Xavier Alumnews: March 2009

A LU M N E W S O F X AV I E R H I G H S C H O O L

MARCH 2009

Pride, Service, Tradition X AV I E R I N N E W YO R K

Xavier cadets marching in a parade on New York’s 5th Avenue.

In this Issue 6 The Amazing Fantastic Gridiron Wayback Machine The 2008 season was a dramatic one, and the Xavier Knights had their share of the limelight. Tom O’Hara ’69 took a break from his notorious online newsletter to contribute to Alumnews!

20 The 2008 Xavier Hall of Fame Dinner A wonderful night at Pier 60 with remarkable guests and honorees helped raise over $90,000 for the Ignatian Scholars Program. See pictures from the event and learn how to nominate someone who has personified the service of God, his or her neighbors, and our national or civic communities.

The Young Alumni Reception, November 26, 2008.

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23 Pride, Service, Tradition: Xavier in New York Xavier has been tied to many New York events and our students have been part of the city as it grew around 16th Street. Our students and graduates have impacted this city in ways you may have never known.

D E PA R T M E N T S 1 2 3 16

President’s Message From the Headmaster News from the Quad New Faces at Xavier

MARCH 2009 Vol. 12 No. 1

XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL Rev. Daniel J. Gatti, S.J. ’59 President Michael LiVigni Headmaster

34 Class Notes 38 Mileposts 40 From the Advancement Office

Joseph F. Gorski Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations Mark A. Mongelluzzo, Esq. Director of Annual Giving Michael L. Benigno ’00 Managing Editor of Alumnews Director of Alumni Relations and Public Information Loual Puliafito ’00 Director of Emerging Alumni Constituencies, Web Communications and Planned Giving.

The Xavier homecoming game.

Barbara Ciulla Advancement Office Manager Norma Piecyk Administrative Assistant to the President and to the VP for Advancement

Contributing Writers Mr. Tom O’Hara ’69

Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations

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Photography

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The 2008 Turkey Bowl Football Rally, November 26, 2008.

Tony Correa The Xavier Yearbook staff Alumnews, the Xavier High School magazine, is published three times a year by Xavier High School.

Correspondence and address changes should be mailed to: Alumnews Managing Editor Xavier High School 30 West 16th Street New York, NY 10011-6302 Or by email to benignom@xavierhs.org

Helene Strong Parents’ Association Coordinator

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Mr. Frank Gregory pulls the winning 50/50 ticket at the 2009 Beefsteak Dinner.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Coping with Adversity: A Lesson from Xavier’s Founder

Dear Alumni, Parents and Friends, We are all inundated these days with reports on the domestic economy as well as the global economy that leave us troubled, fearful, angry and even depressed. As we try to cope with the adversities of the day, we wonder if things can get any worse. And almost on queue, the next day’s news brings more trials and tribulations. We don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, and even wishing to see that light, we still fear it may be another oncoming train!

With 162 years of history, it’s hard to imagine that the venerable institution which is Xavier High School came within a hair’s breadth of disappearing, just five months after Fr. John Larkin, S.J. opened its doors at 40 Elizabeth St., in the bustling 14th Ward of 1847 New York. He had come down into the city from Fordham in the county of Westchester in the earlier part of that year. At the request of Bishop John Hughes who had invited a group of Jesuits up from Kentucky to run his fledgling St. John’s College, Larkin was a man on a mission: to start a church and a school in the city. He stayed at the Old French Catholic Church on Canal St., made inquiries for property in the neighborhood, and prayed intently for the success of his mission. With the financial help of a recently arrived Frenchman who did not trust the banks, in June he was able to purchase from the Fourth Universalist Society a church building on Elizabeth St., near Walker St. There were rooms on the ground or half-basement level of the building, and while that same French benefactor (who was an artist) painted the interior of the church in a catholic style, the rooms were prepared as classrooms. Giving its name,“the Church and School of the Holy Name of Jesus,” Larkin and seven others welcomed the young scholars in the early part of September. Five months later disaster struck on the Saturday evening of January 22, 1848. Due to a faulty newly installed furnace, a devastating fire reduced the church and school to ruins. For Larkin, it was as if his whole world had literally come crashing down upon him. All his work for the church and school, all the bright promise of 120 young students and the high hopes of their parents, now shattered and gone up in smoke.

The proverbial “other shoe” dropped the next day. Larkin’s Father Superior had hastily come down from Fordham upon hearing the terrible news, and after giving what comfort he could, and assessing the state of affairs, told Larkin and the others they had neither a church nor a school; they had better pack up and return to Fordham. Larkin was a rotund, imposing man, thoroughly dedicated to his endeavor; someone of slighter emotional stature may have called it quits. But to the Superior’s astonishment, Larkin explained that he had made arrangements at the nearby parish of St. James; the fathers would help there and at the French Church in their sacramental duties, and the school’s classes would be held in the basement of St. James. Remarkably, classes were held on Tuesday, a mere three days after the fire. With nothing less than true grit, Larkin had acted boldly. He was not one to let economic worry or external circumstance extinguish his prayer or his dream.

Xavier’s roots to the life and growth of the city run deep. Wedded then and wedded now to the educational needs of metropolitan New York, we collectively owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Fr. John Larkin, S.J., and ought to take a lesson from him; for without his faith, his efforts and his actions in a time of great crisis, Xavier would not exist.

God bless you always,

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

MARCH 2009

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FROM THE HEADMASTER

A Call for Accountability Dear Alumni and Friends of Xavier High School, Each February, we gather as a school community for a Spring Honors Assembly. At this assembly, we recognize those students who have achieved honor or distinguished themselves in some manner during the past marking period. We also induct students into the National Honors Society. This is one of many proud days at Xavier, and a time where I ask our students to reflect on their performance not only in the classroom, but in their lives.

The economic pall that has covered our City and indeed our nation is a source of some concern to our students. They are keenly aware of what happens outside of the walls of Xavier, and this is exactly what we want to develop in them. It has never been our way to teach students to disengage from problems or the world, but to do the opposite and boldly embrace those problems in the hopes that some day they will find a solution to them. In my closing remarks at the assembly, I told our students that they might have noticed that over the past few months our nation and our world seems to be at a crossroads, and that we face an economic crisis that has not been witnessed in a generation.

I reminded them that millions have lost their jobs and homes; millions of families are suffering, and fear and uncertainty seem to have gripped our city and our nation. I told them that while Xavier is not immune to the events unfolding—and indeed many of our families are facing personal crises because of the state of the economy—that we as an institution are well-positioned to weather this storm.

When faced with a crisis of these proportions, it is easy to succumb to fear; it is easy to lose sight of what is important and to sink into despair. But this can also be a time for us to renew and rethink the way that we approach the world and our lives. Abraham Lincoln wrote in the midst of the Civil War that “the dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew.”

It is becoming clear that the world has changed with this economic crisis and I reminded our students, particularly our seniors, that they will soon enter a world where the old rules don’t seem to apply. I encouraged them to think anew and I reminded them that it is easy for people to ignore the consequences of their actions when they choose not to reflect on how their actions will affect others; that it is easy to pass blame for individual mistakes, instead of identifying the mistake, admitting to it and learning from them; that it is easy to engage in dishonesty without realizing that dishonesty diminishes the individual and destroys community. And perhaps worst of all, it is easy to settle for mediocrity in a world that does not expect much from them.

At Xavier we strive every day to remind our students that these are not the kind of men that they are called to be, and that we want them to become men who are honest, men who work hard, men who stay focused and men who are true to who God calls them to be.

I told our students that it is unfortunate that our society seems to be satisfied with a culture where “doing your best” is the end of striving.This is not what we want Xavier students to settle for, and I am not convinced that teenagers know what their “best” is yet. We want our students to be extraordinary. This does not mean that they should set an impossible standard for themselves, but instead we want them to push themselves to grow, and, above all, to claim responsibility for their education as they become men of integrity.

Xavier students are taught to be open to growth so that when they leave us and enter a world wrought with challenges and problems they will stand out as men who will meet those challenges and have the ability to steer our world in a different direction.

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MIKE LiVIGNI Headmaster

News from the

Quad

IN BRIEF: NBC’s Mike Gargiulo ’77 spoke to a group of graduates gathered at the third Xavier Briefcase Breakfast.

WNBC’s Michael Gargiulo ’77 speaks at Briefcase Breakfast

Students and Staff witnessed the Presidential Inauguration in the Xavier gymnasium.

Xavier’s third Briefcase Breakfast networking event took place September 19, 2008 at Merrill Lynch’s 5th Avenue Financial Center, where about 40 alumni gathered to meet and hear from Emmy Award-winner Micheal Gargiulo ’77, co-anchor of WNBC’s “Today in New York” morning show.

Mr. Gargiulo spoke about the rise in his career in journalism, from his work on several mid-Western television news programs, through the path that led him to NBC in 2006. Mr. Gargiulo worked at stations in Huntington, WV, Scranton, PA, Louisville, KY, and Minneapolis, MN before being hired as weekday morning news anchor for WTTG-TV, in Washington, D.C. His 2007 reports,“Our Troops, Your Neighbors” and “Women in Combat,” earned him an Emmy Award after traveling on assignment to the Middle East for NBC. At the event, Mr. Gargiulo recounted an assignment for KSTP-TV, in Minneapolis, when he traveled to Iwo Jima with Chuck Lindbergh, retired U.S. Marine, for the 50th anniversary of the raising of the flag on Mount Suribachi. Mr. Lindbergh was the last living member of the original unit of flag raisers.“We were in the same spot where he made history 50 years earlier,” Mr. Gargiulo recalled,“and I asked him ’Chuck, how does it feel to be back here?’ And all he said was ’Well, it was a bloody one,’ just like he was commenting on the weather. All I could think was the power and emotion of this trip back in history 50 years later had just gone right out the window!”

The Briefcase Breakfast series brings New York-area alumni together for a brief presentation and networking session to encourage business and professional development within the vast web of Xavier graduates.

If you are interested in hosting or attending a future event, please contact Loual Puliafito ’00 at 212-924-7900 x1611 or at puliafitol@xavierhs.org.

New members were recently welcomed to Xavier’s Board of Trustees.

Students and members of the Minority Alumni Council gathered in the student library.

A group of dedicated graduates spoke to Xavier juniors on Career Day 2008.

Xavier’s JROTC received many distinctions over the past few months.

The 2008 Commencement Ceremony recognized last year’s fine graduates!

The Xavier Business Council was founded and held an inaugural event.

MARCH 2009

Top: WNBC’s Mike Gargiulo ’77 speaking at the Xavier Briefcase Breakfast networking event, September 19, 2009. Bottom: Fr. Gatti with Mike Gargiulo ’77 at the Briefcase Breakfast.

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News from the Quad

Inauguration New Trustees Welcomed to the Board Day at Xavier and Abroad On January 20th, 2009, students, faculty, and staff were invited to the Xavier gymnasium to watch the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Students lined the bleachers during the ceremony, which took place between mid-term exams, while at the same time, recent graduate, Eric Saa ’05 attended the inauguration ceremony in Washington D.C. along with a group of 5,000 Congressional Youth Leaders. Later that same day, Mr. Vincent Vargas, Xavier faculty member, attended the Mid-Atlantic States Inaugural Ball along with Frank Creighton ’90 and Frank’s wife, Julia.“It was an extraordinary experience to be part of this historical day,” Eric wrote.

Xavier High Schools welcomed five new members to its Board of Trustees this year, adding even more talent and dedication to the group of generous men and women that shape the future of our institution.

In an investment career that has spanned 35 years, John Meditz ’66 re-joined Xavier’s Board of Trustees this year,. He is currently the Chairman of the Board and Treasurer of Palisades Medical Center and is also Chairman of the Center’s Foundation, which is working to meet a Capital Campaign goal of raising $8 million. Mr. Meditz serves as Chairman of the Weehawken Planning Board, and is a Trustee and Treasurer of the Weehawken Public Library. In May 2008, he received the Outstanding Philanthropist award from the New Jersey Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Horizon Asset Management, which he founded and serves as Vice-chairman, manages roughly $30 billion in assets.

Mr. Meditz had previously served as a Trustee and Chairman of Xavier’s Finance Committee.

Michael Ford ’63 had previously served a six-year term on Xavier’s Board of Trustees, also serving as Vice-Chairman.

In addition, he has held membership or leadership roles on Xavier’s Executive Committee, Advancement Committee and Hall of Fame Committee. For over 30 years, Mr. Ford worked for Seagram Company, Ltd., serving as vice-president of Americas Duty Free and vice president of its International Customer Group and previously holding several regional, national and international marketing

and sales positions.

For the past four years, Jennifer Mussi has served as Assistant Dean for Student Leadership and Community Development at Fordham University Rose Hill Campus. She previously spent six years as Director of Student Activities and New Student Orientation for Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus and has also worked for several other New York area colleges. Ms. Mussi holds a B.A. degree from Fordham University, a Masters degree from New York University and recently returned to Fordham University to complete her Doctor of Philosophy in 2008.

Joseph Muriana Esq. ’71 is Associate Vice-President for Government & Urban Affairs and Special Counsel at Fordham University. In addition, Mr. Muriana serves as Director of Fordham’s Office of Government Relations and Urban Affairs, overseeing the University’s relations with local City, State and Federal levels of government. Previously, he served as executive director of Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Association, Inc., a neighborhood and church-based community organization involved in neighborhood renewal and community redevelopment and as Professional Community Organizer for the same organization.

Francis Tirelli ’70 is chairman and CEO of Deloitte & Touche Italy, and previously served as vice-chairman and West Region regional managing partner of Deloitte & Touche. In the past, he was chairman and CEO of SummitView Group, and was CEO and president of Herbalife.

Top: Students and Xavier staff gathered in the Xavier gymnasium. Bottom: Vincent Vargas, Xavier faculty, with Frank Creighton ’90 and Frank’s wife, Julia, at the Mid-Atlantic States Inauguration Ball.

Pictured here, seated (l.-r.) Miguel Fittipaldi ’75, John Draghi ’63, Richard Nolan ’83, Board Chair, Fr.Dan Gatti, S.J.’59, Xavier president, John Meditz ’66, Board Vice-chair, Fr. Arthur Bender, S.J.; standing (l.-r.) John Duffy ’78, Frank Tirelli ’70, Fr. Vincent Biagi, S.J. ’67, Brendan Doyle ’77, Joseph Muriana ’71, Daniel Rodriguez ’58, Fr. Pierce Brennan, S.J., Xavier rector, Robert Robotti ’71, and Michael Ford ’63. Not pictured: Francis Comerford ’73, Fr. Robert Grimes, S.J. ’70, Kevin McLaughlin ’74, Jennifer Mussi, Ph.D., Fr. Joseph O’Hare, S.J.

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News from the Quad

MINORITY ALUMNI COUNCIL bridges the gap between grads and students The Xavier Minority Alumni Council (MAC) held a reception on the evening of January 29th to unite minority alumni with current members and leaders of three student groups, the African-American Cultural Club, the Asian-American Society and the Latin-American Club.

Held in the student library, the event is unique because it afforded the opportunity for alumni to interact directly with some of Xavier’s finest students while taking part in casual conversation and professional networking.

“The Xavier Minority Alumni Council unites Xavier alumni and current students and reminds students and younger alums of the importance of remaining in touch with, and giving back to Xavier,” said Mark Mongelluzzo, Esq., Xavier’s Director of Annual Giving. "The MAC program makes students aware that every young man who spends four years walking the halls on 16th Street

Mr. Eric Lamar Rivers, Mr. Mark Mongelluzzo, Xavier Director of Annual Giving, Ken Jean Baptiste ’11, Nicholas Chinman ’09, Mr. Oscar King, Xavier faculty, Errol Francis ’80, and Don Hooper ’97.

has his own unique story, and that, taken together, each student’s story completes the mosaic of Xavier’s rich and proud history.”

Three graduates, Dion Baez ’01, Don Hooper ’97, and Dan Rodriguez ’58 spoke to the group about their experiences at Xavier and in the work world, touching upon everything from difficult employment experiences to the importance of maintaining Xavier

connections and realizing which college assistance programs minority students should be aware of. Also unique to this gathering, each attendee introduced himself or herself and spoke briefly about life at Xavier.

For more information on the Minority Alumni Council or to participate in a future event, please contact Mr. Mongelluzzo at 212-924-7900 x. 1436 or at mongelluzzom@xavierhs.org.

Students and Alumni unite: CAREER DAY 2008 This year’s speakers included:

Maj. Geoffrey Cole ’97 addressing students on Career Day.

Over a dozen dedicated alumni were back in the building on November 7, 2008 to speak to members of the Junior class at Xavier’s annual Career Day. The speakers were asked to explain what led them toward their respective professions as our Juniors are beginning their college search and are in the position to make early decisions on their future careers.

Students heard from Vlad Wolynetz ’88, vice president of production, series and movies at AMC, who contributed the keynote address, speaking on his time at Xavier, the start of his career, and his work on hit television series such as Mad Men and Breaking Bad. Mr. Wolynetz won Emmy Awards for Broken Trail (2007), best miniseries, and Mad Men (2008), best drama.

In collaboration between the Guidance Department and the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations, Juniors chose three lectures they wished to attend, and alumni speakers used props, videos and presentations to explain their careers in interesting, entertaining ways.

Evan Barnes ’93 News and Sports Photography, New York Post

Daniel McCarthy, Esq. ’71 Chief Trial Counsel, Bronx District Attorney’s Office

Geoffrey Cole ’95 U.S. Army; Dean of Admissions at West Point Prep

Charles Mulham ’84 Special Agent, ATF

Hon. John Countryman ’50 U.S. Ambassador (Ret.) to Sultanate of Oman Pete Dowling ’68 U.S. Secret Service (Ret.), Sr. VP Security at AXA Equitable Gerry FitzGerald ’58 Aviation Engineering, Pres.

Aviation Perspectives Dominick Gadaleta, M.D. ’78 Gastrointestinal Surgery, North Shore University Hospital

Dan Rodriguez ’58 Montoya-Rodriguez Architects Joseph Sexton ’77 Metropolitan editor at The New York Times Michael Sheehan ’66 FOX News Robert Sica ’74 United States Secret Service Stephen Stabile ’97 Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor Vlad Wolynetz ’88 Emmy Award-winning TV Series Producer

If you are interested in speaking at an upcoming Career Day event, please contact Mike Benigno ’00 at 212-924-7900 x.1435 or benignom@xavierhs.org.

MARCH 2009

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by Tom O’Hara ’69

When Xavier head football coach Chris Stevens ’83 convened his coaches and players last August, he knew that his team had their work cut out for them.

His 2007 Knights had been, quite simply, among the best Metropolitan New York and Northeast U.S. titles and finished 2-1 at the ever to have worn the Maroon and Blue. Running out of the classic single wing offense—better known around 16th Street National Championships.

And rugby or not, all the football as The Amazing Fantastic Gridiron Wayback Machine—Coach players met at 7:00 a.m. three mornStevens’ own Four Horsemen had rushed for 3,681 yards and ings a week from January to June, 42 touchdowns and scored 410 points—the most in Xavier to lift weights together. The result, history. Buttressed by a defense that yielded less than 18 Coach Stevens said, was “the points a game, they had won more games (10) than any strongest team that Xavier has ever Xavier team before them. fielded.”

Of the 48 players accepted That team had also secured their place in Xavier football onto the varsity roster following legend. After winning the Catholic High School Football mini-camp last June, 36 benchLeague A-Division regular-season title, the 16th Street Kids pressed at least 225 lbs., and 33 had stormed through the playoffs to the championship game, could leg squat 405 lbs. or better. where they met longtime nemesis St. John the Baptist.

Best of all, when the team was tested Trailing the Cougars 27-14 with just 7:20 left, the Knights again in August, all of them were went on a rampage, scoring 31 points to stun Baptist 45-33 hoisting more iron than when they and capture Xavier’s first CHSFL championship in 11 years. had left for summer vacation.

Just five days later—and for the second year in a row—Xavier When the 2008 season finally began, The Amazing upset a Fordham Prep squad fresh from winning the CHSFL Fantastic Gridiron Wayback Machine was already in midseason AA-Division title. form.

Xavier steamrolled St. Peter’s, Cardinal Spellman and Now the Knights were moving up to the AA-Division, Bishop Ford by a combined score of 138-58 to go 3-0 but three of Xavier’s Four Horsemen had moved on. Only in September.

Seamus Kelly ’09 As in 2007, St. John the Baptist handed Xavier its only remained from Xavier’s regular-season loss, 49-44, in yet another of the high-scoring championship season. barn-burners that have come to mark this fierce rivalry. The Graduation had also left Knights bounced back, though, crushing Cardinal Hayes some big cleats to fill on 86-42 and beating Moore Catholic 37-12 in a game in which the other side of the ball. the first team retired to the bench in the second quarter.

Coach Stevens and his Xavier overran Kellenberg Memorial and Christ the King staff were confident, howby identical 46-12 scores to finish the regular season 7-1 ever, that their returning and win the AA-Division title.

Under the CHSFL’s new playoff veterans, reinforced by format, the Knights now found themselves pitted against last year’s 6-2 JV team, AAA-Division opponents in the postseason. were up to the challenge.

That was fine with the players and their coaches.They were There is no such thing a tough, confident bunch and welcomed the opportunity to as an “off-season” at 16th test themselves against the league’s top-tier teams. What they Street. Most of the footdidn’t appreciate was that the AAA-Division schools had ball players had played been awarded home field advantage in the AA-Division’s in the spring for a Xavier Kelly rushes for 182 yards and 3 TDs own tournament.

The Knights, 13-1 on their home ground rugby team that won the on Opening Day. 6

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at Brooklyn’s Aviator Field over the past three seasons, would have to go on the road in their quest for a second straight playoff title.

First up were the Lions of Monsignor Farrell. Despite a chilly November rain, so many of the Xavier faithful followed their team to Staten Island that they outnumbered the hometown crowd. Despite loud rock music played over the public address system that threatened to drown out our fans, an outsized Xavier squad took it to the Lions early and then fended off a ferocious Farrell counterattack to win 30-27.

Next stop: Long Island, where the Knights took on Holy Trinity High School in the playoff semi-finals. A pre-season AAA-Division favorite, the Titans had gotten off to a disappointing start, but had come on strong in the second half.

They had demolished Fordham Prep 63-39 in their regularseason finale and then handily dispatched their first-round

playoff opponent. Although their record was just 7-5, Holy Trinity scored 362 points in 2008. Apart from Xavier, only AAA-Division champion Iona Prep and runner-up St. Anthony were more lethal than the Titans.

Once again, the Xavier faithful, including scores of alumni, braved the rain and wind to support the Maroon and Blue, but although the Knights outscored the Titans in the first quarter 8-7, the Amazing Fantastic Gridiron Wayback Machine that had befuddled and then run over the opposition all season long could not gain traction in the mud. Meanwhile, Holy Trinity’s straight-ahead attack pounded a Xavier defense whose front seven was giving up better than 50 pounds per man to the aptly-named Titan offensive line.

In the second quarter, the Knights finally crumbled under Holy Trinity’s relentless ground assault, giving up 21 unanswered points to fall behind 28-8 by halftime. The Titans

It has become a Xavier tradition to sing the fight song after every score, and by the time this game was over, the Titan players would know the words by heart.

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The Thanksgiving rivalry between Xavier and Fordham Prep is the oldest in New York City...and over 5,000 fans showed up for this year’s meeting... resumed the offensive in the third quarter, scoring again to go up 35-8.

Refusing to panic, the Kids from 16th Street regrouped and dug in while their coaches worked furiously to plug holes on defense and jump start the offense. Xavier managed to close the gap to 35-16, only to see the Titans strike back minutes later. As the fourth quarter began, the score was 42-16 Titans and the Fat Lady began clearing her throat.

And that’s when the Amazing Fantastic Gridiron Wayback Machine began sputtering back to life just as the Xavier defense finally shut down Holy Trinity’s offense. The Knights, especially Famous Seamus Kelly, were not yet ready to go gently into that good night. Not by a long shot.

Kelly, who had scored all 16 Xavier points so far, scored again from 14 yards out and then converted for two. Holy Trinity 42, Xavier 24.

The Knight defenders, playing with a ferocity born of desperation, soon retrieved the ball for The Famous One, and not long after that, Kelly punched it in from a yard out.

Again he converted for two. Holy Trinity 42, Xavier 32.

The momentum had shifted, and in the stands behind the Holy Trinity bench, Father Gatti’s parishioners smelled blood. They recalled last year’s championship game and were sure that history was about to repeat itself. As an old Simon and Garfunkel song put it:“Excitement kissed the crowd and made them wild.” It has become a Xavier tradition to sing the fight song after every score, and by the time this game was over, the Titan players would know the words by heart.

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Once again, the Xavier D, playing like men possessed, turned back the Titans and returned the ball to their brethren on the Xavier O, who once again drove to the Holy Trinity goal line. Everyone in the house knew whose number Coach Stevens would call, but it didn’t matter. With less than 2½ minutes remaining in the game, Kelly plunged over the goal line from a yard out for his fifth touchdown of the day. Holy Trinity 42, Xavier 38.

Holy Trinity’s defense stiffened and stopped the twopoint play, and now the game— and Xavier’s championship hopes— had all come down to the ensuing kickoff. It says something about Xavier football these days that the Knights and their fans were confident, even now, that victory would be theirs.

But there would be no miracles on this rainy Saturday afternoon. The Titans recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock. AAA-Division Holy Trinity would move on to the AA-Division Championship Game, where they demolished AAA-Division Stepinac 55-7.

The Knights could be forgiven if they had gone home and sulked about what might have been had the regularseason AA champions been awarded home field in their own division playoffs and played this game on Aviator’s artificial turf field. But that’s not their style— and besides, the team had an appointment to keep up in the Bronx.

The Thanksgiving rivalry between Xavier and Fordham Prep is the oldest in New York City and one of the oldest in the nation, and over 5,000 fans showed up for this year’s

Xavier tops Bishop Ford 47-20 in "The Fog Bowl" at Aviator Field while Parents, Faculty and Alumni enjoy the action.

The Knights were the highest-scoring team in New York State with 493 points, seventh in the nation in rushing and, for the second straight year, the top rushing team in the state with 4,401 yards. meeting, which was telecast by the MSG Network in a special holiday edition of The High School Game of the Week.

For the first time this season, the Knights were held scoreless in the first half as AAA-Division Fordham Prep, coming off a disappointing playoff loss of their own, mounted a stellar defensive effort against the most explosive offense in the CHSFL. Twice the Rams stopped Xavier drives deep into Fordham Prep territory to go ahead 14-0 at the intermission.

Once again, the Kids from 16th Street came alive in the second half. Seamus Kelly ran for two touchdowns and a two-pointer to tie the game at 14-14, but the Rams scored immediately afterward. Kelly scored again— and Fordham Prep came right back with a TD of their own.

Then Xavier’s designated thrower Matt Safko ’09 hit Kelly for a 46-yard touchdown pass to close the gap to 35-28 with just 2:16 left in the season. But once again, the crucial onside kick failed and Fordham Prep took possession.

Moments later, the Rams caught a Xavier defender out of position and sealed the Knights’ fate with a 46-yard touchdown run. Final score: Fordham Prep 41, Xavier 28.

Although their season ended on a disappointing note, the Knights finished 8-3 and won the AA-Division season title while leading the entire CHSFL in scoring, rushing and total yards per game. Only AAA-Division Champion Iona Prep had more power points (144.29) than Xavier (134.29).

The Knights were the highest-scoring team in New York

State with 493 points, seventh in the nation in rushing and, for the second straight year, the top rushing team in the state with 4,401 yards. That’s 400 yards and 45 points a game, folks.

Opposing coaches could not stop the Amazing Fantastic Gridiron Wayback Machine, only outscore it. Unfortunately, a hard-hitting but inconsistent Xavier defense allowed 40-plus points in four games this season, including all three losses.

To relate all the accomplishments and the records of this year’s Knights—especially Famous Seamus Kelly, the greatest running back in Xavier history—would require many more pages. For the complete story—including terrific action photos, game and season stats, CHSFL Player of the Week citations, and articles from all the major newspapers and sports websites, including Sports Illustrated and ESPN—visit the Xavier Football webpage, and click on the game scores listed on the 2008 schedule.

Tom O’Hara ’69 is a former player and coach and has been writing about Xavier football since 2004.To subscribe to Mr. O’Hara’s epic e-newsletter, Xavier Football & Rugby Alumni News (It’s free!), e-mail him at kiddsback@aol.com

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News from the Quad

Cadets earn honors and are reaching for more In one of the busiest times of year for members of Xavier’s JROTC program, nearly every group within the regiment reached a considerable degree of accomplishment and was preparing for upcoming events.

Competing in Brigade Competition at Francis Lewis High School, the X-Squad precision drill team took first in Armed Exhibition Drill against eight other New York City Army JROTC high schools while earning second place in Armed Platoon Basic Drill and third in Armed Platoon Inspection.

Overall, Xavier’s cadets took second place to Francis Lewis.

Lt. Col. Roy Campbell, Xavier’s senior army instructor, wished to invite all graduates in the Maryland area to see the X-Squad face Francis Lewis again on the weekend of April 2nd at the Army Nationals in Landover, MD. The Raiders recently “corded” several new team members.

The highly coveted black Raider cord, worn by a cadet on the full dress uniform, is a distinction that recognizes exceptional physical fitness. Col. Campbell remarked that the Raiders have established excellent team camaraderie and are wellprepared for both the New York City Commander’s Cup set for March 21st and this spring’s Brigade Competition, set for April 25th, at Fort Dix, NJ. In January, the Rifle Team finished first place in the Brigade Precision class at Open Competition and qualified for the National JROTC Marksmanship Tournament, giving freshman Teddy Perretti the chance to display his skill when he achieved the highest score of the team.

The Regimental Academic Team captured second place at the New York City Academic Bowl in January and, in addition, two cadets, Cadet Lt. Col. Giancarlo Rindone ’09 and Cadet Lt. Col. Christopher Pagan ’09, earned appointments to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY, and to the U.S. Naval Academy Prep School, respectively.

Seven Band Members volunteered to perform at the Seventh Regimental Armory for a New Year’s Day Commander’s Reception. Each of the six Generals in attendance complimented the superb musicianship and showmanship of the Xavier Men: Senior Brian Doyle, Juniors Evan Espinoza, Michael Perrin, and Alex Whiteaker, Sophomores Eric Gonzalez, Larry Schober, and David Thomas. The Commander’s New Year’s Reception is an annual military custom, and the Xavier septet transformed this traditional first-class affair into a lively and memorable send-off for members of the Seventh Regiment as they prepare to deploy to Iraq next month. The Saber Guard represented the Regiment faithfully and honorably at the annual Children’s Leukemia Friendship Ball on February 6th, at Chelsea Piers.

Finally, senior cadets are preparing for their annual Military Ball, held at Fort Hamilton Officer’s Club, in Brooklyn. The formal evening is an exciting event for seniors and their dates, who are feted with flowers, corsages, fine food and music.

For more information, contact Lt. Col. Campbell at campbellr@xavierhs.org.

Corrections to the 2008 Annual Report Thomas F. O’Brien, Jr., M.D. ’49 was acknowledged in error for his 2008 Annual Fund contribution under the Xavier Society contribution level, but should have been acknowledged under the President’s Council contribution level.

James Brennan ’92 was overlooked in error, but should have been acknowledged in the 2008 Annual Report for his $500 contribution to the Xavier Annual Fund. James has now contributed annually for twelve years in a row!

Nicholas T. Jackman ’46 should have been identified as a member of the Class of ’46 in the “Honor and Memorial Gifts” section of the Annual Report. We apologize to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jackman P ’86 for this error.

John Gyves, M.D. ’66 was erroneously identified as a member of the Class of ’61 for all gifts donated in his memory to the Dr. & Mrs. William Gyves Scholarship in the “Scholarships & Restricted Gifts” section of the Annual Report.

Brian B. Horan, ’59 was overlooked in error, but should have been acknowledged in the 2008 Annual Report for his $1,500 President’s Council level contribution to the Xavier Annual Fund.

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News from the Quad

Xavier Honor Displayed at Commencement 2008

Xavier’s 166th Commencement exercises took place on June 12, 2008 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, celebrating the fine achievements of 216 Xavier seniors from the Class of 2008 before hundreds of guests, family members and the Xavier community.

The evening was full of elegance, class, and grandeur, as the stately St. Patrick’s stood, for even just an hour or two, for our graduates and honorees, and for them alone.

Those in attendance heard from several speakers, including Dave Anderson ’47, Pulitzer Prize-winning sportswriter for The New York Times, who gave the commencement speech, empowering graduates to set goals for themselves and be bold enough to go out and achieve them, posing the question,“Who will be the next big guy?”

Accomplished seniors Brendan Roche, valedictorian, Donato Quartuccia, salutatorian, were recognized at commencement and offered their respective speeches.

Mr. Quartuccia recalled the first day of freshman classes four years earlier, a rainy morning where a group of nervous, naïve young students gathered together for the first time. His speech went on to urge his classmates to remember the experiences that brought them to the place they are in, and to take those experiences with them in their future endeavors.

Mr. Anthony Paolozzi, Mr. Kenneth Sidlowski ’71, and Mr. Christopher Stevens ’83 were honored with Bene Merenti awards, in recognition of 20 years of service to Xavier, and their merits were voiced before those gathered.

Fr. Dan Gatti ’59, Xavier president, receiving the Insignis Medal for his service to Xavier.

CLASS OF 2008 HONOREES INCLUDED: The Rev. Vincent A. Taylor, S.J. Gold X Award Joseph Corbisiero The Gold Medal for General Excellence Brendan Roche The Silver Medal for General Excellence Donato Quartuccia The Bronze Medal for General Excellence Gianluca LaManno The Christopher L. Fagan Award Daniel Fortuna The George M. Carney and Helen D. Carney Memorial Award Michael O’Donnell The Rev. Joseph Latella, S.J. Award Stephen Moccia The Joseph P. Lombardo Memorial Award André Henriquez III The Barney Keller Mathematics Scholarship Award Paul Kiernan and Aadit Patel The Matthew J. Burke Memorial Award Gerald D’Arco Jesuit Secondary Education Association Certificate James Lynch and Andrew Kozak The Manhattan College Medal Samuel Joseph

The Silver Medal in Computers and Technology John Giachetta The Silver Medal in Art Kevin Keenan The Silver Medal in Music Matthew Bevilaqua The Modern Language Medal in Spanish John Ripollone The Modern Language Medal in Italian Stephen Moccia The Modern Language Medal in French Winston Wong The Latin Medal in Memory of Rev. Joseph Shea Nicholas Colalella The Donald G. Cooke Medal Carlos Galletti Lance Corporal Michael D. Glover Memorial Medal Michael Kipp The Science Medal in Memory of Rev. Hippolytus DeJuynes, S.J. Donato Quartuccia The Campbell Historical Medal Brendan Roche The Michael J. O’Donnell Mathematics Award Steven Delianites The English Medal in honor of Clarence Ramsey Brendan Roche The Religion Medal in honor of Bridget and Patrick Mooney Brendan Roche MARCH 2009

— ALUMNEWS

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News from the Quad

The Xavier Business Council: A Call for Leadership

Kevin McLaughlin ’74, Co-chair of the Xavier Business Council, welcoming guests to the inaugural event in September 2008.

Business professionals from 35 firms gathering together in one room on a day in September might sound simply like a conference of sorts, but when one considers that that room was the Xavier student library and those professionals were all Xavier graduates, the significance of the event begins to shine through.

The Xavier Business Council held its inaugural event on September 10, 2008 and will act as a point of business referrals, career counseling, mentoring, and social networking. Co-chairs Kevin McLaughlin ’74 and Joseph Genovesi ’78 organized the event, inviting alumni from all occupations with the hope of developing leaders who will guide the Council, further develop its mission, and plan future events.

The Trustees established the council as the organizational vehicle to develop collaborative relationships and foster greater synergy between Xavier and its alumni in the New York metropolitan area business community.The council is the outgrowth of similar successful

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endeavors of numerous Jesuit universities throughout the country which recognize New York as a center of business and commerce and have engaged their New York regional alumni through focused professional programs.

“It was very exciting to see the enthusiasm of alumni as we reached out to Xavier business leaders across industries, professions and age groups when forming the council,” Mr. McLaughlin said. In a recent email, Kevin wrote: I particularly would like to thank Mike Puglisi ’68, senior managing director at the Blackstone Group and Tom Russo ’61, former vice-chairman at Lehman Brothers for co-hosting, speaking and making our inaugural event so successful.

Xavier alumni are very prominent in the business community, and it was interesting to watch CNBC recently one morning with Wilbur Ross ’55 the studio guest, followed by Tom

Russo ’61 interviewed from Switzerland, with the segment concluding with Art Cashin ’59 commenting from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. A sweep for the boys of 16th Street!

With the current economy, the need for a vibrant council is more important than ever.The goal is Xavier alums working with and helping other Xavier alums.

I think the council can be very successful, and in the Jesuit tradition we share a common set of values and intellectual curiosity.We also want to help current Xavier students, the next generation of alumni, through the support of the academic merit-based Ignatian Scholars Program, which is funded by the net proceeds of our Hall of Fame dinner every other year.

For more information on the council, email xbc@xavierhs.org.

Taking Xavier Green: Economic and Environmental Savings through increased Paperless Communication.

This year, the advancement office is beginning a project called ’GO Xavier.’ GO Xavier is a plan to change the way we communicate with our Alumni using less paper. Our initial goal is to send the Xavier High School Annual Report electronically to 50% of our Alumni base. That means if 50% of our Alumni sign up by May 1st providing a current email address, the Annual Report will be emailed to those alumni rather than sending the hard copy. If you choose to sign up for GO Xavier, you are choosing to start reducing both your paper and Xavier’s paper usage.

As a community it is very important that many lines of communication are available.

For Go Xavier to flourish, it is important that Xavier is updated with your contact information as soon as it changes. The Advancement Office has already taken steps to help make this process easier for you. Several months ago we hired PCI to make our new Alumni Directory which coincides with Xavier proactively trying to update your information. All

future annual fund solicitations mailed to your home will allow you to view and correct your contact information which we keep on file. The Xavier Alumni Website is another tool that will help you and your fellow alumni instantly. When you update your information online, you are also updating the Online Alumni Directory and Xavier’s database. This will help keep you in touch with your fellow Alumni and Xavier in touch with you.

Since 2003, each publication and mailing of the Alumnews and the Annual Report has been followed with an electronic version, PDF, posted on our alumni website. This summer we hope to post issues of the Alumnews and the Annual Report, published prior to the Fall of 2003 in the archives maintained on our website.

We hope you will take the time to fill out the information below or sign up online at www.xavierhsalumni.org/paperless

To read the rest of the article about “Going Paperless” please visit www.xavierhsalumni.org/paperless.

If you would like to receive ONLY a digital copy of the Annual Report this year, please sign up online at www.xavierhsalumni.org/paperless or email puliafitol@xavierhs.org

The Xavier High School

25th Annual Golf Outing Westchester Hills Golf Club May 19, 2009 9:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:50 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

6:15 p.m.

Registration Brunch Buffet/Driving Range Shotgun Start Putting Contest Finals JBC Final Round for $50,000 Cocktail Reception and hors d’oeuvres Dinner/ Awards/ Raffles

Register online: www.xavierhsalumni.org/golf09

Packages

Maroon Package - $1,700 Includes 1 Foursome, 1 Tee Sponsorship, and an acknowledgement in our Annual Report

Golf - $350 Includes 1 golfer, Brunch, Gifts, Snacks & Beverages on the course, Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and Dinner.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Event Sponsor - $5,000 Includes a Foursome, recognition signs naming the tournament (The Your Business Name 25th Annual Xavier Golf Outing), a Jesuit Sponsorship, and an acknowledgement in our Tournament Program and Annual Report.

Dinner Sponsor - $3,000 Includes 2 golfers, a recognition sign at the tournament and an acknowledgement in our Tournament Program and Annual Report.

Brunch Sponsor - $2,500 Includes 2 golfers, a sign at the tournament and an acknowledgement in our Tournament Program and Annual Report.

Cart Sponsor- $2,000 Includes 1 golfer and an acknowledgement in our Tournament Program and Annual Report.

Sponsor a Jesuit - $350 Adds a Jesuit golfer to the outing and includes an acknowledgement in our Tournament Program and Annual Report.

Golf Shirt Sponsor - $3,000 Talk about advertisement, your Company Logo will be printed on all the Golf Shirts, a recognition sign will be posted, and an acknowledgement will appear in our Tournament Program & Annual Report. Foursome also included.

Hole/Tee Sponsor - $400 Includes 1 tee sign and an acknowledgement in our Annual Report.

Your participation and support in the auctions, raffles, and sponsorships greatly contributes to the growth of financial assistance programs so that we can continue to serve a diverse student body!

O R L A N D O VA C AT I O N R A F F L E A 3-day vacation getaway for two people with deluxe accommodations at the Ginn Reunion Resort & Spa in Orlando, Florida.

Name: __________________________________________ Class of: ___________ Address: ____________________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________ Email: __________________________ n Enclosed is my check made payable to Xavier High School for $_____________

$50 per ticket

(Winner need not be present; you will be notified by Xavier) www.xavierhsalumni.org/golfraffle09

n Please charge my credit card. n Mastercard n Visa

Card # ___________________________ Expiration ________________________

Please return Joe Gorski, Vice President for Advancement this form to: Xavier High School 30 West 16th Street New York, NY 10011-6302

Annual Fund Update: A Call to Altruism Dear Alumni , Parents, and Friends of Xavier,

“We ask that any of you who sit on Foundation Boards or are otherwise affiliated with a philanthropic institution whose mission aligns well with Xavier, to kindly contact Xavier.”

As frigid temperatures continue to envelop the City of New York and snow blankets the sidewalks here on 16th Street, the work of the Xavier Advancement team is heating up. For 2009, Xavier has set an ambitious Annual Fund goal of $2,150,000 and we have attained 55% of that goal— but with only a few months left in our fiscal year ending June 30th!

These are times of extreme economic stress and uncertainty, and many families throughout the New York metropolitan area, including current Xavier parents, are uncertain of their financial security. Some economists have gone so far as to refer to these times as “The Great Recession” and Xavier is not immune to these economic currents. Xavier’s 2009 Annual Fund is presently running approximately 20% behind where we were last year at this time entering the final fiscal year quarter. We remain cautiously optimistic, but we need your help!

When I accepted the position of Director of Annual Giving back in October, I did so in the knowledge that I was joining a tradition with a rich and storied history—and an institution with a profound dedication to its mission of educating young men of promise and conscience; “men for others” who leave Xavier ready to take the helm and lead. Xavier has not disappointed me. Whether meeting alumni at the Hall of Fame, Beefsteak or Phonathon, or passing an Ignatian Scholar in the hallway discussing Greek mythology with his friends, I can attest that the great Ignatian spirit is alive and well at Xavier. The Xavier you remember, or have come to know over time, still very much exists.

Xavier’s Annual Fund keeps this spirit alive.

The Fund is a non-restricted source of revenue earmarked to pay for operating expenses that cover the daily costs of running a top-tier Catholic preparatory school: all the expenses incurred in recruiting, hiring and retaining top faculty and administrators; the costs of maintaining, operating and enhancing our music, art, drama and “gold star” JROTC programs; as

well as the funds to provide financial aid for students in need. The Annual Fund also helps shrink the gap between the actual cost to educate a Xavier student ($14,200) and the tuition and fees charged ($11,200). In Fiscal Year 2008, Xavier Alumni, parents and friends collectively contributed $2,500,000 to the Annual Fund. Let me take this opportunity to again thank all of you for your continued, generous support!

If you have already contributed to the 2009 Annual Fund, Xavier thanks you. If you have not, we ask that you consider making Xavier one of your top philanthropic goals. We know and understand that these uncertain economic times have touched many in the Xavier community, but if you are fortunate enough to have weathered the economic storm of the past several months in good stead, we ask you to consider increasing your last gift by 10%, or if you have never given before, to consider a gift of at least $10 per year since you graduated from Xavier. For those of you in a Reunion year (Classes ending in ’4 and ’9), we hope you consider a gift which reflects the quality of your years at Xavier. Everyone can make a difference—no matter the size of the gift, and Xavier is extremely grateful.

Finally, as we consider other sources of revenue to fund valuable programs, increase our endowment and financial aid, or maintain and improve our physical plant, we ask that any of you who sit on Foundation Boards or are otherwise affiliated with a philanthropic institution whose mission aligns well with Xavier, to kindly contact Xavier—either myself at 212-924-7900, x. 1436 or Joe Gorski at 212-337-7539. Your input and suggestions for possible foundation funding would be extremely welcome.

Together, with your help, Xavier can forge ahead—“ad majorem Dei gloriam.” But we need you—Men of Xavier, Parents of Xavier, Friends of Xavier—now more than ever before!

For Xavier,

Mark A. Mongelluzzo, Esq. Director of Annual Giving

MARCH 2009

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New Faces at Xavier It’s another year, and there is another new set of faces here at Xavier! Alumnews began profiling new staff members in the February 2008 issue, and the initial piece received lots of positive feedback.

The faculty and staff at Xavier have the most contact with our students, and it is important for our alumni to be introduced to them. Here, six new members of the Xavier community respond to questions in their own words, giving a look into their individual perspective of life on 16th Street.

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SFC Anthony Adams JROTC

George N. Cannizzaro, S.J. Religion

William Martino English

Where are you from?

I grew up all over. I was an Army brat.

I received my Associate’s degree in Administration of Justice, and served 20 years in the U.S. Army.

Where are you from?

I grew up in suburban Chicago and in Arizona. I attended Benet Academy in Lisle, IL, for high school and then went on to study theology and classics at Fordham University, graduating in 2003. Three months later, I entered the Jesuits at our novitiate in Syracuse, NY. As a member of the Society of Jesus, I completed my graduate studies in philosophy this past spring at Loyola University Chicago.

Where are you from?

I grew up in Waterbury, Connecticut.

The youngest of three, I left CT and received a BA in English and Medieval Studies from Fordham (’04). After graduating, I served for two years with the University of Notre Dame’s ACE program (the Alliance for Catholic Education), in Birmingham, Al. Once I finished my Masters, I relocated to Savannah, GA, where I taught middle school English.

Currently, this is my fifth year teaching.

Fondest Xavier Memory: The most memorable thing I’ve witnessed so far at Xavier was the Mass of the Holy Spirit celebrated at the start of the academic year. At one point in the liturgy, all faculty and staff members went forward to receive a special blessing. It was a humbling moment for me, one in which I was reminded that our students are not the only ones whom God hopes to journey with during the school year.

Fondest Xavier Memory: The most memorable (or inspiring, rather) thing about Xavier is the collegiality among the staff. Everyone gets along here so well. I really enjoy working with such an intelligent group of individuals that really enjoy what they do. I look forward to coming to work each day.

What’s the best advice you’ve heard about teaching?

It would have to be, “if you have actual knowledge, you can’t be defeated.”

A little-known fact: I am a jack-of-all-trades. I know a little bit of everything.

If you took up a profession other than teaching, what would it be?

That’s hard to say—I already have three other jobs.

What other interests or passions do you have?

I’m very interested in computers, and have a passion for teaching and for my family. I love my wife, and I think that God really sent her to me.

What’s the best advice you’ve heard about teaching?

The best piece of advice I’ve received about teaching is related to the etymology of the word “educate.” It comes from the Latin phrase ex ducere, which literally means “to lead out of.” Education, then, is not the filling up of minds with knowledge, but the elicitation of insights from the students. In religion class, I am regularly reminded of how important this perspective can be.

On Working at Xavier: As a young Jesuit in formation for priesthood, I find teaching in the Jesuit tradition to be a privilege. The best part of Jesuit education is about engaging the whole person: mind, body and soul.

If you took up a profession other than teaching, what would it be?

If I took up a profession other than teaching, I would be a chef. Cooking is something I’ve enjoyed doing since I was young. Making the transition back to New York has been tough, because I’m not cooking as much as I used to (as most New Yorkers are wont to do). I do, however, make dinner myself at least four nights a week.

Suggestions for wintertime reading: Carson McCuller’s The Heart is a Lonely Hunter; anything by Flannery O’Connor; James Joyce Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. What’s the best advice you’ve heard about teaching?

The best advice I’ve received about teaching thus far: Choose your battles.

The more I teach, the better I’ve become at adhering to this.

MARCH 2009

— ALUMNEWS

17

Kristen Matroni Mathematics

Sara Robinson Guidance Counseling

Daniel Rolón Mathematics

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Brooklyn. After graduating from Bishop Kearney High School, I spent four years at Fordham University, in the Bronx, and then two more years at St. John’s University, where I received my Master’s degree in Math. My first teaching job was at St. Saviour High School, where I taught Mathematics for three years.

Where are you from?

I grew up in “upstate” Marlboro, NY. After finishing high school I received my Bachelor’s degree in Counseling and Human Services and my Master’s degree in Secondary School Counseling from The University of Scranton. While finishing up my Master’s, I also completed my internship at Old Forge Jr./Sr. High School. From there, I moved back home and worked at SUNY New Paltz and spent my time in three high schools providing academic, college, and career counseling to first generation and low income students.

Where are you from?

I am a born and raised Manhattanite. I have always been educated in this, my favorite borough. I am a 2004 graduate of Xavier and am glad to be back here again. I have been tutoring peers, friends, classmates, and family members in Mathematics since grammar school.

I received my B.A. in Mathematics from Fordham University.

Fondest Xavier Memory: While the year is far from over, I’d have to say the most memorable thing I’ve witnessed at Xavier so far was Maroon and Blue day. The contests were a lot of fun and it was really great to see the enthusiasm each student has for Xavier.

What’s the best advice you’ve heard about teaching?

A math professor at Fordham, who was trying to convince me to become a teacher, told me this— “You will never become rich teaching, but it is the most rewarding thing you can do with your life.” He was right—I’m glad I listened to him.

A little-known fact: My first year teaching at Xavier has been somewhat of a classmate reunion for me—I went to Fordham with Mr. Cannizzaro and I went to St. John’s with Ms. Velazquez.

If you took up a profession other than teaching, what would it be?

If I wasn’t teaching I think I’d like to work as some sort of financial analyst.

I love learning about applications of Math and I think it would be cool to be able to model and predict trends in the stock market.

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Fondest Xavier Memory: The most memorable thing I’ve experienced and witnessed so far here at Xavier in the past few months has been the welcoming and open arms from all of the students and faculty here. I have always had a passion for working with students and I am truly impressed by the amount of respect that they have for one another and those that work here at the school. They have come together in good and bad times and have really demonstrated what it means to be a community here at the school.

A little-known fact: Something interesting about me that not many may know here is that I have been involved in volunteer work since high school. After finishing college, I took a year off and volunteered full time in Baltimore, MD, where I lived a simple life and worked with inner city kids. Helping others has always been my calling and I am truly blessed to have had the numerous experiences that I have had. It has helped me appreciate the simple things in life.

Fondest Xavier Memory: My fondest Xavier memory so far has been the faculty. As a student, I never would have realized the level of camaraderie that exists among the faculty. I believe that all of the new faculty are welcomed with open arms and not simply thrown to the wolves. I have already made some lasting friendships with many other teachers and staff members.

On Working at Xavier: My initial thoughts would be that it is so much harder to teach than to be a student here. I might be expressing some naiveté, but before being here I had no idea how much responsibility is put on the men and women that educate our students. I am thankful that I have not been overwhelmed by the work load so far or by the additional responsibilities of moderating the chess team.

A little-known fact: I am a fairly active gamer. I play computer games off Steam like Portal. I also play console games on a regular basis, and particularly like Rock Band and the original Super Mario Brothers. There is nothing so de-stressing after a long day of work than to play in the World of Warcraft and become an entirely different person for a little while.

Xavier Hall of Fame

Xavier High School is pleased to announce that the President’s Office is now accepting nominations for the Xavier Hall of Fame. Qualifications for admittance into the Hall of Fame require that the person be a graduate, faculty member or administrator at Xavier who has been outstanding as a “follower of Christ” in the tradition of St. Ignatius Loyola and St. Francis Xavier in the service of God, his neighbors, his country or civic community.

Please return your nomination to Xavier High School

by May 29, 2009.

Use this form or a nomination letter and send attention: Mr. Joseph F. Gorski, Vice President for Advancement Your Name and Class Year (if applicable): _______________________________ Daytime Phone: _________________

E-Mail: ________________________

Nominee’s Name and Class Year (if applicable): __________________________ Briefly describe the reason for nomination: ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ Your nomination acknowledgement will include the requirements for induction to the Hall of Fame and be accompanied by a questionnaire about the nominee. You will be requested to complete and return this questionnaire in a timely manner.

A Night of Pride and Recognition

1

3

2 1. The Xavier Hall of Fame Dinner, November 21, 2008.

2. Frank Ragusa ’11 thanks all for their support of the Ignatian Scholars Program.

3. Honorees: John Meditz ’66, Rodger Shay ’54, Fr. Vincent Cooke, S.J. ’54, Fr. James Dinneen, S.J. ’48, Constantine Katsoris ’49, and Amb. Vincent Battle ’58.

4. The very proud class of 1954 and honorees, Fr. Vincent Cooke, S.J. ’54 and Rodger Shay ’54.

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4

On Friday, November 21, 2008, the Xavier High School community— alumni, family and friends—celebrated the induction of Ambassador Vincent M. Battle ’58, Rev. Vincent Cooke, S.J. ’54, Rev. James J. Dinneen, S.J. ’48, Professor Constantine Katsoris ’49, Mr. John C. Meditz ’66, and Mr. Rodger D. Shay ’54 into the Xavier Hall of Fame.

The celebration was again held at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers, one of the city’s premier event sites. The evening began with the cocktail hour held out at the end of the pier in a glass enclosed terrace with the Hudson River, the skylines of New York and New Jersey, the George Washington Bridge and the Statue of Liberty sparkling in the night.

Dinner followed in the Oceanic Room where the décor was enhanced by linens, flowers and banners in Xavier colors, and the food was wonderful, but the fantastic setting and the fabulous cuisine were but the stage upon which the real purpose of the evening unfolded.

After an opening greeting from the evening’s toastmaster Rev. Joseph A. O’Hare, S.J., Xavier’s president Rev. Daniel J. Gatti, S.J. ’59 took the stage to welcome all to this important celebration, including many current members of the Hall of Fame, some 18 members of Xavier’s board, and other special guests such as the president of Fordham University, Rev. Joseph McShane, S.J., the president of Fairfield University, Rev. Jeffrey von Arx, S.J., and chairman of Xavier’s Board of Trustees, Richard T. Nolan, Jr. ’83.

The Xavier Business Council showed its support for the dinner and its beneficiary, the Ignatian Scholars Program.

Co-chairs Kevin McLaughlin ’74 and Joseph Genovesi ’78 (whose father Anthony J Genovesi, ’54 was inducted into the Hall in 2000) and a goodly number of the members attended the dinner.

The Xavier Class of 1954 lead by their dinner chairs Alan Griffith and Franklin Piasio turned out in force to celebrate the induction of two of their classmates into the Hall. Their enthusiastic embrace of their classmates and, indeed all the inductees, inspired all

the evening’s attendees.

The proceeds of the dinner support the Ignatian Scholars Program at Xavier.

The evening’s program included the following about the scholars: The Xavier High School Ignatian Scholar’s Program invites academically gifted, highly motivated students to take challenging honors courses and to participate in special cultural and intellectual enrichment activities during freshmen and sophomore years…

Participation in the program prepares students to succeed at the most demanding and competitive colleges and universities in the country. The Ignatian Scholars Program provides more than rigorous academic training; it also provides stimulating opportunities. Through guest lectures, field trips, arts exposure, and community service, the Ignatian Scholars have opportunities to broaden their minds and further their knowledge and skills.

Frank A. Ragusa ’11, a sophomore member of the Ignatian Scholars Program spoke eloquently about what the course of study and the extracurricular activities meant to him and how he and his fellow students were very appreciative of the opportunities offered by the program.

After dinner the event came to its fruition as Father O’Hare introduced the Honorable Edward J. McLaughlin ’63. His job was to present to Father Gatti each candidate for induction; Judge McLaughlin introduced each man with a brief discussion of the reasons that each was deemed worthy to be in the Xavier Hall of Fame. Father then presented each new member a proclamation certifying the induction and a silver Hall of Fame pin. Each honoree then gave a brief speech about how Xavier affected and inspired their lives.

Judge McLaughlin spoke of Ambassador Battle’s dedication to his country of birth and Lebanon the country where he was the personification of the United States. As part of his response, Vincent Battle ’58 spoke cogently about the ongoing challenges our country faces today. The introduction

of Rev. Vincent M. Cooke, S.J. ’54, president of Canisius College, spoke of his preeminent leadership qualities.

Father Cooke cited both Xavier and his ’54 classmates as inspiration for his success. Father Dinneen’s famously tardy behavior was mentioned in his introduction mainly as a counterpoint to the description of Jim as a truly humble and generous person uniquely able to provide comfort to all those he meets. Father Dinneen ’48 gave a witty and insightful speech not surprising his friends but revealing to many others.

Constantine Katsoris ’49 is to Fordham Law School students what Joe Caruso was to Xavier’s men.

Judge McLaughlin used this analogy to introduce “Gus” Katsoris who in turn referenced his Jesuit connection to explain his dedication to teaching law to ethical minds. The Judge again referred to punctuality when presenting John Meditz ’66 to Father Gatti. Much more important was John’s unswerving dedication to Jesuit education. John’s modest remarks linked his experience at Xavier with his dedication to Jesuit and other philanthropic endeavors.

Roger Shay ’54 was described as one with an incredible work ethnic that rewarded him with much success in the business world. He devoted equal energy to advising and supporting a large number of worthy causes. Roger, in his acceptance speech, spoke movingly of Xavier and particularly his classmates as very important inspirations.

The inspiration provided by these six alumni lifted the spirits of all those present and reminded them that, despite gloomy days, all have lives can be filled with purpose.

Nominations for induction into the Xavier Hall of Fame are now open.

Please see the advertisement in this issue of Alumnews—the 9th Xavier Hall of Fame Dinner will be held in 2010.

If you wish to see and hear these esteemed Xavier alumni speaking at the dinner, please visit the Xavier Alumni website at www.xavierhsalumni.org/hof08.com.

MARCH 2009

— ALUMNEWS

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Pride, Service, Tradition X AV I E R I N N E W Y O R K

by Michael Benigno ’00

Today, the subway lines at Union Square or on school enjoyed expansion and regular increases 7th Avenue provide service to droves of Xavier in enrollment as the city’s center began to rise High School students, but this wasn’t always the northward. The Jesuits’ emphasis on the case. Courses call students to visit some of the Humanities strove to set the framework for the finest museums in New York and the world, but well-rounded, student of the world. At the same this wasn’t always possible. Changes in curricutime, Xavier developed a strong reputation for lum, changes in infrastructure, and in faculty and being a progressive institution that adapted with staff have all shaped the school that generations the educational advances of the times. Physics, have known as “Xavier” since it was founded in higher levels of Mathematics, and experimental 1847 to educate the children of New York’s chemistry were introduced to the Xavier curricuCatholic immigrants. lum while the practice of teaching those subjects But owing to its age as a New York institution, was only in its infancy.When Xavier’s Lynch buildno factor has influenced Xavier as much as ing, designed by renowned architect Patrick C. changes in the city itself. In 1847, developed Keely, was constructed, it housed a lecture hall areas of New York City barely extended into the that seated 1,200 and was so acoustically 14th Street area, and wouldn’t sensitive that it was considgo on to encompass the area ered the finest academic hall we know today as the five in the city. Friends of the boroughs until 1898. New school as well as city and York’s City Hall, dedicated at church dignitaries attended the start of the 19th Century, the building’s dedication on was surrounded on only July 7, 1862, and music for the three sides with elegant event was performed by a white marble, while the north symphony of over 40 face was finished with sandindividuals, led by Professor stone. No one, it was thought, William Berge, whose music could ever see the building program at Xavier would be from that angle anyway—the hailed the next day in the city would never extend that Times as unparalleled by any far north. other school in the country.

Xavier, then known as the With the opening of the School of the Holy Name of elevated train on 6th Avenue Jesus, had a truly internationin 1878, Xavier’s student base al student base. Its founding extended, attracting students Jesuits interpreted Catholic from upper Manhattan and Catalogue of Students, 1858. teaching in a way that called other areas that were becomthem to educate and considing populated. When Xavier’s er New York’s weakest—immigrants and the sons military program began in the mid-1880s, cadets of recent immigrants, as waves of Irish and took on a new level of visibility in the city at a German Catholics flooded New York in the 1840s, time when distinction and individuality seemed escaping famine and religious persecution.These to matter most: Xavier was no longer the only newcomers, like all newcomers, were at the show in town. margins of society who had “made it,” the estabThe Third Plenary Council of Baltimore in 1884 lished. But there was another side to the city; required that each parish open a school within New York’s strife and hardships would go on to two years, in anticipation of the next wave of be documented by Jacob Riis. This was a city Catholic immigrants and in reaction to religious where the Five Points were the center of gang suppression in the public school system. An violence, a place where a few had made it big, but encyclical delivered the following year by Pope so many lived hand-to-mouth.

Leo XIII stressed that accessible Catholic schools During the 1858 academic year, out of 307 would best instill faith and morals in the young students enrolled at the school, sixty-nine were during such tumultuous times. from other countries, mostly from Ireland.

By 1893, uniforms and military drill were In the decades following its opening, the required of all students and the school mainOpposite page clockwise from top: The Xavier Regiment marching on 5th Avenue, circa 1930s. Xavier president Fr. John Tynan, S.J., speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of New York City Mayor Vincent Impellitteri, November 1950. Senior retreat at Mount Manresa Jesuit Retreat House.

John Cardinal Spellman entering the Church of St. Francis Xavier to help mark Xavier’s centennial celebration, April 27, 1947.

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tained an outstanding reputation by participatfreight industry, New York’s waterways were ing in many civic functions such as the bustling. By one estimate, as many as 100 sepadedication of Grant’s Tomb in April 1897. Xavier’s rate ferry companies existed, and the commercial cadets were led by senior army instructor Capt. shipping industry dotted Manhattan’s shores John Drum, and were part of a procession estiwith one receiving landing after another. mated to be near 50,000 people from dozens of In the 1930s, a group of New York Jesuits, local and national institutions that would march motivated by Depression-era Catholic social up to the tomb and memorial site on Riverside teaching, took to the concern of one particularly Drive. The procession passed under the review of overlooked, underprivileged group of individuals, U.S. President William McKinley, and music from the local Hudson River longshoremen caught in a 1,000-member chorus marked the event. a ruthless web of loan sharks, corrupt hiring Capt. Drum and the Xavier regiment would bosses, and unpredictable work. During morning make headlines years later when Drum would “shapeups,” workers would line up along the obtain the inauspicious title Hudson piers between 16th of first American officer killed and 23rd Streets. An article in the Spanish-American War. published in The New York He would be posthumously Times Magazine, estimated recognized for his heroic that at one point there were leadership.

35,000 paid longshoremen, of That same was 1897 which about half received Xavier’s golden jubilee year, daily, assured work while and the school marked the another half were “casuals,” occasion with a grand procesoften undocumented Irish sion that closed 16th Street immigrants subject to giving and presented the entire kickbacks of as much as two school community to the hours wages to the hiring public. A retrospective book bosses to ensure another that told the story of Xavier’s day’s work. first 50 years was published, Under the leadership of and the institution that was Fr. Philip Carey, S.J., the Xavier once an outpost on the northLabor School opened its ern edge of town, by the turn doors in 1935, inviting New An archived correspondence from Fr. John of the century, found itself in York laborers and union offiCorridan, S.J., and Fr. Philip Carey, S.J., a fashionable neighborhood; cials to attend weekly who led the Xavier Labor School. townhouses sprang up adjaevening classes on labor cent to the school. On the management ethics, housing west side of Union Square affairs and other work-related park, Tiffany and Company, by one estimate, had issues. Fr. Carey’s outspoken, young assistant, Fr. over $2.5 million in merchandise for sale in its John Corridan, S.J., became a strong presence at illustrious cast-iron façade building. In a climactic the docks and recruited longshoremen, eventualend to the century, the cities surrounding ly becoming known as the Waterfront Priest. The Manhattan were unified into the five boroughs, labor school would operate within the confines and in 1904 the first subway opened near City of Xavier High School until as late as the 1970s, Hall. Xavier was perched to reach new heights. eventually enrolling over 250 men and women, *** and representatives from over 30 unions each During the 20th Century, Xavier clubs and semester. activities took students around Manhattan island While Fr. Corridan and the labor school existand the five boroughs; the city was developing ed as separate entities from Xavier High School around the school, and the institution that origiitself, Fr. Corridan’s battle for workers rights and nally set out to offer excellent education to the his presentation of an eight-point reform program sons of immigrants found itself also helping to the State Crime Commission kept Xavier and them in other ways. the Jesuits in the news on an unprecedented In the days before Robert Moses would turn basis. Fr. Corridan was portrayed by the “Father New York into a network of highways, before Barry” character in the classic film On the container shipping and the trucking industry Waterfront (1954), and his efforts helped spark dampened and nearly drowned the maritime the creation of the Waterfront Commission of

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The Golden Jubilee Procession, June 1897.

A rare photograph of the Xavier Labor School at Xavier High School.

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This photo: Xavier cadets assembled in uniform, date unknown.

Below: New York City Mayor William O’Dwyer reviews the Xavier Regiment on the occasion of the Centennial Military Review, 1947.

The Xavier community paid its respect to Fr. Edward Bartley, S.J., Xavier faculty member, after his death during service in World War II, due to illness.

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New York Harbor.

Xavier’s two battalions drilled in several city More than any other aspect of student life, armories, including the 69th Regiment (Fighting Xavier’s JROTC program enabled cadets to enjoy 69th) Armory at 26th Street and, previously, the a special tie with the city. Of the four other New 9th Regiment Armory at 14th Street. In fact, York City area Jesuit High Schools that would Xavier cadets were assembling inside one city educate New York’s young people, Xavier had the armory for Fall Review on a particular Sunday distinction of being the only one with a military afternoon, December 7, 1941, while in the middle program, and all students were required to of the Pacific, tragedy struck the U.S. military base participate up until 1971. at Pearl Harbor. To this day, graduates still recall The very appearance of Xavier’s cadets made hearing news of the attack announced over the them stand out wherever they went, whether in public address system in the armory. parades, on subways, or walking on the street.

Five days earlier, at Xavier’s annual Block-X Cadets wore half-leggings and low quarter shoes awards ceremony in the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, in the 1920s, and full-dress navy blue uniforms Mayor William O’Dwyer had presented the with starched white collars were the standard after awards to Xavier’s finest students and athletes.

1930. On special occasions, But most extracurricular including the several parades activities would be curtailed the regiment marched in each during the war, and the year, cadets would cap off school would not host another their uniform with white Block-X ceremony until its gloves and white belts with end. By then, the toll on the silver buckles. In a memoir school community had been written near the end of his life, devastating. In February 1944, Corneilius Roche ’31 recalled two well-loved Jesuits, being promoted to Fr. Edward Bartley, S.J. and the level of top serFr. Joseph O’Mara, S.J. were To read the geant and being commissioned first lieutenants able to march up in the U.S. Army. Fr. Bartley personal memoir 5th Avenue during would not come back alive.

Cornelius Roche ’31 the St. Patrick’s Day His body was returned to New wrote for his family, parade with sabre York and he was remembered visit xavierhsalumni.org in hand to salute in a school-wide military the Cardinal as funeral Mass after succumbing and click on Alumnews. his father watched to illness in a hospital in France.

Tickets to Xavier’s Annual Review at the from the roof of a 9th Regiment Armory on 14th Street, 1899. In all, 54 Xavier graduates nearby office building. would give their lives in the On the first Friday of each Second World War. month, Roche recalled, all *** cadets assembled in the Xavier gymnasium led By the latter part of the 20th Century, Xavier’s by color guard cadets bearing the American flag. mission to care for New York’s immigrant Upon orders, the line of cadets would “mark population had expanded and been given an time,” exiting through the opened school doors additional cause: the concern for urban youth. onto 16th Street, which was closed to traffic. The Limited athletic facilities ensured that Xavier line would ascend the steps into the Church of St. students would always be immersed in a wide Francis Xavier in a public display of order, range of New York neighborhoods.Track meets at discipline and tradition.

Van Cortlandt Park, in the Bronx, and in Central Service to the city and country during both Park, swim meets in pools all over the city, footWorld Wars helped Xavier achieve a level of presball games on the Fordham campus and at tige that would survive until present day. Several Randall’s Island—the Xavier student, particularly high-ranking officers in World War I had emerged the student athlete, thrived on a campus that from the halls of 16th Street, including Brigadier extended far beyond 16th Street.

General Hugh Drum (son of the famed Capt. John In the summer of 1965, Fr. Philip Hurley, S.J. Drum), and Major General James McAndrews. was appointed in general charge of the Higher When word arrived that Xavier alumni were killed Achievement Program (HAP). In conjunction with in action, the news did not sit idle within the halls St. Peter’s Prep, in Jersey City, and Brooklyn Prep, of the school; it resonated citywide.

Xavier’s first class of 60 seventh and eighth grade

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This photo and Right: Throughout Xavier’s history, student-athletes have practiced and competed all over the city.

students was enrolled in a program that involved academics, leadership training, recreational activities, and supervised trips. The program also acted as a recruiting mechanism for Xavier, increasing the level of minority enrollment.

Another program sponsored by Xavier, “Boys Hope,” provided a home-like residence for boys from troubled families. Based out of a center in Staten Island, the program aimed to get young men on a firm academic path to better their selfconfidence and give them the life skills they would not have received otherwise.

The earliest alumni group, the Sons of Xavier, was founded in 1914 by Fr. Francis Donovan, S.J. Fr. Donovan organized a series of alumni events that would bring graduates back to 16th Street, and, while the organization would flounder a bit during the 1920s, it has existed in one form or

another ever since. The first Sons of Xavier alumni bulletin was published in 1934, marking the 20th anniversary of Fr. Donovan’s work, and the format of the pamphlet would stay the same until the end of the 1970s.

While Fr. Joseph Latella, S.J. had assumed responsibility for the Xavier alumni groups beginning in the 1960s, it wasn’t until 1982 that Xavier had a formal Annual Fund program that would allow alumni donations to supplement tuition funds, with the hope of building an endowment and keeping Xavier an institution that would forever be able to stay close to its mission of providing affordable education. In 2008, Xavier marked 25 years of giving to the Annual Fund. ***

A Selection of Xavier Men in New York History

5

2 1

4

1. Jimmy Walker, elected Mayor of New York City in 1926 with the help of Governor Al Smith and the Tammany Hall political machine.

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9

7

3 6

8

5. Nicholas J. D’Agostino, Jr. ’56, chairman of the D’Agostino supermarket chain.

2. Rev. Laurence J. McGinley, S.J. ’22, former president of Fordham University.

6. Christopher O’Sullivan ’54, killed in Vietnam, awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, a Silver Star, and a Purple Heart for his service.

3. Frank McGuire ’33, renowned college basketball coach, led St. John’s team from 1947-1952.

7. Al Roker ’72, ever-friendly weatherman on WNBC’s “Today;” former cartoonist for the Xavier Review and other publications.

4. Dave Anderson ’47, Pulitzer Prize Winner, sportswriter at The New York Times.

8. Michael Gargiulo ’77,WNBC’s“Today in New York”news anchor.

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9. Joe Sexton ’77, metropolitan editor of The New York Times.

Today’s Xavier students see more of the city, and the country, for that matter, than any generation of students before.

Shortly after the 2:35 bell was overheard on the 16th Street sidewalk on a recent Monday, the first dozen or two young men walked out Xavier’s doors. Members of the swim team are waiting for one another before getting the train to practice at St. Francis College, in Brooklyn.

Further down the street, sophomores, dressed down, wait to board buses to Staten Island for their retreat at Mount Manresa Jesuit Retreat House. In a few weeks, cross country runners will jog their way to Central Park for a few laps around the reservoir, and rugby practice will take place four days a week at Pier 40 on the West Side, and elsewhere.

Xavier seniors, on the first Monday after January midterms, begin weekly service work at well over a hundred of schools, day care centers, soup kitchens, nursing homes, and hospitals, their Christian Service totaling 72 hours by the end of the school year. “Our location in Manhattan is very important and the service we try to instill in our students is not just to the school, but also to those in need throughout New York,” said Mr. Joseph Petriello, Xavier’s Director of Ignatian Service Programs.“In going forth into the city, they model the example of St. Francis Xavier being sent from home to uncertain places, and in entering into those different experiences they grow as young men, as persons of faith and persons committed to service and justice.”

But while going to school in New York City means something different to each young man, for almost all those enrolled here the experience begins the same way it has for generations— with the morning commute.

According to Xavier Admissions records, out of the 970 students at Xavier currently, nearly 21% live in Manhattan, but only 31 students live in what could be considered “walking distance” to the school. Over 60% of Xavier’s student body commutes from Brooklyn or Queens. “This is really a rather astounding number,” Mr. Benjamin Hamm, Director of Admissions, said.

“Manhattan has gentrified so much in the past two decades that the families Xavier has traditionally served are not actually living here anymore.”

Jeremiah Hanson ’09 travels to Xavier from Monmouth County, New Jersey each day in a commute that he estimates to be close to five hours per day. Recently, he said that while the commute has limited his extra-curricular activities, he has developed strong management skills and has grown very fond of his Xavier experience.Still others travel in each morning via public transportation from remote parts of the outer boroughs, such as Rockaway Beach and Breezy Point, which remain significant feeder areas for Xavier for several reasons, not the least of which are struggling local schools.

Today’s Xavier students quickly learn what it’s like to go to school in a bustling metropolis.

But Xavier’s history in New York remains something not easily taught to young students.

Decades of alumni tell stories of the past about places all over the five boroughs, places that still exist and are haunted by the past; some are defunct, but others continue to be frequented by our students.

In its 162nd year, Xavier continues to rise with each breath of the city.

Students congregating outside the 16th Street entrance, February 2009.

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Were You There? This Season’s Alumni Events…

Alumni Receptions • Donor Dinners

Top Left: Fr. Gatti with Fr. Ken Boller, former Xavier president.

Top Right: Fr. Gatti, Xavier president, speaking at the Alger House on the occasion of the President’s Council Reception, September 24, 2008.

Above Left: The President’s Council Dinner at the Union League Club, October 2, 2008.

Bottom Right: Frank Gregory, longtime dean of students, leads attendees of the President’s Council Dinner in a rousing rendition of “Sons of Xavier.”

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Alumni Football Game

A large group of alumni gathered at the Xavier Alumni Homecoming Game at Aviator Field, October 18, 2008. Xavier bested Moore Catholic that night with a score of 37-12.

Alumni Baseball Game

Over 30 alumni attended the 3rd annual Baseball Alumni game, held October 12, 2008 at St. Peter’s College. The event was a great success, and grads paired into two teams to compete against one another.

All Xavier baseball alumni are invited to take part in the next alumni game, tentatively set for September 25, 2009 at St. Peter’s. Please contact Rich Duffell at duffellr@xavierhs.org for more information.

Pictured above, standing, (l.-r.) Robby Maguire ’10, Steven Vorvolakos ’10, Justin Pupa ’09, Francis Leahy ’10, Peter Barbieri ’10, Ryan Furlong ’10, Danny Capuano ’10, Coach Mitch Smielowitz, Justin Duffell ’99, Mike Sylvester ’92, Kevin Marks ’87, Jonathan Tear ’00, David Qualben ’03, Mike Sidlowski ’05, Mike Fiore ’07, Jim McDonald ’89, Jeffrey Fischer ’10, former Xavier faculty member Derek England, Coach Rich Duffell. Pictured, sitting, (l.-r.) Christopher Perone ’95, Frank Spada ’04, Mark Imbo ’04, Artie Curcuro ’00, Ryan Amato ’06, Ryan Watson ’01, Tom O’Reilly ’00, Brian McKenna ’10, and Andrew Murano ’10.

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The Philadelphia area alumni reception

December 4, 2008

Beefsteak Dinner Over 300 graduates attended the 2008 Beefsteak Dinner on January 16, 2009 for a fun, relaxed evening filled with great food and drinks, and wonderful company. If you didn’t make it to the Beefsteak this year, be sure to check your mail in December to register for next year’s event.

Bruce Caulfield ’73, Rich Scheller ’74, Tim Crow ’74, and Tom Tweedy ’74.

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The Washington, D.C. area alumni reception

Above: Lt. Col. Roy Campbell, senior army instructor, addressing those gathered at the D.C. Reception.

December 3, 2008

Young Alumni Reception and Football Rally

Fr. Gatti speaking to students and alumni at the 2008 Turkey Bowl Rally.

Graduates from the years 2005-2008 were invited back to the school on October 26, 2008 for the Young Alumni Reception. Following the event, the grads made their way over to the gymnasium to take part in the Turkey Bowl Football Rally!

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Class Notes 70 th CLASS REUNION

1939 Come to your

on May 1-2, 2009!

1940 Robert Rice, S.J. was appointed full-time retreat director in the Jesuit Retreat House in Malaybalay City, Philippines.

1941 William Burgess says “hello” to all Xavier graduates!

1942 Vincent Novak has returned to Fordham after three winter-spring terms at U.C.L.A. as a graduate dean.

1944 Come to your

65th

1948 Thomas Kennedy is enjoying retirement in the Pacific Northwest with fishing trips to Alaska and dancing in Pullman, WA. Vincent Vella celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary this April to wife Barbara.

60 th CLASS REUNION

1949 Come to your

on May 1-2, 2009!

Dick McCauley ’49 joined with three of his sons, Brian, Bob and Dennis and son-in-law, John, to form the nucleus of the Thunder—one of nine teams from all over the country participating in a week-long Yankee Fantasy Camp, in Tampa, FL, in November 2008.

CLASS REUNION on May 1-2, 2009!

1945 William L. Boyan argued a case in the New Jersey Supreme Court at the age of 80 years and eight months, only months after being rejected for jury duty for being too old! Francis Carillo lives in an active Maryland retirement community and is the proud grandparent of four grandchildren in the Air Force. William Laffan still chases the little white ball at Wheatley Hills Golf Club with classmates Warren Nolan and Leo McGinity.

1946 Donald Duperret feels great and continues to work. James O’Connor is happy to have two new great granddaughters and still keeps in touch with Jim Doyle ’47 and other members of the ’Westchester County Entourage.’

1947 Thomas McMahon is enjoying retirement and his 13 grandchildren. Cedric Priebe retired from his clinical pediatric surgery practice, but continues to assist the Department of Surgery at Stony Brook Medical Center as Professor Emeritus.

Brian, Bob, Dick and Dennis McCauley.

After just missing the gold the previous years, they swept the competition with a perfect 7-0 record. Players must be a minimum of 30 years old with no limit on the upper end of the age spectrum. Dick, at 76, was the oldest active player for the second consecutive year.

Coaches included Tommy John, Darryl Strawberry and Ken Griffey, among others. Al Downing and Fritz Peterson led the Thunder to victory.

Among the fans that caught the action were classmate Steve Conti ’49 and his wife, Bobbi. When asked about the quality of the play, Steve declined comment.

Steve Conti ’49 getting Dick’s autograph, an instant collector’s item.

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1950 Kenneth Austin retired from Housemaster Franchise Systems and currently resides in Lakewood Ranch, FL. Edward Reynolds retired after 48 years of dental practice in Pearl River, NY. Robert Riese is enjoying retirement in Lansing, KS. 1951 James Bradley splits his time between Jupiter, FL, and Sterling, VA, and is enjoying a well-earned retirement. Fred Gant is chairman and C.E.O. of Biomarck Pharmaceuticals and was recently awarded “Outstanding Engineering Alumnus” by North Carolina State University. John Girvin has been living in southwest Florida since 2003, where he remains an active participant in his church community as an usher, lector, chairman of the Pastoral Council, and the Director of Veterans’ Affairs for the Knights of Columbus. Robert Kramer is a widely published poet, playwright, critic and translator of European literature who continues to teach art history and German literature at Manhattan College. John P. Maher works as County Health Department Director of Chester County, PA, and recently celebrated his 41st wedding anniversary with his four children and five grandchildren.

Jim Shields is president of a day care facility for the homeless called “Mission House.” Albert J. Sicree celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary with his wife, Sylvia, eight children, and twentythree grandchildren.

1952 Joseph W. Fleck was elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives on November 4th. Anthony Kaspar has retired from the investment banking field after 37 years. William Meyer is enjoying retirement on the Rhode Island shore, but continues to busy himself with board and commission meetings.

Frank Notaro and wife, Marie, are in their 9th year as volunteers for Habitat for Humanity in Newburgh, NY. 1953 John Spizziri recently celebrated the birth of his second grandchild.

Class Notes

55 th CLASS REUNION

1954 Come to your

on May 1-2, 2009!

Thomas Donohue retired from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and lives in Greer, SC, with his wife, Jane.

1955 James P. Hanigan retired as professor emeritus after 28 years of teaching at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.

1956 Joseph T. Basta retired from Zurich Financial Corp. and lives with his wife, Mary Jean, in Prescott, AZ and Port St. Lucie, FL. Kevin Donohue owns Shamrock Home Care in Fairfield, CT, and recently celebrated his 46th wedding anniversary. F. Thomas Schmitt celebrated his 43rd wedding anniversary with wife, Hedi. Tony Terracciano has been appointed chairman of the board for Sallie Mae Corporation.

August “Guy” Vrondis recently had a pacemaker installed in his chest, but still enjoys playing with his two grandchildren.

1957 Paul Madonna thanks Ruben Cubero, John Stone, David Burke, and Alfred Bianco for their inspiration over the years.

1958 Paul McNamara enjoys his 14 grandchildren!

1959 Come to your

50th

CLASS REUNION on May 1-2, 2009!

1960 Joseph Dineen retired in August 2008 from his role as chief compliance officer for 170 hospitals at Quorum Healthcare Resources. John Cavallaro is an ordained permanent deacon who is stepping down as the president and C.E.O. of a healthcare company for people with HIV/AIDS called PSI. 1962 William Fife celebrated his 40th wedding anniversary and recently retired as the VP of Aviation services from DMJM

Harris/AECOM. Rocco Iacovone plans to release his new CD called “Devotion,” which will be out in March on iTunes.

Rocco also started the Xavier “Band of Brothers” alumni band, which is looking to do charity work.

1963 Ernest Dewald received the Distinguished Service Award for the Academy of General Dentistry for his expertise in testing and education in dentistry. Roy Van Brunt was inducted into the U.S. Tennis Association Mid-Atlantic Section Hall of Fame in February 2008. Ricardo Valera hopes to hear from any fellow Xavier grads who enjoy riding motorcycles and touring the countryside; he can be reached at (732) 422-0229.

1964 Come to your

45th

CLASS REUNION on May 1-2, 2009!

Michael Nealis was ordained a deacon in the Archdiocese of San Antonio.

1966 Francis P. O’Brien has been consulting with the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group in Plano, TX, since last October but manages to get home to Rhode Island most weekends. Conrad Tridente has retired from teaching the 5th and 6th grade, but hopes to be a certified basketball referee soon.

1967 Robert Loffredo is a financial advisor at Wachovia Securities, expecting his first grandchild in January 2009. John Murray and his wife, Nancy, were honorees at the recent President’s Dinner at St. Patrick’s Society of the Jersey Shore.

1969 Come to your

40th

CLASS REUNION on May 1-2, 2009!

1970 Paul Fuccillo was elected to the U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame and received a doctorate in martial arts science and martial arts philosophy. Herbert Sebranek doubled his contribution from last year since he cannot stand that Regis has twice the participation

rate Xavier has! Mark Thompson graduated as part of Molloy College’s class of 2005 and married his wife, Lyubov, on August 9th.

1971 Robert Hynes commutes weekly from his Norwell, MA, home to a position as senior financial risk analyst for capital markets with the Federal Housing Finance Agency in Washington, D.C. 1973 Frank DiCola has been co-owner of the family-owned Patsy’s Italian Restaurant, which recently opened a restaurant in Atlantic City. Thomas McDonnell assumed a new position as a financial advisor in northern Virginia. Victor Vallo is the chair of the Department of Music at Immaculata University, in Philadelphia, and was recently published in a national music journal, The Instrumentalist.

1974 Come to your

35th

CLASS REUNION on May 1-2, 2009!

1975 Anthony Cucolo was recently named Commanding General of the 3rd Infantry Division stationed in Fort Stewart, GA. 1976 Peter Sciabarra retired from the United States Navy on April 1, 2008 onboard the USS MIDWAY aircraft carrier museum after a 27 year career as a naval aviator.

Peter plays ice hockey in a San Diego adult hockey league and is pursuing doctoral studies in education and leadership at the University of San Diego.

1977 John Halikias was elected General Chairman of the Greater New York Dental Meeting. Reid T. Mueller is balancing a private cardiology practice and his position as State Air Surgeon for the NY Air National Guard. Dennis O’Brien took office as New Jersey State Superior Court Judge. Anthony Sarro is happily married with two children and is the owner of three healthcare related service and systems companies.

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Class Notes

International College of Dentists in October, in recognition of his accomplishments in dentistry.

1985 Stephen Breheny has moved to Corona, CA, with his family.

1978 David P. Bertolotti is a Catholic priest at All Saints Church in BedfordStuyvesant and in Woodhull Hospital.

1986 Luis Rivera, Jr. plans to marry his fiancée, Sonia Hernandez, in October.

1979 Come to your

30th

CLASS REUNION on May 1-2, 2009!

1987 John Brenkovich was named one of the top 20 program managers in Bank Investment Consultant Managers Magazine’s Inaugural Competition.

1981 Dan Moran lives in Madrid, Spain and works as a manager for EMEA, a software company.

1988 Alan Szydlowski is the Director of Securities Research at Cohen, Milstein, Sellers and Toll PLLC.

1983 Vincente Murrell is a lawyer for the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation in Washington, D.C.

1989 Come to your

25th CLASS REUNION

1984 Come to your

on May 1-2, 2009!

20 th CLASS REUNION on May 1-2, 2009!

1990 Christopher Cohen joined the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board after a career with “Big 4” public

Dealing in trust during the economic storm When Rob Thorburn, CFP® ’93 decided to join his cousin Franck Cushner, CFP® at Ensemble Financial in 2003, it was part risk, part opportunity. After working for larger Wall Street firms, Credit Suisse and DLJ, this was a chance to build a new asset management firm from the ground up. The business plan was a boutique firm that would offer their clients the services of wealth management, estate planning, insurance structuring and accounting all under one roof.

“We wanted to build a full-service execution firm that was based on relationship development and trust,” Rob said.“We had the big firm experience but to go out on our own and to be successful we knew we needed to provide our clients with Ritz Carlton service combined with Fed Ex efficiency.”

Ensemble Financial started out with just a handful of clients. For the first two years, while they were never late paying rent, Rob and Franck didn’t draw salaries, opting to reinvest the money back into the company. As their client base started to grow, largely due to referrals from their existing clients, many of which are Xavier alumni, the risk seemed to start to pay off.

Ensemble operates on a fee-based platform. This way, Rob said, “clients are assured that their money won’t be constantly moved around to cash in on commissions.”

Rather, Ensemble receives fees strictly in proportion to a clients total holdings, so smart planning is in the best 36

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— MARCH 2009

accounting firms. Douglas LeVien is currently serving our country in Afghanistan with NATO Joint Forces Command, but looks forward to his August 15th wedding to fiancée Maj. Deborah Ellis. Kevin Sherman recently moved to Fairfield, CT, and works as a managing director in the private wealth management group for Lenox Advisors.

1991 Peter Garcia will deploy to Iraq with the U.S. Army in 2009. John Giordano is a major in the U.S. Army, serving in Kuwait and Iraq. Edward McGoldrick graduated from Fordham University’s MBA Program.

1993 Ian Maloney is the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs at St. Francis College and is happy to have recently received tenure. Bernard Harrington is the Operation Officer in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, for Operation Enduring Freedom.

interest of both parties. “It is a lot easier to explain your fee when you and your client are on the same side of the table,” Rob said.

The small-company design has been especially helpful for Ensemble, given the economic crisis that erupted in September 2008. After the news of the Bernard Madoff investment scam, a letter went out to all of Ensemble clients explaining the checks and balances that ensure legitimate practices. “The fall of several financial giants has shown that bigger, older institutions aren’t necessarily for everyone” Rob said.

“With everyone so strapped for time these days, our clients really appreciate having everything under one roof.

They sleep easier knowing that if anything ever did happen, help is simply one call away. It is a much easier solution than running all over town trying to get finances in order.”

Rob said. With the current economic environment it is even more important to review your current financial situation and get your plan in order or adjust the current plan you have in place. Now that Rob has a ten-month-old son, Harrison, at home, planning for the future is even more important to Rob and his wife, Colleen.

For more information, visit Ensemble Financial on line at ensemblefinancial.com

Class Notes

15th CLASS REUNION

1994 Come to your

on May 1-2, 2009!

1995 Geoff Cole is seeking a Master’s degree in public administration at Rutgers University while working at West Point Prep School in Fort Monmouth, NJ. 1996 Jeffrey Garcia is an adjunct Bible professor at Nyack College’s Manhattan campus and recently published an article entitled “See My Hands and My Feet: Fresh Light on a Johannine Midrash” 1997 Andrew Lynch, Matthew Frank, Steven Spyliopulos and Brian Sommerville ’98 helped raise $16,000 for the Breezy Point September 11th Memorial through their charitable work. John Murillo is currently working for Kevin A. Tattam ’72 at International Bond & Marine in Hoboken as a broker/account executive. Anthony Saparito was named Italian American of the Year by the Jersey Shore Merchant’s Association for his work with the Belmar Home for Children.

1998 George Joost is in his last year of graduate studies at Cornell University.

10 th CLASS REUNION

1999 Come to your

on May 1-2, 2009!

Robert McGee works in civil service for the Department of the Air Force, coaches high school football, and plans to pursue an education degree shortly.

Frank Melaccio was recently married.

Kevin G. Reinhart is engaged to his girlfriend of four years, Megan.

2000 Jared Marinos is stationed at the Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia. Thomas Morrissey flies a Boeing 747-400 around North America and Asia for Cathay Pacific Airways.

2001 Steven Mulvey is an NYPD officer happily married with two sons. Thomas McDonald writes “I graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 2005 and went on to Navy Flight School where I learned to fly helicopters. No matter where I have been stationed in my career I have met Xavier and Fordham alumni alike and we engage in lively discussions on who will prevail in next year’s rivalry game on Thanksgiving.

Although I am currently deployed to the Middle East, this year my thoughts and prayers will be back in New York with the Xavier family. I am sure that other proud Xavier Alumni serving in our armed forces all around the world join me in sending our best wishes!”

Lt. JG Thomas McDonald and his SeaHawk helicopter aboard the U.S.S. Franklin Roosevelt.

2002 Timothy Capuano graduated cum laude from Loyola College (MD) in May 2006 with a degree in economics.

Jason Christopher graduated Cornell University with a Master’s in electrical engineering and works full-time for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as an engineer.

2003 Joseph Guster is currently pursuing an M.B.A. from St. John’s University.

Joseph O’Brien is fulfilling a 2-year service commitment as a history teacher in McAllen, TX with Alliance for Catholic Education after graduating from Notre Dame.

2004 Come to your

5th

CLASS REUNION on May 1-2, 2009!

Patrick Mahon graduated from St. Joseph’s College summa cum laude in June 2008. Patrick serves as a history teacher at Mary Louis Academy, while pursuing a Master’s degree from Brooklyn College. Matthew Salber graduated in May 2008 from Villanova University with a degree in political science. Matt currently works for the New York City Campaign Finance Board, while pursuing graduate studies at Long Island University in the United Nations Studies Program.

2005 David Anderson will be studying abroad this spring semester in Rome with the Pratt Institute School of Architecture. Jacob Fountain received his gold ring at the Citadel’s Class of 2009 Ring Presentation. William Lembo is proudly serving his country in the 82nd Airborne Division in North Carolina. Ronald Peterson was on the dean’s list for the fall 2007 and spring 2008 semesters and a member of student government as the university liaison to Judicial and Ethical Affairs.

2007 Joe Bode enjoyed a year abroad in Florence, Italy, as a part of a Freshman Experience Program offered at Marist College. Michael Chiaia completed cadet field training at Camp Buckner, NY, was promoted to cadet corporal and is now a team leader at the United States Military Academy. Philip Gordon and his father volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina.

2008 Michael R. Carillo joined Mayor Michael Bloomberg at Dyker Beach Golf Course for its “1st Putt” Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

MARCH 2009

— ALUMNEWS

37

Mileposts IN MEMORIAM

Manuel A. Bergnes, M.D. ’33, died December 27 at the age of 93.

In 1941, Manuel earned his M.D. degree from the Long Island College of Medicine (now SUNY Downstate Medical Center). Upon graduation from medical school, Manuel received a commission as first lieutenant in the Medical Reserve Corps of the U.S. Army and entered World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor. In combat in New Guinea and the Philippines, Manuel was awarded the Silver Star for rendering medical aid under intense enemy artillery fire, and subsequently achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel.

Upon discharge, he resumed his medical career, holding numerous positions in pathology until retirement at the age of 85. Dr. Bergnes is survived by his wife of 67 years, Muriel.

DEATHS Editor’s Note: In this extended issue of Alumnews we would like to remember the many Xavier graduates, friends and family members who have recently passed away but whose names, due to space constraints, had to be held over for future issues. We hope to be able to publish all remembrances in a timely manner in the future.

Alumni

Correction: The July/August edition of Alumnews indicated that Mike Pavlick ’64 had passed away in March, 2004. In fact, Michael’s wife, Annette, not Michael, passed away on March 4, 2004

William Hannan ’36, April 21, 2008

Ronald P. Bernasconi ’53, May 24, 2008

John G. Brady ’37, March 17, 2008

William B. McNulty ’53, July 26, 2007

Edwin Debus ’38, August 10, 2008

John V. Ello ’54, August 17, 2008

Robert Daly ’39, April 19, 2008

Emanuel J. Murgola ’54, February 5, 2009.

Joseph Cella ’50, July 6, 2007

Salvatore DiMichael ’31, August 2, 2008

Walter Coyne ’50, August 23, 2008

Anthony F. LaBau, S.J. ’32, April 15, 2008

Everett J. McGarry ’51, October 5, 2007

Manuel A. Bergnes, M.D. ’33, December 27, 2008.

James Kavanagh ’51, November 17, 2007 Former Xavier Faculty Member

Julius Janosek ’35, November 10, 2007

John F. Collins ’52, July 3, 2007

John F. O’Sullivan ’35, December 6, 2007

John F. Dwyer, M.D. ’52, June 23, 2008.

John Bradley ’41, June 26, 2008

Patrick B. O’Brien ’54, October 16, 2008

William McCarthy ’41, August 9, 2008

Joseph Brogan ’55, February 27, 2008

Thomas F. Wilson III ’41, May 30, 2008

Anthony V. Sforza ’55, October 27, 2007

John F. DeMayo ’43, November 8, 2007

Thomas J. Smith ’55, May 15, 2008

Joseph Gartlan ’43, July 17, 2008

Edward J. Lowry ’56, September 26, 2008

Eugene A. Coogan ’44, October 12, 2007

Richard J. Kager ’57, December 1, 2007

Joseph Dunn ’44, November 6, 2008

Msgr. William B. Smith ’57, January 24, 2009.

Edward Kirk ’44, December 25, 2008.

Robert H. Leamy, Jr. ’46, August 26, 2007

38

ALUMNEWS

— MARCH 2009

Paul U. Bigelow ’50, November 10, 2007

John Ravel ’30, August 31, 2008.

Robert Greene ’47, April 10, 2008

Rev. Kevin M. Bradt, S.J. ’65, December 6, 2008

John Watson ’47, July 16, 2008

Michael Grimes ’65, March 2, 2007

Gerard E. Boyan ’48, January 30, 2009.

John W. Gyves ’66, March 24, 2008

Joseph D. Ciparick ’49, June 14, 2008

Lawrence J. Rice ’72, February 8, 2009.

Paul J. Curran ’49, September 4, 2008

Joseph Cipollina ’76, June 21, 2008

Philip I. Robinson ’49, March 29, 2008

Kenneth Tjelta ’81, August 28, 2008

George J. Schneider ’49, December 10, 2007

Juan G. Diaz ’84, February 26, 2007 Christopher Israel ’89, July 26, 2008

Family Geraldine Arnold, wife of James ’47, October 7, 2008

Jean Janos, mother of Joseph A. ’90, October 9, 2008

Ann Pirrmann, mother of Bryan Pirrmann ’81, January 5, 2009.

Josephine Bennett, mother of Robert ’70, May 12, 2008

Mary Catherine King, mother of John ’59 and Donald ’62, June 25, 2008

Ethel Quinn, grandmother of Ryan ’97, January 23, 2007

Susan Regina Boller, mother of Kenneth Boller, SJ, former Xavier president, headmaster and teacher, August 9, 2008

Antonie Kubat, grandmother of Joseph ’01, mother-in-law of Joann Kubat, former Xavier staff member, January 4, 2009.

Jack Quinn, grandfather of Ryan ’97, September 12, 2007

Helen Bonica, mother of Louis ’76 and Janet, Xavier registrar, August 20, 2008 Vincent Campbell, father of Patrick ’80, April 25, 2008 Searafina Carrubba, mother of Gregory ’78, November 12, 2008 Jennifer Ann Cashin, daughter of Arthur ’59, November 22, 2007 Charles V. Clarke, father of Thomas ’69, January 8, 2009.

Domenico Coluccio, brother of Rocco, October 19, 2008 Edward J. Coyne, father of Edward, Jr. ’74, March 8, 2008 Mary Daly Distinti, mother of Anthony ’97 and Stephen ’01 Distinti, November 20, 2008 Jane Darmody, wife of William ’47, May 10, 2008 Elizabeth Egan, wife of Bernard ’32, December 6, 2007 Thomas Forde, father of Patrick ’99, August 2, 2008 Anna Gates, grandmother of Anne Happel, Xavier faculty member, January 8, 2009.

Edward Hawley, father of Stephen ’71 and Daniel ’75, October 21, 2008

Leonard LaPrice, mother of John ’83, July 5, 2008

Donald F. Ryan, father of Donald ’78, Joseph ’82, and Michael ’90, April 7, 2008

Connie LaRocca, mother of John ’63, December 7, 2007

John Sheehan, father of Joseph ’87, May 23, 2007

James A. Magee, father of James ’99, November 27, 2007

Margaret Tramutola, mother of Thomas ’76, James ’79 and grandmother of Thomas ’06, November 25, 2007

Trinidad E. Martinez, mother of Rafael ’69, November 2, 2007 Judith Meister, wife of James ’59, September 18, 2008 John Messina, father of Robert ’01 and brother of Robert ’81, May 30, 2008 Peter M. Morch, father of Peter ’04 and William ’06, February 8, 2009.

Robert Morgan, father of Robert ’76, Vincent ’79, and Stephen ’80, March 15, 2008 Catherine Neuenfeldt, mother of John ’72, January 10, 2009.

Marie Wenthen, wife of Kenneth ’43, January 14, 2009.

Friends Rev. Robert C. Cregan, S.J., former faculty member, January 4, 2009.

Catherine Ciraolo, grandmother of Michael LiVigni, Xavier Headmaster, November 22, 2008 Rev. James P. Higgins, S.J., former faculty member, January 20, 2009.

Cornelius O’Callaghan, father of Edward ’87, July 13, 2008.

Sean McCarthy, son of James McCarthy, former Xavier swim coach, May 27, 2008

James O’Neill, father of James ’70, Tim ’76 and Colin ’80, June 15, 2008

John McGoldrick, Sr., father of John, Xavier faculty member, August 31, 2008

Patricia O’Neill, mother of James ’70, Tim ’76 and Colin ’80, April 7, 2008

Marc Puritz, brother of Arthur, former Xavier faculty member, July 21, 2008

George O’Rourke, brother of Paul O’Rourke ’57, January 28, 2009.

Jose Robero Sierra, brother of Javier Aguilar, Xavier staff member, November 27, 2007

Julia Pinto, mother of Nicholas Pinto ’57, December 13, 2008.

BIRTHS Patrick Aidan Cahalan, December 11, 2008 Jennifer and Brian Cahalan ’90 Brigid Egan, September 3, 2008 Betsy and Michael Egan ’85 Reid Geissler, September 2, 2008 Terra and Christopher Geissler ’95 Brian James McKinney, February 7, 2009 Annette and Brian McKinney ’94

Maximus Xavier Rurak, January 17, 2008 Lisa and Mark Rurak ’86 Fionn Ryan, December 3, 2008 Mairin and Michael Ryan ’90 Andres Mario Suarez, March 28, 2008 Evelyn and Allan Suarez ’88 Gabriel Robert Suarez, March 28, 2008 Evelyn and Allan Suarez ’88

Andrew Petit, April 25, 2008 Silvia and Gregory Petit ’91

WEDDINGS Pina Trapani and Vito Pietanza ’98 January 23, 2009

Mary Geissla and Jason Willson ’96, December 8, 2007

Top: Brian James McKinney Bottom: Andres and Gabriel Mario Suarez

MARCH 2009

— ALUMNEWS

39

FROM THE ADVANCEMENT OFFICE

JOE GORSKI Vice President for Advancement

40

ALUMNEWS

—MARCH 2009

This year, Xavier and its community need you more than ever!

As I write this column, we are certainly living through trying times. The economy of our country (and the world) appears to be balanced precipitously on a cliff overlooking a raging river, where a sudden lurch forward could catapult us into the depths of churning waters. That seems just as likely as being pulled back to safety by an outstretched saving hand. Government is trying to do many things to rectify the situation while acknowledging that no one really is sure what will or will not work. Still we have both history and hope to which we can turn. The history of our country has indicated that prior economic downturns and disasters have run their course and have generally led to a new cycle of growth and prosperity. We can only hope that our government leaders will work together to find solutions in a pragmatic approach to compromise that will shorten the recession.

Such action may relieve those most negatively impacted by this crisis sooner rather than later.

While we await a turnaround though, many within the Xavier community have suffered job loss. Many more are afflicted with anxiety, fearing that they too may soon face unemployment, turning a recession for the many into a depression for the few. Xavier High School itself has not been unaffected. Although we continue to be a financially sound institution and our current budget still is expected to be a balanced one, the precipitous drop in the stock market has taken its toll on our recently growing endowment. It has plummeted 31.8% for the 2008 calendar year, mirroring results for many high school and college invested funds. This drop will make it more difficult to provide for rising student financial need in the short term. Despite the negatives, there are also some positive signs.

While unemployment is currently at just below 8% and is expected to worsen somewhat before the end of calendar 2009, most economists believe that it will not reach the double digit levels it has in some prior downturns. That means that roughly 90 %+ of Americans are still working and still contributing to the economy.

In times like these, it becomes much more important that those of us who can do more to help those who can no longer help themselves, actually do more. Although 25% of our alumni made gifts to Xavier in fiscal 2008, 75% of our alumni base has made a gift or gifts to Xavier at some point during their lifetimes.

There could be no better year than this one to rejoin Xavier’s efforts to insure that no student be deprived of the opportunities offered by a Xavier education due to his family’s current economic situation. I urge all of you who are able to consider making a sacrificial contribution to your alma mater this year. There is great strength in numbers and I know that each of you who have financially supported Xavier in the past has given with the knowledge that what success you have had in life can be largely attributed to the educational, moral and spiritual rigors and values that you experienced on 16th Street. During your four years here you benefitted from the inculcation of Jesuit and Ignatian values while obtaining a first rate education at a manageable tuition, kept low because of the living endowment provided by members of the Society of Jesus. Additionally, many of you were able to attend Xavier on full or partial scholarships provided by graduates, parents and friends who went before you.

It is in this time of need that you can continue to provide opportunities similar to those which you received to a new generation of needy students. I ask that all of you once again consider contributing to the annual fund this year. All that you have done and continue to do for Xavier is very much appreciated. Please know that we will continue to keep you and your families in our prayers during these anxious times.

Explore your legacy.

Reminder for Alumni over 70 ½ years of age about the Pension Protection Act:

New This Month...

• This law provides that, in each of the years 2008 and 2009, an owner of a traditional or Roth IRA may instruct the trustee to distribute directly to a public charity up to $100,000 without the distribution being included in taxable income, while also counting that distribution toward the IRA owner’s mandatory withdrawal amount.

If there were ever a time to be inspired to take action, now is that time. That’s because the needs in our community are so urgent, and your quick response will help us meet some important needs.

• To qualify for IRA rollover treatment, the donor must direct the IRA manager to transfer funds directly to a charity.

However, a withdrawal followed by a contribution will still need to be reported as income. The donor must be at least age 70 ½ years and the donee must be a tax-exempt organization - such as Xavier High School - to which deductible contributions can be made.

• This law does not include the terms of proposed legislation such as the Public Good IRA Rollover Act. Therefore, the gift must be outright; rollovers to a planned gift, such as a gift annuity or a charitable remainder trust, do not qualify.

Similarly, outright distributions to a charity from employersponsored retirement plans, such as Simple IRAs, 401(k)s, and 403(b)s, do not qualify. Also note that IRA rollovers may be includable in a donor’s income for state and local tax purposes and may not earn an offsetting charitable deduction, depending on state and local law.

Do you have questions about estate planning? Planned giving?

Your will? Each month, we feature new articles and interactive features that cover such topics on our website. We hope it will be a useful resource for you. Please visit www.xavierhsalumni.org and click on planned giving.

The Time Is Now

Estate Taxes: Keeping Up With the Changes Because estate tax rules change frequently, your current plans might not be the best they can be anymore. Review these upcoming changes—and then review your estate plans—to get your plans back on track.

Does Your Estate Plan Measure Up? Sound estate planning is important—without it you could lose a sizable portion of your estate to taxes.

Evaluate your current estate plan, and then add up your points. How do you score?

For more information please contact us: Joseph Gorski 212.924.7900 ext. 1539 or gorskij@xavierhs.org Loual Puliafito 212.924.7900 ext. 1611 or puliatiol@xavierhs.org

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PAID

30 West 16th Street New York, NY 10011-6302

Alumnews Calendar

Manchester, NH Permit No. 206

Boston area Alumni Reception April 16, 2009

President’s Council Reception September 30, 2009

Reunion Gala Weekend May 1-2, 2009

President’s Council Dinner October 8, 2009

Parents’ Gala Fundraiser May 8, 2009 Class of 2009 Commencement Ceremony June 11, 2009 Volunteer Reception June 16, 2009 Xavier Society and Loyola Associates Reception September 23, 2009 Maroon and Blue Day September 25, 2009

Xavier High School Open House October 24, 2009 Parents Phonathon October 26-28, 2009 Turkey Bowl Football Rally and Young Alumni Reception November 25, 2009 Washington, D.C. area Alumni Reception December 2, 2009