’05 LtGen John A. Toolan, Jr., USMC (Ret.) ’72 (better known as “Uncle Johnny” to Danny Gearity ’03, John Gearity ’10, and me) graduated from Xavier in 1972. On 16th Street, John ran track and was a member of the JROTC, and he attributes a significant amount of his success to the lessons he learned there. Shortly after graduating from Fordham, he joined the United States Marine Corps, where he would spend the next 42 years serving our country before retiring as a Lieutenant General in 2016. Throughout his storied career, John has always demonstrated a strong work ethic and a commitment to service—values Xavier taught him. His mission has always been personal, and in the spirit of the Jesuit tradition, he keeps it alive today through his continued support for the Semper Fi Fund, which supports injured Marines and their
families, and his newly founded organization, Magis Mission LLC, which specializes in national security, international relations, and leadership consulting. The Gearity boys have always held Xavier in high regard because of our uncle’s roots there. Like our uncle, the Gearity trio rode “The Iron Horse” (aka the R train) to and from Xavier every day, and it was there that we too learned how to be men for others. Danny was an outstanding member of the JROTC as well as the swimming, soccer, and rugby teams. After graduating from Syracuse University, he went on to pursue a career in graphic design in New York City and currently lives with his wife and two children in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. I played soccer and rugby and went on to pursue a career in accounting after graduating from Villanova. I’m now a CPA living in Wilmington, North Carolina. Johnny
(aka “Little Gearity”) played basketball, football, and rugby at Xavier and is the only one of the bunch to take home a high school rugby national championship title for Xavier. After graduating from The University of Delaware in 2014, he moved back to Bay Ridge to pursue a career in marketing. For John Toolan and the Gearitys, the Xavier roots are strong and they run deep, just like our roots in New York City.
THE O’CALLAGHAN FAMILY By Edward O’Callaghan ’87 P’17 ’20 The O’Callaghans’ Xavier experience has transformed from being fixed as a place and time to being a continual presence in our family.
Finnian ’20, Harrison ’17, and Edward O’Callaghan ’87 P’17 ’20 18 XAVIER MAGAZINE
When I joined several of my Brooklyn buddies to walk through the 16th Street doors in 1983, I never imagined that Xavier would come to play such a critical role in my life. The lessons, camaraderie, and faith fostered at Xavier provided me with the foundation to pursue my goals confidently in college, law school, and a legal career. While I always retained my connection to Xavier through alumni events and friendly get-togethers, it was not until my sons Harrison O’Callaghan ’17 (now a freshman at Northwestern University) and Finnian O’Callaghan ’20 enrolled that I truly appreciated how important Xavier is to our family.
I cherish every chance I get to share in their Xavier experiences, either as an audience member cheering for them in drama and musical theater performances, or as a companion, as when I accompanied each of them on Xavier summer trips to Yosemite and Yellowstone National Parks. I am profoundly grateful for the gift of watching them develop their own lifelong bonds with classmates and friends at Xavier—and for the knowledge that my sons are prepared for college and will embrace life’s challenges. Now that I have the privilege of serving on the Xavier Board of Trustees, I have yet another vantage point proving the dedication of the administration, faculty, and Board members to the founding mission of our school. I know that Xavier will continue to be a transformative community for generations of families to come.
THE RIVERA FAMILY By Ronald Rivera ’66 P’90 ’96 As I sat in the theater on my first day at Xavier in 1962, I felt uncertain about what the future held for each of us—but I quickly learned that 16th Street is a special place. A Xavier education is not limited to academic excellence. It also taught each of us to take responsibility for our lives and to act justly in service of others. Xavier became important to us and influenced every aspect of our character. I came to Xavier with one elementary school classmate, Dan Mantle ’66, but our circle of friends soon grew. One of the first was Otto Heil ’66, with whom I speak at least weekly. When I married my wife, Rose Rivera P‘90 ‘96, in 1971, there beside me stood my Xavier friend Conrad Tridente ’66. In July 1972, our first son, David Rivera ’90, was born, and Peter Beavins ’66 served as his godfather. Over the ensuing years, there were visits, vacations, and celebrations with each of our extended families. David and Mark Rivera ’96†, born in 1978, learned about our Xavier exploits at a very early age—but more importantly, they learned what it means to be a Son of Xavier. Both of our sons proudly attended Xavier and eventually worked there—David in the Advancement Office, and Mark with the football team. In 2012, Mark married, and 10 Sons of Xavier joined in the celebration (including Salvatore Romano ’98, my nephew). David married in 2016, and by then we had added four more Sons to our circle of family and friends. The real meaning of Xavier became tangibly evident to us in March 2015, when Mark died suddenly. The outpouring of love, support, and sympathy from friends, former classmates, clergy, teachers, staff, and even present students was both comforting and awe-inspiring. Our family experienced the true essence of the Xavier spirit, and we will never forget it. It is no understatement to say this outpouring of affection and friendship helped hold us together, both then and now. Our family knew something special needed to come from the generosity of our Xavier family, so we established The Mark J. Rivera ’96 Scholarship Fund to help young men experience this unique, exceptional, and life-changing school. We know that with the continued support of family and friends, it will foster Xavier’s mission for generations to come. I have gone from an uncertain freshman, to a Xavier graduate, to a Xavier parent—and maybe one day a Xavier grandparent. Mark’s son and only child, Lincoln, may be fortunate enough to count among the graduates of 2031. Ronald Rivera ’66 P’90 ’96 and David Rivera ’90
XAVIER MAGAZINE 19
Xavier’s SONS
THE SCIABARRA FAMILY
Peter Sciabarra ’76, his sons Torey and Nick, his wife Carol, Joe’s wife Mary Sciabarra, and Joe Sciabarra ’64.
By CAPT Peter Sciabarra, USN (Ret.) ’76 My parents grew up during the 1930s as children of Italian immigrants who came through Ellis Island. The highest level of education for both of them was high school. They deeply valued Catholic education and realized it was the path forward for their children, so they pursued all possible knowledge about the best high schools in Manhattan. We lived in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, but they thought exposure to the city and kids from all five boroughs—and beyond—was critical to success. They both agreed that Xavier was by far the best experience and opportunity for their sons. At that time, the JROTC program was mandatory, and that was a draw for my dad specifically. He was a Merchant Marine officer in World War II and already had visions of his sons attending the Naval Academy. We both did—my brother, CAPT Joseph Sciabarra, USN (Ret.) ’64, graduated in the Class of 1968, and I graduated in the Class of 1981. For our sister, they selected Dominican Academy. They wanted to give us the best possible chance at success, and they scrimped and saved to ensure that we were all able to attend Xavier and DA.
My brother and I both played football and ran track at Xavier—and we both had the honor to be coached in track by the legendary Jim Scott P’79 ’84†. My brother’s football coach was another Xavier legend, Leo Paquin P’64†.
Before her passing, Mary Sciabarra P’64 ’76† was honored as Xavier’s longest continual donor.
The care and personal attention of the faculty and staff were beyond comparison. Specifically, my absolute favorite teacher of all time, Grace Lamour P’82†, was beyond a teacher; she was a mentor, friend, and advisor. Franklin Gregory P’80 ’86 ’87 was a tough disciplinarian with a heart of gold who truly cared about all of us. Superb teachers and administrators included Jim Keenan, S.J., Anthony Aracich, S.J.†, Thomas Baker†, Brother Anthony Cantelmi, S.J.†, Vin Biagi, S.J. ’67, Vincent Taylor, S.J.†, the librarian Linda Salvati†, school secretary Anne O’Neill—I could go on and on. I cannot recall any of the names of my Naval Academy professors and instructors (except my ice hockey coach!), but I remember all of my high school teachers. The best educational experience of my life was at Xavier.
THE CONNIFF FAMILY after graduation. I became engaged to Margaret Scally Conniff P‘83 ’84 in the Student Chapel on Holy Saturday 1963, and we were Thomas Conniff ’52 P’83 ’84 with his sons, Christopher ’84 and Peter ’83 married in May 1964. I served as Xavier’s legal counsel for By Thomas Conniff ’52 P’83 ’84 many years and was responsible for guiding The Conniff family’s association with Xavier Xavier through its transition from an all-Jesuit commenced in February 1949, when I arrived Board of Trustees to a governance board at Xavier to begin my freshman year. My consisting of laypeople and Jesuits. I then extracurricular activities included being the served on the Board for 15 years, including a student manager of the varsity baseball and term as chairman during my last three years. JV football and basketball teams. I was also a Margaret and I had four children—Peter ’83, frequent attendee at Mass before school on Chris ’84, Ellen, and Nancy. Our sons made Wednesday and Friday mornings. the same trip to Xavier as their father—Bay Ridge to 16th Street. My close connection with Xavier continued 20 XAVIER MAGAZINE
Both boys swam for Xavier for four years, and both served as captain during their senior year. Their sisters were awarded the “Minor X” for keeping score during their brothers’ meets. Chris received the Paquin Trophy and the Knoepfel Trophy as a senior at the Block X Awards. Peter went on to achievement in finance, and Chris in law. In keeping with the Conniff family tradition at Xavier, Chris’s wife, Susan Durbin Conniff, served as a Xavier trustee for six years and played a significant role in planning Xavier’s long-term financials. The Conniff family’s Xavier connection is almost 70 years old—and hopefully will continue for many years to come. Tom Conniff was inducted into the Xavier Hall of Fame in 2010.
THE CARAMES FAMILY By Charles Carames ’78 P’19 I graduated in 1978, and my Xavier experience can be summed up in my wedding photo (inset). If a picture is worth a thousand words, then this photo tells a big part of my Xavier story. Four of the seven groomsmen in the photo, including the best man, were my classmates. Xavier is where we met. Xavier is where we made mistakes, even though we thought we knew everything. Xavier teachers, priests, and coaches educated us about how to become good young men who learn from their mistakes. Because of Xavier, I have a lifetime of cherished memories and strong friendships. What a gift. When it was time for my son, David Carames ’19, to select a high school, I never insisted that he attend Xavier. I wanted him to take responsibility and help choose the high school he wanted to attend. My wife, Klara Carames P’19, was having none of that. She flat-out told me that if David could get into Xavier, that’s where he was going. When I asked why she felt so strongly about it, her response was this: “You and your friends turned out great, so Xavier must be doing it right.” David is now a junior. Since his freshman year, I have been lucky enough to ride the same subway line with him each morning on my way to work. Usually we ride in silence, since he is not much of a morning person. When the subway pulls into 14th Street and David gets off, I sometimes find myself reflecting on those yesterdays when I used to jump off at the same station and rush up the same stairs to get to class. Then the doors close, and I am pulled back to reality. As the subway starts moving uptown, I sometimes think about what the future has in store for David. Many times, I have the same thought: I always hope that David’s experience at Xavier will exceed mine.
Charles Carames ’78 P’19 and David ’19 The wedding of Charles Carames ’78 P’19 and Klara Carames P’19
XAVIER MAGAZINE 21
SONS OF XAVIER: A PHOTO ESSAY
Xavier Magazine’s call for family submissions resulted in scores of photos from proud Sons of Xavier. We are grateful for the opportunity to share them here. Joseph Pastilha ’18 and Justin Pastilha ’16
“My grandfather, Lawrence J. McCrory, grew up in Manhattan and graduated from Xavier in 1951. Fifty years later, I made the commute from Rockaway Beach to follow in his footsteps and graduated in 2001. Then a few years later my brother, Michael W. Dier, kept the tradition going.”
– Dennis Dier ’01, center, with his brother Michael Dier ’09 and grandfather Lawrence J. McCrory ’51
Tim Crowe ’74, Brian Crowe, John Crowe ’68, and Brenden Crowe ’78. Their father, John Crowe, Sr. ’42 P’68 ’74 ’78†, and their uncle, Martin Crowe ’48†, also attended Xavier.
James DePierro ’85 P’04, John DePierro ’58 P’85, and Dr. Jonathan DePierro ’04
“ Xavier educates generations.” 22 XAVIER MAGAZINE
– David Carrington ’17, right, with his grandfather, Anthony Kaspar ’52, on David’s Xavier graduation day
Brendan Gallagher ’18, Aidan Gallagher ’17, Mario Cimino ’17, and Anthony Cimino ’18
Greg Stelzer ’11 and Kyle Stelzer ’13
“ When my dad and I found out I was accepted to Xavier, he was so happy. He never got to see me go, though, because he passed away from cancer this past June. Now that he is gone, I am more driven than ever to succeed at Xavier and be a great person like he was. It’s cool to know that I walk the same halls that he used to roam. I know my dad is with me, and attending Xavier High School means even more to me now that he is gone.” – Christian Rosowicz ’21 with his late father, Adam Rosowicz ’87 P’21†
Christopher Creegan ’06, Eric Creegan ’08, Liam Creegan ’16, and Kyle Creegan ’13
George Stumpf II ’01 and his uncle, David Stumpf ’78
William Esposito ’17 and his cousin, Emmett Esposito ’18
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“We all cherish this photo because it was my dad’s last Beefsteak Dinner. He died on Christmas Day in 2008.” – Edward Kirk ’71, second from right, with his father, Edward Kirk ’44 P’70 ’71 ’75†, and his brothers, Leo Kirk ’70 and John Kirk ’75, at the 2008 Beefsteak Dinner
Austin Vukosa ’12 and Adam Vukosa ’17
Bryan Orbe ’12, Derek Orbe ’18, and Christopher Orbe ’12
Luis del Rosario ’52, Alberto del Rosario ’57, and Eduardo del Rosario ’62
“Four years forged a lifelong bond with Xavier. Sharing it within the bonds of family is an extraordinary and unexpected gift.” – Xavier teacher Robert Reinhart ’69 P’94 ’99 with his sons, Rob Reinhart ’94 and Kevin Reinhart ’99, and his wife, Maureen Reinhart P’94 ’99. (Kevin and Maureen work at Xavier, too.) 24 XAVIER MAGAZINE
Gerald Lemmon ’52 P’79 and his son, Gerald Lemmon ’79
Luke Ancona ’19 and Christopher Ancona ’15
“ Commuting from Hackensack, New Jersey to Xavier proved to be an education in itself. Our Xavier education proved to be the formative influence of our adult lives.” – Daniel Gatti, S.J. ’59 (standing), Xavier’s 32nd President, with Dr. Bill Gatti ’56, left, their mother Mary B. Gatti P’56 ’58 ’59 (president of the Xavier Mothers’ Club in 1958-59), and Joe Gatti ’58
Francis X. Sulger ’60 and John Sulger ’31 P’60
Dr. David Draper ’49†, left, and Dr. Tom Draper ’44, center, with Tom’s brother-in-law Leo Gafney ’53, right, on Tom’s wedding day
Joseph Corrado ’11 and Francis Corrado ’18 with their uncle, Joseph Shearn ’91
Tony Gutierrez ’97, center, with his best man, brother Eric Gutierrez ’02, and wedding celebrant David Ciancimino, S.J. ’77
XAVIER MAGAZINE 25
Mark Mostarac ’14 and Peter Mostarac ’04
“ In addition to its high academic standards, Xavier educates the whole person and endeavors to build men of integrity and good character. These traits are forged and refined at Xavier and remain with us for a lifetime. I want my son to share in this tradition and be part of this brotherhood.” – Andrew Dell’Olio ’86 P’20 and his son, Joseph Dell’Olio ’20
Pat Steffens ’88 P’11 ’12 ’16 ’20, Timothy Steffens ’12, Patrick Steffens ’11, and Dan Steffens ’93
’43 Tom O’Hara
Mike Sidlowski ’05 and his father, Ken Sidlowski ’71 P’05 26 XAVIER MAGAZINE
P’69†
“ Going to Xavier made me feel for the first time like I was part of something bigger than myself. I felt proud to carry on a tradition that began with my grandfather. I still feel that today.” – Liam O’Hara ’04 with his father, Tom O’Hara ’69 P’04 ’06, and his brother, Ciaran O’Hara ’06
Jack Rosenhammer ’08, Erik Rosenhammer ’16, and Will Rosenhammer ’11 with Jack’s daughter, Sofiya
Linda Smith, John Draghi ’04, and John Draghi ’63 P’04
Dan Moran ’81 P’15, right, with his son Daniel Moran ’15, second from left, and nephews Michael Moran ’18 and Matthew Moran ’21
“It’s awesome to have these two incredible young men as my sons and a great blessing to share my love for Xavier with them.” – Paul Scariano ’90 P’19 ’21 with his sons, Andrew Scariano ’21 and Patrick Scariano ’19
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Tim Tweedy ’82 P’15 shared these photos of the 1946 football season. His father, Jim Tweedy ’48 P’70 ’71 ’74 ’78 ’82†, is wearing number 9 in both.
AN ATHLETIC BY TOM O’HARA ’69 P’04 ’06
LEGACY 28 XAVIER MAGAZINE
T
he first time I set foot on 16th Street was in June 1967, three days after moving back to New York after a decade living in Ohio. My family and I were living in a hotel across
sorry suburbanized Ohio arse from one end of Camp Fordham to the other. And when it came time to depart for the Catskills in August, my father cautioned me against getting suckered into any
the Grand Central from LaGuardia at the time, waiting for our
poker games by the sharks I would no doubt encounter among my
belongings to arrive at our new home in Floral Park, Long Island. I
new teammates. Apparently, Xavier football was going to be a cross
had completed my sophomore year at Cleveland’s St. Ignatius High
between West Side Story and The Sopranos.
School just two weeks earlier, and now here I was with my father, sitting in the office of Xavier High School’s headmaster, John J. McDonald, S.J.† I was very fortunate that I had been accepted as the newest member of the junior class, Fr. McDonald advised me. Xavier wanted its graduates to have the full four-year experience, so it was very rare indeed for the school to accept transfer students. In fact, it was only because my father was a member of Xavier’s Class of 1943 that I had even been considered for admission. From the headmaster’s office, my father steered me downstairs to the football team’s equipment room, where we found the head coach. Leo Paquin P’64† was, simply put, a legend. He had been one of Fordham University’s storied Seven Blocks of Granite alongside his good friend Vince Lombardi, and after graduating from Rose Hill in 1937, Mr. Paquin—nobody addressed him as “Coach”—came downtown to teach Latin and English on 16th Street. And coach football. Except for his service in the Navy during World War II, he had been there ever since. Mr. Paquin greeted us warmly, and I watched my tough, nononsense FBI agent dad transform back into the awed teenager he had been when he played for Leo (as he was affectionately called behind his back by everyone). Mr. Paquin was certain that any son of Tom O’Hara’s (I am a III) must be a pretty hard-nosed player himself, and he looked forward to seeing me in August.
T
hanks to my dad, I knew all about Xavier football long before I ever played a down for the Kaydets. At the center of it all was Leo, of course. And then there was the 10-day
It wasn’t, of course. But I quickly found out that being a second-generation Xavier gridironman was far from the novelty I thought it was. One of my new teammates was Tommy Murphy ’69. His dad, Artie Murphy ’41 P’69 ’75 ’78†, was an All-City running back. Little more than two years after playing his last game for Leo, Artie was battling the Luftwaffe in the skies over Europe as a gunner on a B-17. His little brother, Thomas Ignatius Murphy ’52†, also played for Leo. Coming up behind Tommy in the second generation of Murphys would be his brothers, Chris ’75 and Sean ’78. There was also Roger McTiernan ’69 P’07. His dad, Roger McTiernan, Sr. ’51 P’69 ’77 ’79†, didn’t play football, but Roger Jr.’s brothers, Brian ’77 and Barry ’79, would. (Barry would also be the first of Clan McTiernan to play rugby for Xavier.) Roger Jr. would be named MVP of the Turkey Bowl our senior year. Thirty-eight years later, his son, Ryan McTiernan ’07, would also be named MVP in the Thanksgiving game—and go on to play for Xavier’s 2007 national championship rugby team. Also at Camp Fordham was Ed Tweedy ’70, son of Jim Tweedy ’48 P’70 ’71 ’74 ’78 ’82†. Eddie’s dad had played his last game for Leo 20 years before, but his contributions to Xavier football would continue long afterward. Following Eddie in the Long Maroon and Blue Line would be Jimmy ’71, Tommy ’74, Patrick ’78, and Timmy ’82 P’15. Timmy would be the first Tweedy to play both football and rugby for Xavier. A generation later, his son, James Tweedy ’15, would be the second. Team manager Paddy Doyle ’70 was one of a whole platoon of
preseason training camp. Camp was held at Bear Mountain in my
Stuy Town Doyles—including Tommy ’69, Vincent ’72, Arthur
father’s day. Now it was deep in the Catskills at Camp Fordham. I
’75†, Brendan ’77 P’13, and Denis ’79—who followed their
knew about taking the regular city bus to practice at East River Park,
Xavier Hall of Fame dad Tom Doyle ’39 P’69 ’70 ’72 ’75 ’77 ’79†
jammed between the river and the FDR Drive just north of Houston
crosstown. Mr. Doyle had been captain of the football team and
Street. And, of course, the traditional Thanksgiving Day game at
cadet colonel.
Fordham University against The Ancient Foe Who Dwells Atop Rose
Charles Tirelli ’45 P’70† enjoyed his remarkable football career
Hill, preceded by the Xavier Regiment—900 cadets strong—passing
on 16th Street so much that he had dispatched his son, Francis
in review on Jack Coffey Field.
Xavier Tirelli ’70, to join us in the Catskills that summer.
All that summer, whenever he detected an ebbing in my
The summer after graduating college, I returned to 16th Street
enthusiasm for running and lifting, my father would assure
to coach football. Once again, it was my dad’s doing. I was back in
me that those tough city kids from Xavier were going to kick my
school to obtain my teacher certification and he suggested that
XAVIER MAGAZINE 29
T
“ The story of fathers and sons as Xavier athletes is as long as the history of Xavier sports itself. That saga also includes brothers—especially brothers— and cousins. And grandfathers and grandsons. And uncles and nephews. And even in-laws.” coaching at our alma mater would be the ideal part-time job. I had zero interest, but I called Xavier’s athletic director, a guy named Leo, and I was in. I discovered that I enjoyed coaching—so much so that I stuck around 16th Street for the rest of the 1970s, coaching football and eventually rugby. I left in 1980. When I returned, it was as a parent. Liam O’Hara ’04 and Ciaran O’Hara ’06 both played rugby. Liam also played soccer for a year and ran cross country and indoor track. Ciaran played football and ran indoor track. (And their proud grandfather insisted on paying half their tuition.) My sons graduated from Xavier years ago, but I’ve stuck around. If anyone had told that ticked-off transfer student in the headmaster’s office 51 years ago that he would go on to be a Xavier student, athlete, coach, teacher, parent, and now a sort of football and rugby volunteer without portfolio, he would have scoffed. Mightily. But while it was family that brought me to 16th Street, it was my new Xavier football family that caused me to stay. 30 XAVIER MAGAZINE
hrough my various incarnations at Xavier, I’ve learned that the story of fathers and sons as Xavier athletes is as long as the history of Xavier sports itself. That saga also includes brothers—especially brothers—and cousins. And grandfathers and grandsons. And uncles and nephews. And even in-laws. Here are just a few of their stories. For Billy O’Connell ’83, the decision to attend Xavier was not as cut and dried as one might have expected from a third-generation Son of Xavier out of Stuyvesant Town. Billy’s father, John O’Connell ’54 P’83†, had gone to Xavier, as had his grandfather, Judge William T. O’Connell† (circa 1918, says Billy). But Billy almost went to Regis—and not for the reasons you might think. In the end, it was John’s love for Xavier football that was the driving force behind his son’s decision to attend Xavier. “My dad never played organized football before Xavier, but he went out for the team his senior year and won a position as a starting offensive guard,” Billy O’Connell recalled. “His older brother Billy attended Regis in the early 1940s and went on to West Point. He became a pilot but was killed in the Korean War when he was shot down near the Chinese border in 1950. He was a hero in our family, and I was named after both my grandfather and my Uncle Billy. My dad’s reverence for his hero brother made it a very hard choice when I had to choose a high school. Should I go to Xavier and play football like my dad? Or go to Regis for free and honor my namesake? While I thought my dad wanted me to go to Regis, my choice became clearer the more I thought about it. I would also receive a Jesuit education at Xavier. … Thirty-five years later, it is still the right decision.” John McGroarty ’70 and his brothers, Dave ’68 and Paul ’71, also came from good Xavier stock (their father, Frank McGroarty ’26 P’68 ’70 ’71†, and his brother, Courtney McGroarty ’24†) and were part of a corps of accomplished runners under CHSAA Hall of Fame coaches Jim Scott P’79 ’84† and George Febles P’83 ’88 ’90. Dave captained the cross country and track teams his senior year. Pat Steffens ’88 P’11 ’12 ’16 ’20 played football at Xavier, as did his brother Dan ’93. Dan also played basketball for two seasons and swam for one. And he was part of the squad that brought home Xavier’s second national rugby title in 1993. Lest he be accused of not holding up his end, be advised that Pat produced four sons for the Xavier Athletic Department. Patrick ’11 and Timothy ’12 played rugby and football. Young Patrick also matched his Uncle Dan’s basketball contribution, and Tim ran track for a season. Marty ’16 played basketball and rugby and ran track for two seasons. Greg ’20 has played in every football, basketball, and rugby season since he arrived on 16th Street. The son of Irish immigrants, Declan James O’Dea ’90 P’21 was determined to play rugby as a freshman, but in that era, there were only two sides, A and B. “I tried out,” he recalled. “Although I was
Christian Lee ’93, Tom Lee ’92, and Mike Lee ’96 (kneeling)
fast, I was also small and scrawny and did not make the team.” Declan made the squad his sophomore year and played in the season opener, but he was struck by a car and seriously injured soon afterward. Multiple surgeries later, Declan was able to train with the team his senior spring. He went on to enjoy a successful collegiate and club rugby career, but Declan never played another game for the Knights. “Although I didn’t have a full sports career,” said Declan, “I did experience the camaraderie and brotherhood that makes Xavier sports great. I also learned perseverance, which has served me well in sports, work, and life.” Now Declan’s son, Declan Patrick O’Dea ’21, is a freshman running cross country and indoor track. After much deliberation, however, Declan the Younger chose lacrosse over rugby this spring. “Maybe we can change his mind,” said his old man. If not, there’s another O’Dea in the pipeline (Class of ’23, please God and His Holy Mother) who is determined to join the Long Blue and Maroon Line. Don Ryan ’78, a swimmer and one of the Original Xavier Rugby Outlaws, is the elder statesman of another notable sports family. Brothers Joe Ryan ’82 P’19 ’21 and Mike ’90 played football and rugby. Following in the footsteps of their dad and uncles on the gridiron and rugby pitch are Joe’s sons, Stephen ’19 and Thomas ’21. Joe compared the challenges faced by Xavier’s gridironmen and ruggers then and now: “The same level of dedication is required, given the increasingly difficult logistical challenge of finding a patch of grass on which to practice and a field to call home. Other schools talk the talk about the dedication and commitment required to play these sports. As the Long Maroon and Blue Line has done before them, Xavier ruggers and football players today have to walk the walk each and every day.” Patrick Dunne ’89 P’18 played football and baseball at Xavier. His son Patrick ’18 played football and is on the track team. But young Patrick believes the most important lesson he learned from his father came off the field.
“He coached me on how to multi-task, which is one of the greatest benefits to be gained from playing sports at a school that has no playing fields of its own and where the daily commute is long,” Pat said. “You learn to get things done anytime, anywhere.” Some athletes came to 16th Street not because their dads were grads, but because they were coaches there. Take Xavier’s First Families of track and cross country, the Scott and Febles clans. Jim Scott trained thousands of athletes (The Scottsmen!), including his sons James ’79 and Dan ’84, during his 40-year Xavier Hall of Fame career as a coach and teacher. Jim even tutored his wife Mary P’79 ’84† in track and field officiating. This May, “Mary, Queen of Scotts” (who sadly passed away in March) will be inducted into the CHSAA Hall of Fame, where she will join Jim as the Hall’s only husbandand-wife members. Ignacio George Febles (call him George) taught at Xavier for 25 years and was the Great Scott’s assistant coach for 13 of them. Three sons followed him to 16th Street: George ’83, Matt ’88, and Chris ’90. Except for Chris’s brief flirtation with football his freshman year, the trio ran cross country and track, indoor and outdoor all four years. And in the highest compliment they could have paid him, all three followed their dad into coaching—George at Fordham Prep, Matt at Wootton High School in Maryland (after coaching three years at Xavier), and Chris at Regis. George the Elder, who started his coaching career on 16th Street 50 years ago, is George the Younger’s assistant at Fordham Prep. Both are members of the CHSAA Hall of Fame. John Burke ’84 P’07 ’14 played football and rugby at Xavier. So did his brothers Paul ’87 and Matt ’91† and his sons, John Jr. ’07 and Brian ’14. Brother Kevin ’94 went his own way, playing basketball and rugby and running track. And brother-in-law Ian McDonald ’88 was a real maverick: a wrestler who also played baseball.
Andrew Frank ’90, Philip Frank ’87, and Matthew Frank ’97
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“Xavier athletes, because of the close ties they share with teammates and the school they represent, are a brotherhood within a brotherhood.” But here’s where it gets interesting. The family patriarch, Jay Burke P’84 ’87 ’91 ’94, was a teacher and head football coach for many years at Brooklyn’s New Utrecht High School. How was he going to get to his sons’ football games? One solution: Put Xavier on New Utrecht’s schedule. And that’s what Jay did—in 1983 (when John was Xavier’s quarterback), in 1986 (when Paul was lining up at linebacker), and in 1990 (when Matt was the Catholic High School Football League’s top QB). Unlike every other multi-generational Xavier family, Jay followed his sons to 16th Street, not the other way around. After the last of his sons had graduated, Jay, who had retired from New Utrecht, joined the Xavier varsity football staff in 1996. In 1997, he became assistant headmaster, serving in that post until 2003, just before the arrival of freshman grandson John Jr.
W
hen it comes to Xavier sports families, some of the best stories have to do with brothers. The three Lee brothers stand out for two reasons. First, their connection to 16th Street was through their mom, Jayne Lee P’92 ’93 ’96, a member of the Xavier faculty. Second, the trio combined to play many sports—and each brother found his own sports in which to excel. Tommy Lee ’92 played freshman basketball and wrestled as a sophomore, but made his mark in football and rugby (for which he won the Block X and was named to the United States U19 team). Christian ’93 starred in baseball and football at Xavier before going on to the United States Coast Guard Academy, where he also ran track and would eventually be inducted into the Academy’s Athletic Hall of Fame for all three sports. Mike ’96 won two city championships and two state titles in wrestling and was awarded the Block X and Moynahan Trophy. He played football and rugby as 32 XAVIER MAGAZINE
a freshman, but switched to track and cross country for the rest of his run. Mike followed Christian to the Coast Guard Academy, where he would be named All New England in wrestling. Jim McCarthy ’91 was a wrestler in the winter. Joseph McCarthy ’89 swam. But come spring, the McCarthy brothers came together on the rugby pitch. Sometimes literally. “Having a brother precede me was great, though,” Jim said. “Everyone seemed to already know who I was. And it was certainly an advantage having someone to go home with every day after practice. The 96th Street baseball fields in Central Park, where we practiced in the winter, are a long way from central Staten Island, where we lived. That trip is much longer when you do it alone.” Jack Palillo ’16 wrestled and played football and rugby. So did brother Mike Palillo ’13, but they were only teammates for a single season—when they were on the wrestling squad together. Jack was a freshman and Mike was a senior. “Honestly, I don’t think I would have been the athlete or man I am today without him being there for me,” said Jack. “I remember him physically pushing me from behind when we were running stairs. I wanted to walk up them, but he wouldn’t let me. … Having a brother who went through all the same things I was going through allowed me to prepare for each season. I always went to Mike for advice about practice or tryouts, and he would prepare me by forcing me to work out and run with him.” For the Gladyszewski brothers, it was a case of role reversal. Stefan Gladyszewski ’71† had started high school at St. John’s Prep in Brooklyn, but the school had fallen on hard times financially. When the Prep shut down its football program after the 1969 season (the school itself would close in 1972), Stefan transferred to Xavier for his senior year. Joe Gladyszewski ’73 was already on 16th Street, which was undergoing some changes of its own. The 1970-71 school year would be the last in which all students were members of the Xavier Regiment. But the 1970 football season would be the first since 1936 (World War II excepted) in which Leo Paquin was not head football coach. Joe, although only a sophomore, was on the varsity. He and his older brother would be teammates, but Joe was the veteran. “I was the one who told all the stories of taking the bus to East River Park for practice. I tried to prepare him.” And it was Stefan who struggled. “It was a challenge,” Joe recalled. “My brother was new to Xavier and not indoctrinated into its Jesuit or military cultures. He was also a bit of a free spirit and he and Coach Leheney had some friction.” That would be Coach Dave Leheney, successor to the Legend. Free spirit or not, Stefan was also a quarterback, and a good one. “He was a big guy and could really throw the ball, so he got the nod as starter.”
That season was tough for everyone, but the new kid was able to pilot the last Xavier football team to be called the Kaydets to a thrilling 22-21 victory over the Ancient Foe on Thanksgiving morning. Matt Frank ’97 had two older brothers precede him at Xavier— Phil ’87 and Andrew ’90—and both played football and rugby. Andrew also played freshman and JV basketball. Small wonder, then, that Matt played all three sports when his time came. “I grew up going to Xavier football and rugby games,” Matt recalled. “From the time I was 7 or 8, all I wanted to do was play rugby for Xavier. I have many friends from my time on 16th Street, but I also have many connections to my older brothers’ teammates and coaches.” Patrick Brady ’01 also began following Xavier rugby when he was still in grammar school. “When Jimmy started playing rugby,” recalled Pat, “my father and I would go to games and tournaments to watch. I grew up watching Xavier play in the Cherry Blossom Tournament in D.C. and the East Coast Championships.” “Jimmy” is James Brady ’96. He not only played rugby at Xavier, he returned to coach for a season in 1998—Patrick’s freshman year. But while Jimmy was a rugby specialist, Pat also played football and swam. Like those other younger Xavier siblings, Andrew O’Farrell ’89 grew up watching older brother John ’83 play football and rugby for the Maroon and Blue and became determined to follow his example, even though he knew that getting home at 8:30 p.m. each night was part of the deal. One advantage (though not always): Andrew’s rugby coaches had been John’s rugby teammates. John Polis ’82 played football and rugby at Xavier. His brother James ’86 focused on football. Thanks to John, James “knew the drill” and was better prepared when it came to mastering the skills necessary to survive and triumph on the gridiron and in the classroom. Basil Capetanakis ’17 and his younger brother John ’20 enjoyed their year together as teammates on the swimming and diving team, but went their separate ways last spring—Basil to varsity lacrosse and John to freshman rugby. Her sons liked having their own sports families, according to their mom, Dena Capetanakis P’17 ’20. Although Jim Tierney ’68 played JV football and his brother Mike ’69 played a season of varsity basketball, they are best remembered as accomplished members of the track team. Their 6’5” nephew Steve Silhan ’00 made his mark in football, which he went on to play at Brown University, and in basketball as a member of Xavier’s 2000 CHSAA A division city championship squad. Between them, the Coleman brothers—Patrick ’10 and Sean ’14—played six different sports at Xavier, although they were not there at the same time. Rugby had the strongest hold on their
loyalty—each Coleman played all four years. Football was not far behind: Pat was a four-year gridironman and Sean played for three seasons before switching to soccer as a senior. Pat also played basketball before transferring to the swim team, while Sean ran indoor track for a season. Joe Wolfer ’11 and his brother Jimmy ’13 were also gridironmen who doubled as ruggers, but because Jimmy made the varsity in rugby his freshman year, and in football as a sophomore, the Wolfer brothers were teammates for two rugby seasons and one football campaign. Their best memory from their time together: Xavier winning the 2010 USA Rugby High School National Championship in Salt Lake City. All three of Xavier’s Minardi brothers—Sal ’86, Peter ’89, and Mike ’91—played football, but only young Michael decided to add rugby to his portfolio. The Dory twins, Matthew ’97 and Andrew ’97, both played football, but only Andrew played rugby. William Dory ’01 followed in Andrew’s footsteps and played both sports.
Joe Ryan ’82 P’19 ’21 with his sons, Thomas ’21 and Stephen ’19
Cousins Andrew Dell’Olio ’86 P’20, Michael Quinn ’86, and James Connell ’86 played football together at Xavier. Andrew’s son Joseph ’20 is on the bowling and indoor track teams. At a recent track meet, Andrew met one of the triplet sons of teammate Bart Daudelin ’87 P’20. Another Daudelin triplet plays football.
I
have heard it said that because we are all Sons of Xavier, we are all brothers. Xavier athletes, because of the close ties they share with teammates and the school they represent, are a brotherhood within a brotherhood. It should be no surprise, then, that so many of us share biological family ties as well. It has always been that way, and I suspect it always will. Tom O’Hara ’69 P’04 ’06 served as Xavier rugby’s first coach upon the team’s founding in 1976. He was inducted into the Xavier Hall of Fame in 2012.
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ofXavier
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Class NOTES
1944 Dr. Thomas Draper celebrated July 4 in Mamaroneck with Dave Mendez ’01. 1945 William Boyan lives in Naples, Florida with his wife, Tia. He recently reflected on his path to Xavier: “In 1941, I had to choose between the first competitive scholarship to Xavier and the same at Regis. It seemed as if World War II would be going on for some time, costing millions of lives to invade Western Europe and to defeat Japan. The more military training I could get, the more likely my survival seemed. Another strong motivation for choosing 16th Street was that my father, whom I loved very much, graduated from Xavier in 1905 or 1906. (We had the same names.) Dad then lived on the Upper West Side. His last summer (1987) I asked whether he commuted on the Broadway subway. His reply: ‘Take the Broadway subway? I watched them build the Broadway subway.’ He took the Ninth Avenue elevated to 59th Street, then transferred to a Sixth Avenue el train to 14th Street. I lived across the George Washington Bridge in my Xavier years, so I commuted on the A and D trains via a subway built in my lifetime, for a nickel in each direction, the same price as a Pepsi. I can still sing its jingle, Pepsi’s; the subway had no theme song, just a duet when a rider felt his space invaded: ‘I paid my nickel!’ ‘Why don’t you hire a private car?’” 1949 Over the Christmas holiday, Dr. Tom O’Brien and his wife, Nancy, spent nine days at Marsh Harbour, Abaco in the Bahama Out Islands. “It was a return to the place where we wintered regularly for about 14 years after retirement,” he writes. “Annually, we cruised by boat down the Intracoastal Waterway to Florida, across the Gulf Stream on to the Little Bahama Bank to our Abaco destination. A departure from North Carolina by mid-October assured an arrival for Thanksgiving with our winter cruising friends.
This year we traveled by air...shortening the travel time from six weeks to six hours!” 1950 Allan Ahearne, D.V.M. shared the following reflection about his years at Xavier: “The Xavier years set me on the right path. It seems that the nuns during my eight years of grammar school at St. Al’s in Jersey City just had not developed a sense of humor, plus they insisted on always being right—such that they decided that it was right not to let me go to their high school. See if I care! Xavier is for me and if there was a place in the Hall of Fame for the guy with the most ‘unlimited JUG’ hours I’d be there. It did take a while for me to adjust and reluctantly see that they were always right, too. Graduation kind of depended on it. The big turn in life came when I spent a summer working on a farm at age 14 and witnessed the local veterinarian cure one of the work horses of some ailment, and my goal in life jumped out. St. Peter’s, then Cornell, and then off to a career of large animal work in Cumberland, Maryland, and later my own hospital for companion animals on Long Island. Forty years and five children later, I retired in 1997 and with my wife of 53 years moved to Cooperstown, New York—Paradise North, I call it. I am forever grateful for my years and education at Xavier. It made me who I am and put me where I am. Thank you, St. Francis Xavier.” Joe Brostek is the historian for his parish, Flushing’s St. Andrew Avellino Roman Catholic Church. In November, due to his efforts, the Broadway-Flushing Community Library unveiled a plaque honoring Rev. Edward F. McGoldrick, St. Andrew Avellino’s founding pastor, who was also instrumental in the founding of the library. 1952 Dr. Chester Schmidt continues to work full-time at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He enjoys his four great-grandchildren and reading about Xavier.
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1954 Tom Donohue has retired from the FBI. He writes that he was in the hospital recently and would be grateful for the prayers of the alumni community. George Gibson has written a story about the life journey of mathematics teacher Michael J. O’Donnell†, starting with his college education in Ireland and his travels through St. Louis, Missouri, and Memphis, Tennessee, before arriving at Xavier in 1916. Gibson highlights the profound influence O’Donnell had on him as a student, starting with his foray into algebra (not doing well initially). Through O’Donnell’s patience and teaching, Gibson emerged very successfully, enabling a lifetime of mathematics and engineering. Interested classmates can contact George at gwg@gwgibson.net to get a copy of the story.
David Mendez ’01 and Dr. Tom Draper
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1955 Members of the Class of 1955 remember Brendan B. Carney†, their classmate who passed away 14 years ago this May 30. Brendan was the son of Joseph James Carney ’24† and grew up in Hauppauge, Long Island. He moved to Kew Gardens, Queens his sophomore year. After Xavier, Brendan attended Mount St. Mary’s College in Maryland and was in the United States Armed Forces for a brief time. He followed his father to the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and spent his entire career there. He and his wife, Kathleen, had four children. Brendan was a kind and generous man who was adored by members of the Class of 1955. 1956 Kevin Donohue writes that he is still working in his home care business in Fairfield, Connecticut. He recently met up for dinner with Dr. Jerry Foye, Dr. John McGrade ’57, and their wives. Dr. Frank Heelan writes, “The 1956 Grain House Gang celebrated the 50th wedding anniversary of Ann and Frank Heelan at the Vine in Basking Ridge, New Jersey on September 20, 2017. Wives and ’56
William Boyan
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St. Andrew Avellino pastor Rev. Joseph T. Holcomb, Queens Library President and CEO Dennis Walcott, and Joseph Brostek
Look for a corresponding photo with alumni note
XAVIER MAGAZINE 35
5.
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4. 7.
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11. 12.
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1. Msgr. John Gorman†. 2. William Thomas Smith†. 3. Dr. Joseph McGinn, Sr. ’41 P’73 ’75 ’78 ’84†. 4. Dr. Thomas McGinn ’49. 5. Dr. Joseph McGinn, Jr. ’73 P’10. 6. Rosemary Smith McGinn P’73 ’75 ’78 ’84†. 7. William McGinn ’75. 8. Dr. Thomas McGinn ’78. 9. Bryan McGinn ’84 P’20. 10. John McGinn ’10. 11. Vincent Carrubba ’17. 12. The McGinn family with Jim Keenan, S.J. 13. Joseph Carrubba ’17. 14. Bryan McGinn ’20. 15. Thomas McGinn ’20.
THE McGINNS
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By Rosemary L. McGinn A woman for others is the heart of the broadest and deepest Xavier dynasty. Rosemary Smith McGinn P’73 ’75 ’78 ’84†, 1924-2016: spouse, daughter, niece, cousin, grand-niece, mother, grandmother to Xavier students ranging from the 1890s to the 2020s—so far. They include a monsignor who played a critical role in shaping internationally renowned Catholic Charities of Brooklyn as well as doctors, lawyers, software masterminds, and teachers, among others. And though her parents’ and husband’s ancestors were from small Irish towns less than 10 miles apart, they weren’t brought together until her parents met through Xavier: Uncle Vince Gorman†, College of St. Francis Xavier, A.B., 1900, and A.M., 1908, introduced his sister Loretto† to his classmate William T. Smith†, College, A.B., 1899, and A.M., 1908, who went on to become an attorney and teacher—and to marry Loretto. Roe’s maternal great-grandfather brought his family to the U.S. from County Tyrone in 1852. The next generation of Gormans was well-represented at The College of St. Francis Xavier by Rosemary’s uncles Vince and John B. Gorman†, later Monsignor Gorman. On the other side of the family, Xavier plays a foundational role in the life story of Rosemary’s late husband, Dr. Joe McGinn ’41 P’73 ’75 ’78 ’84†, a proud and vocal advocate for Xavier throughout his lifetime. Joe’s father was a Staten Island ferry worker, his mother an Upper West Sider descended from a hard-working Manhattan dynasty of builders and brokers. Joe’s maternal grandfather insisted he and his brother, Dr. Tom McGinn ’49, attend Xavier to counterbalance the countrified nature of Staten Island at the time: it had become part of New York City just two decades before Joe was born. The first generation of his family to attend university, young Joe thrived at Xavier and went on to Fordham, majoring in classics until returning from World War II, when he switched to biology and went on to become a beloved physician-educator. His younger brother, Tom, followed in his footsteps to Xavier, medical school, and top positions in health care on Staten Island. Roe and Joe’s first son, Dr. Joseph McGinn, Jr. ’73 P’10, was determined to follow in his father’s footsteps from a young age, starting with Xavier and on to a Jesuit education at St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, followed by his M.D. at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn. After founding the Heart Institute at Staten Island University Hospital and developing the groundbreaking Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery or McGinn Technique, he now chairs the Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery of Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute of the Carolinas HealthCare System. Joe Jr.’s brother William McGinn ’75 went on to earn two bachelor’s degrees and build a career as an electrical engineer. Dr. Thomas McGinn ’78, also a Downstate grad, made his mark as Xavier rugby’s first scrum half and brought on board one of Xavier’s first rugby coaches (via a connection made by your humble writer). Today, Tom is helping to shape one of the nation’s leading healthcare systems as Northwell Health’s Chair of Medicine and Deputy Physician-in-Chief. Last but not least, Bryan McGinn ’84 P’20 also continued his Jesuit education and today manages technology and operations for New York City’s School Construction Authority. Joe Jr. and Bryan have added three McGinns to the Xavier dynasty via their sons, John McGinn ’10 and twins Bryan Jr. ’20 and Thomas McGinn ’20. Their sister Clare Carrubba P’17 supplied two more with her own twin sons, Vincent and Joseph Carrubba ’17 (both now at Jesuit institutions of higher education: Santa Clara University and the College of the Holy Cross). A writer and editor based on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Rosemary L. McGinn is the eldest offspring of Roe and Joe McGinn. An avid amateur genealogist, she is honored to serve as her extremely extended family’s archivist and documentarian.
Paul Hughes, Bob Scavullo, Steve Magula, Bill Fagan, Bob Stump, and Doug Fraser
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Kevin Cuddihy ’86 and James Cuddihy ’85, the sons of James Cuddihy ’60 P’85 ’86, with their sisters
Kevin Cuddihy ’64 followed him to Xavier. A generation later, his sons James Cuddihy ’85 and Kevin Cuddihy ’86 did as well. And while they live in other states, two of his grandsons—Thomas Cuddihy and Sean McFadden—cemented their family’s legacy in Jesuit education by attending Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C. and St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia. “The Jesuit tradition is strong,” Tara writes.
Xavier alumni enjoyed the festivities, with Charlie Ferrara as Beadle and Joe Laferrera as emcee. Everyone stood up and sang songs of the ’60s, including I Want to Hold Your Hand and Save the Last Dance for Me.” 1960 Sal Scarpato lives in Westlake Village, California. He is the CFO and advisor to five companies owned by young entrepreneurs. On October 24, 2017, Bill Fagan, Doug Fraser, Paul Hughes, Steve Magula, and Bob Scavullo gathered at the home of Mary and Bob Stump in Arlington, Virginia. Magula and his wife, Sheila, delivered an original drawing created by Jack Ziegler† for the Class of 1960’s 50th reunion. The following week, Scavullo delivered the drawing to Xavier for permanent display.
1961 Dr. Bill Borst co-authored a book, St. Louis Browns: The Story of a Beloved Team, published in September 2017. On November 5, CPT Thomas W. Hyland, USA (Ret.) was inducted into the Fordham University Military and NYC Army Reserve Officer Corps Hall of Fame. Hyland was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action in 1968.
Tara McFadden, daughter of James Cuddihy P’85 ’86, wrote to share her family’s Xavier story. James’ brother
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1962 George X. Dean and his wife, Joyce, celebrated 50 years of marriage on November 4, 2017. 1963 Bob Payne retired to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina a few years ago. “I am very fortunate to be here and I would be remiss if I didn’t credit some part of my success in life to my superior education at Xavier,” he writes.
George and Joyce Dean
1966
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Art Williamson P’00 shared a photo of himself, his son Tim Williamson ’00, and his wife Carol at Tim’s Xavier graduation in 2000. “As happy as I am to be an alumnus, I am equally happy and proud that our son is one as well,” he wrote. 1968
Arthur Williamson ’66 P’00, Tim Williamson ’00, and Carol Williamson P’00
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John Sterling is editor-in-chief of Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News. He was selected to serve as chairperson for the plenary keynote session at the Cambridge Healthtech Bioprocessing/Biotechnology Summit in Boston last August. 1971
Judge Francis Connolly and his nephew, Sam Magill
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In November, John Frank directed his latest play, Moving Boxes, which he co-wrote with his daughter, Jenny Frank. The play, produced by Frank’s 2nd Act Players at his theater in Evanston, Illinois, looked at the challenges of moving an aging parent from New York to Chicago shortly after 9/11. In 2016, Frank wrote The Institute, a look back at his Xavier years during the Vietnam War, which he hopes to see staged by current students this year.
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Brian O’Connell was elected to the Board of the Racine (Wisconsin) United School District in April 2017. 1972 Brian Burke was ordained as a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Newark on June 4, 2016. Jim Savino writes that he has been diagnosed with ALS and is fighting the disease with experimental drugs. He asks for the prayers of the Class of 1972 and the Xavier community. Stephen Malia wrote to share his Xavier family story: His father, Peter Malia ’47 P’72†, and uncle, Edward Malia ’51†, were also proud Sons of Xavier. Edward Matthews shared the following story with Xavier Magazine: “We have eight alumni, including myself. Without Xavier connections, my parents would not have met. My father, Edward C. Matthews ’36 P’72† followed his older brother, John W. Matthews ’27†. My Uncle John’s good friend and academic rival at Xavier, Henry J. Kennedy ’27 P’62† (a member of the Xavier Hall of Fame), introduced his sister-inlaw Janet Moclair Matthews P’72 to my father. They married in 1953. Two of my cousins went to Xavier— Lawrence X. Kennedy ’62 (son of Henry) and John Scott Matthews ’78 (grandson of John). Two of my wife’s cousins, Richard Griffin ’70 and Charles Wyllie ’71, also attended Xavier. We are proud X-Men.” 1973 Bob Daly, who looks forward to celebrating his 45th Xavier reunion this spring, is part of a longstand-
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Ed Haskins and Bob Haskins
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ing Xavier family. His father, Robert Daly ’39†, and grandfather, Peter Daly 1907†, were also alumni. (In addition, his grandfather was a 1911 alumnus of the College of St. Francis Xavier.) Among Bob’s most prized possessions are his father’s, grandfather’s, and his own Xavier dress blue uniforms. 1974 Tim Crowe retired in December 2017 after 32 years of government service. Bruce Giaimo and his wife, Betsy, are retiring this year. Their son, Joe, and daughter-in-law, Marisa, are in their second year of medical residencies. Joe was honored to be selected to the Ochsner Hospital transplant team for a two-month stay. 1976 Hon. Francis Connolly serves as a judge on the Minnesota Court of Appeals. He and his wife, Meg Magill Connolly, have three children: Thomas, Robert, and Marguerite. Frank writes that while he is very happy in Minnesota, he always regretted that his sons would not be able to attend Xavier. He is thrilled that his nephew, Sam Magill ’20, is a sophomore. Frank looks forward to returning to Xavier for Sam’s graduation. 1977 Peter N. D’Arienzo, CFSP is the market director for 15 Dignity Memorial Funeral Providers in Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island. Bob Haskins and his wife, Kim, live in Fairfield, Connecticut, where Bob is a managing director for U.S. Trust. They have four children. His brother, Ed Haskins ’74, lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Nancy, and four children. Ed is a sales executive with Sonic Automotive. Their athletic genes are strong—after both played football at Xavier, Ed played rugby at the College of the Holy Cross, and Bob was a linebacker at Columbia University. 1978
The Malias: Peter ’47 P’72†, Edward ’51†, and Stephen ’72 38 XAVIER MAGAZINE
Dr. Michael Driscoll has been named dean of the Bolte School
Class NOTES
of Business at Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland effective in July. He will bring to the Mount knowledge gained from a 28-year career on Wall Street as well as seven years as a professor. He is currently clinical professor and senior executive in residence in the Robert B. Willumstad School of Business at Adelphi University. Widely recognized as an expert on fiscal and monetary issues, Driscoll is often quoted in national media, including The New York Times, National Public Radio, and U.S. News & World Report. 1979
where he went. He said Xavier. I replied by singing Sons of Xavier. Turns out he is Justin Fortunato ’14. We were from the same parish in Brooklyn. It is a small world.” Daniel Garzon P’21 is part of a proud Xavier family. His relatives, Dr. Cornelio Porras ’79 and Fernando Porras ’80, are also Sons of Xavier.
Brendan ’77 P’13, Vincent ’72, Thomas Jr. ’69, Mary Ellen, Noreen, Denis ’79, Martin, Patrick ’70, and Arthur Doyle ’75†
THE DOYLES By Kyle Stelzer ’13 The Doyle family has many deep connections to Xavier, dating back to 1935, when Thomas Doyle ’39 P’69 ’70 ’72 ’75 ’77 ’79† first came to
’81
Angel Rivera P’14 shared a photo of himself with his son, Sean Rivera ’14, and his daughter, Kaelin Rivera, at Kaelin’s graduation from the University of Scranton. Sean is a senior at Loyola University Maryland, where he helps coach the rugby team. 1981 Philip Lynch writes that he recently “attended a Washington Capitals hockey game in D.C. I heard a young man talking about NYC Catholic high schools. I asked him
’78
Fernando Porras ’80 and Daniel Garzon
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’27
John S. Matthews ’78 with his grandfather, John W. Matthews ’27†, in 1977
Justin Fortunato ’14 and Phil Lynch
’78
Dr. Michael Driscoll
Alumni Profile
’79
Sean ’14 and Angel Rivera with Kaelin
16th Street on a full scholarship. The Doyle patriarch, who was inducted into Xavier’s Hall of Fame in 2003, was cadet colonel and captain of the football and basketball teams at Xavier. He became good friends with classmate Neil Dennehy ’39†, who introduced Tom to his sister, Ellen Dennehy Doyle P’69 ’70 ’72 ’75 ’77 ’79†. Tom and Ellen wed a few years later and went on to send six of their nine children to Xavier. Thomas Jr. ’69, Patrick ’70, Vincent ’72, Arthur ’75†, Brendan ’77 P’13, Denis ’79, their brother Martin, and their sisters Mary Ellen and Noreen grew up about a mile from Xavier. The Doyles were one of many Xavier families from the Stuyvesant Town neighborhood; they spent summers in Breezy Point. Because of their father’s love for and continued support of Xavier, the family always attended the Turkey Bowl—the historic Xavier-Fordham Prep football game played annually on Thanksgiving morning. Beginning in 1965, when Thomas Jr. first arrived on 16th Street, at least one Doyle brother graced the halls of Xavier for 14 consecutive years. On the influence Xavier’s Jesuit education had on him and his family, Patrick said: “I don’t remember the expression ’Men for Others’ being used in 1970, but that philosophy was exemplified by some of the greatest people I ever knew, such as Leo Paquin P’64†, Jim Dinneen, S.J.†, and John Foley.” Patrick remains close with many members of the Class of 1970, and he and his brothers continue to support Xavier’s mission. Brendan is a current Regent who served on the Board of Trustees at the time of planning Xavier’s expansion into Fernandez-Duminuco Hall. This year, he served as a member of Xavier’s Hall of Fame Nominating Committee. The Doyles also contribute to a scholarship fund in memory of their brother Artie, who passed away in 1998. The second generation of Doyles passed on the Jesuit tradition to a third, as Patrick’s daughter Kathryn attended two Jesuit universities, served with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Micronesia, and currently works in Brussels for the Jesuit Refugee Service of Europe. Brendan’s son Christian ’13 attended the College of the Holy Cross. “My family has spoken fondly of Xavier ever since I was a child,” Christian said. “I would always overhear my dad and his brothers retell stories from their Xavier years while I played on the shore in Breezy Point. Years later, I remember being accepted to Xavier and admitted to the Ignatian Scholars Program. I was proud to continue the family tradition and felt that, by doing so, I was expanding the Doyle legacy.”
XAVIER MAGAZINE 39
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Members of the Tweedy family in 2015
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Jim Creighton
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Rev. Elliott Robinson
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Chris O’Malley ’89 P’21 and his son, Robert O’Malley ’21
1982 Michael Fox serves as chief clinical director of Motion PT Group and enjoys serving the Xavier community through his company Star Physical and Occupational Therapy. Tim Tweedy P’15 wrote to share reflections about his family, whose Xavier story began with Tim’s father, James Tweedy ’48 P’70 ’71 ’74 ’78 ’82†. The Tweedy patriarch played football for Leo Paquin P’64† and enjoyed being a part of the Regiment. He later attended the University of Notre Dame with six of his Xavier classmates. His sons, Edwin Tweedy ’70, James Tweedy ’71, Thomas Tweedy ’74, Patrick Tweedy ’78, and Tim Tweedy commuted to Xavier from Floral Park. James ’48 drove what affectionately became known as the “Tweedy Bus,” collecting young Sons of Xavier from various houses in Floral Park and Bellerose in his VW bus on the way to the E or F train at Jamaica-179th Street Station. By June 1982, when he dropped his youngest son off one final time, “it was the Tweedy Toyota Corolla, but the man driving it was the same,” Tim recalled. “He would say in later years that one of his saddest days was dropping his youngest son off at 179th Street the last time. For 16 years, he said, he had the pleasure and honor to do this for his family, and then it was over. He never missed a day.” The legacy continues. Tim’s son, James Tweedy ’15, played football and rugby and participated in the Regiment at Xavier. He is a junior at The Catholic University of America. Joe Ryan P’19 ’21 has two sons on 16th Street—Stephen Ryan ’19 and Thomas Ryan ’21. Stephen and Thomas have three uncles and two great-uncles in their Xavier family tree: Frank Lynch ’52, Kevin Lynch ’61, Donald Ryan ’78, Neil Olshey ’83, and Michael Ryan ’90. 1983 John Cooper, his wife Christy, and their three children continue to enjoy life in Scottsdale, Arizona. Their eldest son, Casey, reapplied and was accepted to the United States Air Force Academy last year.
40 XAVIER MAGAZINE
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John Cooper and family
Mackenzie is a senior at Notre Dame Preparatory High School, while Jesse is a sophomore. 1984 Ken Thompson was recently appointed Vice President, Talent, for Keurig Green Mountain. 1987 Gajenda Bafana received a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree in 2015 and is employed as a pharmacist in South Carolina. His older son is attending the University of Michigan, majoring in computer science. Jim Creighton recently joined Furman Kornfeld & Brennan LLP as an attorney defending lawyers and other professionals in a variety of specialties. He previously served as a senior associate at Steinberg & Cavaliere LLP for 20 years in a similar capacity. In November, Creighton was elected as Town Councilman in the Town of Cortlandt in Westchester County after serving on the town’s planning board and comprehensive plan committees. He thanks all of his family and fellow Sons of Xavier for their encouragement and support of his campaign. Rev. Elliott Robinson launched the Creative Tension Podcast to give a voice to people and periods of struggle forgotten by history. By blending archival audio footage from Jim Crow survivors with commentary from top experts in race and culture, the Creative Tension Podcast fills in the gaps, highlighting little known facts, activists, and movements occurring from the end
of Reconstruction to the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement. 1988 Frank Luongo has retired from the Navy Seals after 20 years of service. He now lives in Houston, Texas. Eugene Szymanski lives with his wife, Brandi, and two children, Hudson and Nora, in Morristown, New Jersey. Pat Steffens P’11 ’12 ’16 ’20 is a 25-year veteran of the NYPD. He and his wife, Eileen Steffens P’11 ’12 ’16 ’20, are the proud parents of Pat Steffens ’11, Tim Steffens ’12, Marty Steffens ’16, and Greg Steffens ’20. His brother, Dan Steffens ’93, is a police officer in the Port Authority Police Department and a Xavier rugby coach. Pat ’11, a graduate of Florida State University, is now working as a commercial real estate advisor with Avison Young. Tim ’12, a graduate of Mount St. Mary’s University, is working for Strategic Financial Solutions. Marty ’16 is a sophomore at Loyola University Chicago, and Greg ’20 is a sophomore at Xavier. 1989 Christopher Spataro has been named managing partner of the Elkhart, Indiana office of Tuesley Hall Konopa LLP. Chris represents clients in civil litigation matters and offers legal counsel on assorted business, employment, and personnel issues. Chris O’Malley P’21 is the father of a Xavier freshman, Robert O’Malley ’21.
Class NOTES
2.
President’s Dinner
New York Athletic Club • September 26, 2017
1. 3.
5.
4.
6.
1. Executive Vice President Dan Dougherty, George Joost ’98, and Thom Devlin. 2. Gordon Wong P’19, Megan Moran P’21, Stella Wong P’19, and Joseph Moran P’21. 3. Francis Sulger ’60, Annette Sulger, and Angel Alcantara, Jr. ’18. 4. Faith Corcoran, wife of the late E. Peter Corcoran ’46†, and her daughter Carole Corcoran. 5. Jonathan Logan ’18 with Zach Presutti, S.J. 6. John Steger ’69 with Chris Cagliuso ’20, Kalif Cooper ’20, and Michael McManus ’20. 7. Mark Bealin ’76 and his wife, Bridget. 8. Michael and Michelle Flett P’20 with Patricia and John Flynn P’20. 7.
8.
XAVIER MAGAZINE 41
2.
Beefsteak Dinner
Xavier High School • January 12, 2018
1. 4.
3.
6. 9.
5.
7. 42 XAVIER MAGAZINE
8.
1. Members of the Class of 1964. 2. John Edwards ’97 and Philip Edwards ’94. 3. Colin Capello ’60, Jim Cuddihy ’60 P’85 ’86, and Bob Albracht ’60. 4. Members of the Class of 1967. 5. Members of the Class of 1983. 6. Jordan Elie-Vieux ’09, Jonathan Havlicek ’09, Thomas Dambro ’09, and Sean Ferguson ’09. 7. Sang Ho Kim ’89, Mike Lee ’89, and Frank Hidalgo ’89. 8. Richard Lustig ’92, Ray Lustig ’64 P’90 ’92 ’00, and John Lustig ’00. 9. Mike Tolkin ’85, Headmaster Michael LiVigni P’21, and Craig Scardapane ’08.
Class NOTES
1990
Andrew Garcia recently began working as the project executive for the final cap and closure of the Fresh Kills Landfill in Staten Island.
ther was John C. Lynch, Sr. ’31. Two of his brothers, my great-uncles Ed Lynch ’32 and Tom Lynch ’41, also graduated from Xavier. We skipped a generation, then we had my cousin Kevin Lynch ’89, his brother Brian Lynch ’93, and me. Five out of the six Lynches also went to Jesuit colleges: John (Fordham), Ed (Fordham), Kevin (Boston College), Brian (Fairfield, Fordham for his master’s), and myself (Fairfield). The Lynches were based in Park Slope, and my great-grandfather, who emigrated from Ireland, was the captain in the local NYPD Precinct. My grandfather, John C. Lynch, graduated during the Depression. My grandfather was the oldest child, and the value of education had been ingrained into the family’s heads. My great-grandfather, also named Ed, was able to send my grandfather to Xavier and Fordham University, so he in turn helped pay or paid for my great-uncles to attend Xavier and for Ed to attend Fordham University. My grandfather was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy and worked as a purchaser during World War II. The Navy sent him to take classes at Harvard and eventually at Fordham. His regular career was in marketing/advertising for the American Tobacco Company.”
Matthew Schwimer recently completed his MBA at the University of Maryland. He has four children and is active in the Boy Scouts as well as his church, Our Lady of Lourdes, in Dunedin, Florida.
John Shea and his wife, Bridget, bought a home in the Old Bridge area of New Jersey. They and their dog, Maple, are excited about the next chapter of life in a new state and town.
Francis Creighton is president and CEO of the Consumer Data Industry Association. In the fall, he testified before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection about the importance of the credit reporting system and securing consumers’ credit data. Ray Lustig is a professor of music at Juilliard. Last September, he presented a concert performance of Semmelweis, an opera he wrote, at the National Arts Club. 1993 CDR Christian Lee, USCG was inducted into the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Athletic Hall of Fame in October 2017. Lee played football and baseball and ran track at the Academy, where he was named the most outstanding senior athlete in 1997. He and his wife, Heather, live in Silver Spring, Maryland with their children Kinsey, Brendan, and Sophie. 1994
1995 John Fernandez is vice president of revenue marketing at Contently. He was recently honored as one of Direct Marketing News’ 40 Under 40. 1997 About 20 members of the Class of 1997 gathered at Forlini’s (93 Baxter Street at Canal Street) in Little Italy on Thanksgiving Eve, as they have for the past 17 years. All members of the Class of ’97 are invited. Lt. Adam Lynch, FDNY was honored as one of The Irish Echo’s 2017 First Responders of the Year. He is also part of a proud family of Sons of Xavier. He wrote: “My grandfa-
Stephen Stabile is a Senior Vice President at Merrill Lynch. He began his MBA at the MIT Sloan School of Management in September 2017. 2000 Dr. Benzon Dy has been appointed professor of endocrine surgery at the Mayo Clinic. He graduated from Georgetown Medical School in 2008, completed his residency at the Mayo Clinic, then did a fellowship in endocrine surgery there as well as a fellowship in advanced head and neck oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. 2001 Hans Augustave lives in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, and works at
BLUR as a digital video producer. BLUR, which will launch this spring, is a “messaging and mobile gaming app that rewards users for doing what they do every day.” Augustave also runs his own DJ company and plays frequently all over the East Coast, including the Hamptons during the summer. Kieran Wilhelm is marking 10 years with the FDNY in Ladder 6 in Chinatown. 2002 James Dowdell, FDNY served as the keynote speaker at the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund Gala on November 1. His father, Kevin Dowdell P’01 ’02†, was a firefighter who perished on September 11, 2001. Last summer, the New York Daily News highlighted the younger Dowdell after he bravely descended a 200-foot elevator shaft at a Brooklyn Con Edison plant to rescue four men.
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Francis Creighton
’93
Christian Lee
2003 Segun Akande starred as Obina in The Homecoming Queen, a world premiere production at the Atlantic Theater Company, this winter. His other recent acting credits include stints on ABC’s Quantico and Netflix’s Burning Sands. Akande, a graduate of Duke University, lives with his wife, Lucy. MAJ David Del CuadroZimmerman, USA graduated from Columbia University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science with an MS in Operations Research and the School of International and Public Affairs with an MPA in Economic Policy Management.
’03
Segun Akande
Rich Greco has been promoted to group design director at Droga5. 2005 After serving six years in the United States Marine Corps, Steven Elman moved back to Virginia Beach and is currently supporting the Marine Corps Intelligence Schools as the Deputy General Military Intelligence Subject Matter Expert. Steven and his wife, Heather, have a 15-month-old daughter named Kaylah Rose.
XAVIER MAGAZINE 43
’07
’09
The Chiaia, Barone, and Verrengia cousins
Jose Miranda
2007 Dr. Joseph Caputo works in the field of urologic surgery at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Medical Center. The family of CPT Michael Chiaia, USA shared a photo and a note about their Xavier story. Six cousins have walked the halls of 16th Street in recent years, includ-
ing Michael, Stephen Chiaia ’09, John Chiaia ’13, Nick Barone ’16, Anthony Barone ’19, and James Verrengia ’20. 2009 Jose Miranda was named head coach of the Yeshiva University men’s cross country team in February. He previously served as the assistant coach of the men’s
and women’s cross country teams at Yeshiva, and he is the co-founder of Educated Running, a network of coaches who train runners across the United States. Miranda lives in the Bronx and is pursuing a law degree at Columbia Law School. 2010 Vito Calise has been working as a producer for the Bennington Show
Alumni Profile time in the Marine Corps, I realized that Xavier had planted the seeds that eventually drew me to serve after college.” He currently works as a recruiter and trainer for Valley Behavioral Health, a nonprofit in Salt Lake City that provides services for people suffering from addiction and mental health issues. Pat attributes his passion for his work to the emphasis on service to others instilled in him at Xavier. Paul attended Syracuse University, where he first earned a bachelor’s degree and subsequently a law degree. He is an attorney at the global law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, where he supports the general counsel’s office on issues concerning risk management, business development, and
THE DIMOHS
Patrick and Paul Dimoh ’01
By Kyle Stelzer ’13 In the summer of 1996, Paul and Patrick Dimoh ’01 enrolled in Xavier’s Higher Achievement Program as well as basketball camp, beginning the first of many commutes to Chelsea from their home in Ozone Park, Queens. Born 17 minutes apart, the Dimoh twins attended the same schools up until college, always supporting each other through thick and thin. “When we were applying to high schools, I don’t think there was any other school we wanted to go to except Xavier,” Paul said. “Our mother had a lot to do with that, because she appreciated Jesuit education and wanted a school that would help instill discipline.” Both Paul and Patrick were members of Xavier’s JROTC Program, among other clubs and sports. After graduating from Xavier, Patrick attended Hartwick College and
conflict resolution. Also influenced by Xavier’s call to service, Paul volunteers at Kidogo, a social enterprise that improves access to high-quality, affordable early childhood care and education in parts of Kenya. With all of their successes, the Dimoh brothers still remember where they came from—as evidenced by their continued support for Xavier and for Ozone Park. A few years ago, they told a young neighbor, Justin DeoPaul ’16, about Xavier. DeoPaul, who had dreamed of West Point since the fifth grade, was particularly drawn to the Dimohs’ descriptions of Xavier’s Regiment and the values it espouses. Influenced by his older neighbors, DeoPaul came to Xavier, achieved the rank of cadet colonel of the Regiment, and entered the United States Military Academy at West Point—a sign, among others, of the Dimoh brothers’ continued impact on Xavier’s mission. “Overall, Xavier helped me to grow in my faith, character, and intellect,
earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations. Interested in the
all of which make up who I am as a person,” Paul said. “Considering the
experiences of people in other countries and influenced by his time in the
opportunity I had to be part of a learning community made up of diverse
Regiment, he then entered the United States Marine Corps Officer Program,
students from across the Tri-State region, it broadened my perspective in a
achieved the rank of Captain, and served in multiple capacities, including his
way that continues to inform how I approach my work as a lawyer—and life
leadership of a Marine platoon abroad. On his successes, Pat said, “During my
in general.”
44 XAVIER MAGAZINE
Behind the Scenes at the Vatican By Shawna Gallagher Vega In his role as Director of Development at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Loual Puliafito ’00 regularly comes in contact with prominent New Yorkers and visitors from around the world. But it was his role as friend that brought him to the center of Catholic life last fall when he traveled to the Vatican for a Baptism celebrated by Pope Francis himself. Puliafito, his wife Daniela, and their children, Lyla and Loual, often socialize with the family of Adrián Pallarols, an Argentinian silversmith who met Francis when the Pontiff was serving as Archbishop of Buenos Aires. In 2015, Pallarols made a special chalice Pope Francis used when he celebrated Mass at Madison Square Garden. They remain in close contact, with Pallarols considering the Holy Father to be his second father. Visiting the Vatican with the Pallarols family was revelatory. Pope Francis greeted them personally, taking special care to ask Francesca, Pallarols’ 8-year-old daughter, to help with the Baptism of her 1-yearold brother, Mateo. “It was beautiful to see the way he was involving her in the spiritual sacrament for her brother,” Puliafito said. During the service, Puliafito’s and Pallarols’ sons crawled around the altar. Known for his love of children, Francis commented, “If only we could all enjoy Mass like these two little boys are!” After the Baptism, Puliafito spoke to Pope Francis. Wearing his Xavier lapel pin, he brought the Holy Father gifts from 16th Street and asked him to bless items he later brought back to New York. Francis, a Jesuit himself, was excited to hear about Puliafito’s connection to Xavier and Fordham University. “It was so much like every personal experience I’ve ever had with a Jesuit,” Puliafito said. “It was very intimate—there was no pomp and circumstance. He was just a friendly pastor. A pastor who cares.” 1. Pope Francis blessing a cross to be taken back to New York. 2. Francis with Puliafito’s son, Loual. 3. Francis with Puliafito’s daughter, Lyla. 4. Francesca Pallarols with Pope Francis.
1. 3.
2. 4.
’12
’12
Alex Perez, left, with Director of Campus Ministry Kaija DeWitt and Director of Ignatian Service Programs Greg Stelzer ’11
Jake Jaffee
on Sirius XM Radio for more than two years. Sean Kelly is in his second year at St. John’s University School of Law, where he is the managing editor for the St. John’s Law Review. James Tarrant joined the first Broadway national tour of Amazing Grace the Musical. 2012 Jake Jaffee is currently finding success as a high fashion model after signing with the Brooklyn-based modeling agency Anti Management. He was featured in five presentations during New York Fashion Week Men’s (NYFWM) in July 2017. While in Washington, D.C. for the 2017 Ignatian Family Teach-in for Justice, Director of
Campus Ministry Kaija DeWitt and Director of Ignatian Service Programs Greg Stelzer ’11 visited Alex Perez, who works for New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez. Perez is a graduate of The Catholic University of America. 2013 After graduating from Fordham in May 2017, Tim Kelly began working at the dental office of Dr. David Forlano ’80. Michael Autovino is the morning meteorologist and co-anchor at KPVI News 6 in Idaho. He graduated from Rutgers University with a bachelor’s degree in meteorology.
KNIGHT SHOP campusstore.xavierhs.org S tock up on your Knight pride at the Xavier campus store. 46 XAVIER MAGAZINE
’17
Nicolas Gonzales
2015 Anthony Chillo is a junior at SUNY Cortland. He recently earned spots on the Principal’s List and Dean’s List and was inducted into Tri-Beta, the biology honor society. Jack DeFuria, a junior at New York University, is the co-founder of Bolt. The adaptive learning platform aims to address educational inequalities with custom-paced courses, starting with SAT prep. 2016 Matthew Ingenito was promoted to the rank of Eagle Scout at a dinner in December. Fordham News profiled Justin Westbrook-Lowery, now a sophomore at Fordham College at Lincoln Center, in late January.
Westbrook-Lowery is a political science major and a member of Bronx Community Board 9, which supports the Bronx River, Castle Hill, Clason Point, Harding Park, Parkchester, Park Stratton, Soundview, and Unionport communities. 2017 Nicolas Gonzales continues playing rugby for the Syracuse Hammerheads after four years playing the same sport at Xavier. Brandon Sapienza was recently hired by BlueLineStation.com as a contributor covering the New York Rangers in what is the beginning of a career in journalism.
SAVE 15% on all online, non-uniform purchases through May 31 with the code XAVIERALUMNI
SAVE THE DATE John Connorton, Esq. ’61
Michael Ford ’63
Hall of Fame Dinner 2018
Photo: Robert Essel
Hon. Edward McLaughlin ’63
LtGen John Toolan, USMC (Ret.) ’72
Steven Vincent, Esq. ’75
John Duffy ’78
Brian Moroney
October 26, 2018 • 6 p.m. Pier 60 at Chelsea Piers www.xavierhs.org/hof2018
XAVIER MAGAZINE 47
UPCOMING EVENTS Golden Knights Reunion Luncheon Boston Reception April 27, 2018 May 2, 2018 5th through 25th Reunion (Classes of ’13, ’08, ’03, ’98 and ’93) April 27, 2018
50th Reunion Weekend (Class of ’68) June 1-2, 2018
30th through 45th, 55th, Graduation and 60th Reunion at St. Patrick’s Cathedral (Classes of ’88, ’83, ’78, ’73, ’63 and ’58) June 14, 2018 April 28, 2018
For the latest event updates, visit xavierhs.org/events.
Blew Smoke Alumni Mixer March 8, 2018
After a successful St. Peter Claver Day event devoted to student and faculty discussions about diversity and inclusion, Director of Alumni Relations Zane Massey ’96 hosted an alumni mixer at Brooklyn’s Blew Smoke (owned by Gloria Blake P’17). “It was great to connect with alumni in such a relaxing and welcoming environment,” Massey said. “I hope we can continue to build on events like this in order to strengthen our alumni network and increase participation. Our alums play a pivotal role as brand ambassadors and supporters of Xavier’s mission.”
48 XAVIER MAGAZINE
Class NOTES
Eric Gutierrez ’02 with his wife, Karol Espejo, his parents, and his brother, Tony Gutierrez ’97
Fionnuala O’Leary and Ciaran O’Hara ’06
Alexander Sal Rivas
Milestones WEDDINGS
BIRTHS
Former Director of Admissions Antonio “Tony” Gutierrez ’97 married Angela Vargas at the Church of St. Francis Xavier on November 11, 2017. Former Headmaster David Ciancimino, S.J. ’77 officiated. Eric Gutierrez ’02, Tony’s brother, served as best man, and Fabrizio Coduri ’97 and William Poultney ’97 were groomsmen.
Stephen Anderson ’71 welcomed a grandson. Michael Moresco ’82 welcomed a granddaughter, Juliette Ella Moresco. She joins her brother, Benjamin, and her parents, Dan and Laura Moresco. Mark Morison ’86 and his wife, Kate, welcomed Austin Robert on April 19, 2017. Austin joins his sister Juliet and brother William.
On June 22, 2013, Eric Gutierrez ’02 married Karol Espejo. His brother Tony Gutierrez ’97 served as best man, and Ariel Guerrero ’02 and Joseph JeanBaptiste ’02 were groomsmen.
Peter Duffy ’94 and his wife, Meghan, welcomed their son, Declan James, on November 4, 2017. Mom, Dad, and big sister Nora could not be more thrilled.
Neil Sorrentino ’02 married Kimberly Steib on September 22, 2017.
Matthew Hickey ’94 and his wife, Brigette, welcomed Theodore on February 15, 2016.
Ciaran O’Hara ’06 married Fionnuala O’Leary on January 29, 2018.
Matthew Frank ’97 and his wife, Victoria, welcomed Emma Claire on August 22, 2017.
Nicholas Di Lorenzo ’05 married Heather Cloran in Boston, Massachusetts on November 18, 2017.
Stephen Stabile ’97 and his wife, Francesca, welcomed their first son, Leonardo, in November 2017.
Kevin Reinhart ’99 and his wife, Megan, welcomed their second child, Katherine Doris, in June 2017. Kieran Wilhelm ’01 and his wife, Andrea, welcomed a daughter, Emma Wilhelm, on October 27, 2016. Patrick Herbert ’03 and his wife, Lauren, welcomed Liam Patrick Herbert on October 5, 2017.
Grace Catherine Long
Salvador Rivas ’03 and his wife, Jessica, welcomed Alexander Sal Rivas on November 12, 2017. Anthony Rogone ’03 and his wife, Shannon, welcomed twin girls, Sarah Catherine and Elise Michelle, on October 25, 2017. Michael Long ’06 and his wife, Alexandra (who works as Assistant to Xavier Headmaster Michael LiVigni P’21), welcomed Grace Catherine on October 17, 2017.
Leonardo Antonio Mannino
Angelo Mannino ’08 and his wife, Melissa, welcomed a son, Leonardo Antonio, on December 4, 2017.
RJ Peterson ’05 married Lizzie Stein on June 3, 2017 at the Church of Christ the King in New Vernon, New Jersey. They are both graduates of The Catholic University of America. Katherine Doris Reinhart
Emma Claire Frank
Kieran Wilhelm ’01 and family
XAVIER MAGAZINE 49
in memoriam
50 XAVIER MAGAZINE
ALUMNI Dr. John J. Welsh ’32, 1/10/18 Peter Roe, Jr. ’37, 2/5/18 Ed Brown ’39, 6/15/17 Francis Mascola ’40, 2/10/18 Thomas M. Quinn ’42, 8/1/17 George Christman ’43, 2/2/18 Joseph Peter ’43, 2/4/18 Rev. James P. Clark ’44, 3/12/17 Donald W. Connolly ’44, 11/19/17 James F. Cooke ’45, 7/21/17 William Nolan ’45, 1/3/18 Walter John Sullivan ’45, 7/9/17 Joseph McNulty ’46, 1/2/18 Michael Marrone ’47, 4/9/16 William Peragine ’47, 12/7/17 Joseph Pospisil ’47, 2/27/15 Carl Hausheer ’48, 1/5/18 John Coughlin ’48, 10/19/17 John Clancy ’48, 7/1/17 James E. Tweedy ’48 P’70 ’71 ’74 ’78 ’82, father of Edwin Tweedy ’70, James Tweedy ’71, Thomas Tweedy ’74, Patrick Tweedy ’78, and Timothy Tweedy ’82 P’15 and grandfather of James Tweedy ’15, 1/20/17 Leo Dohn ’49, 2/17/18 James A. O’Malley ’49, 10/24/17 Gerard Nappy ’49, 9/9/17 Richard A. Byrnes ’50 P’74, father of Gregory Byrnes ’74, brother of John J. Byrnes III ’49†, and son of John J. Byrnes II ’25 P’49 ’50†, 9/23/17 Paul Reilly ’50, 8/18/17 Rev. Edward Lynch, S.J ’51, 11/17/17 James B. O’Brien ’51, 8/26/16 Richard T. Watson ’51, 11/3/15 Albion Fitzgerald ’52, 1/29/18 John D. Methfessel ’53, 9/8/17 Thomas Stavola ’53, 1/1/18 Joseph Ernest Fuhr ’54, 8/28/17 Edwin Farrell ’55, 7/13/17 Thomas Hasselmann ’55, son of Thomas Hasselmann ’32 P’55†, 9/10/17 Edward J. Sullivan ’55, 7/2/17 Roger F. Dehney ’56, 2/10/18 Richard T. Monahan ’56, 10/17 Charles Mullen ’56, grandfather of John Shea ’97, 9/2/17 Brian Rogers ’56, 9/30/17 Robert Scanlan ’57, 12/5/17
Robert Davis ’59, 1/23/18 George Hindy ’59 P’87, father of Gregory Hindy ’87, 9/13/17 John C. Spiegel ’59, 10/1/17 John P. Walsh ’59, 4/29/17 Francis Cangemi ’61, brother of Charles Cangemi ’63 and Paul Cangemi ’64, 9/29/17 Thomas J. Edwards ’61 P’85 ’87 ’94 ’97, father of William Edwards ’85, David Edwards ’87 P’17, Philip Edwards ’94, and John Edwards ’97 and grandfather of Matthew Edwards ’17, 8/15/17 John Buonasera ’63 P’89 ’94, father of Ashley Buonasera ’89 and Bradford Buonasera ’94, 2/7/18 Christopher Mooney ’63, brother of Roger Mooney ’65, 2/9/18 Francis O’Connell ’63, 2/16/18 Gerard Phelan ’63, 6/21/17 Dr. Joseph Rando ’64 P’02, father of Lee Rando ’02, 3/12/18 Edward Chin ’65, 7/11/17 Luke Burke ’65, 4/30/17 Peter Burke ’66, 12/23/07 Michael Dalessio ’66, brother of John Dalessio ’63, 1/16/18 James Brassel ’68, 10/22/17 James “Jay” O’Neill ’70, brother of Colin O’Neill ’80, 1/30/18 Stefan J. Gladyszewski ’71, brother of Joseph Gladyszewski ’73, 1/8/17 Peter Konopka ’74, brother of John Konopka ’72, 8/30/17 William Delgado ’77, 12/4/17 Christopher J. Vagra ’79, 8/30/17 John J. Nolan ’82, 10/7/17 Reginald Ossé ’82, 12/20/17 Alex Munt ’89, brother of Eric Munt ’93 and uncle of Max Rohrbacher ’18 and Nicholas Rohrbacher ’20, 11/23/17 Joseph Leff ’94, 10/2/17 Eric Della Fave ’04, brother of Thomas Della Fave ’99, 11/2/17 PARENTS Marjorie Merrow, mother-in-law of Ron Lofaro ’55, 2/23/16 Mary Piderit P’60 ’61 ’70 ’76 ’77, mother of Fred W. Piderit III ’60, Rev. John J. Piderit, S.J. ’61, Francis X. Piderit ’70, Edward P. Piderit ’76, and Thomas I. Piderit ’77, 1/15/18
Eleanore Klejna P’64, mother of Dennis Klejna ’64, 10/10/17 Dorothy Green P’67, mother of Gary Green ’67, 2/3/18 Vincent Saputo, father-in-law of Michael Puglisi ’68, 10/14/17 Bernadette Deily P’70, mother of Donald O’Brien ’70, 1/2/18 Therese De Luca P’70 ’75, mother of Matthew De Luca ’70 and Christian De Luca ’75, 9/21/17 Teresa O’Connell P’71, mother of Brian O’Connell ’71, 8/17/17 John Moran P’72 ’73 ’74 ’76 ’87, father of John Moran ’72, Michael Moran ’73, James Moran ’74, Patrick Moran ’76, and Joseph Moran ’87, 7/1/17 Matthew Ferguson P’76 ’77 ’82, father of Matthew Ferguson ’76, Terence Ferguson ’77, and Timothy Ferguson ’82, 8/26/17 Catherine Dwyer P’76 ’87, mother of Joseph Dwyer ’76 and James Dwyer ’87, grandmother of Seamus Dwyer ’20, and aunt of John Hopeck ’76, 12/29/17 Eugene Goldner P’77 ’79, father of Mark Goldner ’77 and Bruce Goldner ’79, 8/24/17 Edward Andrews P’78 ’82 ’85 ’86, father of Edward Andrews ’78, Christopher Andrews ’82†, Michael Andrews ’85†, and Paul Andrews ’86, 2/17/18 Mary Scott P’79 ’84, wife of former faculty member Jim Scott P’79 ’84† and mother of James Scott ’79 and Daniel Scott ’84, 3/11/18 Anthony Rossiello P’82, father of John Rossiello ’82, 8/15/17 Katherine Rossiello P’82, mother of John Rossiello ’82, 3/1/18 Mary Sweeney P’82, mother of John Sweeney ’82, 7/16/17 Luisa T. Gonzalez P’86, mother of Anthony Gonzalez ’86, 2/6/18 Alice Dunne P’89, mother of Patrick Dunne ’89 P’18 and grandmother of Patrick Dunne ’18, 11/2/17 Susan Enright P’91, mother of Paul Enright ’91 and grandmother of Michael Minogue ’18, 12/8/17 Camille Manfredo P’92, mother of Robert Manfredo ’92, 9/4/17 Eileen Geaney P’96, mother of David Geaney ’96, 2/1/18
Vittorio De Angelis P’08, father of Diego Pasca P’08, 7/25/17 Surinder K. Dell’Aguzzo P’09, mother of Mario Dell’Aguzzo ’09, 7/24/17 Desmond Gillespie P’18, father of Conor Gillespie ’18, 12/18/17 Dianna Carnival P’20, mother of Robert Carnival ’20, 12/23/17 SPOUSES Judith C. Borst, wife of Dr. Bill Borst ’61, 10/8/16 Rosemary Callaghan, wife of Brian Callaghan ’58, 12/27/17 Patricia Gallagher, wife of John C. Gallagher ’55, 12/27/17 Debra Sepko, wife of Ed Sepko ’70, 7/16/17 Geneva M. Walsh, wife of John F. Walsh ’39, 11/15/17 FACULTY AND EXTENDED FAMILY Carlyle Atherton, father of faculty member SFC Wayne Atherton, USA (Ret.), 2/1/18 Rev. John P. Bucki, faculty member from 1982–89, 9/2/17 Richard Hartnett, former faculty member, 7/9/17 John Hughes, father-in-law of faculty member Una Hughes, 10/19/17 Margaret Langlois, mother of former Director of Advancement Services Helene Strong P’99 ’04 and grandmother of Matthew Strong ’99 and Luke Strong ’04, 9/6/17 Vincent LaSelva, mentor to Xavier band members during the 1960s, 10/9/17 Donald J. Malvica, father-inlaw of faculty member Steven Iannuccilli, 12/15/17 Rosie Ragoonanan, mother-inlaw of faculty member Freddy Nowbath John Rogers, father of Xavier Business Office staff member Anne Rogers, 12/4/17 Joyce Stein, mother of faculty member MSG Clifford Stein, USA (Ret.), 9/21/17 Thomas Stevens P’83, father of faculty member Christopher Stevens ’83 and grandfather of faculty member Megan Stevens, 12/13/17
XAVIER MAGAZINE 51
Back STORY
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“Xavier Creates Brothers” By Martin Steffens ’16
Xavier has always played a big role in my life. From countless Turkey Bowls to calling my uncle (Dan Steffens ’93) “Uncle Six” based on his Xavier rugby position, to learning the fight song before I was in middle school, 16th Street is a part of my family, and I knew welcoming arms would await me there. At Xavier, I became part of something much larger than myself. My teachers pushed me to become a better student. My teammates pushed me to become a stronger athlete. I was able to become myself—or to feel that process starting. That’s something no one can take for granted. I was also able to connect on a much deeper level with my brothers Pat Steffens ’11, Tim Steffens ’12, and Greg Steffens ’20. We’re able to talk about anything, and one of our favorite topics of conversation is Xavier. There is definitely something special about that. Like everyone else who has walked Xavier’s halls, I graduated having learned some incredible life lessons. Of course, discovering limits using epsilon and delta in Ms. Kristin Matroni’s calculus class was one of them—especially as I attempt to earn a bachelor’s degree in mathematics—but there are deeper lessons taught at this school. My teachers and coaches taught me to take accountability for my actions. That sentence, while it is easy to write, takes some brainpower to comprehend. Accountability, according to Merriam-Webster, is “an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions.” Now, the first time I walked JUG (and I know many people share this feeling), I felt like someone was out to get me. I was angry—not at the fact that my shirt was untucked, but that I was caught with my shirt untucked. But from that point on, I took pride in how I walked the halls and how I carried myself when I took the train to and from school every day. It goes back to what Joe McGrane P’20 expects of his players—before every basketball game, we showed up in shirt and tie, even if it was Saturday. This requirement made a lasting impression on us. We wore “the X” while we were on the court, as well as getting to and from games—and beyond. Accountability is the single best trait I developed at Xavier. Now I’m the older brother giving advice to my younger brother Greg, a sophomore. I look back on my days on 16th Street and give my best “When I was your age…” speeches to him. I look back with a bittersweet feeling because my time at Xavier was so precious to my development as a person. But the Xavier experience lives
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on through a strong, close-knit alumni network—the brothers beyond my family. Even though I don’t see my classmates every day like I used to, I’m still able to talk to them about anything. This is something I also see at my new school, Loyola University Chicago. Some of my closest friends are from Jesuit high schools because we all have such similar backgrounds. We met through Loyola Rugby, a program not as competitive as any of our high school regimes, but one in which we are all able to excel as leaders because of our shared history of great coaching, teaching, and learning “people skills.” Another Xavier graduate, Brian Burke ’14, and I have grown close over my nearly four semesters at Loyola. My relationship with him is another reason I want to stay connected to Xavier. Of course, the Beefsteak Dinner is something my father, uncle, and older brothers rub in my face (for only a little while longer), and I cannot wait to reconnect with all of my classmates then. But what Brian showed me is that I don’t want to lose my relationships that stem from Xavier. I don’t only want to be in touch with my classmates once a year. Xavier creates brothers, even ones outside our family. So when I was asked to write this article, I was so incredibly honored. Xavier has given so much to me, and for that I am forever grateful.
Greg ’20, Pat ’11, Dan ’93, Pat ’88 P’11 ’12 ’16 ’20, Tim ’12, and Marty ’16
1931
FROM THE ARCHIVES
In his San Francisco home, Bob Scavullo ’60—son of Victor Scavullo ’30 P’60†, nephew and godson of Stephen Duffy, S.J. ’31†, and grandson of Stephen Duffy 1886 P’31†— oversees his own personal Xavier archives. Among his belongings (what he hasn’t already donated to the official Xavier Archives, that is) are his father’s academic medals for Latin and mathematics and a copy of the younger Stephen Duffy’s graduation program. The program reveals what was then the school song—“Xavier Hail.” “Dad told me that the line ‘Allegiance to Country, God, and Xavier’ grated on some folks. They thought it should read ‘Allegiance to God, Country, and Xavier,’” Scavullo recalled. “Gotta get your priorities right.”
l i a H r e i Xav
! s; Hail , r re u ail, ie v o v e f a e r p b ! X ill ant i w Hail l s a e v son . ine, wer h Thy t IER o V h e e A b w n i X e r ll and hos nsh e wi e D v l O o As t l G l i Our earts w UNTRY, h O to C Our E C d AN trie EGI d L L n a A ier; ue e, v r d i a t r X s r p ar dier d he r de n o Sol a f n joy now , e r Her y. old g b n i lor o t g s s a h t l i it d, spir hol Won ed w r r o i e t e s ov Th es u ey c r h i t p ch Ins whi d l fie ! ; The Hail , e us r il, r e a i v o v e f pr be , Xa ill ant i w Hail l s a v , son . ere w hine e Thy t o VIER h e A b w n i X l e r d h il hos ens D an ve w l O o As t l G l i Our earts w UNTRY, h o CO t Our E ANC EGI L L A
Victor Scavullo ’30 P’60†
Stephen Duffy, S.J. ’31†
Bob Scavullo ’60
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