ALUMNEWS OF XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL MARCH 2009

PPrriiddee,, SSeerrvviiccee,, TTrraaddiittiioonn XAVIER IN NEW YORK Xavier cadets marching in a parade In this Issue on New York’s 5th Avenue.

6 The Amazing Fantastic Gridiron Wayback Machine The Young Alumni Reception, November 26, 2008. 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 33 national or civic communities.

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.

DEPARTMENTS 1 President’s Message 34 Class Notes 31 2 From the Headmaster 38 Mileposts The Xavier homecoming game. 3 News from the Quad 40 From the 16 New Faces at Xavier Advancement Office

MARCH 2009 Vol. 12 No. 1 Barbara Ciulla Advancement Office Manager XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL Norma Piecyk Rev. Daniel J. Gatti, S.J. ’59 Administrative Assistant President to the President and to the VP for Advancement Michael LiVigni Headmaster Contributing Writers Mr. Tom O’Hara ’69 Office of Advancement 33 The 2008 Turkey Bowl Football Rally, and Alumni Relations Photography November 26, 2008. Joseph F. Gorski Tony Correa Vice President for Advancement The Xavier Yearbook staff and Alumni Relations Alumnews, the Xavier High School Mark A. Mongelluzzo, Esq. magazine, is published three times Director of Annual Giving a year by Xavier High School.

Michael L. Benigno ’00 Correspondence and address Managing Editor of Alumnews changes should be mailed to: Director of Alumni Relations Alumnews and Public Information Managing Editor Loual Puliafito ’00 Xavier High School 30 West 16th Street Director of Emerging New York, NY 10011-6302 Alumni Constituencies, Web Communications Or by email to and Planned Giving. [email protected] Helene Strong Parents’ Association Coordinator 32 Mr. Frank Gregory pulls the winning 50/50 ticket at the 2009 Beefsteak Dinner. PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Coping with Dear Alumni, Parents and Friends, We are all inundated these days with reports on the domestic economy as well as Adversity: 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 A Lesson 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 from Xavier’s be another oncoming train! With 162 years of history, it’s hard to imagine that the venerable institution which is Founder 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 — ALUMNEWS 1 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 them - selves 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 MIKE L iVIGNI teach students to disengage from problems or the world, but to do the opposite and boldly Headmaster 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 suf - fering, 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.

2 ALUMNEWS —MARCH 2009 News from theQuaadd

IN BRIEF:

NBC’s Mike Gargiulo ’77 spoke to a group of graduates WNBC’s Michael Gargiulo ’77 gathered at the third Xavier Briefcase Breakfast. speaks at Briefcase Breakfast

Students and Staff witnessed Xavier’s third Briefcase Breakfast networking event took place the Presidential Inauguration September 19, 2008 at Merrill Lynch’s 5th Avenue Financial Center, in the Xavier gymnasium. where about 40 alumni gathered to meet and hear from Emmy New members were recently Award-winner Micheal Gargiulo ’77 , co-anchor of WNBC’s “Today welcomed to Xavier’s Board in New York” morning show. of Trustees. Mr. Gargiulo spoke about the rise in his career in journalism, from his work on several mid-Western television news programs, through Students and members of the Minority Alumni Council the path that led him to NBC in 2006. Mr. Gargiulo worked at stations gathered in the student library. in Huntington, WV, Scranton, PA, Louisville, KY, and Minneapolis, MN before being hired as weekday morning news anchor for WTTG-TV, in A group of dedicated Washington, D.C. His 2007 reports, “Our Troops, Your Neighbors” and graduates spoke to Xavier “Women in Combat,” earned him an Emmy Award after traveling on juniors on Career Day 2008. assignment to the Middle East for NBC. Xavier’s JROTC received At the event, Mr. Gargiulo recounted an assignment for KSTP-TV, many distinctions over the in Minneapolis, when he traveled to Iwo Jima with Chuck Lindbergh, past few months. retired U.S. Marine, for the 50th anniversary of the raising of the flag The 2008 Commencement on Mount Suribachi. Mr. Lindbergh was the last living member of the Ceremony recognized last original unit of flag raisers. “We were in the same spot where he made year’s fine graduates! 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 The Xavier Business Council Top: WNBC’s Mike was founded and held an bloody one,’ just like he was commenting on the weather. All I could Gargiulo ’77 speaking inaugural event. think was the power and emotion of this trip back in history 50 years at the Xavier Briefcase later had just gone right out the window!” Breakfast networking The Briefcase Breakfast series brings New York-area alumni together event, September 19, for a brief presentation and networking session to encourage business 2009. Bottom: Fr. Gatti and professional development within the vast web of Xavier graduates. with Mike Gargiulo ’77 If you are interested in hosting or attending a future event, please contact at the Briefcase Breakfast. Loual Puliafito ’00 at 212-924-7900 x1611 or at puliafitol @xavierhs.org.

MARCH 2009 — ALUMNEWS 3 News from the Quad

Inauguration New Trustees Welcomed to the Board Xavier High Schools welcomed five new and sales positions. members to its Board of Trustees this For the past four years, Jennifer Day at Xavier year, adding even more talent and dedi - Mussi has served as Assistant Dean for cation to the group of generous men Student Leadership and Community and Abroad and women that shape the future of Development at Fordham University our institution. Rose Hill Campus. She previously spent On January 20th, 2009, students, facul - In an investment career that has six years as Director of Student Activities ty, and staff were invited to the Xavier spanned 35 years, John Meditz ’66 and New Student Orientation for gymnasium to watch the inauguration re-joined Xavier’s Board of Trustees this Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus and year,. He is currently the Chairman of the has also worked for several other New of President Barack Obama. Students Board and Treasurer of Palisades Medical York area colleges. Ms. Mussi holds a lined the bleachers during the ceremony , Center and is also Chairman of the B.A. degree from Fordham University, a which took place between mid-term Center’s Foundation, which is working to Masters degree from New York University exams, while at the same time, recent meet a Capital Campaign goal of raising and recently returned to Fordham graduate, Eric Saa ’05 attended the $8 million. Mr. Meditz serves as Chairman University to complete her Doctor of inauguration ceremony in Washington of the Weehawken Planning Board, and is Philosophy in 2008. D.C. along with a group of 5,000 a Trustee and Treasurer of the Weehawken Joseph Muriana Esq. ’71 is Associate Congressional Youth Leaders. Later Public Library. In May 2008, he received Vice-President for Government & Urban that same day, Mr. Vincent Vargas, the Outstanding Philanthropist award Affairs and Special Counsel at Fordham Xavier faculty member, attended the from the New Jersey Chapter of the University. In addition, Mr. Muriana serves Mid-Atlantic States Inaugural Ball Association of Fundraising Professionals. as Director of Fordham’s Office of along with Frank Creighton ’90 and Horizon Asset Management, which he Government Relations and Urban Affairs , Frank’s wife, Julia.“It was an extraordinary founded and serves as Vice-chairman, overseeing the University’s relations experience to be part of this historical manages roughly $30 billion in assets. with local City, State and Federal levels day,” Eric wrote. Mr. Meditz had previously served as of government. Previously, he served as a Trustee and Chairman of Xavier’s executive director of Northwest Bronx Finance Committee. Community and Clergy Association, Inc., Michael Ford ’63 had previously a neighborhood and church-based served a six-year term on Xavier’s Board community organization involved in of Trustees, also serving as Vice-Chairman . neighborhood renewal and community In addition, he has held membership or redevelopment and as Professional leadership roles on Xavier’s Executive Community Organizer for the same Committee, Advancement Committee organization. and Hall of Fame Committee. For over Francis Tirelli ’70 is chairman and 30 years, Mr. Ford worked for Seagram CEO of Deloitte & Touche Italy, and Company, Ltd., serving as vice-president previously served as vice-chairman and of Americas Duty Free and vice president West Region regional managing partner of its International Customer Group and of Deloitte & Touche. In the past, he was previously holding several regional, chairman and CEO of SummitView Group, national and international marketing 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.

4 ALUMNEWS —MARCH 2009 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 oppor - tunity for alumni to interact directly with some of Xavier’s finest students 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. while taking part in casual conversation and professional networking. has his own unique story, and that, connections and realizing which “The Xavier Minority Alumni Council taken together, each student’s story college assistance programs minority unites Xavier alumni and current students completes the mosaic of Xavier’s rich students should be aware of. Also and reminds students and younger and proud history.” unique to this gathering, each attendee alums of the importance of remaining Three graduates, Dion Baez ’01, introduced himself or herself and in touch with, and giving back to Xavier,” Don Hooper ’97 , and Dan Rodriguez ’58 spoke briefly about life at Xavier. said Mark Mongelluzzo, Esq., Xavier’s spoke to the group about their experi - For more information on the Director of Annual Giving. "The MAC ences at Xavier and in the work world, Minority Alumni Council or to partici - program makes students aware that touching upon everything from diffi - pate in a future event, please contact every young man who spends four cult employment experiences to the Mr. Mongelluzzo at 212-924-7900 x. 1436 years walking the halls on 16th Street importance of maintaining Xavier or at [email protected]. Students and Alumni unite: CAREER DAY 2008 This year’s speakers included: Evan Barnes ’93 Daniel McCarthy, Esq. ’71 News and Sports Photography, Chief Trial Counsel, Bronx New York Post District Attorney’s Office Geoffrey Cole ’95 Charles Mulham ’84 U.S. Army; Dean of Admissions at Special Agent, ATF West Point Prep Maj. Geoffrey Cole ’97 addressing students on Career Day. Dan Rodriguez ’58 Hon. John Countryman ’50 Montoya-Rodriguez Architects U.S. Ambassador (Ret.) to Over a dozen dedicated alumni were back in the building on Joseph Sexton ’77 Sultanate of Oman November 7, 2008 to speak to members of the Junior class at Metropolitan editor at Xavier’s annual Career Day. The speakers were asked to explain Pete Dowling ’68 The New York Times U.S. Secret Service (Ret.), Sr. VP what led them toward their respective professions as our Juniors Michael Sheehan ’66 Security at AXA Equitable are beginning their college search and are in the position to FOX News make early decisions on their future careers. Gerry FitzGerald ’58 Robert Sica ’74 Students heard from Vlad Wolynetz ’88, vice president of Aviation Engineering, Pres. United States Secret Service production, series and movies at AMC, who contributed the Aviation Perspectives keynote address, speaking on his time at Xavier, the start of his Stephen Stabile ’97 Dominick Gadaleta, M.D. ’78 career, and his work on hit television series such as Mad Men Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor Gastrointestinal Surgery, North and Breaking Bad . Mr. Wolynetz won Emmy Awards for Broken Shore University Hospital Vlad Wolynetz ’88 Trail (2007), best miniseries, and Mad Men (2008), best drama. Emmy Award-winning In collaboration between the Guidance Department and the TV Series Producer Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations, Juniors chose three lectures they wished to attend, and alumni speakers used If you are interested in speaking at an upcoming Career Day event, props, videos and presentations to explain their careers in please contact Mike Benigno ’00 at 212-924-7900 x.1435 interesting, entertaining ways. or [email protected].

MARCH 2009 — ALUMNEWS 5 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 ever to have worn the Maroon and Blue. Running out of the U.S. titles and finished 2-1 at the classic single wing offense—better known around 16th Street National Championships. as The Amazing Fantastic Gridiron Wayback Machine —Coach And rugby or not, all the football Stevens’ own Four Horsemen had rushed for 3,681 yards and players met at 7:00 a.m. three morn - 42 touchdowns and scored 410 points—the most in Xavier ings a week from January to June, history. Buttressed by a defense that yielded less than 18 to lift weights together. The result, points a game, they had won more games (10) than any Coach Stevens said, was “the Xavier team before them. strongest team that Xavier has ever That team had also secured their place in Xavier football fielded.” Of the 48 players accepted legend. After winning the Catholic High School Football onto the varsity roster following League A-Division regular-season title, the 16th Street Kids mini-camp last June, 36 bench- had stormed through the playoffs to the championship game, pressed at least 225 lbs., and 33 where they met longtime nemesis St. John the Baptist. could leg squat 405 lbs. or better. Trailing the Cougars 27-14 with just 7:20 left, the Knights Best of all, when the team was tested went on a rampage, scoring 31 points to stun Baptist 45-33 again in August, all of them were and capture Xavier’s first CHSFL championship in 11 years. hoisting more iron than when they Just five days later—and for the second year in a row—Xavier had left for summer vacation. upset a Fordham Prep squad fresh from winning the CHSFL When the 2008 season finally began, The Amazing AA-Division title. Fantastic Gridiron Wayback Machine was already in midseason Now the Knights were moving up to the AA-Division, form. Xavier steamrolled St. Peter’s, Cardinal Spellman and but three of Xavier’s Four Horsemen had moved on. Only Bishop Ford by a combined score of 138-58 to go 3-0 Seamus Kelly ’09 in September. remained from Xavier’s As in 2007, St. John the Baptist handed Xavier its only championship season. regular-season loss, 49-44, in yet another of the high-scoring Graduation had also left barn-burners that have come to mark this fierce rivalry. The some big cleats to fill on Knights bounced back, though, crushing Cardinal Hayes the other side of the ball. 86-42 and beating Moore Catholic 37-12 in a game in which Coach Stevens and his the first team retired to the bench in the second quarter. staff were confident, how - Xavier overran Kellenberg Memorial and Christ the King ever, that their returning by identical 46-12 scores to finish the regular season 7-1 veterans, reinforced by and win the AA-Division title. Under the CHSFL’s new playoff last year’s 6-2 JV team, format, the Knights now found themselves pitted against were up to the challenge. AAA-Division opponents in the postseason. There is no such thing That was fine with the players and their coaches. They were as an “off-season” at 16th a tough, confident bunch and welcomed the opportunity to Street. Most of the foot - test themselves against the league’s top-tier teams. What they ball players had played didn’t appreciate was that the AAA-Division schools had in the spring for a Xavier been awarded home field advantage in the AA-Division’s Kelly rushes for 182 yards and 3 TDs own tournament. The Knights, 13-1 on their home ground on Opening Day. rugby team that won the

6 ALUMNEWS —MARCH 2009 at Brooklyn’s Aviator Field over the past three seasons, would playoff opponent. Although their record was just 7-5, Holy have to go on the road in their quest for a second straight Trinity scored 362 points in 2008. Apart from Xavier, only playoff title. AAA-Division champion Iona Prep and runner-up St. First up were the Lions of Monsignor Farrell. Despite a Anthony were more lethal than the Titans. chilly November rain, so many of the Xavier faithful followed Once again, the Xavier faithful, including scores of alumni, their team to Staten Island that they outnumbered the braved the rain and wind to support the Maroon and Blue, hometown crowd. Despite loud rock music played over the but although the Knights outscored the Titans in the first public address system that threatened to drown out our fans, quarter 8-7, the Amazing Fantastic Gridiron Wayback Machine an outsized Xavier squad took it to the Lions early and then that had befuddled and then run over the opposition all fended off a ferocious Farrell counterattack to win 30-27. season long could not gain traction in the mud. Meanwhile, Next stop: Long Island, where the Knights took on Holy Holy Trinity’s straight-ahead attack pounded a Xavier Trinity High School in the playoff semi-finals. A pre-season defense whose front seven was giving up better than 50 AAA-Division favorite, the Titans had gotten off to a disap - pounds per man to the aptly-named Titan offensive line. pointing start, but had come on strong in the second half. In the second quarter, the Knights finally crumbled under They had demolished Fordham Prep 63-39 in their regular- Holy Trinity’s relentless ground assault, giving up 21 unan - season finale and then handily dispatched their first-round swered 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.

MARCH 2009 — ALUMNEWS 7 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 Once again, the Xavier D, playing like men possessed, to go up 35-8. turned back the Titans and returned the ball to their brethren Refusing to panic, the Kids from 16th Street regrouped on the Xavier O, who once again drove to the Holy Trinity and dug in while their coaches worked furiously to plug goal line. Everyone in the house knew whose number Coach holes on defense and jump start the offense. Xavier man - Stevens would call, but it didn’t matter. With less than 2½ aged to close the gap to 35-16, only to see the Titans strike minutes remaining in the game, Kelly plunged over the goal back minutes later. As the fourth quarter began, the score line from a yard out for his fifth touchdown of the day. Holy was 42-16 Titans and the Fat Lady began clearing her throat. Trinity 42, Xavier 38. And that’s when the Amazing Fantastic Gridiron Wayback Holy Trinity’s defense stiffened and stopped the two- Machine began sputtering back to life just as the Xavier point play, and now the game— and Xavier’s championship defense finally shut down Holy Trinity’s offense. The Knights, hopes— had all come down to the ensuing kickoff. It says especially Famous Seamus Kelly, were not yet ready to go something about Xavier football these days that the Knights gently into that good night. Not by a long shot. and their fans were confident, even now, that victory would Kelly, who had scored all 16 Xavier points so far, scored be theirs. again from 14 yards out and then converted for two. Holy But there would be no miracles on this rainy Saturday Trinity 42, Xavier 24. afternoon. The Titans recovered the onside kick and ran out The Knight defenders, playing with a ferocity born of the clock. AAA-Division Holy Trinity would move on to the desperation, soon retrieved the ball for The Famous One, AA-Division Championship Game, where they demolished and not long after that, Kelly punched it in from a yard out. AAA-Division Stepinac 55-7. Again he converted for two. Holy Trinity 42, Xavier 32. The Knights could be forgiven if they had gone home The momentum had shifted, and in the stands behind and sulked about what might have been had the regular- the Holy Trinity bench, Father Gatti’s parishioners smelled season AA champions been awarded home field in their blood. They recalled last year’s championship game and own division playoffs and played this game on Aviator’s were sure that history was about to repeat itself. As an old artificial turf field. But that’s not their style— and besides, Simon and Garfunkel song put it:“Excitement kissed the crowd the team had an appointment to keep up in the Bronx. and made them wild.” It has become a Xavier tradition to sing The Thanksgiving rivalry between Xavier and Fordham the fight song after every score, and by the time this game Prep is the oldest in New York City and one of the oldest in was over, the Titan players would know the words by heart. the nation, and over 5,000 fans showed up for this year’s

8 ALUMNEWS —MARCH 2009 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 State with 493 points, seventh in the nation in rushing and, holiday edition of The High School Game of the Week. for the second straight year, the top rushing team in the For the first time this season, the Knights were held state with 4,401 yards. That’s 400 yards and 45 points a scoreless in the first half as AAA-Division Fordham Prep, game, folks. coming off a disappointing playoff loss of their own, mounted Opposing coaches could not stop the Amazing Fantastic a stellar defensive effort against the most explosive offense Gridiron Wayback Machine, only outscore it. Unfortunately, a in the CHSFL. Twice the Rams stopped Xavier drives deep into hard-hitting but inconsistent Xavier defense allowed 40-plus Fordham Prep territory to go ahead 14-0 at the intermission. points in four games this season, including all three losses. Once again, the Kids from 16th Street came alive in the To relate all the accomplishments and the records of this second half. Seamus Kelly ran for two touchdowns and a year’s Knights—especially Famous Seamus Kelly, the greatest two-pointer to tie the game at 14-14, but the Rams scored running back in Xavier history—would require many more immediately afterward. Kelly scored again— and Fordham pages. For the complete story—including terrific action Prep came right back with a TD of their own. photos, game and season stats, CHSFL Player of the Week Then Xavier’s designated thrower Matt Safko ’09 hit citations, and articles from all the major newspapers and Kelly for a 46-yard touchdown pass to close the gap to 35-28 sports websites, including Sports Illustrated and ESPN—visit with just 2:16 left in the season. But once again, the crucial the Xavier Football webpage, and click on the game scores onside kick failed and Fordham Prep took possession. listed on the 2008 schedule. Moments later, the Rams caught a Xavier defender out of position and sealed the Knights’ fate with a 46-yard touch - down run. Final score: Fordham Prep 41, Xavier 28. Tom O’Hara ’69 is a former Although their season ended on a disappointing note, player and coach and has been the Knights finished 8-3 and won the AA-Division season writing about Xavier football title while leading the entire CHSFL in scoring, rushing and since 2004. To subscribe to Mr. O’Hara’s epic e-newsletter, total yards per game. Only AAA-Division Champion Iona Xavier Football & Rugby Prep had more power points (144.29) than Xavier (134.29). Alumni News (It’s free!), e-mail The Knights were the highest-scoring team in New York him at [email protected]

MARCH 2009 — ALUMNEWS 9 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 Seven Band Members JROTC program, nearly every group within the regiment volunteered to reached a considerable degree of accomplishment and was perform at the preparing for upcoming events. Seventh Competing in Brigade Competition at Francis Lewis High Regimental School, the X-Squad precision drill team took first in Armed Armory for a New Exhibition Drill against eight other New York City Army Year’s Day Commander’s JROTC high schools while earning second place in Armed Reception. Each of the six Platoon Basic Drill and third in Armed Platoon Inspection. Generals in attendance Overall, Xavier’s cadets took second place to Francis Lewis. complimented the superb Lt. Col. Roy Campbell, Xavier’s senior army instructor, musicianship and show - wished to invite all graduates in the Maryland area to see the manship of the Xavier Men: X-Squad face Francis Lewis again on the weekend of April Senior Brian Doyle , Juniors 2nd at the Army Nationals in Landover, MD. Evan Espinoza , Michael The Raiders recently “corded” several new team members. Perrin, and Alex Whiteaker , The highly coveted black Raider cord, worn by a cadet on the Sophomores Eric Gonzalez , full dress uniform, is a distinction that recognizes exceptional Larry Schober , and David physical fitness. Col. Campbell remarked that the Raiders Thomas . The Commander’s have established excellent team camaraderie and are well- New Year’s Reception is an annual military custom, and the prepared for both the New York City Commander’s Cup set Xavier septet transformed this traditional first-class affair into for March 21st and this spring’s Brigade Competition, set for a lively and memorable send-off for members of the Seventh April 25th, at Fort Dix, NJ. Regiment as they prepare to deploy to Iraq next month. The In January, the Rifle Team finished first place in the Saber Guard represented the Regiment faithfully and honor - Brigade Precision class at Open Competition and qualified ably at the annual Children’s Leukemia Friendship Ball on for the National JROTC Marksmanship Tournament, giving February 6th, at Chelsea Piers. freshman Teddy Perretti the chance to display his skill Finally, senior cadets are preparing for their annual Military when he achieved the highest score of the team. Ball, held at Fort Hamilton Officer’s Club, in Brooklyn. The The Regimental Academic Team captured second place formal evening is an exciting event for seniors and their dates , at the New York City Academic Bowl in January and, in addi - who are feted with flowers, corsages, fine food and music. tion, two cadets, Cadet Lt. Col. Giancarlo Rindone ’09 and For more information, contact Lt. Col. Campbell at Cadet Lt. Col. Christopher Pagan ’09 , earned appointments [email protected]. to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY, and to the U.S. Naval Academy Prep School, respectively.

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.

10 ALUMNEWS —MARCH 2009 News from the Quad

Xavier’s 166th Commencement exercises took place on June 12, 2008 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral , celebrating the fine achievements Xavier Honor Displayed of 216 Xavier seniors from the Class of 2008 before hundreds of guests, family members at Commencement 2008 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 , salutatori - an, were recognized at commencement and offered their respective speeches. Mr. Quartuccia recalled the first day of fresh - man 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 Silver Medal in Computers and Technology John Giachetta The Gold Medal for General Excellence Brendan Roche The Silver Medal in Art Kevin Keenan The Silver Medal for General Excellence Donato Quartuccia The Silver Medal in Music Matthew Bevilaqua The Bronze Medal for General Excellence Gianluca LaManno The Modern Language Medal in Spanish John Ripollone The Christopher L. Fagan Award Daniel Fortuna The Modern Language Medal in Italian Stephen Moccia The George M. Carney and Helen D. Carney Memorial Award The Modern Language Medal in French Winston Wong Michael O’Donnell The Latin Medal in Memory of Rev. Joseph Shea Nicholas Colalella The Rev. Joseph Latella, S.J. Award Stephen Moccia The Donald G. Cooke Medal Carlos Galletti The Joseph P. Lombardo Memorial Award André Henriquez III Lance Corporal Michael D. Glover Memorial Medal Michael Kipp The Barney Keller Mathematics Scholarship Award The Science Medal in Memory of Rev. Hippolytus DeJuynes, S.J. Paul Kiernan and Aadit Patel Donato Quartuccia The Matthew J. Burke Memorial Award Gerald D’Arco The Campbell Historical Medal Brendan Roche Jesuit Secondary Education Association Certificate The Michael J. O’Donnell Mathematics Award Steven Delianites James Lynch and Andrew Kozak The English Medal in honor of Clarence Ramsey Brendan Roche The Manhattan College Medal Samuel Joseph The Religion Medal in honor of Bridget and Patrick Mooney Brendan Roche

MARCH 2009 — ALUMNEWS 11 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 endeavors of numerous Jesuit universi - Russo ’61 interviewed from gathering together in one room on a ties throughout the country which Switzerland, with the segment day in September might sound simply recognize New York as a center of concluding with Art Cashin ’59 like a conference of sorts, but when one business and commerce and have commenting from the floor of considers that that room was the Xavier engaged their New York regional alumni the New York Stock Exchange. A student library and those professionals through focused professional programs. sweep for the boys of 16th Street! were all Xavier graduates, the signifi - “It was very exciting to see the With the current economy, the cance of the event begins to shine enthusiasm of alumni as we reached out need for a vibrant council is more through. to Xavier business leaders across indus - important than ever. The goal is The Xavier Business Council held tries, professions and age groups when Xavier alums working with and its inaugural event on September 10, forming the council,” Mr. McLaughlin helping other Xavier alums. 2008 and will act as a point of business said. In a recent email, Kevin wrote: I think the council can be referrals, career counseling, mentoring, very successful, and in the Jesuit and social networking. Co-chairs I particularly would like to tradition we share a common Kevin McLaughlin ’74 and Joseph thank Mike Puglisi ’68 , senior set of values and intellectual Genovesi ’78 organized the event, managing director at the curiosity . We also want to help inviting alumni from all occupations Blackstone Group and Tom current Xavier students, the next with the hope of developing leaders who Russo ’61 , former vice-chairman generation of alumni, through will guide the Council, further develop at Lehman Brothers for co-host - the support of the academic its mission, and plan future events. ing, speaking and making our merit-based Ignatian Scholars The Trustees established the council inaugural event so successful. Program, which is funded by the as the organizational vehicle to develop Xavier alumni are very net proceeds of our Hall of Fame collaborative relationships and foster prominent in the business com - dinner every other year. greater synergy between Xavier and its munity, and it was interesting to alumni in the New York metropolitan watch CNBC recently one morn - For more information on the council, area business community. The council is ing with Wilbur Ross ’55 the email [email protected]. the outgrowth of similar successful studio guest, followed by Tom

12 ALUMNEWS —MARCH 2009 Taking Xavier Green: Economic and Environmental Savings through increased Paperless Communication.

This year, the advancement office is beginning future annual fund solicitations mailed to a project called ’GO Xavier.’ GO Xavier is a your home will allow you to view and correct plan to change the way we communicate your contact information which we keep on with our Alumni using less paper. Our initial file. The Xavier Alumni Website is another tool goal is to send the Xavier High School Annual that will help you and your fellow alumni Report electronically to 50% of our Alumni instantly. When you update your information base. That means if 50% of our Alumni sign online, you are also updating the Online up by May 1st providing a current email Alumni Directory and Xavier’s database. This address, the Annual Report will be emailed to will help keep you in touch with your fellow those alumni rather than sending the hard Alumni and Xavier in touch with you. copy. If you choose to sign up for GO Xavier, Since 2003, each publication and mailing you are choosing to start reducing both your of the Alumnews and the Annual Report has paper and Xavier’s paper usage. been followed with an electronic version, PDF, As a community it is very important that posted on our alumni website. This summer many lines of communication are available. we hope to post issues of the Alumnews and For Go Xavier to flourish, it is important that the Annual Report, published prior to the Fall Xavier is updated with your contact informa - of 2003 in the archives maintained on our tion as soon as it changes. The Advancement website. Office has already taken steps to help make We hope you will take the time to fill out this process easier for you. Several months the information below or sign up online at ago we hired PCI to make our new Alumni www.xavierhsalumni.org/paperless Directory which coincides with Xavier proac - tively trying to update your information. All

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 [email protected] The Xavier High School 25th Annual Golf Outing

Westchester Hills Golf Club Packages Maroon Package - $1,700 May 19, 2009 Includes 1 Foursome, 1 Tee Sponsorship, and an acknowledgement in our Annual Report 9:30 a.m. Registration 10:30 a.m. Brunch Buffet/Driving Range Golf - $350 Includes 1 golfer, Brunch, Gifts, Snacks & Beverages 12:00 p.m. Shotgun Start on the course, Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and Dinner. 4:30 p.m. Putting Contest Finals 4:50 p.m. JBC Final Round for $50,000 Sponsorship Opportunities 5:15 p.m. Cocktail Reception and hors d’oeuvres Event Sponsor - $5,000 6:15 p.m. Dinner/ Awards/ Raffles Includes a Foursome, recognition signs naming the tournament (The Your Business Name 25th Annual Xavier Golf Outing), Register online: a Jesuit Sponsorship, and an acknowledgement in our www.xavierhsalumni.org/golf09 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 sponsor - ships greatly contributes to the growth of financial assistance programs so that we can continue to serve a diverse student body!

ORLANDO VACATION RAFFLE Name: ______Class of : ______A 3-day vacation getaway for two people with deluxe Address: ______accommodations at the Ginn Reunion Resort & Spa in Orlando, Florida. Phone: ______Email: ______n Enclosed is my check made payable to Xavier High School for $ ______n Please charge my credit card. (Winner need not be present; n Mastercard Card # ______$50 you will be notified by Xavier) n Visa per ticket Expiration ______www.xavierhsalumni.org/golfraffle09 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, well as the funds to provide financial aid for students in need. The Annual Fund also helps As frigid temperatures continue to envelop shrink the gap between the actual cost to edu - the City of New York and snow blankets the cate a Xavier student ($14,200) and the tuition sidewalks here on 16th Street, the work of the and fees charged ($11,200). In Fiscal Year 2008, Xavier Advancement team is heating up. For Xavier Alumni, parents and friends collectively 2009, Xavier has set an ambitious contributed $2,500,000 to the Annual Fund. Let Annual Fund goal of $2,150,000 and me take this opportunity to again thank all of we have attained 55% of that goal— you for your continued, generous support! but with only a few months left in our If you have already contributed to the 2009 fiscal year ending June 30th! Annual Fund, Xavier thanks you. If you have These are times of extreme economic not, we ask that you consider making Xavier stress and uncertainty, and many one of your top philanthropic goals. We know families throughout the New York and understand that these uncertain economic metropolitan area, including current times have touched many in the Xavier com - Xavier parents, are uncertain of their munity, but if you are fortunate enough to financial security. Some economists have weathered the economic storm of the have gone so far as to refer to these past several months in good stead, we ask you times as “The Great Recession” and to consider increasing your last gift by 10%, or Xavier is not immune to these eco - if you have never given before, to consider a “We ask that any nomic currents. Xavier’s 2009 Annual Fund is gift of at least $10 per year since you graduat - presently running approximately 20% behind ed from Xavier. For those of you in a Reunion of you who sit on where we were last year at this time entering year (Classes ending in ’4 and ’9), we hope you the final fiscal year quarter. We remain cautiously consider a gift which reflects the quality of Foundation Boards optimistic, but we need your help! your years at Xavier. Everyone can make a When I accepted the position of Director of difference—no matter the size of the gift, or are otherwise Annual Giving back in October, I did so in the and Xavier is extremely grateful. affiliated with a knowledge that I was joining a tradition with Finally, as we consider other sources of rev - a rich and storied history—and an institution enue to fund valuable programs, increase our philanthropic with a profound dedication to its mission of endowment and financial aid, or maintain and educating young men of promise and con - improve our physical plant, we ask that any of institution whose science; “men for others” who leave Xavier you who sit on Foundation Boards or are other - ready to take the helm and lead. Xavier has not wise affiliated with a philanthropic institution mission aligns disappointed me. Whether meeting alumni at whose mission aligns well with Xavier, to kindly the Hall of Fame, Beefsteak or Phonathon, or contact Xavier—either myself at 212-924-7900, well with Xavier, passing an Ignatian Scholar in the hallway dis - x. 1436 or Joe Gorski at 212-337-7539. Your cussing Greek mythology with his friends, I can input and suggestions for possible foundation to kindly contact attest that the great Ignatian spirit is alive and funding would be extremely welcome. Xavier.” well at Xavier. The Xavier you remember, or have Together, with your help, Xavier can forge come to know over time, still very much exists. ahead—“ad majorem Dei gloriam.” But we Xavier’s Annual Fund keeps this spirit alive. need you—Men of Xavier, Parents of Xavier, The Fund is a non-restricted source of revenue Friends of Xavier—now more than ever before! earmarked to pay for operating expenses that For Xavier, 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 main - Mark A. Mongelluzzo, Esq. taining, operating and enhancing our music, Director of Annual Giving art, drama and “gold star” JROTC programs; as

MARCH 2009 — ALUMNEWS 15 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.

16 ALUMNEWS —MARCH 2009 SFC Anthony Adams George N. Cannizzaro, S.J. William Martino JROTC Religion English Where are you from? Where are you from? Where are you from? I grew up all over. I was an Army brat. I grew up in suburban Chicago and in I grew up in Waterbury, Connecticut. I received my Associate’s degree in Arizona. I attended Benet Academy in The youngest of three, I left CT and Administration of Justice, and served Lisle, IL, for high school and then went received a BA in English and Medieval 20 years in the U.S. Army. on to study theology and classics at Studies from Fordham (’04). After grad - Fordham University, graduating in uating, I served for two years with the What’s the best advice you’ve heard 2003. Three months later, I entered the University of Notre Dame’s ACE program about teaching? Jesuits at our novitiate in Syracuse, NY. (the Alliance for Catholic Education), It would have to be, “if you have actual As a member of the Society of Jesus, in Birmingham, Al. Once I finished my knowledge, you can’t be defeated.” I completed my graduate studies in Masters, I relocated to Savannah, GA, A little-known fact: philosophy this past spring at Loyola where I taught middle school English. I am a jack-of-all-trades. I know a little University Chicago. Currently, this is my fifth year teaching. bit of everything. Fondest Xavier Memory: Fondest Xavier Memory: If you took up a profession other than The most memorable thing I’ve wit - The most memorable (or inspiring, rather) teaching, what would it be? nessed so far at Xavier was the Mass of thing about Xavier is the collegiality That’s hard to say—I already have three the Holy Spirit celebrated at the start of among the staff. Everyone gets along other jobs. the academic year. At one point in the here so well. I really enjoy working with What other interests or passions do you liturgy, all faculty and staff members such an intelligent group of individuals have? went forward to receive a special bless - that really enjoy what they do. I look I’m very interested in computers, and ing. It was a humbling moment for me, forward to coming to work each day. one in which I was reminded that our have a passion for teaching and for my If you took up a profession other than students are not the only ones whom family. I love my wife, and I think that teaching, what would it be? God hopes to journey with during the God really sent her to me. If I took up a profession other than school year. teaching, I would be a chef. Cooking is What’s the best advice you’ve heard something I’ve enjoyed doing since I about teaching? was young. Making the transition back The best piece of advice I’ve received to New York has been tough, because about teaching is related to the etymol - I’m not cooking as much as I used to (as ogy of the word “educate.” It comes most New Yorkers are wont to do). I do, from the Latin phrase ex ducere, which however, make dinner myself at least literally means “to lead out of.” Education, four nights a week. then, is not the filling up of minds with Suggestions for wintertime reading: knowledge, but the elicitation of Carson McCuller’s The Heart is a Lonely insights from the students. In religion Hunter ; anything by Flannery O’Connor; class, I am regularly reminded of how James Joyce Portrait of the Artist as a important this perspective can be. Young Man . On Working at Xavier: What’s the best advice you’ve heard As a young Jesuit in formation for about teaching? priesthood, I find teaching in the Jesuit The best advice I’ve received about tradition to be a privilege. The best part teaching thus far: Choose your battles. of Jesuit education is about engaging The more I teach, the better I’ve the whole person: mind, body and soul. become at adhering to this.

MARCH 2009 — ALUMNEWS 17 Kristen Matroni Sara Robinson Daniel Rolón Mathematics Guidance Counseling Mathematics Where are you from? Where are you from? Where are you from? I was born and raised in Brooklyn. After I grew up in “upstate” Marlboro, NY. I am a born and raised Manhattanite. I graduating from Bishop Kearney High After finishing high school I received have always been educated in this, my School, I spent four years at Fordham my Bachelor’s degree in Counseling favorite borough. I am a 2004 graduate University, in the Bronx, and then two and Human Services and my Master’s of Xavier and am glad to be back here more years at St. John’s University, degree in Secondary School Counseling again. I have been tutoring peers, friends, where I received my Master’s degree in from The University of Scranton. While classmates, and family members in Math. My first teaching job was at St. finishing up my Master’s, I also complet - Mathematics since grammar school. Saviour High School, where I taught ed my internship at Old Forge Jr./Sr. I received my B.A. in Mathematics from Mathematics for three years. High School. From there, I moved back Fordham University. home and worked at SUNY New Paltz Fondest Xavier Memory: Fondest Xavier Memory: and spent my time in three high schools While the year is far from over, I’d have My fondest Xavier memory so far has providing academic, college, and career to say the most memorable thing I’ve been the faculty. As a student, I never counseling to first generation and low witnessed at Xavier so far was Maroon would have realized the level of cama - income students. and Blue day. The contests were a lot of raderie that exists among the faculty. I fun and it was really great to see the Fondest Xavier Memory: believe that all of the new faculty are enthusiasm each student has for Xavier. The most memorable thing I’ve experi - welcomed with open arms and not sim - enced and witnessed so far here at ply thrown to the wolves. I have already What’s the best advice you’ve heard Xavier in the past few months has been made some lasting friendships with about teaching? the welcoming and open arms from all many other teachers and staff members. A math professor at Fordham, who of the students and faculty here. I have was trying to convince me to become a On Working at Xavier: always had a passion for working with teacher, told me this— “You will never My initial thoughts would be that it is students and I am truly impressed by become rich teaching, but it is the most so much harder to teach than to be a the amount of respect that they have rewarding thing you can do with your student here. I might be expressing for one another and those that work life.” He was right—I’m glad I listened some naiveté, but before being here I here at the school. They have come to him. had no idea how much responsibility is together in good and bad times and put on the men and women that edu - A little-known fact: have really demonstrated what it means cate our students. I am thankful that I My first year teaching at Xavier has to be a community here at the school. have not been overwhelmed by the been somewhat of a classmate reunion A little-known fact: work load so far or by the additional for me—I went to Fordham with Mr. Something interesting about me that responsibilities of moderating the Cannizzaro and I went to St. John’s not many may know here is that I have chess team. with Ms. Velazquez. been involved in volunteer work since A little-known fact: If you took up a profession other than high school. After finishing college, I I am a fairly active gamer. I play com - teaching, what would it be? took a year off and volunteered full puter games off Steam like Portal. I also If I wasn’t teaching I think I’d like to time in Baltimore, MD, where I lived a play console games on a regular basis, work as some sort of financial analyst. simple life and worked with inner city and particularly like Rock Band and the I love learning about applications of kids. Helping others has always been original Super Mario Brothers. There is Math and I think it would be cool to my calling and I am truly blessed to nothing so de-stressing after a long be able to model and predict trends have had the numerous experiences day of work than to play in the World in the stock market. that I have had. It has helped me of Warcraft and become an entirely appreciate the simple things in life. different person for a little while.

18 ALUMNEWS —MARCH 2009 Xavier Hall of Fame

Xavier High School is pleased to announce that the Use this form or a nomination letter and send attention: President’s Office is now accepting nominations for Mr. Joseph F. Gorski, Vice President for Advancement the Xavier Hall of Fame. Qualifications for admittance Your Name and Class Year (if applicable) : ______into the Hall of Fame require that the person be a Daytime Phone: ______E-Mail: ______graduate, faculty member or administrator at Xavier Nominee’s Name and Class Year (if applicable) : ______who has been outstanding as a “follower of Christ” in the tradition of St. Ignatius Loyola and St. Francis Briefly describe the reason for nomination: 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. ______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

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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, 4 Fr. Vincent Cooke, S.J. ’54 and Rodger Shay ’54.

20 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2009 On Friday, November 21, 2008, the the evening’s attendees. of Rev. Vincent M. Cooke, S.J. ’54, Xavier High School community— The proceeds of the dinner support president of Canisius College, spoke alumni, family and friends—celebrated the Ignatian Scholars Program at Xavier. of his preeminent leadership qualities. the induction of Ambassador Vincent The evening’s program included the Father Cooke cited both Xavier and his M. Battle ’58, Rev. Vincent Cooke, S.J. following about the scholars: ’54 classmates as inspiration for his ’54, Rev. James J. Dinneen, S.J. ’48, The Xavier High School Ignatian success. Father Dinneen’s famously Professor Constantine Katsoris ’49, Scholar’s Program invites academically tardy behavior was mentioned in his Mr. John C. Meditz ’66 , and Mr. Rodger gifted, highly motivated students to introduction mainly as a counterpoint D. Shay ’54 into the Xavier Hall of Fame. take challenging honors courses and to the description of Jim as a truly The celebration was again held at to participate in special cultural and humble and generous person uniquely Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers, one of the intellectual enrichment activities during able to provide comfort to all those he city’s premier event sites. The evening freshmen and sophomore years… meets. Father Dinneen ’48 gave a witty began with the cocktail hour held out Participation in the program pre - and insightful speech not surprising his at the end of the pier in a glass enclosed pares students to succeed at the most friends but revealing to many others. terrace with the Hudson River, the sky - demanding and competitive colleges Constantine Katsoris ’49 is to lines of New York and New Jersey, the and universities in the country. The Fordham Law School students what George Washington Bridge and the Ignatian Scholars Program provides Joe Caruso was to Xavier’s men. Statue of Liberty sparkling in the night. more than rigorous academic training; Judge McLaughlin used this analogy Dinner followed in the Oceanic Room it also provides stimulating opportuni - to introduce “Gus” Katsoris who in turn where the décor was enhanced by ties. Through guest lectures, field trips, referenced his Jesuit connection to linens, flowers and banners in Xavier arts exposure, and community service, explain his dedication to teaching law colors, and the food was wonderful, but the Ignatian Scholars have opportuni - to ethical minds. The Judge again the fantastic setting and the fabulous ties to broaden their minds and further referred to punctuality when presenting cuisine were but the stage upon which their knowledge and skills. John Meditz ’66 to Father Gatti. Much the real purpose of the evening unfolded. Frank A. Ragusa ’11 , a sophomore more important was John’s unswerving After an opening greeting from the member of the Ignatian Scholars Program dedication to Jesuit education. John’s evening’s toastmaster Rev. Joseph A. spoke eloquently about what the modest remarks linked his experience O’Hare, S.J., Xavier’s president Rev. course of study and the extracurricular at Xavier with his dedication to Jesuit Daniel J. Gatti, S.J. ’59 took the stage activities meant to him and how he and other philanthropic endeavors. to welcome all to this important and his fellow students were very Roger Shay ’54 was described as one celebration, including many current appreciative of the opportunities with an incredible work ethnic that members of the Hall of Fame, some 18 offered by the program. rewarded him with much success in the members of Xavier’s board, and other After dinner the event came to its business world. He devoted equal energy special guests such as the president fruition as Father O’Hare introduced to advising and supporting a large of Fordham U niversity, Rev. Joseph the Honorable Edward J. McLaughlin number of worthy causes. Roger, in his McShane, S.J., the president of Fairfield ’63 . His job was to present to Father acceptance speech, spoke movingly of University, Rev. Jeffrey von Arx, S.J., and Gatti each candidate for induction; Xavier and particularly his classmates chairman of Xavier’s Board of Trustees, Judge McLaughlin introduced each as very important inspirations. Richard T. Nolan, Jr. ’83 . man with a brief discussion of the The inspiration provided by these The Xavier Business Council showed reasons that each was deemed worthy six alumni lifted the spirits of all those its support for the dinner and its benefi - to be in the Xavier Hall of Fame. Father present and reminded them that, despite ciary , the Ignatian Scholars Program. then presented each new member a gloomy days, all have lives can be filled Co-chairs Kevin McLaughlin ’74 and proclamation certifying the induction with purpose. Joseph Genovesi ’78 (whose father and a silver Hall of Fame pin. Each honoree Nominations for induction into the Anthony J Genovesi, ’54 was inducted then gave a brief speech about how Xavier Hall of Fame are now open. into the Hall in 2000) and a goodly number Xavier affected and inspired their lives. Please see the advertisement in this of the members attended the dinner. Judge McLaughlin spoke of issue of Alumnews —the 9th Xavier Hall The Xavier Class of 1954 lead by Ambassador Battle’s dedication to of Fame Dinner will be held in 2010. their dinner chairs Alan Griffith and his country of birth and Lebanon the If you wish to see and hear Franklin Piasio turned out in force to country where he was the personifica - these esteemed Xavier alumni celebrate the induction of two of their tion of the United States. As part of speaking at the dinner, please visit classmates into the Hall. Their enthusi - his response, Vincent Battle ’58 spoke the Xavier Alumni website at astic embrace of their classmates and, cogently about the ongoing challenges www.xavierhsalumni.org/hof08.com. indeed all the inductees, inspired all our country faces today. The introduction

MARCH 2009 — ALUMNEWS 21 Pride, Service, Tradition XAVIER IN NEW YORK

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 curricu - time, 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 curricu - Catholic 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 build - no 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 consid - go 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 sand - individuals, 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 internation - in 1878, Xavier’s student base al student base. Its founding extended, attracting students Jesuits interpreted Catholic Catalogue of Students, 1858. from upper Manhattan and teaching in a way that called other areas that were becom - them to educate and consid - ing 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 estab - The 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 main -

Opposite 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.

MARCH 2009 — ALUMNEWS 23 tained an outstanding reputation by participat - freight industry, New York’s waterways were ing in many civic functions such as the bustling. By one estimate, as many as 100 sepa - dedication 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 esti - with 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 proces - often 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 north - Labor School opened its ern edge of town, by the turn doors in 1935, inviting New of the century, found itself in An archived correspondence from Fr. John York laborers and union offi - Corridan, S.J., and Fr. Philip Carey, S.J., a fashionable neighborhood; who led the Xavier Labor School. cials to attend weekly townhouses sprang up adja - evening 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, eventual - end 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 exist - and the five boroughs; the city was developing ed as separate entities from Xavier High School around the school, and the institution that origi - itself, 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

24 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2009 The Golden Jubilee Procession, June 1897.

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

MARCH 2009 — ALUMNEWS 25 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.

26 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2009 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 ser - Fr. Joseph O’Mara, S.J. were To read the geant and being commissioned first lieutenants personal memoir able to march up in the U.S. Army. Fr. Bartley Cornelius Roche ’31 5th Avenue during would not come back alive. 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 and click on Alumnews . the Cardinal as funeral Mass after succumbing 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, foot - World Wars helped Xavier achieve a level of pres - ball 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

MARCH 2009 — ALUMNEWS 27 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 another ever since. The first Sons of Xavier alum - academics, leadership training, recreational activ - ni bulletin was published in 1934, marking the ities, and supervised trips. The program also 20th anniversary of Fr. Donovan’s work, and the acted as a recruiting mechanism for Xavier, format of the pamphlet would stay the same increasing the level of minority enrollment. until the end of the 1970s. Another program sponsored by Xavier, “Boys While Fr. Joseph Latella, S.J. had assumed Hope,” provided a home-like residence for boys responsibility for the Xavier alumni groups from troubled families. Based out of a center in beginning in the 1960s, it wasn’t until 1982 that Staten Island, the program aimed to get young Xavier had a formal Annual Fund program that men on a firm academic path to better their self- would allow alumni donations to supplement confidence and give them the life skills they tuition funds, with the hope of building an would not have received otherwise. endowment and keeping Xavier an institution The earliest alumni group, the Sons of Xavier, that would forever be able to stay close to its was founded in 1914 by Fr. Francis Donovan, S.J. mission of providing affordable education. In Fr. Donovan organized a series of alumni events 2008, Xavier marked 25 years of giving to the that would bring graduates back to 16th Street, Annual Fund. and, while the organization would flounder a bit * * * during the 1920s, it has existed in one form or A Selection of Xavier Men in New York History

5 2 7 9 3 1 8 4 6

1. Jimmy Walker, elected Mayor of New York City in 1926 with 5. Nicholas J. D’Agostino, Jr. ’56 , chairman of the D’Agostino the help of Governor Al Smith and the Tammany Hall politi - supermarket chain. cal machine. 6. Christopher O’Sullivan ’54 , killed in Vietnam, awarded the 2. Rev. Laurence J. McGinley, S.J. ’22 , former president of Distinguished Service Cross, a Silver Star, and a Purple Heart Fordham University. for his service. 3. Frank McGuire ’33 , renowned college basketball coach, led 7. Al Roker ’72 , ever-friendly weatherman on WNBC’s “Today;” St. John’s team from 1947-1952. former cartoonist for the Xavier Review and other publications. 4. Dave Anderson ’47 , Pulitzer Prize Winner, sportswriter at 8. Michael Gargiulo ’7 7, WNBC’s“Today in New York” news anchor. The New York Times . 9. Joe Sexton ’77 , metropolitan editor of The New York Times .

28 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2009 Today’s Xavier students see more of the city, According to Xavier Admissions records, out and the country, for that matter, than any gener - of the 970 students at Xavier currently, nearly ation of students before. 21% live in Manhattan, but only 31 students live Shortly after the 2:35 bell was overheard on in what could be considered “walking distance” the 16th Street sidewalk on a recent Monday, to the school. Over 60% of Xavier’s student body the first dozen or two young men walked out commutes from Brooklyn or Queens. “This is Xavier’s doors. Members of the swim team are really a rather astounding number,” Mr. waiting for one another before getting the train Benjamin Hamm, Director of Admissions, said. to practice at St. Francis College, in Brooklyn. “Manhattan has gentrified so much in the past Further down the street, sophomores, dressed two decades that the families Xavier has down, wait to board buses to Staten Island for traditionally served are not actually living here their retreat at Mount Manresa Jesuit Retreat anymore.” House. In a few weeks, cross country runners will Jeremiah Hanson ’09 travels to Xavier from jog their way to Central Park for a few laps Monmouth County, New Jersey each day in a around the reservoir, and rugby practice will commute that he estimates to be close to five take place four days a week at Pier 40 on the hours per day. Recently, he said that while the West Side, and elsewhere. commute has limited his extra-curricular activi - Xavier seniors, on the first Monday after ties, he has developed strong management January midterms, begin weekly service work at skills and has grown very fond of his Xavier well over a hundred of schools, day care centers, experience.Still others travel in each morning soup kitchens, nursing homes, and hospitals, via public transportation from remote parts of their Christian Service totaling 72 hours by the the outer boroughs, such as Rockaway Beach end of the school year. “Our location in and Breezy Point, which remain significant feeder Manhattan is very important and the service we areas for Xavier for several reasons, not the least try to instill in our students is not just to the of which are struggling local schools. school, but also to those in need throughout Today’s Xavier students quickly learn what New York,” said Mr. Joseph Petriello, Xavier’s it’s like to go to school in a bustling metropolis. Director of Ignatian Service Programs. “In going But Xavier’s history in New York remains some - forth into the city, they model the example of St. thing not easily taught to young students. Francis Xavier being sent from home to uncer - Decades of alumni tell stories of the past about tain places, and in entering into those different places all over the five boroughs, places that still experiences they grow as young men, as persons exist and are haunted by the past; some are of faith and persons committed to service and defunct, but others continue to be frequented justice.” by our students. But while going to school in New York City In its 162nd year, Xavier continues to rise means something different to each young man, with each breath of the city. for almost all those enrolled here the experience begins the same way it has for generations— with the morning commute.

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

MARCH 2009 — ALUMNEWS 29 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.”

30 ALUMNEWS —MARCH 2009 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 Pictured above, standing, (l.-r.) Robby Maguire ’10, Steven Vorvolakos ’10, Justin Baseball Alumni game, held October 12, 2008 at Pupa ’09, Francis Leahy ’10, Peter Barbieri ’10, Ryan Furlong ’10, Danny Capuano St. Peter’s College. The event was a great success, ’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 and grads paired into two teams to compete McDonald ’89, Jeffrey Fischer ’10, former Xavier faculty member Derek England, against one another. Coach Rich Duffell. Pictured, sitting, (l.-r.) Christopher Perone ’95, Frank Spada ’04, All Xavier baseball alumni are invited to take Mark Imbo ’04, Artie Curcuro ’00, Ryan Amato ’06, Ryan Watson ’01, Tom O’Reilly part in the next alumni game, tentatively set for ’00, Brian McKenna ’10, and Andrew Murano ’10. September 25, 2009 at St. Peter’s. Please contact Rich Duffell at [email protected] for more information.

MARCH 2009 — ALUMNEWS 31 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.

32 ALUMNEWS —MARCH 2009 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!

MARCH 2009 — ALUMNEWS 33 Class Notes

1939 1948 1950 Come to your 70th Thomas Kennedy is enjoying retirement Kenneth Austin retired from CLASS REUNION in the Pacific Northwest with fishing Housemaster Franchise Systems and on May 1-2, 2009! trips to Alaska and dancing in Pullman, currently resides in Lakewood Ranch, WA. Vincent Vella celebrated his 50th FL. Edward Reynolds retired after 48 1940 wedding anniversary this April to wife years of dental practice in Pearl River, Robert Rice, S.J. was appointed Barbara. NY. Robert Riese is enjoying retirement full-time retreat director in the Jesuit in Lansing, KS. Retreat House in Malaybalay City, 1949 Philippines. Come to your 60 th 1951 CLASS REUNION James Bradley splits his time 1941 on May 1-2, 2009! between Jupiter, FL, and Sterling, VA, William Burgess says “hello” to all and is enjoying a well-earned retire - Xavier graduates! Dick McCauley ’49 joined with three of his sons, Brian, Bob and Dennis and ment. Fred Gant is chairman and C.E.O. 1942 son-in-law, John, to form the nucleus of Biomarck Pharmaceuticals and was Vincent Novak has returned to of the Thunder—one of nine teams recently awarded “Outstanding Fordham after three winter-spring from all over the country participating Engineering Alumnus” by North terms at U.C.L.A. as a graduate dean. in a week-long Yankee Fantasy Camp, Carolina State University. John Girvin in Tampa, FL, in November 2008. has been living in southwest Florida 1944 since 2003, where he remains an active Come to your 65 th participant in his church community as CLASS REUNION an usher, lector, chairman of the on May 1-2, 2009! Pastoral Council, and the Director of Veterans’ Affairs for the Knights of 1945 Columbus. Robert Kramer is a widely William L. Boyan argued a case in the published poet, playwright, critic and New Jersey Supreme Court at the age translator of European literature who of 80 years and eight months, only continues to teach art history and months after being rejected for jury German literature at Manhattan duty for being too old! Francis Carillo Brian, Bob, Dick and Dennis McCauley. College. John P. Maher works as County lives in an active Maryland retirement After just missing the gold the Health Department Director of Chester community and is the proud grandpar - previous years, they swept the compe - County, PA, and recently celebrated his ent of four grandchildren in the Air tition with a perfect 7-0 record. Players 41st wedding anniversary with his Force. William Laffan still chases the must be a minimum of 30 years old four children and five grandchildren. little white ball at Wheatley Hills Golf with no limit on the upper end of the Jim Shields is president of a day care Club with classmates Warren Nolan age spectrum. Dick, at 76, was the oldest facility for the homeless called “Mission and Leo McGinity. active player for the second consecu - tive year. House.” Albert J. Sicree celebrated his 1946 Coaches included Tommy John, 50th wedding anniversary with his Donald Duperret feels great and Darryl Strawberry and Ken Griffey, wife, Sylvia, eight children, and twenty- continues to work. James O’Connor among others. Al Downing and Fritz three grandchildren. is happy to have two new great grand - Peterson led the Thunder to victory. 1952 daughters and still keeps in touch with Among the fans that caught the Joseph W. Fleck was elected to the Jim Doyle ’47 and other members of action were classmate Steve Conti ’49 New Hampshire House of Representatives the ’Westchester County Entourage.’ and his wife, Bobbi. When asked about on November 4th. Anthony Kaspar the quality of the play, Steve declined 1947 has retired from the investment banking comment. Thomas McMahon is enjoying retire - field after 37 years. William Meyer is ment and his 13 grandchildren. Cedric enjoying retirement on the Rhode Island Priebe retired from his clinical pediatric shore, but continues to busy himself surgery practice, but continues to assist with board and commission meetings. the Department of Surgery at Stony Frank Notaro and wife, Marie, are in Brook Medical Center as Professor their 9th year as volunteers for Habitat Emeritus. for Humanity in Newburgh, NY. 1953 John Spizziri recently celebrated the Steve Conti ’49 getting Dick’s autograph, an birth of his second grandchild. instant collector’s item.

34 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2009 Class Notes

1954 Harris/AECOM. Rocco Iacovone plans rate Xavier has! Mark Thompson grad - Come to your 55th to release his new CD called “Devotion,” uated as part of Molloy College’s class CLASS REUNION which will be out in March on iTunes. of 2005 and married his wife, Lyubov, on May 1-2, 2009! Rocco also started the Xavier “Band of on August 9th. Thomas Donohue retired from the Brothers” alumni band, which is looking to do charity work. 1971 Federal Bureau of Investigation and Robert Hynes commutes weekly from lives in Greer, SC, with his wife, Jane. 1963 his Norwell, MA, home to a position as 1955 Ernest Dewald received the senior financial risk analyst for capital James P. Hanigan retired as professor Distinguished Service Award for the markets with the Federal Housing emeritus after 28 years of teaching at Academy of General Dentistry for his Finance Agency in Washington, D.C. Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. expertise in testing and education in dentistry. Roy Van Brunt was inducted 1973 1956 into the U.S. Tennis Association Frank DiCola has been co-owner of the Joseph T. Basta retired from Zurich Mid-Atlantic Section Hall of Fame in family-owned Patsy’s Italian Restaurant, Financial Corp. and lives with his wife, February 2008. Ricardo Valera hopes which recently opened a restaurant in Mary Jean, in Prescott, AZ and Port St. to hear from any fellow Xavier grads Atlantic City. Thomas McDonnell Lucie, FL. Kevin Donohue owns who enjoy riding motorcycles and assumed a new position as a financial Shamrock Home Care in Fairfield, CT, touring the countryside; he can be advisor in northern Virginia. Victor and recently celebrated his 46th wed - reached at (732) 422-0229. Vallo is the chair of the Department ding anniversary. F. Thomas Schmitt of Music at Immaculata University, in celebrated his 43rd wedding anniver - 1964 Philadelphia, and was recently pub - sary with wife, Hedi. Tony Terracciano Come to your 45th lished in a national music journal, The has been appointed chairman of the CLASS REUNION Instrumentalist . on May 1-2, 2009! board for Sallie Mae Corporation. 1974 August “Guy” Vrondis recently had Michael Nealis was ordained a deacon Come to your 35th a pacemaker installed in his chest, but in the Archdiocese of San Antonio. CLASS REUNION still enjoys playing with his two grand - on May 1-2, 2009! children. 1966 Francis P. O’Brien has been consulting 1975 1957 with the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group in Anthony Cucolo was recently named Paul Madonna thanks Ruben Cubero, Plano, TX, since last October but man - Commanding General of the 3rd John Stone, David Burke, and Alfred ages to get home to Rhode Island most Infantry Division stationed in Fort Bianco for their inspiration over the weekends. Conrad Tridente has retired Stewart, GA. years. from teaching the 5th and 6th grade, but hopes to be a certified basketball 1976 1958 referee soon. Peter Sciabarra retired from the United Paul McNamara enjoys his 14 grand - States Navy on April 1, 2008 onboard children! 1967 the USS MIDWAY aircraft carrier museum Robert Loffredo is a financial advisor 1959 after a 27 year career as a naval aviator. at Wachovia Securities, expecting his Peter plays ice hockey in a San Diego Come to your th 50 first grandchild in January 2009. John adult hockey league and is pursuing CLASS REUNION Murray and his wife, Nancy, were hon - on May 1-2, 2009! doctoral studies in education and lead - orees at the recent President’s Dinner at ership at the University of San Diego. 1960 St. Patrick’s Society of the Jersey Shore. Joseph Dineen retired in August 2008 1977 1969 John Halikias was elected General from his role as chief compliance officer Come to your th for 170 hospitals at Quorum Healthcare 40 Chairman of the Greater New York CLASS REUNION Dental Meeting. Reid T. Mueller is Resources. John Cavallaro is an ordained on May 1-2, 2009! permanent deacon who is stepping balancing a private cardiology practice down as the president and C.E.O. of 1970 and his position as State Air Surgeon a healthcare company for people with Paul Fuccillo was elected to the U.S.A. for the NY Air National Guard. Dennis HIV/AIDS called PSI. Martial Arts Hall of Fame and received O’Brien took office as New Jersey State a doctorate in martial arts science and Superior Court Judge. Anthony Sarro 1962 martial arts philosophy. Herbert is happily married with two children William Fife celebrated his 40th wed - Sebranek doubled his contribution and is the owner of three healthcare ding anniversary and recently retired as from last year since he cannot stand related service and systems companies. the VP of Aviation services from DMJM that Regis has twice the participation John Young was inducted into the

MARCH 2009 — ALUMNEWS 35 Class Notes

International College of Dentists in 1985 accounting firms. Douglas LeVien October, in recognition of his accom - Stephen Breheny has moved to is currently serving our country in plishments in dentistry. Corona, CA, with his family. Afghanistan with NATO Joint Forces Command, but looks forward to his 1978 1986 August 15th wedding to fiancée Maj. David P. Bertolotti is a Catholic Luis Rivera, Jr. plans to marry his Deborah Ellis. Kevin Sherman recently priest at All Saints Church in Bedford- fiancée, Sonia Hernandez, in October. moved to Fairfield, CT, and works as a Stuyvesant and in Woodhull Hospital. 1987 managing director in the private wealth 1979 John Brenkovich was named one of management group for Lenox Advisors. Come to your 30th the top 20 program managers in Bank 1991 CLASS REUNION Investment Consultant Managers Peter Garcia will deploy to Iraq with on May 1-2, 2009! Magazine’s Inaugural Competition. the U.S. Army in 2009. John Giordano 1981 1988 is a major in the U.S. Army, serving in Dan Moran lives in Madrid, Spain and Alan Szydlowski is the Director of Kuwait and Iraq. Edward McGoldrick works as a manager for EMEA, a soft - Securities Research at Cohen, Milstein, graduated from Fordham University’s ware company. Sellers and Toll PLLC. MBA Program.

1983 1989 1993 Vincente Murrell is a lawyer for the Come to your 20th Ian Maloney is the Assistant Dean for Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation CLASS REUNION Academic Affairs at St. Francis College in Washington, D.C. on May 1-2, 2009! and is happy to have recently received tenure. Bernard Harrington is the 1984 1990 Operation Officer in Jalalabad, Come to your 25th Christopher Cohen joined the Public Afghanistan, for Operation Enduring CLASS REUNION Company Accounting Oversight Board Freedom. on May 1-2, 2009! after a career with “Big 4” public Dealing in trust during the economic storm interest of both parties. “It is a lot easier to explain your When Rob Thorburn, CFP® ’93 decided to join his cousin fee when you and your Franck Cushner, CFP® at Ensemble Financial in 2003, it was client are on the same side part risk, part opportunity. After working for larger Wall of the table,” Rob said. Street firms, Credit Suisse and DLJ, this was a chance to build The small-company a new asset management firm from the ground up. The design has been especially business plan was a boutique firm that would offer their helpful for Ensemble, given clients the services of wealth management, estate planning , the economic crisis that erupted in September 2008. After insurance structuring and accounting all under one roof. the news of the Bernard Madoff investment scam, a letter “We wanted to build a full-service execution firm that was went out to all of Ensemble clients explaining the checks based on relationship development and trust,” Rob said. “We and balances that ensure legitimate practices. “The fall of had the big firm experience but to go out on our own and to several financial giants has shown that bigger, older insti - be successful we knew we needed to provide our clients tutions aren’t necessarily for everyone” Rob said. with Ritz Carlton service combined with Fed Ex efficiency.” “With everyone so strapped for time these days, our Ensemble Financial started out with just a handful of clients really appreciate having everything under one roof. clients. For the first two years, while they were never late They sleep easier knowing that if anything ever did happen , paying rent, Rob and Franck didn’t draw salaries, opting to help is simply one call away. It is a much easier solution reinvest the money back into the company. As their client than running all over town trying to get finances in order.” base started to grow, largely due to referrals from their Rob said. With the current economic environment it is even existing clients, many of which are Xavier alumni, the risk more important to review your current financial situation seemed to start to pay off. and get your plan in order or adjust the current plan you Ensemble operates on a fee-based platform. This way, have in place. Now that Rob has a ten-month-old son, Rob said, “clients are assured that their money won’t be Harrison, at home, planning for the future is even more constantly moved around to cash in on commissions.” important to Rob and his wife, Colleen. Rather, Ensemble receives fees strictly in proportion to a For more information, visit Ensemble Financial on line at clients total holdings, so smart planning is in the best ensemblefinancial.com

36 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2009 Class Notes

1994 2001 2004 Come to your 15 th Steven Mulvey is an NYPD officer Come to your 5th CLASS REUNION happily married with two sons. Thomas CLASS REUNION on May 1-2, 2009! McDonald writes “I graduated from the on May 1-2, 2009! U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 2005 1995 Patrick Mahon graduated from St. and went on to Navy Flight School Geoff Cole is seeking a Master’s degree Joseph’s College summa cum laude in where I learned to fly helicopters. No in public administration at Rutgers June 2008. Patrick serves as a history matter where I have been stationed University while working at West Point teacher at Mary Louis Academy, while in my career I have met Xavier and Prep School in Fort Monmouth, NJ. pursuing a Master’s degree from Fordham alumni alike and we engage Brooklyn College. Matthew Salber 1996 in lively discussions on who will prevail in graduated in May 2008 from Villanova Jeffrey Garcia is an adjunct Bible next year’s rivalry game on Thanksgiving . University with a degree in political sci - professor at Nyack College’s Manhattan Although I am currently deployed to ence. Matt currently works for the New campus and recently published an the Middle East, this year my thoughts York City Campaign Finance Board, article entitled “See My Hands and and prayers will be back in New York while pursuing graduate studies at My Feet: Fresh Light on a Johannine with the Xavier family. I am sure that Long Island University in the United Midrash” other proud Xavier Alumni serving in Nations Studies Program. our armed forces all around the world 1997 join me in sending our best wishes!” 2005 Andrew Lynch, Matthew Frank, David Anderson will be studying Steven Spyliopulos and Brian abroad this spring semester in Rome Sommerville ’98 helped raise $16,000 with the Pratt Institute School of for the Breezy Point September 11th Architecture. Jacob Fountain received Memorial through their charitable his gold ring at the Citadel’s Class of work. John Murillo is currently 2009 Ring Presentation. William working for Kevin A. Tattam ’72 Lembo is proudly serving his country at International Bond & Marine in in the 82nd Airborne Division in North Hoboken as a broker/account execu - Carolina. Ronald Peterson was on the tive. Anthony Saparito was named dean’s list for the fall 2007 and spring Italian American of the Year by the Lt. JG Thomas McDonald and his SeaHawk 2008 semesters and a member of Jersey Shore Merchant’s Association helicopter aboard the U.S.S. Franklin Roosevelt. student government as the university for his work with the Belmar Home liaison to Judicial and Ethical Affairs. for Children. 2002 Timothy Capuano graduated cum 2007 1998 laude from Loyola College (MD) in Joe Bode enjoyed a year abroad in George Joost is in his last year of grad - May 2006 with a degree in economics. Florence, Italy, as a part of a Freshman uate studies at Cornell University. Jason Christopher graduated Cornell Experience Program offered at Marist University with a Master’s in electrical College. Michael Chiaia completed 1999 engineering and works full-time for the cadet field training at Camp Buckner, Come to your 10 th Federal Energy Regulatory Commission NY, was promoted to cadet corporal CLASS REUNION as an engineer. and is now a team leader at the United on May 1-2, 2009! States Military Academy. Philip Robert McGee works in civil service for 2003 Gordon and his father volunteered the Department of the Air Force, coach - Joseph Guster is currently pursuing with Habitat for Humanity in New es high school football, and plans to an M.B.A. from St. John’s University. Orleans to aid victims of Hurricane pursue an education degree shortly. Joseph O’Brien is fulfilling a 2-year Katrina. Frank Melaccio was recently married. service commitment as a history Kevin G. Reinhart is engaged to his teacher in McAllen, TX with Alliance 2008 girlfriend of four years, Megan. for Catholic Education after graduating Michael R. Carillo joined Mayor from Notre Dame. Michael Bloomberg at Dyker Beach 2000 Golf Course for its “1st Putt” Ribbon Jared Marinos is stationed at the Cutting Ceremony. Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia. Thomas Morrissey flies a Boeing 747-400 around North America and Asia for Cathay Pacific Airways.

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 Alumni Paul U. Bigelow ’50, November 10, 2007 Alumnews we would like to remember the John Ravel ’30, August 31, 2008. Joseph Cella ’50, July 6, 2007 many Xavier graduates, friends and family Salvatore DiMichael ’31, August 2, 2008 members who have recently passed away Walter Coyne ’50, August 23, 2008 but whose names, due to space constraints, Anthony F. LaBau, S.J. ’32, April 15, 2008 Everett J. McGarry ’51, October 5, 2007 had to be held over for future issues. We Manuel A. Bergnes, M.D. ’33, James Kavanagh ’51, November 17, 2007 hope to be able to publish all remem - December 27, 2008. Former Xavier Faculty Member brances in a timely manner in the future. Julius Janosek ’35, November 10, 2007 John F. Collins ’52, July 3, 2007 Correction: The July/August edition of John F. O’Sullivan ’35, December 6, 2007 Alumnews indicated that Mike Pavlick ’64 John F. Dwyer, M.D. ’52, June 23, 2008. William Hannan ’36, April 21, 2008 had passed away in March, 2004. In fact, Ronald P. Bernasconi ’53, May 24, 2008 Michael’s wife, Annette, not Michael, passed John G. Brady ’37, March 17, 2008 William B. McNulty ’53, July 26, 2007 away on March 4, 2004 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. 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, Edward Kirk ’44, December 25, 2008. January 24, 2009. Robert H. Leamy, Jr. ’46, August 26, 2007 Rev. Kevin M. Bradt, S.J. ’65, Robert Greene ’47, April 10, 2008 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, Juan G. Diaz ’84, February 26, 2007 December 10, 2007 Christopher Israel ’89, July 26, 2008

38 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2009 Family Geraldine Arnold, wife of James ’47, Jean Janos, mother of Joseph A. ’90, Ann Pirrmann, mother of October 7, 2008 October 9, 2008 Bryan Pirrmann ’81, January 5, 2009. Josephine Bennett, mother of Robert ’70, Mary Catherine King, mother of John ’59 Ethel Quinn, grandmother of Ryan ’97, May 12, 2008 and Donald ’62, June 25, 2008 January 23, 2007 Susan Regina Boller, mother of Antonie Kubat, grandmother of Joseph ’01, Jack Quinn, grandfather of Ryan ’97, Kenneth Boller, SJ, former Xavier mother-in-law of Joann Kubat, former September 12, 2007 president, headmaster and teacher, Xavier staff member, January 4, 2009. Donald F. Ryan, father of Donald ’78, August 9, 2008 Leonard LaPrice, mother of John ’83, Joseph ’82, and Michael ’90, Helen Bonica, mother of Louis ’76 and July 5, 2008 April 7, 2008 Janet, Xavier registrar, August 20, 2008 Connie LaRocca, mother of John ’63, John Sheehan, father of Joseph ’87, Vincent Campbell, father of Patrick ’80, December 7, 2007 May 23, 2007 April 25, 2008 James A. Magee, father of James ’99, Margaret Tramutola, mother of Thomas ’76, Searafina Carrubba, mother of Gregory ’78, November 27, 2007 James ’79 and grandmother of November 12, 2008 Trinidad E. Martinez, mother of Rafael ’69, Thomas ’06, November 25, 2007 Jennifer Ann Cashin, daughter of November 2, 2007 Marie Wenthen, wife of Kenneth ’43, Arthur ’59, November 22, 2007 Judith Meister, wife of James ’59, January 14, 2009. Charles V. Clarke, father of Thomas ’69, September 18, 2008 January 8, 2009. John Messina, father of Robert ’01 and Friends Domenico Coluccio, brother of Rocco, brother of Robert ’81, May 30, 2008 Rev. Robert C. Cregan, S.J., former faculty October 19, 2008 Peter M. Morch, father of Peter ’04 member, January 4, 2009. Edward J. Coyne, father of Edward, Jr. ’74, and William ’06, February 8, 2009. Catherine Ciraolo, grandmother of March 8, 2008 Robert Morgan, father of Robert ’76, Michael LiVigni, Xavier Headmaster, Mary Daly Distinti, mother of Anthony ’97 Vincent ’79, and Stephen ’80, November 22, 2008 and Stephen ’01 Distinti, March 15, 2008 Rev. James P. Higgins, S.J., former faculty November 20, 2008 Catherine Neuenfeldt, mother of John ’72, member, January 20, 2009. Jane Darmody, wife of William ’47, January 10, 2009. Sean McCarthy, son of James McCarthy, May 10, 2008 Cornelius O’Callaghan, father of Edward ’87, former Xavier swim coach, Elizabeth Egan, wife of Bernard ’32, July 13, 2008. May 27, 2008 December 6, 2007 James O’Neill, father of James ’70, Tim ’76 John McGoldrick, Sr., father of John, Thomas Forde, father of Patrick ’99, and Colin ’80, June 15, 2008 Xavier faculty member, August 31, 2008 August 2, 2008 Patricia O’Neill, mother of James ’70, Marc Puritz, brother of Arthur, former Anna Gates, grandmother of Anne Happel, Tim ’76 and Colin ’80, April 7, 2008 Xavier faculty member, July 21, 2008 Xavier faculty member, January 8, 2009. George O’Rourke, brother of Jose Robero Sierra, brother of Javier Aguilar, Xavier staff member, Edward Hawley, father of Stephen ’71 Paul O’Rourke ’57, January 28, 2009. November 27, 2007 and Daniel ’75, October 21, 2008 Julia Pinto, mother of Nicholas Pinto ’57, December 13, 2008. BIRTHS Patrick Aidan Cahalan, December 11, 2008 Maximus Xavier Rurak, January 17, 2008 Jennifer and Brian Cahalan ’90 Lisa and Mark Rurak ’86 Brigid Egan, September 3, 2008 Fionn Ryan, December 3, 2008 Betsy and Michael Egan ’85 Mairin and Michael Ryan ’90 Reid Geissler, September 2, 2008 Andres Mario Suarez, March 28, 2008 Terra and Christopher Geissler ’95 Evelyn and Allan Suarez ’88 Brian James McKinney, February 7, 2009 Gabriel Robert Suarez, March 28, 2008 Annette and Brian McKinney ’94 Evelyn and Allan Suarez ’88 Andrew Petit, April 25, 2008 Silvia and Gregory Petit ’91

WEDDINGS Pina Trapani and Vito Pietanza ’98 Mary Geissla and Jason Willson ’96, Top: Brian James McKinney January 23, 2009 December 8, 2007 Bottom: Andres and Gabriel Mario Suarez

MARCH 2009 — ALUMNEWS 39 FROM THE This year, Xavier and its community need you more than ever! ADVANCEMENT OFFICE 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 pros - perity. 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. JOE GORSKI While we await a turnaround though, many within the Xavier community have Vice President for Advancement 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.

40 ALUMNEWS —MARCH 2009 Explore your legac y.

Reminder for Alumni over 70 ½ years of New This Month... age about the Pension Protection Act: The Time Is Now • This law provides that, in each of the years 2008 and 2009, If there were ever a time to be inspired to take an owner of a traditional or Roth IRA may instruct the action, now is that time. That’s because the needs trustee to distribute directly to a public charity up to in our community are so urgent, and your quick $100,000 without the distribution being included in response will help us meet some important needs. taxable income, while also counting that distribution Estate Taxes: Keeping Up With the Changes toward the IRA owner’s mandatory withdrawal amount. Because estate tax rules change frequently, your • To qualify for IRA rollover treatment, the donor must direct current plans might not be the best they can be the IRA manager to transfer funds directly to a charity. anymore. Review these upcoming changes—and However, a withdrawal followed by a contribution will still then review your estate plans—to get your plans need to be reported as income. The donor must be at least back on track. age 70 ½ years and the donee must be a tax-exempt organ - ization - such as Xavier High School - to which deductible Does Your Estate Plan Measure Up? contributions can be made. Sound estate planning is important—without it you could lose a sizable portion of your estate to taxes. • This law does not include the terms of proposed legislation Evaluate your current estate plan, and then add up such as the Public Good IRA Rollover Act. Therefore, the gift your points. How do you score? must be outright; rollovers to a planned gift, such as a gift annuity or a charitable remainder trust, do not qualify. For more information please contact us: Similarly, outright distributions to a charity from employer- Joseph Gorski 212.924.7900 ext. 1539 sponsored retirement plans, such as Simple IRAs, 401(k)s, or [email protected] and 403(b)s, do not qualify. Also note that IRA rollovers may Loual Puliafito 212.924.7900 ext. 1611 be includable in a donor’s income for state and local tax or [email protected] 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. Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID 30 West 16th Street New York, NY 10011-6302 Manchester, NH Permit No. 206

Boston area Alumni President’s Council Reception Reception April 16, 2009 September 30, 2009 Reunion Gala Weekend President’s Council May 1-2, 2009 Dinner Alumnews Calendar Parents’ Gala Fundraiser October 8, 2009 May 8, 2009 Xavier High School Open House Class of 2009 Commencement October 24, 2009 Ceremony Parents Phonathon June 11, 2009 October 26-28, 2009 Volunteer Reception Turkey Bowl Football June 16, 2009 Rally and Young Alumni Reception Xavier Society and Loyola Associates November 25, 2009 Reception Washington, D.C. area September 23, 2009 Alumni Reception Maroon and Blue Day December 2, 2009 September 25, 2009