XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL
THE MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI, PARENTS, AND FRIENDS OF XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL SPRING 2021
Stories of Resilience SPRING 2021 SPRING 2021
Jack Raslowsky P’16 President Michael LiVigni P’21 Headmaster Shawna Gallagher Vega, APR Director of Communications Editor, Xavier Magazine
Contributors Jeanette Alvarez Nick Barone ’16 Ralph Dinielli Rory Harris ’08 Eric Krebs ’17 Shane Lavin ’03 Michael LiVigni P’21
Photography Michael Marmora
Design Erbach Communications Group
How to Reach Us Xavier Magazine Xavier High School 30 West 16th Street New York, NY 10011 Email: [email protected] Class Notes: [email protected]
Xavier’s Mission Founded in 1847, Xavier High School is an academically rigorous, Catholic, Jesuit, college preparatory school in New York City that educates intelligent, motivated young men of diverse backgrounds and means. Xavier teaches students to take responsibility for their lives, to lead with integrity, to act justly in service of others, to pursue excellence in every endeavor and to deepen their relationship with God. Ultimately, Xavier forms young men who will go forth to transform the world for God’s greater glory. On the Cover Student resilience in the face of a once-unthinkable “new normal” infused the school year. CJ Marlin ’23 and Iden Ottmann ’23, pictured in the gym after Featured in This Issue Departments eating lunch separated by Plexiglass, numbered among 12. A Full Team Effort 2. From the President Xavier’s intrepid hybrid learners. 18. Unsung Heroes 3. News from 16th Street 22. A Teacher at Heart 26. Class Notes Throughout the year, Xavier’s student-athletes 48. Back Story showed perseverance and grit in a time of great uncertainty. Here, members of the Xavier football team practice in the gym over February break in hopes of a city-approved spring season (which unfortunately never materialized).
MIX Paper from responsible sources FSC® C022085 XAVIER MAGAZINE 1 FROM THE PRESIDENT News from 16th Street “Let him easter in us, be a dayspring to the dimness of us, be a crimson-cresseted east…” Gerard Manley Hopkins The Wreck of the Deutschland
is an Easter magazine, a story of Xavier on the road, much like Cleopas and his companion encountering the Risen Christ: adjusting for sure, while engaging, encountering, moving forward and feeding on one another. Even in the midst of the COVID pandemic, hearts are on fire on 16th Street. Faculty model creativity; students and faculty discuss and debate the events and ideas that have shaped our world, work together to produce plays, engage in service and bring activities to life. The work of our maintenance and technology staffs is highlighted. The picture of the maintenance staff jumped out at me. Their faces are largely unseen behind their masks. Xavier thrives because of the often unseen work of so many—staff members in maintenance, technology and offices; parents, family and friends. Celebrating the maintenance and technology staffs is a reminder to give thanks for the unseen efforts on 16th Street, in homes and other places across the city that Dear Parents, Guardians, Friends and Sons of Xavier: allow Xavier to thrive. Our class notes feature an expanded section on former faculty and staff members. Their work is now unseen on 16th Street yet their impact on Xavier’s Sons will last a lifetime, and we will In the midst of Lent, I journeyed to Rhinebeck, New York with 15 always be grateful. students and faculty members for a Magis retreat at the Linwood We also pay tribute to Mike LiVigni P’21 as he concludes his Spiritual Center. Linwood sits on the east bank of the Hudson River, a tenure as our headmaster. What I have most enjoyed over the years is few miles north of the old Jesuit novitiate, St. Andrew-on-Hudson. Mr. LiVigni’s addresses to our students. His stories of growing up in Magis has always been a favorite of mine. Magis, the brainchild Brooklyn, studying in Buffalo and sitting with Mrs. Lerner have taught of Fr. Lou Garaventa, S.J. and Bob Reinhart ’69 P’94 ’99, is a us important lessons. Ultimately, the work of the headmaster is to retreat about the retreatant and God. The retreat is anchored in the ensure that Xavier teaches important lessons to all our students. By certainty that God speaks and listens to us, and it is an invitation to word and deed, Mr. LiVigni has done that with diligence and care. I am our students to do the same with God. What a gift, and what a gift to most grateful. Sto lat, Mr. LiVigni. watch God and our students work together. Students of Gerard Manley Hopkins will recognize that the quote Retreats are as essential to a Xavier education as are factoring that begins this letter is drawn from his poem memorializing five and differentiation, declensions and conjugations or Shakespeare Franciscan nuns who drowned in a shipwreck on December 7, 1875. and sonnets, so it was with great joy that I received the news that The shipwreck propelled Hopkins’s return to writing poetry. The poem our Kairos and Magis retreats would take place this year. The campus is a memorial witnessing to lives lost. This magazine is a witness to our In March, after an extensive nationwide search, Xavier announced the appointment of Kim Smith as its 55th ministry team secured a new site for Kairos at Immaculate Conception response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to the resiliency that carries headmaster. She will begin her tenure on 16th Street in July. Seminary in Huntington. Magis is taking place at Linwood and at us forward. We can be resilient because “he indeed easters in us.” Smith comes to Xavier from Boston College High School, where she has taught English for the past 20 years Loyola in Morristown. There were COVID adjustments for sure, but As this Easter season draws to a close, may our prayers echo the and currently serves as academic vice principal. A graduate of Boston College and the University of Denver, she the spirit of God easily works with COVID adjustments! words of Hopkins: will be the first female headmaster in Xavier’s 174-year history. Within this magazine there are dozens of stories chronicling our “Let him easter in us, be a dayspring to the dimness of us, be a “I am honored and delighted to be joining the Xavier community as the next headmaster. I have found much journey through COVID, and the resiliency of our community. There crimson-cresseted east…” joy and purpose in working in Jesuit schools for the past 20 years; I am also of the mind that there has not been should be no doubt that there were and remain difficulties: isolation, If so, our resilience is assured. a more exciting or relevant time to be in the work of Catholic education,” Smith said. “The world needs young anxiety, fear, food insecurity for some families, eviction for others, people of intellect, care, and concern who are eager to serve, to solve, and to lead us through the 21st century. job loss, illness, death, academic challenges, and dreams deferred. The You are in my prayers. difficulties, however, are not the end of the story. I feel privileged to be part of that formative process.” We are journeying through the great season of Easter once again: Jack Raslowsky P’16 the triumph of light over darkness, the victory of life over death. This President
2 XAVIER MAGAZINE XAVIER MAGAZINE 3 NEWS FROM 16TH STREET NOT THROWING AWAY OUR SHOT On January 8, New York State announced that educators would count among Group 1B in the phased distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, making Xavier teachers, administrators, and staff members some of the earliest New Yorkers eligible to be inoculated. With millions of residents vying for limited appointments and vaccine arrivals hampered by winter storms, securing a shot proved no easy feat at first. But aided by regular, informative missives from COVID-19 Response Coordinator and Assistant to the President Bill Ford and colleagues who generously shared information and tips about finding appointments, 80% of the Xavier faculty and staff had been fully vaccinated by early April.
Greg Stelzer ’11 Julie Teller Kaija DeWitt-Allen Adlai Stevenson High School, Colleen Rober Jessica Durand Ewton Stephanie Boccuzzi NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull, Brooklyn Lincoln Hospital, The Bronx The Bronx Elmhurst Hospital, Queens Aviation High School, Queens South Bronx Educational Campus
Greg Dolan ’89 P’21 Westchester County Center
LTC Jacob Kelly, USA (Ret.) Mollie Quinn Sara Robinson and her husband, John Bacsik Sean McDonough ’03 Claudia Tierney P’20 North Central Bronx Harlem Hospital Port Richmond High School, Staten Island Javits Center Cure Urgent Care, Manhattan Medical Center
Province Presidents Welcome Dr. Fauci At the dawn of the COVID-19 pandemic, President Jack Raslowsky P’16 began Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a member of the Regis High School convening weekly Zoom meetings of his fellow Jesuit high school presidents Class of 1958. He continued his Jesuit education at the College of the from across the USA East Province. Ranging geographically from Cheverus Holy Cross before attending medical school at Cornell University. High School in Portland, Maine, to Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School, Dr. Fauci took questions from the province presidents and spoke the province presidents have jointly navigated remote learning, lockdowns, about the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines and consequences for schools. reopenings, the CARES Act, social unrest, vaccinations, and much more since He recalled being a child during New York City’s 1947 smallpox vaccination their first virtual meeting on March 18, 2020. campaign, when city health commissioner Dr. Israel Weinstein oversaw the “There are always opportunities for COVID updates and questions, but we inoculation of six million New Yorkers in a single month—stemming the tide of do other work, too,” Raslowsky said. “Before Thanksgiving, we did a sharing of an outbreak. graces. Before Christmas, we looked at consolations of the year. The meetings “As a child he saw firsthand the power of vaccines, the ability we have when we have been a great source of consolation for the presidents. There’s a sense of put our mind to something, and the good that does for public health,” Raslowsky A pin given to members of the Xavier faculty and staff upon sharing the work, and sharing the work of leadership.” said. “The effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines available now is very high. Yet he receiving their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. In January, the province presidents welcomed a special guest—2002 Xavier was always prudent, reminding us to stay the course, wear masks, social distance, The USA East Province presidents with Dr. Fauci in January. Commencement speaker Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of wash our hands vigorously. If we do all of that, we can turn the corner.” 4 XAVIER MAGAZINE XAVIER MAGAZINE 5 NEWS FROM 16TH STREET Choosing
AMID THE PANDEMIC, FACULTY AND STAFF PRIORITIZE CREATIVECreativity OUTLETS By SHAWNA GALLAGHER VEGA In an era of forced isolation, art teacher Billy Maloney ’01 settled into a frenetic productivity. Over the past year, he’s completed nearly 50 paintings—acrylic, watercolor, and airbrush— Denise Iacovone and a dozen wood sculptures. With enough creations to fill an art portfolio, he successfully applied to a graduate program in art education that he plans to start this fall. “Every day that I have free, I’m working on two or three paintings at a time,” he said. Last spring’s lockdown and transition to remote learning hit him hard, and art became his outlet. “I was right in the middle of rugby season. We were two weeks away from our first game,” said Maloney, who coaches freshman rugby. “It reminded me of when I got injured in high school. If I didn’t have sports, I leaned hard on art. I always tell the guys, ‘Don’t be one-dimensional.’ I always push the Renaissance man idea.” Like Maloney, many other members of the faculty and staff also pursued creative outlets and hobbies to help them process a stressful, uncertain time. English teacher Mary-Grace Gannon P’03 ’07 devoted herself to writing more poetry, and
Jonathan Ratheram-Browne River Heron Review selected her poem “Consonance”—a rumination on pre-pandemic New York City subways—for publication. “I’ve become more conscientious about sending my poems out for consideration, so I was excited to hear that one was accepted,” she said. “Isolation can make us more desirous of contact and connection with others, perhaps.” Fine arts department chair Denise Iacovone and her husband, retired Xavier music teacher Rocco Iacovone ’62, decided to learn something new—the language of their forebears. “In March 2020, we started Rosetta Stone Italian together,” Denise Iacovone said. “We sit together every night for a short lesson of 20-30 minutes. It’s fun because we do it together, and it really works!” Secretary Mei Eng, known on 16th Street for her baking, whipped up cookies in her Brooklyn kitchen after the completion of a mid-pandemic home reconstruction. With the help of YouTube videos, she also taught herself to knit. History teacher Megan Stevens, a longtime crafter, worked on multiple projects while distancing, including several pieces of art that now hang in her Mei Eng classroom. One timely painting reads, “We can endure much more than we think we can.” English teacher Matt Thomas and his daughter Maddalena tackled a particularly vexing 1,500-piece puzzle, later framing it to commemorate the effort. “We set to work on it during the early days of COVID, aware of a challenge but pleasantly confident in its face, I, Don Quixote to her Sancho Panza,” Thomas recalled of the effort. “My daughter demonstrated her superior intelligence by abandoning the activity, leaving me to an Ahab-like solitary pursuit. In the end, when it mercifully released its grip on me, I ordered a special adhesive backing and centered it perfectly in a frame, hanging it for all to see the last puzzle I will ever willingly do.” In another testament to patience and attention to detail, science department chair Jonathan Ratheram-Browne crafted his own chess set, even hand-carving a few pieces. “With vaccines Billy Maloney ’01 becoming more available and the restrictions of lockdowns finally drawing to a close,” he said, “I Megan Stevens am hopeful that the completion of this chess set marks the end of what has been a difficult and at 6 XAVIER MAGAZINE times sorrowful year.” NEWS FROM 16TH STREET
Want to make your mark (literally) on Xavier’s
Page 8: A second honors certificate from 1927; a 175th anniversary? class ring from 1947, Xavier’s centennial. Page 9: A COMING SOON perpetual calendar souvenir that marked Xavier’s If you have a talent for graphic 100th anniversary. Both pages: A photo from a 1952 design, we invite you to enter student trip to the U.S. Capitol. COL Donald Cook, USMC ’52†, standing third from left in the back row, our dodransbicentennial later became a prisoner of war and died in Vietnam. logo competition. He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Submissions should be sent to [email protected] by As Xavier prepares to kick off a year of dodransbicentennial celebrations on December 3, the Feast of June 15, 2021. St. Francis Xavier, we invite the community at large to help us gather artifacts and memories. Logos may be submitted Alumni and friends are invited to donate or temporarily loan memorabilia to Xavier for display electronically as .PDF, .SVG, .AI, throughout our 175th anniversary year. To begin this process, please email Mary Kinahan-Ockay, .EPS, or high-resolution Xavier’sXavier archivist, at [email protected]. at 175 .JPEG files. We also invite members of the community to share their favorite memories of Xavier in written form. The winning entry will be Submissions of up to 500 words may be emailed to [email protected] for possible publication. selected over the summer and featured in all 175th anniversary communications.
175Years
8 XAVIER MAGAZINE XAVIER MAGAZINE 9 NEWS FROM 16TH STREET Conquering Tech Challenges 1. 2. 3. By SHAWNA GALLAGHER VEGA
1. Lou Orlando ’21 leads a virtual tour of Xavier. 2. Fordham Prep President Chris Devron, S.J. and Xavier President As Americans transitioned to working and learning 360-degree camera, microphone, and speaker with an Jack Raslowsky P’16 introduce the Virtual Turkey Bowl. 3. Science teacher Mary Anne Woody. News and Notes from home last spring, few organizations faced bigger automatic zoom function that responds to who’s speaking. the Archdiocese of New York’s Office of Black tools to design and model structures and objects. operational challenges than schools. On 16th Street, He also tripled Xavier’s bandwidth in anticipation of On October 17, Xavier’s Admissions Office Ministry, moderated a conversation that included Students also learn how to model existing Xavier’s technology department bore the burden—in unprecedented video needs. hosted the school’s first-ever Virtual Open Fr. Paddy Gilger, S.J., Fr. Rudy Casals, S.J., and Br. structures and redesign them for future needs extraordinarily short order—of equipping teachers and Preparing Xavier’s campus for hybrid learning took House for prospective families. Close to 850 Ricardo Perkins, S.J. as well as build prototypes by 3D printing and students with the necessary tools to succeed. the entire summer, and with shipping delays due to a registrants learned about a Xavier education assembling their designs. Director of Technology Hernando Avila P’23 said the majority of the nation’s schools ordering tools for remote via Zoom panels and meetings. A guided virtual Xavier’s esports team defeated Carmel High immediate work he and Assistant Director of Technology learning, Xavier was lucky to get it done. “God was with tour of 16th Street led by Lou Orlando ’21 was a School in the North America Scholastic Esports Arabic teacher Caroline Haidar was recently Freddy Nowbath faced ran the gamut from preparing me,” Avila said, noting that he ordered the Owls from a highlight of the event. Federation Eastern Division Overwatch finals in invited to serve as a guest speaker for students in and delivering 25 Chromebooks to teachers and students beach while vacationing on July 1. “I ordered everything a dominant 3-0 sweep in December. They came in the New York University Abu Dhabi program. Her lacking appropriate devices at home to helping the just in time for it to get to us and make sure we had Despite the cancellation of the fall football sixth at the national championships in February. Levantine Arabic Made Easier podcast is ranked community adapt to video conferencing platforms like enough time to roll it out. If I had ordered the Owls a season due to the coronavirus pandemic, Xavier #2 in Albania and among the Top 200 language Google Meet and Zoom. day later, we wouldn’t have gotten them in time.” He and Fordham Prep found a way to face off for On February 6, Xavier’s Philosophy and Ethics podcasts in the U.S.—a huge achievement in a The demand to stream Masses and events soared. To hired consultants to get all the Owls, Surface Pro 7s, and the 98th time in the Virtual Turkey Bowl last Club—moderated by religion teacher Dr. podcast landscape dominated by English, Spanish, offer opportunities for prayer during the worst days of the docking stations in place in time to open school, and he November. Xavier President Jack Raslowsky Robert Cortegiano and led by co-presidents French, and Chinese language instruction. pandemic, for instance, President Jack Raslowsky P’16 added a new full-time staff member, Michelle Poulaille, P’16, varsity football coach Chris Stevens ’83, Conor Guilfoyle ’23 and Isaac Pierre ’23— began using his iPhone or iPad—whatever was available— to help address increased technological needs. and Fordham Prep President Chris Devron, participated in the online New York, New Jersey, English, French, and Spanish teacher Deena to stream weekly Mass from the Student Chapel. From his “You try to make calculations, you do the math, and S.J. counted among the players on the virtual and Long Island Ethics Bowl, which brought 38 Sellers, chair of Xavier’s Community Life and Staten Island home, Avila guided him through what was you figure things out,” Avila reflected. “Thankfully, Xavier Madden NFL field. While the Rams emerged high schools together for a day of team-based Inclusion Council, and Director of Alumni then a very novel process of creating a Zoom webinar and committed the resources, because it was not cheap. Jack victorious, 21-14, the Knights took home Turkey discussion, collaboration, and analysis of a range Relations Zane Massey ’96 P’22, a fellow streaming it to YouTube. Raslowsky and Mike LiVigni and the Board get a lot of Bowl Giving Challenge honors, 410-373. The of contemporary moral questions. With topics member of the Council, each completed Cornell Navigating a steep, community-wide technological credit because they definitely put the resources in, and challenged pitted young alumni from the Classes ranging from the ethics of dining out during a University’s Diversity and Inclusion certificate learning curve didn’t curtail the department’s normal not just this year. We had already shored up our backbone of 2001-20 at both institutions against each pandemic to the moral dimensions of “cancel program in 2020. Massey earned his certificate in day-to-day workload, which is busy at the best of times. between all the floors where the Internet comes into the other in a giving competition. culture,” Xavier’s team of seven students enjoyed August, and Sellers earned hers in December. But Avila, who has a son and nephew enrolled at Xavier, building. We had just replaced all the switches and fiber an exciting and enlightening day of critical and said the work was well worth it: “We did a good job between the closets between each floor. If you have the On December 5, the Xavier Dramatics Society respectful discourse with their peers from top Science teacher Mary Anne Woody will travel to transitioning to all-remote learning.” infrastructure in place, that gives you a lot more flexibility.” staged The Apocalypse Project, its first-ever schools across the area. It was the club’s third year Vietnam this year as a participant in the 2020-21 Preparing for the 2020-21 school year presented a Avila said that while the past year has been the most livestreamed production. The play, authored participating in the Ethics Bowl. Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching Short new set of trials. Avila recognized that if Xavier reopened, stressful and challenging of his career, “what’s new is by Briandaniel Oglesby, explores a world where Term (DAST) Program. Sponsored by the U.S. it would be in a hybrid model, and closures due to new becoming the norm,” and his days are getting more adults have disappeared and children must carry Last summer, computer science and technology Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and lockdowns or outbreaks were likely—so he had to equip predictable. He’s grateful for the faculty’s adaptability in on after disasters they did not create. department chair Michael Chiafulio P’23 Cultural Affairs, Fulbright DAST sends expert classrooms with cameras and give teachers “grab-and-go” any situation, including a day-long Internet and phone devoted himself to learning Rhino 6, a 3D U.S. K-12 educators to participating countries technological tools. outage that struck the neighborhood in March. Xavier’s Advancement Office hosted “Race modeling software, in order to teach Xavier’s to support projects in schools, teacher training Avila purchased Surface Pro 7s for all teachers and “I’m proud of everybody else in the building,” he said. and the Catholic/Christian Conscience,” the new Architectural Design and 3D Modeling class. colleges, government ministries, or educational outfitted each classroom with a Meeting Owl Pro—a “The teachers, the students, the administration.” first webinar in its “Different Uniforms, Same Forty-six juniors and seniors participate in the nongovernmental organizations. Woody is one Cloth” racial justice series, on December 9. elective, which is designed to teach students of 12 U.S. citizens who will travel to six countries To prepare for the 2020-21 school year, Br. Tyrone Davis, C.F.C., executive director of how to use computer-aided design and drafting with Fulbright DAST in 2021. Xavier’s technology department unboxed, 65 65 92 10 XAVIER MAGAZINE inventoried, and installed or imaged Owls Docking stations Surface Pro 7s A Full Team
EffortBy NICK BARONE ’16
n March 11, 2020, I lost my senior year of t the time of my writing, students roam college. Believing a few weeks of lockdowns the halls of Xavier, reconnecting with their would stop the spread of the coronavirus, brothers, playing sports, and attending students were met with the promise of an meetings of their favorite clubs. Faculty are AprilO 20 return-to-school date. We didn’t get that. We Ain their classrooms, teaching and making memories with didn’t get senior week. We didn’t get graduation. We students. Administrators are in their offices, supporting didn’t get a make-up graduation. We didn’t get any of our the community. These feats would have been impossible “lasts.” It was easy to be mad—it’s still easy to be mad. I a year ago. None of this would be possible now if not for look back now, a year after my college’s closure, and ask the full team effort that has gone into reopening Xavier. myself, “What could have been done?” The From clubs and activities to sports and answer—nothing. At least, nothing for the Barone is an alumni retreats, Xavier has continued to encourage time being. fellow assigned to students to pursue excellence in every Much like me, Xavier’s Class of 2020 communications and endeavor, no matter what’s going on in the didn’t get many of their “lasts.” No prom, alumni relations. He world around them. no senior week, no in-person Baccalaureate is a 2020 graduate “At the beginning of the year, I stressed During an AP 2-D Design Mass. But Xavier undertook a remarkable of the University of the importance of hosting club and activity class in February, fine arts department chair Denise effort to care for its quarantined seniors, Scranton. meetings at least twice a month so students Iacovone and James with faculty and staff traveling across have a way to stay connected to each other Murray ’21 displayed Murray’s digitally painted five states to deliver them gifts and cheer. That effort while doing something they’re passionate about,” self-portrait for students culminated in a distanced but in-person graduation at Director of Student Activities Alicia Psillos told at home. Each student in AP 2-D Design selects a St. Patrick’s Cathedral on July 31, the Feast of St. Xavier Magazine. topic to delve into visually Ignatius Loyola. This year, many new clubs—such as the Culinary over the course of the year. Murray chose “a And Xavier continues to engage in an impressive Club—have emerged, allowing students to do something 21st century teenager,” effort to truly care for its students now, in the midst of a fun, learn something new, and socialize with their peers working primarily on his iPad with a program still-raging global pandemic. and faculty members. Existing competition clubs like called Pro-Create.
12 XAVIER MAGAZINE XAVIER MAGAZINE 13 2. 3. 4.
1. Juniors sign a banner on Kairos 150 in February.
2. Sophomores play ping-pong during their March rally day.
3. Members of the Xavier Dramatics Society perform in their livestreamed fall play, The Apocalypse Project.
4. Guidance counselor Jordan Temkin hands a Christmas stocking to Ryan Wong ’21 during Christmas at Xavier.
5. Lorenzo Reetz ’22 performs demolition work during the CFX winter break service trip to East Patchogue, Long Island.
6. Seniors pray at a socially distanced Christmas at Xavier.
1. 5. 6.
Speech and Debate, Model United Nations, the in the school cafeteria, karaoke and improv During the days preceding Christmas and Xerox paper! In May, I realized that going things go while embracing others, but we are livestreamed fall play, was a testament to Philosophy and Ethics Club, and the esports contests, trivia, debates and discussions, at Xavier, faculty and staff members forward we wouldn’t be able to share materials making scholarship-level work again.” the resilience of Xavier’s students and to the team have competed more often than usual esports games, Scattergories, art and music also hosted spirit days for the entire in the art department at all.” This artistic perseverance is present on strength of the XDS community. this year due to the virtual nature of events. sessions, Netflix parties, and other socially student body, featuring competitions This realization led to a great deal of stage as well. With social distancing measures “These young men and women were “We know there are many challenges distanced events. Scores of teachers and for the most unique Christmas hats, creative thinking on the department’s part. In and mask-wearing protocols in place, can the hungry to create, and it showed in their that come with putting together in-person faculty members have volunteered to moderate masks, ties, sweaters, and more. order to return to school in the fall, they had show still go on? The short answer is yes— dedication and ability. Yes, our time together activities and events this year,” Psillos said. these activities, both in person and virtually. It brought cheer to the final week of to find a way to give each student materials for yes, it can. was limited—only two rehearsals a week as “When planning any in-person events, we took For seniors, their class rally day came in the school in 2020, which had been disrupted by a remote and in-person learning. “The Xavier Dramatics Society has opposed to four or five—and I ran rehearsals all the necessary precautions and followed all form of Christmas at Xavier, a longstanding temporary transition to all-remote learning. “We ordered hundreds of items, types of grown so much over my tenure here, but differently, following all protocols and safety protocols while also giving students school tradition that looked very different erasers, types of pencils, markers, brushes, the one thing that has not changed is the guidelines, but we were able to successfully options to partake in these events remotely.” this year. (Since the entire school cannot fit t a time when students need papers, canvas, easels, and much more. We dramatics community,” said drama teacher produce and perform a live show, and that was With the help of her fellow faculty into the Church of St. Francis Xavier under opportunities for expression have over 300 art students across all years,” Nicole DiMarco. “Theater is, by nature, pretty miraculous,” DiMarco said. “It was quite and staff members, Psillos has also social distancing guidelines, seniors were given more than ever, Xavier’s fine arts Iacovone said. “We searched Amazon and our collaborative, and COVID has been the obvious the students were both grateful and organized community rally days for each priority.) While the event was exclusive to department has devoted countless art supply houses to find art sets, drawing sets, antithesis of creative collaboration in many overjoyed to have been a part of it.” grade, inviting individual classes to 16th masked, distanced members of the Class of Ahours to ensuring students can pour their small pads, brushes, small easels, paint sets, ways, but especially with regards to live Street to participate in fun, collaborative 2021, it turned into an unforgettable reminder creative energies into a number of outlets. markers, colored pencils, and more. Then we theater and performance. During times like espite myriad obstacles, Xavier’s activities and bond as a group—a difficult of how Xavier really feels. Seniors were invited “In March, no one knew how long this ordered color-coordinated book bags for each these, I believe that we need art and creative Athletic Department has been feat given Xavier’s hybrid learning model, to participate in a beautiful Christmas Mass, would last,” fine arts department chair Denise year and hand-packed the 310 bags with all the outlets the most. It was for this reason able to keep student-athletes which separates classes into two cohorts to enjoy lively activities and homeroom hangout Iacovone reflected. “We left so quickly that supplies by year level. It was daunting, but now that I vowed to do some kind of show this engaged and active this year as maintain appropriate social distancing. sessions, and unpack stockings prepared for none of the boys had art supplies at home. everyone has art supplies for home and some year, even if there was no live audience.” Dwell. Coaches have been hard at work making Rally day activities have included baking them by faculty and staff members. We had to make do with pencils, markers, in their locker. We had to be flexible, let some The success of The Apocalypse Project, the sure students stay active and keep pushing
14 XAVIER MAGAZINE XAVIER MAGAZINE 15 Students roam the halls of Xavier, reconnecting with their brothers, playing sports, and attending meetings of their favorite clubs. Faculty are in their classrooms, teaching and making memories with students. Administrators are in their offices, supporting the community. These feats would have been impossible a year ago. None of this would be possible now if not for the full team effort that has gone into reopening Xavier. 1. themselves to their physical limits. participate in at-home athletic development minimal travel within the state. They found programming covering a wide range of topics.” “It has been a full team effort with all sessions, which allow them to exercise and new ways to make students experience Along with members of Xavier’s of our coaches to safely return our teams to prepare for spring sports—which city health Ignatian traditions that wouldn’t have been advancement staff, Massey has hosted virtual practice and competition,” said Director of officials finally approved to kick off in April. possible at the beginning of the pandemic. events ranging from beer tastings to career Athletics Andrew Gheraldi. “We are hopeful of “I am enormously proud of the work we’ve development sessions to conversations providing more opportunities for students to opeful anticipation has been a done in Campus Ministry to ensure that our about race relations—not to mention the connect to Xavier athletics this spring.” key theme at Xavier since the Kairos and Magis retreats continued to happen traditional Beefsteak Dinner and reunions— It’s been difficult to navigate sports this beginning of the pandemic. safely,” Director of Campus Ministry Kaija that have provided important socialization year, to say the least. Unexpected closures Students, faculty, and staff DeWitt-Allen reflected. “I am so thankful opportunities for alumni. 2. combined with limitations imposed by the Hremained hopeful about attending retreats to the faculty, staff, and administrators who “We’ve been able to share fun moments New York State Department of Health have and service trips at the end of the 2019- committed to leading retreats while adjusting like our Oktoberfest program, but we’ve also forced the Athletic Department to adapt 20 school year—but those opportunities, to new protocols and altered activities. And been able to cover deeper topics such as the constantly. The department—and Xavier’s including Kairos retreats and senior Christian I’m particularly impressed with our senior Catholic and Christian conscience and what athletes—have persevered through it all. service, were stripped away by the early days of retreat leaders who carved out time for even that means for us as people,” Massey said. The fall trimester saw the varsity, junior COVID-19. more Google Meet planning sessions to ensure “I am convinced that as long as we all stick varsity, and freshman cross country teams Planning for retreats and service that our retreats were a success. Offering our together, there is nothing we can’t accomplish shine, and varsity and JV soccer returned to trips in the 2020-21 school year seemed students opportunities to experience prayer, as a community and as a people.” play, too. Varsity and JV bowling also got off like an impossible task—except it was reflection, companionship, and God’s love the ground, with the program headquartered quite the opposite. and forgiveness while on retreat remains the ll of this only scratches the surface at Astoria Bowl during the winter trimester. This year’s service opportunities, while cornerstone of what we do.” of the lengths Xavier has gone to This year also marked the birth of Xavier’s limited, have allowed students, faculty, and in order to keep its community 3. fencing team, which trained through the staff to be men and women for others during fforts to keep the Xavier strong and united. Just over winter at Fencers Club in Chelsea. a time those qualities are needed most. Over community engaged have also Aone year ago, we all ventured into a great Indoor track was rebranded as “winter February break and again during Easter break, extended beyond the student unknown, not knowing how to move forward. track,” with runners competing outside due Director of Ignatian Service Programs Greg body. Alumni have had various Xavier has taken important steps into that to COVID-19 regulations. Meets have been Stelzer ’11 and groups of juniors and seniors Eopportunities to reunite—albeit virtually— great unknown—steps that are leading us hosted at Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island embarked on CFX Habitat—trips to East with fellow Sons and other members of the closer to the light. and at Ocean Breeze Track and Field Complex Patchogue, Long Island, that saw the groups Xavier community. From my perspective, to see Xavier doing on Staten Island throughout winter and spring. partner with Habitat for Humanity. Stelzer “This has been a particularly challenging what it’s doing is pretty breathtaking. Losing The swimming and diving team enjoyed and the students worked to provide a safe and year for our nation and for the Xavier the end of my senior year of college made a successful season, while the wrestling team affordable home for a Habitat family. community,” said Director of Alumni me think a lot about what could have been conducted at-home workouts twice a week to Campus Ministry searched and found a Relations Zane Massey ’96 P’22. “While it’s done to give us a chance to have those final, build team unity in anticipation of competition. bigger, safer retreat space at the Seminary of been challenging to continue programming memorable experiences, and I can easily say 4. And the athletic program doesn’t only the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, in this environment, I am grateful for all of Xavier has gone above and beyond those 1. Students on CFX in East Patchogue in February. 2. Seniors attend a Magis retreat at the Linwood Spiritual involve Xavier’s athletes. All freshmen not Long Island. They discovered new service our alumni and to the Jesuit community. expectations for the boys, the faculty, the staff, Center in Rhinebeck, New York, in February. 3. Panayoti Athineos ’21 speaks to juniors on Kairos in December. currently involved with an athletic team and immersion opportunities that required Despite obstacles, we’ve been able to provide the alumni, and even for me. 4. A virtual alumni Oktoberfest.
16 XAVIER MAGAZINE XAVIER MAGAZINE 17 “IT’S JUST THE JOB THAT WE’RE CALLED Unsung HeroesTO DO. WE ARE THE HEARTBEAT OF XAVIER.” By SHAWNA GALLAGHER VEGA
Kevin Reinhart ’99, Marcelino Luna, Ernesto Nuñez, Leticia Melchior, Mario Mejia, Frank Leahy P’10, Jose Sanchez, Francis Leahy ’10, and Yamilka Santos. Not Pictured: Javier Aguilar, Rudolph Bentley, Randy Fernandez ’99, and Hildo Palencia.
18 XAVIER MAGAZINE hroughout the statewide lockdown, Frank Leahy’s staff Ensuring the safety of more than 1,200 people can be texted him frequently, asking when they could return to overwhelming, so Frank Leahy makes a point to check in on work. Most came back the second week of June, taking his staff’s well-being. His top priority now is making sure everyone public transportation from as far away as Long Island and gets vaccinated. theT Poconos. “Everyone is fine. Thank God no one has been infected by the Commuting on buses and subways amid a global pandemic sparked virus,” he said. “They come to work each day and do their job. They’re some anxiety, but it didn’t stop the team from returning to Xavier. “It not stressed about it. Once everybody started to get a handle on it, you was a good feeling to come back,” said Yamilka Santos. accept it, and you do it.” Added Kevin Reinhart ’99: “I think everybody was concerned in “I’m proud of what we were able to accomplish in a short amount some way, shape, or form, but we all wanted to come in. We wanted to of time,” Reinhart added. “We just followed the protocols. This is our get out of the house!” job. We signed up for this. Whatever we can do to support the students, And then the real work began. we’ll do.” The true story of the Herculean logistics involved in reopening His fellow Son of Xavier, Francis Leahy, agreed. Xavier for hybrid learning will probably never be effectively “It’s just the job that we’re called to do. We are the heartbeat t’s February break at Xavier, and with students and teachers The true story of the Herculean communicated. You just had to be there. And the maintenance of Xavier,” he said. “Without a foundation, other things don’t run away, 16th Street is silent save for the cacophony of hissing crew was, day after day—Xavier’s most loyal front-line workers. successfully. If we don’t do our job, these kids don’t get to come back. walkie-talkies reverberating in Keenan Commons. logistics involved in reopening Along with Bill Ford, Xavier’s COVID-19 Response Coordinator and And it’s not Xavier without them.” It’s rare for the entire maintenance staff to assemble in Assistant to the President, Frank Leahy painstakingly measured each Bill Ford, who worked closely with the maintenance team oneI place, and rarer still for night and day crews to intermingle. Xavier for hybrid learning will classroom to ensure proper distancing between students and teachers, throughout the year, agreed—and he captured Xavier’s gratitude. They’re together today to take the group photo that opens this probably never be effectively then marked the floors appropriately. After identifying a moving “Like many other organizations, Xavier has been reminded during article—but a security guard at the front desk is trying to reach one company and a sufficiently large offsite storage facility, Leahy and this pandemic about how much our core work of education and faith of them, and he’s persistent. communicated. You just had to be his crew removed more than 600 desks and countless other pieces of formation depends on the unheralded service of a few. In our case, it It’s not an urgent request, so one after another, members of the classroom furniture to maximize space. has been the men and women of our maintenance staff,” he said. “They maintenance crew politely reply that they’re in Keenan Commons, that there. And the maintenance crew Over the summer, the team converted all toilets, urinals, and sinks were among the first departments to return on a regular basis after they’ll get right back to him. Undaunted, the guard then calls Frank was, day after day—Xavier’s most to hands-free units; installed eight hand-washing stations and 48 the shutdown last spring. They are the first to arrive each morning and Leahy P’10, Director of the Physical Plant. hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the buildings; raised partitions often the last to leave at night. Through months of a public health crisis “Sorry, I’m in the middle of a photo shoot,” he answers breezily. “Call loyal front-line workers. at cafeteria tables and in bathrooms between sinks; shut off all water where the only constants have been uncertainty and anxiety, they have my agent.” fountains to encourage the use of automatic bottle fillers; transformed quite simply persisted. Each day, with quiet courage and dedication, The team erupts in laughter. It’s a moment indicative of their a conference room on the first floor of Fernandez-Duminuco Hall into they have remade Xavier anew as a clean, well-lighted, and safe place for collective character and the unrelenting absurdity of the past year. that was James Glass ’18 (“the hero Xavier deserves,” in Francis Leahy’s an isolation room; and helped Director of Technology Hernando Avila the rest of us to do our work with and for our young men. Thanks be to Through it all, with little fanfare, the maintenance crew has dutifully— words), who was home from college and volunteered to work when no P’23 install cameras in classrooms. They did all of this on top of their each and all of our maintenance team.” and joyfully—tackled the tasks before them. one else was available. regular summer workload, such as painting and lighting repairs. The Leahys arrived at Xavier each day between 6:30 and 7 a.m. and Frank Leahy ordered enough disinfectant wipes and hand Shawna Gallagher Vega is Xavier’s Director of Communications. She is a fter Xavier suspended in-person learning on March 12, stayed until 11 a.m., with their normally lengthy commute to and from sanitizer to stock every classroom and office for the year. He graduate of Boston College. 2020, the maintenance staff continued working for one Riverdale reduced to 15-20 minutes each way. purchased electrostatic sprayers in June, but due to extraordinary more week. Then the New York State on PAUSE executive “Driving into the city, I felt like I was in one of those movies after an shipping delays caused by increased demand, the sprayers didn’t order directed all non-essential employees to stay home, apocalypse,” Frank Leahy said. “Many times when we left Xavier, there arrive until mid-October. So he pivoted and ordered more readily Aeffectively shutting down the state. was not a soul on the street and not even another car.” available disinfecting devices to ensure daily deep cleanings until the Days after transitioning to distance learning, as the staggering While on 16th Street, they checked to make sure the building’s electrostatic sprayers arrived. economic ramifications of the virus began to reveal themselves, Xavier mechanical systems were functioning properly, took out the trash for By the time school opened in mid-September, Leahy said, “I felt very made a public commitment that no student would be asked to leave the Xavier Jesuit Community, and made sure its residents, some of confident that we had done all that we could possibly do. We left no Xavier for financial reasons related to COVID-19. The school also whom are elderly, had everything they needed. stone unturned.” promised to keep every member of the faculty and staff employed, After the May 25 death of George Floyd sparked nationwide protests including the maintenance staff. and chaos in Union Square, neighborhood buildings suddenly boarded OVID-19 precautions have reigned supreme throughout “Thank God they were all paid,” Leahy said. “It’s great that Xavier up, compounding the apocalyptic scenes. Xavier emerged unscathed Xavier’s 174th academic year. After each lunch period, a was able to do that.” except for graffiti sprayed on the Old Stone Building’s limestone façade member of the maintenance team uses one of the coveted He and his son, Francis Leahy ’10, continued traveling to Xavier one night. electrostatic sprayers to clean Hurtado Hall and the gym daily, making them the only people in the building save Jack Raslowsky, The next day, the Leahys power-washed the graffiti relentlessly until (nowC an overflow lunch area). And at the end of every school day, every Raslowsky’s son, John, and whoever staffed the front desk. Most often, it disappeared. touch point in the building is disinfected again.
20 XAVIER MAGAZINE XAVIER MAGAZINE 21 ew York has seen a lot in the last 15 years: two mayors, four presidents, four governors; A teacher at the addition of a few dozen new skyscrapers to its skyline; a financial crisis that cost the city 140,000 jobs; a superstorm that inflicted $19 billion in damages; and, now, a pandemic that has thus far claimed the lives of 28,000 of its residents. By ERIC KREBS ’17 Through it all, Xavier High HEART School has had one headmaster: Michael LiVigni P’21. But to everything there is a season, and after 15 summers, autumns, After receiving a Bene Merenti Medal for 20 years of service to Xavier, LiVigni gave the Nwinters, and springs, LiVigni—who became headmaster in 2006—is Commencement Address to the Class of 2020 last July. stepping down from his post. From his tenure, he leaves a legacy of commitment to holistic education, a contagious strive towards self- approach to the headmaster position. actualization, a delicate balance of friendship and leadership, and, above In fact, one of his early priorities as headmaster was to get rid of his all, an unbridled, unashamed love for the craft of teaching. old position. “Having been the assistant headmaster, I thought it was an Teaching—and a little fate—is what brought LiVigni to Xavier in impossible job,” said LiVigni, “so I asked to divide that position in half the first place. After six years as a history teacher at Canisius High and made it the Dean of Faculty and the Dean of Academics.” Creating School in Buffalo, LiVigni returned to New York City, where he grew the additional post meant that now the jobs of investing in the school’s up, to complete a master’s degree in educational administration at curriculum and students’ success, as well as the job of developing and Fordham University. advising the school’s faculty, could be given the specialized attention The spring before his matriculation, then-Headmaster David both had long demanded. Ciancimino, S.J. ’77—who had previously worked with LiVigni when In retrospect, this seemingly technical decision is emblematic of he served as principal of Canisius—notified him of an emergency LiVigni’s central goal: a dual commitment to delivering the best possible opening left by a history teacher who had abandoned his post mid-year, holistic, Jesuit academic experience to students, and doing so by an opening that LiVigni could fill. “I say a prayer of thanksgiving for him recruiting and developing a faculty wholeheartedly committed to—and almost every day,” said LiVigni. “Because of him I got a job at Xavier.” adequately trained for—the task. Though LiVigni was a fresh face in the Xavier department known for One early initiative was to overhaul Xavier’s admissions process, the enduring nature of its lineup, with six years of teaching under his which, until that point, had relied solely on entrance exam scores to belt, he was by no means a rookie. “My first impression of Mike was of determine admissions. “That didn’t seem right to me for a whole host of someone who was well-steeped in Jesuit education, super-well prepared, reasons. First of all, I thought it was a terrible exam. Second of all, that’s and an excellent teacher,” said Ed Young P’22, a fellow history teacher not what Jesuit education is about,” said LiVigni. Developing a more and current department chair. holistic admissions process which came to incorporate written essays, “You looked in his classroom, and he had stacks of binders filled letters of recommendation, and a deliberative council, LiVigni believes, with lectures, research, and lesson plans—one of the best-prepared allowed the school to start looking not only at numbers, but to consider teachers I’ve ever met,” reflected history teacher Chris Stevens ’83, “the people we wanted here.” who, at the time, was the department chair and one of LiVigni’s As the experience for prospective Xavier students changed, so did interviewers for the position. the experience for those already enrolled. The last 15 years have seen After three years on the faculty, LiVigni joined the administration as increased programming in the arts, the introduction of a computer assistant headmaster. And after three years in that role, he rose to the science department, a complete overhaul of the school’s schedule, and position of headmaster. increased support for students who find themselves stumbling. Though his rise to headmaster was meteoric—his tenure in the “I think what Mr. LiVigni has been able to do is retain a strong position has been nearly three times the length of both of his prior roles commitment to academic excellence and at the same time continue combined—he would never forget his years as assistant headmaster and to facilitate the development of relationships between students and as a member of the faculty. In fact, those experiences directly shaped his faculty,” said Young. “That happens not just through the academic
After 15 years in the role, Michael LiVigni P’21 will conclude his tenure as headmaster in June.
22 XAVIER MAGAZINE XAVIER MAGAZINE 23 2. 1. 4.
2. 3. 5. 1. 3.
1. LiVigni on a CFX Mexico trip in 2017. 2. Teaching AP U.S. Government and Politics in 2016. 3. Reading How the Grinch Stole Christmas at Christmas at Xavier in 2020. 4. At the 1. LiVigni with his son, Matthew ’21, at Maroon and Blue Day in 2019. 2. Delivering care packages to seniors in 2020. 3. Participating in the Ice Bucket Challenge in 2014. 2013 Turkey Bowl. 5. At Xavier’s Breakfast with Santa celebration in 2016. excellence, but through taking time for the community to have days like that we should go, and really what it did was it forced me to be able to accomplishment, and LiVigni makes his gratitude for the tenacity and “He cares for the faculty so deeply and our happiness means a great Maroon and Blue Day, through his ongoing support of service trips and articulate for and to justify to myself what I was going to ask them expertise of the daughters of Xavier, faculty and staff alike, well-known. deal to him,” reflected Colleen Rober, a Spanish teacher at Xavier since retreats that put students and faculty in shared experiences in faith and to do.” “Any committee I served on, any task force I sat on, Mike always made 2010. “Mike is always, and I do mean always, available to us when we service … he’s really tried to instill in the faculty-student relationships a “In my heart, I’m a teacher,” LiVigni admitted. But not only in his sure that there were female voices,” said Carty, who became Xavier’s first need him, whether the issue at hand is related to our vocation or not. genuine care for their well-being.” heart. Throughout his tenure as headmaster, he has remained in the female history teacher when she arrived on 16th Street in 2003. “I was He has been a source of comfort to me through several trying moments Of course, LiVigni did none of this alone—and purposefully so. classroom. “I used to always tell him he was nuts for teaching a class. It’s the only woman in the department ... and there was no tolerance for the and also a dear friend during times of celebration.” “When I took the Dean of Academics position, I had just finished a job really hard to do that as an administrator,” said Eileen Carty, former ‘boys will be boys’ concept. That enables women to speak up, and that So much of Mike LiVigni’s legacy is his desire to listen, to have an as principal of a middle school, and I came from a community where the Xavier history department chair and current Dean of Students at came from the top. As a professional, I found my voice at Xavier.” open-door policy and mean it. But he also knows how to talk. “There is principal could do no wrong,” said Luciano Lovallo, LiVigni’s one-time Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School in Pennsylvania. “But he used to A friend and a mentor, a teacher and an administrator, LiVigni has not a more passionate, better public speaker that I know,” said Stevens, student at Canisius, who has served as dean since 2010. “And Mike has say, ‘You never really know what’s going on at your school unless you’re managed to balance his responsibility to his colleagues and love for his thinking specifically of this year’s Ignatian Scholars reception night. helped me become a better servant-leader for both the parents, student in the classroom.’ And it’s so true.” friends. That doesn’t mean it’s been easy. “The most difficult thing is to “Mike goes through the five points of the Grad at Grad, and that can be body, and faculty. We can push each to be better, we can disagree and Even now, 15 years later, with LiVigni having hired most of the say no to people you respect, or to correct people you really like,” said sleepy stuff, but by the end of his speech, I was ready to go to war.” agree to disagree, but out in front always be in lockstep.” faculty in the building, that sense of obligation—to the faculty’s LiVigni. “There’s nothing easy about it but it’s part of the job, and I like “He always knew the right words. He could always capture the Fundamentally, LiVigni’s investment in Xavier students has always expertise, to the craft of teaching, and to the students—has not faded. to think that when it happens, they understand. I don’t know if that’s moment, he could connect with teachers and students alike, and that worked as a function of investment in faculty. Over his tenure, he has “He’s a teacher’s teacher. You know he knows what he’s talking about, true, but I like to believe it is.” In the Ignatian spirit, LiVigni has learned doesn’t happen everywhere,” said Carty. prioritized the recruitment of top-tier teachers to the school alongside and you know when he gives you an evaluation that he is your ally,” a lot about himself from the position—and especially its struggles. For The passion LiVigni emanates, for generations of Xavier students the continued professional development of Xavier’s longtime faculty. said Stevens. one, he has an “absolute lack of indifference.” and faculty alike, has brought life to receptions, assembly meetings, and This development, in one sense, was technical: ensuring that every “Mike was able to push us forward in regards to updating and re- “And I’m not terribly patient,” he laughed with a tinge of services; that passion, for LiVigni, can also be tongue-tying. “Sometimes teacher had a master’s degree in their subject area, reexamining the imagining curriculum,” reflected Margaret Gonzalez P’24, who has embarrassment, “particularly when I don’t think people are living up to I look out and think, ‘There is nothing I could ever tell this group of curriculum and methods used in the classroom. But it was always taught English at Xavier since 1993. “He sees the wonderful potential the standards they should be.” That lack of patience comes with a flip people that could ever communicate to them how important they are personal, too. for this space while keeping the foundations intact.” side, a ceaseless commitment to doing “whatever I have to do to help not just to me, but to the world.’” “I took the job of headmaster when I was very young … and when One form of potential LiVigni recognized early on—and has realized someone to get to those standards.” But even when words fail, actions prevail. Mike LiVigni, for 20 years, I was dealing with a faculty who has not only taught at the school over his tenure—was the opportunity, and need, to bring gender As an introvert—a historian by training who loves government has shown Xavier exactly how much it means to him. “Perhaps ‘loving’ longer than I have, but has taught at Xavier longer than I’ve been alive, balance to the Xavier faculty. In 2006, 26% of the Xavier faculty were and art—the public nature of the headmaster’s pulpit hasn’t always is the word that describes Mr. LiVigni more than anything else. He loves you have to deal with that delicately,” said LiVigni. And while most women. Today, that number is 39%. “I thought it was important for our been easy, either. “I can’t tell you how many times Margaret Gonzalez his family, he loves his colleagues, and he loves Xavier,” said Rober. administrators would view a faculty full of veterans—especially in a students to see women in roles of leadership and teaching them,” said has come up to me and said, ‘If you’re not smiling, no one is smiling, so “And I know that I can say, proudly and without hesitation, that place as attentive to tradition as Xavier—as an obstacle to reform, LiVigni. “And I think I’ve hired some pretty excellent female teachers … do something about that,’” he laughed. LiVigni, still, after 15 years at Xavier will always love Mike LiVigni.” LiVigni found it an asset: “Part of the job of a high school administrator all amazing individuals who are good role models for our guys to follow.” Xavier’s helm, doesn’t quite understand why people look to him for cues, is to convince the teachers in the building why your way is the way As in all things, bringing gender parity was not a solitary for guidance. But they do, in almost every circumstance. Eric Krebs ’17 is a writer and rising senior at Yale University.
24 XAVIER MAGAZINE XAVIER MAGAZINE 25 CLASS NOTES
Xavier neighbors Tom McGohey Daniel Cuoco writes that he 1. 1944 ’43 and Joe Gerardi ’46. is “sitting in complete boredom Dr. Tom Draper continues to in Princeton, New Jersey.” He be active in public health. He is Retired surgeon Dr. Joe Schanno splits his time between Princeton currently collaborating with the lives in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and Hobe Sound, Florida. Newtown (Connecticut) Health where he breeds betta fish in District in the establishment of his home aquarium and enjoys Jim O’Connell writes, “Pauline clinics for COVID-19 vaccination. watching classic movies on TV. and I are doing well and grateful He is in regular contact with Leo that we live in a continuing care Gafney ’54, Dr. Gerry Foye ’56, campus that kept us safe. We and Dr. John McGrade ’57. 1948 Vincent Vella is “alive and have received both doses of the Pfizer vaccination. May God After retiring from the New York well” in Westfield, Indiana. bless and keep everyone safe.” Fire Department, the late Thomas “I’m looking forward to a spring McMahon† moved to California bear hunt in Northern Canada,” where he had a second career he writes. “Wish me luck.” 1956 teaching. He also enjoyed surfing Dr. Frank Heelan has published in the Pacific and motorcycling 1949 a book, Stations of the Risen Christ: up and down the coast. He then Dr. Tom O’Brien and his Resurrection Meditations, to inspire people to pray and meditate on retired to the fishing village wife, Nancy, celebrated their the Scriptural passages relating to ’44 of Shelter Cove in Northern 65th wedding anniversary with Jesus Christ rising from the dead California where he was able to add a January trip to George Town, 2. and his subsequent appearances motorboating to his motorcycling Great Exuma, Bahamas, a place to more than 500 disciples for activities until this past year. With they first visited in 1976. his wife, Kathryn, he was content 40 days. “By praying the Stations to watch the bird life with views of the Risen Christ during the of the Pacific from his home. 1952 Easter season to complement the “Recently I was poking around on Stations of the Cross for Lent, Dr. Charles Westhoff is a retired the Internet looking for an expert we are witnessing to our belief in emeritus professor of demography on home construction to get some the Resurrection of Jesus Christ at Princeton University. He advice regarding a problem with and the hope that Christ will has become skilled at acrylic my beach cottage in New Jersey,” clothe us in a resurrected body painting and now devotes much Robert Coughlin writes. “By in the days to come,” he writes. of his leisure time to painting chance I came across such an “Stations may be found on the pictures of birds. Some of his expert who identified himself as a website www.the-risenchrist.com finer paintings are soon to Xavier alumnus, Charles Lachner and may be purchased at amazon. be collected in book form. ’79. He teaches construction com or barnesandnoble.com.” science at a local New Jersey college and previously operated a This summer, Christian Faith ’49 1945 construction company he founded George Camisa lives in Palos Publishing will release Wisdom and passed on to his sons. After for Millennials and Others, a 1. Dr. Tom Draper ’44 at a COVID-19 Verdes, California, with views vaccination clinic he helps oversee in we exchanged reminiscences of the Pacific. He retired from booklet written by Dr. Frank Newtown, Connecticut. and pleasantries online Charles a career with the Gallo and Perroni to help educators, gave me helpful advice based on Heublein Corporations. Until parents, and graduates gain a 2. Dr. Tom O’Brien ’49 and his wife, some photos I emailed him. An Nancy, in the Bahamas. five years ago, he was an avid positive outlook and aim high. instance of the ‘old school tie’ skier enjoying the slopes in Italy, in the digital age. Go Xavier.” Germany, and California. He now After more than 55 years of enjoys hiking along the Pacific practice, Dr. William Piro Dr. Chester Schmidt writes shore and is looking forward to retired from dentistry and is that he is finally retired but volunteering at the Battleship enjoying life playing golf and able to continue teaching at USS Iowa Museum when the spending time with his seven Johns Hopkins over Zoom. COVID-19 pandemic is controlled. grandchildren. “Angel and I hope all is well with my classmates,” Bill Hourigan is living at Frank Sherry and his wife, he writes. “Thank you Xavier Harrogate in Toms River, New Barbara, hope to see old friends for all you have done for me.” Jersey. He retired from the and classmates at Xavier when insurance business and enjoyed the in-person events are held again. 1957 SONS OF life of an avid golfer. He currently Joseph Juhasz lives in Boulder, enjoys visits from his nearby 1955 Colorado. “In all the insanities children and grandchildren. Chris Arvani lives in Michigan. of the moment—knock on my He has been retired for 20 years wooden head—I am in excellent John McGoldrick lives in after a successful career financing physical health,” he writes. “Beyond Brevard, North Carolina, where he the construction of power plants confusion otherwise. I am finding XAVIER enjoys golf and frequent visits with for DTE Energy Company. myself reassessing so many 26 XAVIER MAGAZINE XAVIER MAGAZINE 27 ’41
1. 2. LASTING LESSONS
JOE “BUDDY” O’NEILL ’41 BY NICK BARONE ’16
’59 ’61
3. things I used to think were just degree from St. Peter’s. Two years his local county in Virginia. Xavier unquestioned and unquestionable.” ago, he received the New Jersey invited him to give the keynote “IT CHANGED MY LIFE—THAT’S THE OBJECTIVE Supreme Court Pro Bono Award. address to the Class of 2021 on Kevin Morrissey writes “with His daughter, Moriah, graduated St. Peter Claver Day in January. OF XAVIER. IT GAVE ME THE CHOICE I greetings to all my surviving from Boston College in 2015, WANTED AT THAT TIME AND STARTED classmates and great appreciation worked as a Jesuit Volunteer at 1961 for our stellar education together. a homeless shelter in Oakland, Since their 50th reunion, MY LIFE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.” And warm thoughts back to so California, then interned for members of the Class of 1961 have many of our wonderful teachers, Pencil of Promise in Laos. She is been gathering twice a year—in among whom I mention: Fr. now enrolled in a joint MBA/MPH Quogue in the summer and at a If Xavier’s mascot wasn’t the beloved O’Neill entered the Army at age Matthews, Edward Stevens, program at Boston University. pre-Christmas lunch in New York knight, it would be Joe “Buddy” 19 and fought in World War II. After Mr. Thompson, Fr. Hareiss, City. “Participation varies, but O’Neill ’41. coming home, he attended Fordham and our physics teacher whose Fr. Daniel Gatti, S.J. has we average between 18-25 of us Xavier meant a lot to O’Neill— University and went on to marry and ’62 name I can’t just now recall.” been assisting at Our Lady and it tends to be those of us in more than a high school would have seven kids—five daughters, 1. Fr. Daniel Gatti, S.J. ’59, a skilled of the Miraculous Medal in the metro New York area,” writes to anyone else. “It changed my two sons. woodworker, recently restored and Richard Paula writes, “My wife, Point Lookout, Long Island, Jack Galbraith. “Because of refinished these rocking chairs. life—that’s the objective of Xavier,” His son, John, reflected on Esther, and I both received our since last September. He’s COVID, we had a Zoom gathering he reflected. “It gave me the choice some of the obstacles his father 2. The Class of 1961 reunites on Zoom. second Pfizer shot. Thankfully no also found time for some so distance wasn’t an issue. We bad side effects. We are retired and woodworking, recently restoring had over 30 of us that signed up I wanted at that time and started had to overcome in the early 3. Bobby Grant ’68, Edward Grant ’62, live in Safety Harbor, Florida, a and refinishing two Troutman originally and ended up about my life in the right direction.” days of supporting his family. and Ken Grant ’64 with their late brother suburb of Tampa/St Petersburg. I Chair Co. rockers belonging to 27 that actually figured out the “To say that he is a proud alum “For the time being, he lived in a Kelly Grant, left. would love to hear from members a Point Lookout neighbor. technology and dialed in!” is an understatement,” said O’Neill’s cold water apartment,” John O’Neill the restaurants, and of course, golf, of the class of 1957.” He can be son, John. “His experience at Xavier said. “He and his wife heated the O’Neill has long been able to keep reached at [email protected]. 1960 1962 changed his life—it taught him to apartment using coal and eventually himself moving. He unfortunately Dr. Stephen de Angelis plans Edward Grant shared the sad be the respectful man he is. He was kerosene. The bedrooms were close stopped golfing at age 93, but he still 1958 to give a series of five lectures news that Kelly Grant, youngest so proud when he was invited to to the kitchen for heat. He only had enjoys his time doing all that he loves Barry Ryan writes that the Class on Russian imperial history in of the Grant sons (including graduation in 2016 [to represent the a bathtub, and there was no shower. to do, albeit at a limited capacity. of 1958 held its first-ever Zoom St. Petersburg and Moscow from Kenneth Grant ’64 and Robert reunion on January 19. “Using August 28 through September Grant ’68), died on January 75th reunion class]. We went out to There was a single lead pipe that ran He is now fully vaccinated against a very incomplete email list, 18 12. The lectures had previously 29. “Our littlest brother…was dinner after the ceremony and he from the water to the tub. He got his COVID-19 and is, unsurprisingly, classmates were in on the call been delayed due to COVID-19. a giant in our eyes,” he said. was treated like a superstar when the degree in five years while he was here, feeling as strong and healthy as ever. and a good time was had by all. boys and their families saw him.” which speaks to the type of man he is.” “If my dad can survive a depression, We encourage all members of our Using his experience in restorative 1963 O’Neill’s older brother, Jack Soon after, O’Neill became the a world war, a Cold War, and a class to join in the fun. Please justice and restorative practices, “Undeterred by the virus, a O’Neill ’39†, also attended Xavier and director of systems and computer pandemic, among other things, you send your email address to Brian Bob Stump has recently helped few members of the 4B class, who eventually served in the Air Force. services at Fortune Brands, formerly can, too. Xavier has prepared you for Above: Buddy O’Neill representing Smith at [email protected].” organize and lead groups to discuss the 75th reunion class at St. Patrick’s graduated in 1963, conducted their “My fondest memories of Xavier known as American Tobacco, doing all many things. Consider it your rock,” racial healing. Two groups are annual get-together via Zoom,” Cathedral in June 2016; returning to have to be the St. Patrick’s Day parade. he could to support his large family. O’Neill’s son, John, told the author 1959 made up of his 1960 classmates Bill Porter writes. “Normally Kennedy Airport after an Honor Flight to My brother and I loved it. JROTC Now in retirement, O’Neill resides in of this article—who graduated from Washington in 2017; in his 1941 Xavier In recent years, Drew Bauman and three include members of we gather on Arthur Avenue, but yearbook photo. was inducted into the St. Peter’s his parish. He also served on a Zoom allowed us to call in from not was such a big part of my Xavier Delray Beach, Florida. Life has looked Xavier the same year Joe “Buddy” University Athletic Hall of Fame, working group that created a only NYC, but also Massachusetts, experience. We used to love seeing a little different in O’Neill’s paradise O’Neill represented the 75th reunion awarded an honorary Alpha strategic plan to bring restorative New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, members of the military there,” because of the COVID-19 pandemic. class. “It is my hope you’ll be able to Sigma Nu membership, and in practices to the legal system, the Florida, and Ohio.” In addition O’Neill said. Between the pool, the beach, attend the Xavier graduation of 2091!” 2017 was awarded an honorary schools, and community groups in to Porter, in attendance were
28 XAVIER MAGAZINE XAVIER MAGAZINE 29 Xavier’s Reception Tour GOES VIRTUAL 1. 2. Florida Reception New England Reception
’63 ’66
John Draghi P’04, Pete also published One Small Candle: area to meet up with Tommy 1. A Class of 1963 Zoom Flannery, Bob Gaffoglio, Rev. The Plymouth Puritans and the Dwyer, his Xavier and Manhattan meeting. Frank Herrmann, S.J., Tom Beginnings of English New England. College classmate. “We hadn’t seen 2. Tommy Dwyer ’66 and Keaveney, Rev. John LaRocca, each other in over 50 years but Patrick O’Brien ’66 in Florida. S.J., Tom Lydon, and Rev. Dan Paul McLoughlin lives in had no difficulty recognizing each Fitzpatrick, S.J. “Fr. Fitzpatrick Boulder, Colorado. He was the other,” O’Brien said. “Spent over Virtual Beefsteak Dinner (then Mr. Fitzpatrick) was our 14th member of the McSweeny/ two-and-a-half hours laughing class teacher in our sophomore McLoughlin families to graduate and reminiscing over good times year, instructing us in Latin and from Xavier. He recently wrote an with classmates from both English, and later marrying many article, “Another Time, Another institutions. Tommy took care of us, and baptizing many of our Plague!” about his grandfather, of the check, insisting it was his children and grandchildren.” Charles O’Malley, for a family treat since I was visiting (thanks newsletter. The story details again, Tommy!). We will do this Dr. John Yoegel lives in O’Malley’s parents’ journey from again soon, I’m sure, since there Greenwich, Connecticut. The Ireland to Scotland after the Irish were hours of stories and history fourth edition of his book, Real famine. There, after the Crimean left on the table, so to speak!” Estate License Exams for Dummies, War of 1854-56, returning British was released in November 2020. soldiers brought the Bubonic 1968 He reports that he misses his live Plague to Glasgow. O’Malley’s Peter Cuneo lives in real estate classes but embraces the parents lost seven children in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He challenge of distance teaching. three weeks, then returned to writes that he’s “hanging in Ireland in hopes of safeguarding there, retired nine years. Still 1964 their remaining children. playing chess and still flying.” Dr. Francis J. Bremer retired from the history department 1966 1969 of Millersville University of John Meditz, a current Board On January 29, Lenny Alfano Pennsylvania in 2011. He has member of the Hackensack retired from the New York been continuing his scholarly Meridian Health Network and Department of Education, study of Puritanism in the early Chair of the HMH at Palisades where he served as a middle Atlantic world and is now serving Foundation, will join the school business manager. as coordinator of New England newly formed Board of the West Coast Reception Beginnings, a partnership of HMH Network Foundation. 1970 Xavier brings alumni together annually at receptions across the country, but with institutions and individuals working to commemorate the Andy Mihalick and his John Molino recently published COVID-19 precautions in place nationwide and a holiday surge in cases threatening cultures (English, Native, and wife, Kathy, celebrated their his third suspense novel, From public health, the 2020-21 tour went virtual to ensure the community’s safety. Sons of Black) that shaped New England 50th wedding anniversary a Distance. His first two books were Murder Gets Even and Death Xavier in Florida, on the West Coast, and across New England socialized and listened 400 years ago. Last year, on the on January 16 with a small in the Dune. All of his books to updates from Xavier’s Advancement Office via Zoom in February. And the annual 400th anniversary of the sailing dinner party attended by their of the Mayflower, he delivered children and grandchildren. are available in print and as Beefsteak tradition continued in virtual format, with a dinner package available for many virtual lectures to audiences Kindle e-books on Amazon. pickup by local alumni and recorded cooking demonstrations featuring Director of in England, the Netherlands, In January, while in Estero, Alumni Relations Zane Massey ’96 P’22 and former president Jim Keenan, S.J. and the United States. Bremer Florida on a consulting project for 1971 recently co-edited William Hertz, Patrick O’Brien took a Anthony Flood ’71 ghost- Bradford’s Of Plimoth Plantation, Sunday off and drove a couple of wrote Six Popes: A Son of the the 400th Anniversary Edition. He hours to the Tampa/St. Petersburg Church Remembers, by Monsignor
30 XAVIER MAGAZINE XAVIER MAGAZINE 31 Loyal Sons and True Support Xavier’s students By SHAWNA GALLAGHER VEGA with a gift of any size. Last March, we made a commitment senior partner at a Boston-based marketing agency—Byrne expressed that no student would be asked to an interest in advertising, and the rest is history. “I’ve always cherished my Xavier experience, but having the leave Xavier for financial reasons opportunity to relive that experience as a staff member gave me a related to COVID-19. With greater appreciation for the process,” he said. “The pursuit of excellence your help, we will honor in every endeavor has always resonated with me, but revisiting that that commitment. mission as a 22-year-old looking to jumpstart my career really struck me.” This year’s alumni fellows, Nick Barone ’16 and Hank Michels Hank Michels ’16 and Nick Barone ’16 ’16, have similarly immersed themselves in school life. Despite social distancing protocols, they are familiar faces in the hallways, leading Since the birth of the Xavier alumni fellowship program nine years retreats, creating entertaining videos, and providing support across the ago, 24 Sons of Xavier have returned to 16th Street to jumpstart their institution. careers while providing critical service to their alma mater. After walking past Xavier at the height of the pandemic, Barone said Four fellowship veterans count among the Xavier faculty and staff he felt called back to 16th Street. When his best friend sent him the today—college counselor Jimmy Buckley ’13, Dean of Students Mike fellowship application a few days later, he “saw it as a sign to come back Fiore ’10, advancement associate Rory Harris ’08, and Director of and help in any way I can during a time where the best thing we could do www.xavierhs.org/give Ignatian Service Programs Greg Stelzer ’11. as people is be there for each other, or as I was taught so long ago, be a Harris, one of the original three fellows, had been interested in man for others.” entering the Jesuit Volunteer Corps but jumped at the chance to return Barone hopes to one day work in communications and social to 16th Street. “I loved my time at Xavier and wanted to give back to the media, so his role as a fellow in communications and alumni relations Add some maroon and blue to your life. institution that had given me so much,” said Harris, who served as the has equipped him with a valuable set of skills. “I learned to take admissions alumni fellow in 2012-13. “My time as a fellow reaffirmed accountability for myself and how to work with a team of people my love for and belief in Xavier, which is essential for any positive with such diverse skill sets. I also learned how to be the world’s best work life.” multitasker, especially on E-News days,” said the University of Scranton Buckley, who also served in admissions, said the fellowship helped alum. “My main responsibilities have been writing the E-News and him develop great transferable skills. “Having to present to parents organizing alumni and advancement events. That only scratches the and prospective students while giving tours and information sessions surface, though. I’ve been able to explore so many avenues and complete allowed me to become more comfortable with public speaking, and so many different projects that aren’t even in the job description. doing so reinforced the need to be both professional and personable,” Everything I’ve done here has helped me grow.” he said. “It also translated well to counseling. Hearing the desires and Michels, the admissions alumni fellow, also aspires to a career questions from prospective parents and students about what they in media. A Fordham graduate, he initially heard about the program wanted in a high school allowed me to actively listen and provide my from Barone. “Not only have I been able to make connections, I’ve tktkttk thoughts and advocate for future Sons of Xavier.” learned a lot of skills, giving tours and helping with videos for Xavier,” Other fellows have gone on to careers in law, business, and he said. “I always considered myself a pretty good public speaker, but academia, among other fields. The program’s networking opportunities the difference between my first tour and the last one I gave is really have been particularly valuable, both among fellows and with the noticeable. I’ve become really comfortable talking to new people.” alumni community at large. Along with Barone, Michels has contributed to Xavier’s frequent Nick Byrne ’11, a senior account executive at the digital marketing video communications, assembling videos as diverse as a virtual tour of agency NPAccel, served as the communications and alumni relations Xavier featuring Lou Orlando ’21 and the complex Virtual Turkey Bowl, fellow in 2015-16. After learning about the fellowship from program which featured four quarters of a Madden NFL video game competition. Visit the Xavier Knight Shop online at campusstore.xavierhs.org alumnus Peter Barbieri ’10, he returned to Xavier and immersed “This is the perfect year for me to be doing this, not just because it’s himself in school life, coaching rugby and football and leading Kairos. something good for me to be doing, but because I’m able to help with Use code XHS2021 to save 20% on all non-uniform When he met that year’s Career Day keynote speaker, Tom Lee ’92—a Xavier’s transition to digital,” Michels said. “The stars really aligned.” items purchased through June 30, 2021. 32 XAVIER MAGAZINE XAVIER MAGAZINE 33 has interrupted his endeavors for Parks and CBS Viacom, 1. 2. 3. 1. as a competitive masters rower, respectively,” he writes. he hopes to be back on the water and participating in races again “Thanks to Mark Reeth our this spring or summer. He and class has a snazzy Facebook his wife Ginny recently celebrated page and a number of us have their 36th wedding anniversary. been reconnecting,” Ted Hynes They have three grown children. writes. “Our class is homing in on our 60th birthdays. Everyone Ben Massa is based in looks and sounds exactly as Wilmington, North Carolina. He bright and sharp as when they is a senior director with the North were walking down 16th Street Carolina State Ports Authority. back in the ’70s. It’s been great hearing updates and news from our classmates. If you’re not on, 1977 please join! Search for Xavier Glen Corsello writes, “Hard High School Class of 1979 on ’73 ’73 ’73 to believe I am on the verge of Facebook. Hope everyone is well!” retirement! With that I am putting 1. Neal Miranda ’73, Charlie Butera Hilary C. Franco. It will be Gross that the Class of 1972 Services at Raymond James. the finishing touches on a house ’73 Frank Comerford ’73 Bob Eugene Tong writes that he , , and published on May 25 and can continues to keep marching.” His wife recently celebrated 37 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Fitzsimmons ’73 in Delray Beach, be pre-ordered on Amazon. years with Cold Spring Harbor is “still alive and kicking!” Florida. Soon the New York winters ’76 1973 Laboratory, where she focuses on will be in the rear view mirror! 2. Dr. Patrick Connolly ’73 with his John N. Frank was named 2020 cancer research. Their son, a law Charlie Butera writes I’m very excited and invite any 1981 2. family. Midwest Volunteer of the Year by that he recently had dinner partner, specializes in privacy and classmates in the Myrtle Beach Kent Oz writes that his Mended Hearts, a national peer- with his Xavier brothers Frank cybersecurity while their daughter, area to reach out.” He can be daughter, Josi, is now a freshman 3. Dr. Victor Vallo ’73. to-peer support group for heart Comerford, Bob Fitzsimmons, an oncology nurse at Memorial contacted at [email protected]. at Fordham University. patients. He also was named Bob Maguire, and Neal Miranda Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, is to the Marquis Who’s Who in in Delray Beach, Florida. a critical nurse specialist focused Mark Costello is retiring after 1983 America for his work with Mended on hospital process re-engineering 25 years as an Ernst & Young Jim McEleney is living in St. Hearts and with his theater, the “After four years at the U.S. and more recently on the proper partner. He looks forward to Petersburg Beach, Florida. He Evanston 2nd Act Players. Department of the Interior, I use of PPE by hospital personnel. the next chapter of his career. recently joined a national property am looking for another venue to management firm after selling a Eric Hoffmeyer writes that he is stay involved in natural resource Paul Brickfield has been an franchise business he owned. He and environmental policy in attorney for almost 40 years and 1978 “still building, fixing, machining, After retiring last July after welcomes fellow Sons of Xavier to Washington, D.C. and continue continues to enjoy practicing and welding stuff. Trailer 38 years in the commercial air reach out if they’re in the Tampa modification is the latest project.” making a contribution to society,” criminal defense in the federal, Bay area. His email address is state, and municipal courts of conditioning industry, Kevin He and his wife, Bridget, continue Scott Cameron writes. “I also [email protected]. Northern New Jersey. He recently McNamara took on a new role to enjoy living in Kentucky and really enjoy interacting with ran into Patrick O’Connor as chief operating officer of The wish their Xavier family the best. Xavier classmates in our Facebook group. Tech is a great enabler.” at an event near Albany. Climate Control Group based in 1985 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. “We CMDR John Pucciarelli, USN (Ret.) was recently awarded 1972 Dr. Patrick Connolly serves employ 1,200 workers with six Dr. Franklin Caesar P’00 1976 factories designing, engineering, the Department of the Navy ’77 as professor of orthopaedic surgery Mike Butler recently came out writes that his classmate, Donald and manufacturing world-class Civilian Service Commendation Morgan Stanley, Peter Heidt and chief of the spine surgery of retirement to accept the role 1. Ben Massa ’76. Gross P’03, retired from Xavier products that address the issues Medal for his efforts during the was appointed a managing division in the Department of of managing director and chief of energy efficiency, health, coronavirus pandemic. He is director at Ameriprise 2. last year after 30 years teaching Orthopaedics at the University human resources officer for Glen Corsello ’77 and his wife and safety as well as providing the Deputy Director, Bureau of Financial. He works from the in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. math on 16th Street. “During of Massachusetts. He has been ProShares, an asset management sustainable environmental Naval Personnel, responsible for Boca Raton, Florida branch. the last decade, at least, Don has married to Deborah, whom he met firm based in Bethesda, Maryland. systems for buildings and facilities military correctional facilities been our class president. He even at a Xavier dance, for 45 years. He is also currently enrolled in a of all shapes and sizes across throughout the United States, ushered us into the ‘new normal’ They have four grown children program jointly sponsored by the Brooklyn Writers Press has North America,” he said. “I guess Europe, and the Far East. by hosting Zoom meetings for ’72 and eight grandchildren. Harris School of Public Policy at published Stephan Silich’s second Sons when the pandemic didn’t the University of Chicago and the retirement can wait with all the book of collected poems, tonight will allow us to go out to dinner or Dr. Victor Vallo recently London School of Economics. He challenges we have today.” 1986 be the longest night of them all. This just go to a Xavier athletic contest accepted the position of expects to complete the program Patrick Tansey P’21 writes, follows the publication of his first with fellow classmates. He has adjunct instructor of music at in December, when he will earn 1979 “Congratulations to my son John collection, the silence between what allowed us to ‘see’ each other and LeMoyne College, a Catholic, an MA in health policy from Chris Doyle is in his 19th year Xavier Tansey ’21, who will be I think and what I say. All proceeds keep in touch. We are all waiting Jesuit college in Syracuse. UChicago and an MS in health of teaching social studies at graduating and joining the ranks from book sales are donated back to with bated breath for our golden economics from LSE. Butler plans Bronxville High School, following of the Xavier alumni this spring.” Brooklyn Writers Press in an effort anniversary in 2022. We all thank 1974 to combine this training with 13 years at Fordham Prep. He is to support its mission of publishing you, Don, for your tireless effort in After 35 years in the IT industry, his business and legal experience married to Notre Dame School 1987 unknown and independent keeping the Sons of ’72 connected Guillermo Bautista has spent to play a role in bringing badly English teacher Lydie Kane. After spending nearly three authors. Books are available at to each other and to our blessed the past four years as a financial needed reforms to the U.S. health “My two daughters Kelly and decades as a senior vice president all online retailers and stores in alma mater. It is because of Don advisor with First Harbor Financial care system. While COVID-19 Kristin work at Partnerships at Wells Fargo Advisors and hardcover, paperback, and e-book
34 XAVIER MAGAZINE XAVIER MAGAZINE 35 ’49 ALWAYS 1. 2. 3. A SON OF XAVIER
DR. BILL O’BRIEN ’49 BY SHAWNA GALLAGHER VEGA
’89 ’89 ’90
4. formats. To preview original words borrowers manage liabilities Caldwell, New Jersey, with his wife, and photographs, visit Silich’s by accessing the credit markets Jen, 6-year-old son, Colton, and Instagram account: @stephan_ through my mortgage brokerage, 4-year-old daughter, Kinsley. He OVER THE DECADES, silich. Silich currently works for Guardian Capital Lenders. I also coaches Little League baseball. Mount Sinai Health System in welcome all opportunities to RICH O’BRIEN Manhattan as the senior vice help my fellow Sons of Xavier. 1992 SAID, HIS FATHER president and chief administrative Keep marching on to victory.” Sean O’Mara is an executive officer. He lives in Manhattan officer in the Northern Ireland ALWAYS MENTIONED and East Hampton with his two John McNally and his wife, Civil Service. He is pleased to XAVIER’S INFLUENCE daughters, Emma and Mia. Aurora, recently launched an announce that he and his spouse, Italian artisanal food import A. Magee, QC, have recently ON HIS LIFE. 1988 business. Specialty products been approved to adopt a baby Dan Sheehan was recently include handmade sweets, pasta, boy they have taken care of inducted into Pfizer’s U.S. Sales olives, and more sold a la carte, in since he was 6 months old. As Rich O’Brien and his five siblings years each of French, German, and Baltimore before founding his own Hall of Fame. He is celebrating bulk volume, and in gift baskets. 25 years at the company Orders can be customized and planned their dad’s 90th birthday Greek. Among his most memorable financial planning firm, where he was corporate orders are welcome. 1993 celebration, they knew one thing— teachers were Timothy O’Dwyer, S.J.† active for nearly two decades. (His that introduced the world’s Kerwyn Phillip lives in Virginia ’87 first COVID-19 vaccine. Members of the Xavier community with his wife, Denise, and three Xavier had to be part of it. for religion, Joseph DeSio† for German, daughter, Mary Dubyoski, called him can enjoy a 20% discount by children, Menkuara, Khefera, and Dr. Bill O’Brien ’49 arrived at and Frederick “Fritz” Frohnhoefer, a “jack of all trades, master of all.”) 5. visiting www.AuroraAmore.com 1989 Kush. He is a corporate trainer Xavier in September 1945, days after S.J.† for chemistry and physics. Over the decades, Rich O’Brien said, and using the code XAVIER20. Last year, Charles Messina who devotes his spare time to the end of the Second World War. “It was a full-time occupation going his father always mentioned Xavier’s created the web series The young people in his community. He commuted to 16th Street from to Xavier,” he remembered. “There influence on his life—so he called Honeyzoomers, which revolves 1991 He co-founded the Youth Business Carnegie Avenue in East Orange, was also a lot of learning outside around a brother and sister LTC John C. Giordano, USA Exchange, a nonprofit organization the school in November to ask if a New Jersey, and he can still retrace Xavier’s classrooms.” The discipline quarantining together in New (Ret.) recently returned to the that supports and promotes youth member of the administration would his footsteps nearly 76 years later. he learned in high school served York City during the COVID-19 world of national defense, but this entrepreneurship through popular join his father’s virtual 90th birthday ’88 He walked a mile to the train, took him well at the Stevens Institute of pandemic. The popular series time as a government civilian. He events that routinely attract celebration. President Jack Raslowsky 1. Michael Gargiulo ’77 interviews the Lackawanna Railroad from East Technology, where he earned a degree was covered on NBC, WPIX, is now serving as a senior strategic hundreds of participants. He is also P’16 gladly accepted that invitation. Charles Messina ’89 on Today in FOX, and in publications such advisor to Cyber National Mission the founder and CEO of KHUFU Orange to Hoboken, then chose the in mechanical engineering in 1953, New York. “It was a very joyful celebration,” said as the New York Daily News Force at Ft. Meade, Maryland. Enterprises, LLC, an organization ferry or the Hudson and Manhattan and at The Ohio State University, Dubyoski, with whom O’Brien resides 2. Christopher Spataro ’89. and The Wall Street Journal. that teaches leadership, Railroad (now known as PATH) to where he later earned an MBA and in Maryland. Pork tenderloin and Brandon Tierney just started entrepreneurship, and financial complete his journey to Manhattan. Ph.D. in management and finance. 3. Frankie Gonzalez ’90. On January 1, Christopher his ninth year hosting Tiki and literacy to youth in underserved homemade chocolate cake were on When he arrived at school each Shortly after he was commissioned Spataro was sworn in as the Tierney, which airs from 3-6 p.m. communities. A hip-hop historian, the menu, and her father was surprised 4. Stephan Silich ’87 with his new judge of Elkhart Superior he teaches hip-hop youth morning, members of the Regiment as an Air Force officer in 1954, he daughters, Emma and Mia. EST Monday-Friday on 150+ and moved when Raslowsky appeared Court No. 5 in Elkhart, Indiana. affiliates nationwide, including empowerment workshops and assembled for inspection and married his late wife, Paula. They among family members on screen. 5. Dan Sheehan ’89 and a likeness national TV simulcast on the CBS even made time to write a book, announcements. A deep seriousness began raising a family in northwestern of him in the Pfizer U.S. Sales Hall of 1990 Sports Network. He continues to Malik’s First Job, about a young man imbued the air at Xavier, then a Ohio, then lived in Europe (where he The O’Brien children joined Fame. Frankie Gonzalez owns and cover St. John’s basketball games in going on his first job interview. military school that had just sent served as chief of the mathematics from various locations, thrilled to operates two businesses based addition to hosting The Red Storm The book is available on Amazon countless Sons to war. O’Brien’s and computer division at the SHAPE celebrate their father despite social and at www.MaliksFirstJob.com. out of Miami. “My investment Report, a weekly magazine show senior yearbook featured a tribute to Technical Center in the Netherlands distancing measures. Throughout chronicling the program and the brokerage, Guardian Global the “Xavier man,” detailing the ways and as NATO’s chief engineer for the evening, they remembered Group, is dedicated to asset Big East, on MSG+. He just started 1994 Xavier shaped its students for the the Airborne Warning and Control Paula O’Brien, who passed away in management using the capital writing his first book, which he On July 22, 2020, the state of hopes to release in late 2021 or responsibilities of Catholic manhood. System Program in Brussels) for eight 2017, and marveled at their father. Above: Bill O’Brien displaying some of markets. I create and maintain Parana, Brazil, awarded Diplomatic his favorite gifts at his 90th birthday O’Brien remembers taking “quite a years before returning to the States, “His perspective is that when you investment/insurance strategies early 2022, and hosted Man vs. Security Service (DSS) Special celebration; O’Brien in his 1949 yearbook for domestic and international Bear on the Discovery Channel in Agent Adrian Diaz the Coronel language load” at Xavier—four years where they settled in Baltimore. Bill turn 100, then you join the ranks photo; Jack Raslowsky sending birthday investors,” he writes. “I also help late 2019. Tierney lives in North Sarmento medal, the Policia of English, four years of Latin, and two O’Brien taught at the University of of the elderly,” Dubyoski said. greetings via Zoom.
36 XAVIER MAGAZINE XAVIER MAGAZINE 37 ’56
1. 1997 2004 Alexander Anastasiades P’24 and Tom Palmieri is the director of THE POWER OF THE his wife, Danielle Anastasiades counseling services at Central P’24, are the proud parents of Penn College in Summerdale, Alexander Jr., who is a Xavier Pennsylvania. He recently started AMERICAN DREAM freshman. Alexander and Danielle coursework for his doctorate of education degree in counselor ANTHONY TERRACCIANO ’56 are both completing their 17th year BY ERIC KREBS ’17 of service in law enforcement. education and supervision. He and his fiancé, Stephen, live in Fr. Jared Brogan was appointed Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. president of DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne, New 2005 Jersey, on July 1, 2020. Dr. Michael Krzyzak, MPH has been promoted to medical Jordan Castro will publish his site director at Staten Island sophomore novel, The Great Silent University Hospital’s Eastern Roar, this spring. The novel follows campus, a newly created hospital to treat COVID-19 patients. ’93 fired magazine writer Jaxton Bello from his lowest point of hanging Militar’s highest award, for OVER THE COURSE OF HIS CAREER, 2. off the George Washington Bridge 2007 his partnership in combating to being embedded with the NYPD Seamus Campbell recently TERRACCIANO GAINED A REPUTATION AS transnational crime in the tri- during summer protests that graduated from The George border region in Parana. For devolved into riots to his ascent Washington University SOMETHING OF A “TURNAROUND GUY,” three years, Diaz served as with a master’s degree in into literary immortality. In an assistant regional security political management. SOMEONE WITH A PENCHANT FOR PARACHUTING between those peaks and valleys, officer-investigator at the U.S. he takes an Odyssean journey INTO A TROUBLED FIRM, IDENTIFYING THE Consulate in São Paulo, Brazil, Michael Chiaia recently through a New York City shutdown where he worked with Policia transitioned from the active due to COVID-19 and through PROBLEM, AND FIXING THINGS. Militar and other law enforcement duty Army and relocated to his own fractured consciousness organizations to investigate, deter, Arlington, Virginia, where he is and past relationships. Part The and dismantle transnational a national security consultant Odyssey, part The Catcher in the Had a bus driver from Bayonne played Army. Thereafter, a wife, a child, and the ability to ask the right question. back to the people—judgments criminal organizations operating supporting strategic programs Rye, the novel is a reflection of a different set of lottery numbers one another on the way brought him to Over the course of his career, you make,” Terracciano reflected. in the region. In addition to for the Department of Defense ’00 2020 New York in the mold of afternoon in 1951, some major banks— a realization: “I had to find a job.” Terracciano gained a reputation One mistake in particular, however, his investigative work, Diaz and other government agencies. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s legendary Mellon Bank, Bancorp, and Sallie Mae, Terracciano started at Chase as somewhat of a “turnaround sticks out like it happened yesterday. 3. spearheaded multiple training reflection 100 years prior. Dr. Jason Kondrat graduated to name a few—might not exist today. Manhattan Bank in 1964. While guy,” someone with a penchant for After his promotion to Executive Vice missions with Brazilian from medical school in May authorities to help tighten That is to say, Anthony Terracciano corporate banking’s cold, number- parachuting into a troubled firm, President at Chase, he found himself 2020 and started as a first-year security in the tri-border region. 2000 ’56 would have never gone to Xavier. crunching calculus seems like the identifying the problem, and fixing at lunch with David Rockefeller, the John Khinda recently updated resident in emergency medicine at Terracciano’s family used the money furthest thing from philosophy at things. From the 1980s to the eve of Chairman of the Bank at the time. Staten Island University Hospital his website, JohnKhinda.com, with his father’s luck brought them to send first glance, Terracciano found a the Great Recession, he helped turn During their meal, Rockefeller began to during the most challenging time 1996 links to his top performances Cornerstone Government Affairs in modern medicine. Prior to him to 16th Street. The commute was through-line. “Philosophy has the around a half-dozen of America’s marvel at Terracciano’s life path—from which can all be viewed at announced the addition of CMDR medical school, he was a research an hour each way by bus, and frequent same relationship to the individual largest financial institutions. His son of a bus driver to vice president of JohnKhinda.com/about/2/. “As Christian Lee, USCG (Ret.) to assistant at the Icahn School delays in the Holland Tunnel meant sciences as banking does to the greatest accomplishment—aside one of America’s largest banks—and always,” he writes, “you can its national security team in July of Medicine Cardiovascular that JUG was a regular occurrence. individual industries,” he said. Both are from raising two sons with his wife that he was a testament to the power support your classmate and 2020. Lee most recently served Research Center and received Academically, it wasn’t easy, but early concerned with meta-analysis of sorts, of 57 years, Rita, until her death this of the American Dream. In response, future Academy Award winner by as a professional staff member a master’s degree in medical stumbles proved fruitful: “By the whether of industries or disciplines. past March—came in 1980, when he Terracciano quipped: “David, when on the Senate Committee on subscribing to his YouTube Channel science at Boston University. at YouTube.com/JohnKhinda.” time I got to my senior year, I had There are two skills that are completely restructured Chase Bank my grandfather came to this country Appropriations Subcommittee forced myself to learn how to study,” important in any corporate discipline. on a prediction that then-Chairman of in 1904, he worked for Standard on Homeland Security. 2008 he recalled. The first, according to Terracciano, is to the Federal Reserve Paul Volcker would Oil in Bayonne. So, my grandfather ’07 2002 Tom Reilly recently joined K2 The work ethic Terracciano find answers to any question through raise interest rates at an unprecedented worked for your grandfather, and In December 2019, Firefighter Eric Gutierrez is now the director Integrity as a manager in its 1. Kerwyn Phillip ’93. cultivated at Xavier brought him rigorous analysis. And while he spent speed to curb the nation’s runaway I work for you. So, in one way, not Vin Seminara rescued a woman of alumni relations at Bank financial crimes risk management 2. John Khinda ’00. from drowning in the Harlem Street College in New York City. practice after five years of smooth sailing through St. Peter’s much of his early time at Chase poring inflation. Terracciano’s hunch proved a hell of a lot has changed.” River. His brother, Joseph service as an Assistant District College (now St. Peter’s University); a over balance sheets and disclosures, true, and the bank survived. “It was a stupid thing to do,” he 3. Dr. Jason Kondrat ’07. Seminara ’99, is a member San Iswara was recently Attorney in Staten Island. deep-seated love for the humanities there were plenty of people at the Of course, no career is without laughs. Luckily, Rockefeller got the joke. of the NYPD and was recently named a managing director at brought him to graduate studies in bank who could run numbers. Where mistakes. His biggest errors came “I bet your grandfather never had promoted to inspector. On his way Rockefeller Capital Management. 2009 philosophy at Fordham University; Terracciano excelled—and what he from “being wrong about people.” lunch with my grandfather, though,” home from work in November He is currently the deputy chief Dylan Kitts and his girlfriend, and a two-year obligation from an believes his Jesuit education truly “Your biggest mistakes, and your he replied. And that was true. 2018, Joe Seminara saved a operating officer and lives in Devin, recently rescued Teddy, ROTC scholarship brought him to the prepared him for—was the second skill: biggest successes ultimately, come But Tony did. woman trapped in a burning New York City with his wife and a lovable 2-year-old pitbull- SUV on a Brooklyn highway. two sons, Winston and Wyatt. boxer mix. Dylan recently
38 XAVIER MAGAZINE XAVIER MAGAZINE 39 ’16
1. 2. 3. FINDING HIS WAY
ANTHONY OBAS ’16 BY NICK BARONE ’16
’11 ’16 ’16
4. started a new job as program David Pangilinan serves as three years. He will remain at the director at Lawfordable, a start- manager, creative strategy and University of Michigan to begin up that provides legal plans cultural intelligence at ViacomCBS. graduate school in pursuit of a and other benefits to unions. He is a recipient of the Cynopsis Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Rising Star Award, representing Velocity and ViacomCBS. John Hartofilis recently 2010 LIKE MANY, HE HAS Matthew Hickey is now a launched the Gen Z Podcast registered architect in New York 2015 Network. “The network expands TAKEN TIME TO and has obtained his NCARB Matthew Rienzi is finishing an on my current show, Gen Z Hoops, certification. He is looking to MBA in executive management that I started during the pandemic, REFLECT—NOT ONLY connect with other Knights in at SJC Brooklyn and working recording over 50 episodes with the field on LinkedIn for insight to get signed overseas for a high-profile NBA players, coaches, AS A RECENT COLLEGE ’18 into the profession and fields European professional baseball and executives,” he writes. GRADUATE, BUT surrounding it. He currently team. He will become a college 5. works at FSI Architecture on baseball coach this fall. 2019 ALSO AS A PERSON restoring building façades Christian Deem will begin throughout New York City. 2016 an internship at Reckitt WHO WANTS TO Bo Kendrick-Holmes Benckiser in Montvale, New BETTER HIMSELF. Euroy Smith recently began graduated from the United States Jersey, this summer. a new role at Raytheon Naval Academy in May 2020 and Missiles & Defense. moved to Monterey, California, 2020 If the COVID-19 pandemic has shown bring light to students’ lives. Obas is For most of his first 22 years, where he is currently enjoying Salvatore Genovese is a Anthony Obas ’16 anything, it’s that part of Cristo Rey’s full-time residential for instance, he never knew he the local golf courses and getting freshman at Tufts University, 2011 people really need support right now. volunteer program, a two-year liked animation, writing, and CPT Kieran McMahon, a master’s degree at the Naval where he is studying cognitive Working in the College Guidance commitment that brings young people USA graduated from the Field Postgraduate School. After he and brain science. He works as gaming. Finding new lanes and ’20 Artillery Captains Career Course graduates in June, he will head to a paralegal aide at Stroock & Department at Cristo Rey New York together to live in community and discovering hobbies has allowed on December 18, 2020. Charleston, South Carolina, for Stroock & Lavan LLP and plans High School—a Catholic, co-ed college serve Cristo Rey in a variety of roles. him to realize what brings him joy. 1. CPT Kieran McMahon, USA ’11, right. Navy nuclear power training. to pursue a career in law. prep school in East Harlem that By providing some fun and stability Obas wrote Volume 1: Shifting Patrick Steffens was recently 2. Bo Kendrick-Holmes ’16. educates students from underserved to students moving through a very Your Music Into A Career—A Guide named a Top Young Professional Justin Westbrook-Lowery communities—has made it particularly unstable world, he hopes to show them for Independent Artists to be Full Time 3. Justin Westbrook-Lowery ’16. by the Commercial Observer, a was elected to serve as the apparent to him that high school they can emerge from the pandemic major real estate publication. Democratic Male District Leader Artists in 2019. His intention with the students have never needed more healthy and happy—the way he 4. Artwork promoting Gen Z Hoops, a for the 87th Assembly District with book was to help emerging artists podcast featuring John Hartofilis ’18. support. The students with whom recalls his experience and that of his 2012 55% of the vote. “I represent the and musicians take the art they Democrats in the Southeast Bronx he works are experiencing a very Xavier brothers during high school. 5. Salvatore Genovese ’20. James Kondrat graduated make, create an income, and perhaps neighborhoods of Parkchester, different high school education than “The only thing I can offer them from the University of California, even make art a full-time job. Berkeley, where he majored in Castle Hill, and West Farms on the one he enjoyed on 16th Street. is joy,” he said. “I can’t offer them my “People are struggling right now, environmental economics. He the Bronx Democratic Party’s “Being under lockdown, own madness because they already Above: Anthony Obas at Xavier in is a three-time national rugby Executive Committee,” he writes. attending school from home, have their own that they have to and I think this is a tool they can use “I am the youngest person to February; in his 2016 graduation photo. champion and All-American. and having the restrictions they deal with! If I can give them my joy, to discover what they can do with serve in this capacity and one His continued success as a have now are things these kids then I’m doing something right.” their passions, just like me,” he said. project developer for Borrego of the only LGBTQ individuals shouldn’t be going through—no This past year has surely been an For now, Obas continues his work Solar brought him from San to serve in that capacity.” at Cristo Rey, fighting the good fight Francisco to Connecticut in May one should be,” Obas reflected. interesting one for Obas. Like many, he to build large solar installations 2018 After graduating from Syracuse has taken time to reflect—not only as and ensuring students come out of in the Northeast, a sign of his Francis Corrado completed University last spring, he began his role a recent college graduate, but also as this pandemic ready to go forth and commitment to his lifelong goal his undergraduate coursework as a college counselor determined to a person who wants to better himself. set the world on fire—just like him. of protecting the environment. at the University of Michigan in
40 XAVIER MAGAZINE XAVIER MAGAZINE 41 Former Faculty Notes
“I recently had dinner with Dillon Burke ’13 return to Xavier in recent years to assist with and David Rogers ’15 and I even enjoyed the jazz ensemble until the beginning of the lunch along the Pacific Ocean last summer. COVID-19 pandemic. Noel Shu ’10 hosted me to dinner at one of his “Music gigs dried up very quickly,” Iacovone Manhattan restaurants,” exclaimed Campbell. stated. “Some virtual gigs popped up now “I’ve really enjoyed keeping in touch with and then, but far and few in-between. Too Xavier alumni around the country.” dangerous to get together and play, there Clearly, he has been doing just that. Campbell was an urgent need to find new ways to not only has kept in touch with fellow Sons, he create. And we did. For recording, I would has remained a mentor and most importantly a write a piece, develop it, and send it to friend to them. the next musician. He would listen until “I really enjoy following the careers of all he ‘got’ it, then record his part and send of the Xavier alumni, and I especially enjoy both tracks to the next band member.” mentoring Xavier graduates who are serving As a result of the pandemic, Iacovone was in our Armed Forces—Tom O’Keefe ’11, forced to find new and creative ways to play so Giancarlo Rindone ’09, and Stefan D’Urso he and his fellow musicians can remain safe. ’09—are only a few to name. I had the great joy “As far as jamming together, we found a alongside her husband and his partner as a of visiting CPT D’Urso’s Field Artillery Battery platform with very little latency or lag. Certain paralegal in the law firm of Lee & Kane. Dennis Baker, S.J. at Ft. Campbell this fall.” equipment is needed, but Jamkazam helps us “Yes, I have left the workforce, but I still try After five years in Micronesia as President of And these aren’t the only Sons Campbell has to play together during this pandemic.” to share what I’ve learned working in education. Xavier High School in Chuuk, Dennis Baker, supported. He still continues his work with Iacovone also wrote and recorded two CDs For a year or so, I volunteered at Kingsborough S.J. will return to the 16th Street Xavier this some more recent friends from 16th Street. of original music and recorded a third as a Community College in the program, All Access, summer. “I’ll take an administrative position “Shane Lavin ’03 and I enjoyed meeting sideman in 2020. as a counselor and recorder for students with Bill Martino there, working closely with Mr. Raslowsky,” he college alumni in Arizona on an advancement “One was recorded virtually, but two required special needs. Along the way, I have advised Martino recently purchased a home in said. “I’m looking forward to being back.” trip together [last year]. I look forward to us to be live. We had to figure out how to do several high school students on the college West Hartford, Connecticut. He continues attending more Beefsteak Dinners and more this safely. With the help of my wife, Denise, we application process.” to work at Kingswood Oxford, where he West Point and Annapolis graduations to honor constructed a bag, literally a laundry bag, to put During this time, she and her husband moved teaches sophomore English, AP Language from their home in Belle Harbor. fellow Sons of Xavier. Xavier continues to the entire sax in, cut out spaces for my hands and Composition, and the Literature of “This is the wonderful community where graduate amazing young men, and it is simply and the neck of the instruments, made needed New York City for seniors—a crossover from a joy to watch everyone do such remarkable my Tom and I met in 1966. Our young collars so the keys would open and close freely. his Xavier days. things in their lives!” grandchildren love it here, six granddaughters We also wore masks, hung plastic dividers, used His daughter, Lizzie, 6, is in first grade and two grandsons. Though they live hours and his sons, Frankie, Will, and Mac, are 3. air filters in each room and communicated via away, they have managed to become Rockaway Each is healthy and thriving—meeting all of headphones. We got it done! Happily, I’ve added Beach bums, like their dads.” their milestones. the bass clarinet, a very intricate and great She and her husband have traveled to Ireland, “It’s hard to imagine I’ve been away from sounding instrument, to my toolkit, too!” Italy, Paradise Island, St. Lucia, and cruised to Xavier for nearly three years,” Martino writes. On top of all of his music, Iacovone Honduras and Mexico. “Xavier still takes up lots of space in my heart, and his wife studied Italian during the “We fulfilled a lifetime dream by renting not only for the countless memories: the trips pandemic. “We sit every night for a an RV and spending a month seeing our to Europe, Maroon and Blue Days, Christmas short lesson. It’s fun because we do it breathtaking country. Of course, we spend a lot at Xavier, and the overwhelming sense of difficult decision that it was time for a change, together, and it’s very effective!” of our time traveling to and sharing life events pride to be a part of a true Catholic (and New not knowing at the time exactly what that Campbell with Chris Pagan ’09 Out of the Maelstrom was released on with Thomas ’92, Christian ’93, and Michael York) institution, but also for the outpouring change was going to be. I still reside in the February 18 by Unseen Rain Records. ’96. Their wives and families are the light of of love, prayers, and support we received from Yorkville section of Manhattan and after LTC Roy Campbell, USA (Ret.) Synchronics will be released this spring by my life, my dreams come true.” colleagues, parents, and students when the some months to myself I started working for After playing such an influential role in Woodshedd Records. And I Became of the Dark Lee and her husband witnessed Hurricane triplets were in the NICU. I think of Xavier Catapult Learning which provides instruction Xavier’s JROTC program for 12 years, Roy was released in April on the ESP label. For Sandy in 2012, seeing minimal damage done to nearly every day, and I’m anxious to get back. I in literacy and math to struggling and at-risk Campbell continued his work changing the lives more information, visit roccojohnmusic.com and their home. definitely see a Beefsteak or reunion in the near students. I was assigned to St. Joseph’s of young students while teaching Army JROTC unseenrainrecords.com. “I am proud to say there were many times we future...Keep marching!” Catholic Academy in Astoria last academic at Herbert Hoover High School in California. saw Xavier men assisting our neighbors.” Former students and colleagues can contact year as the Title 1 math instructor for grades Campbell taught at Herbert Hoover for three Jayne Lee P’92 ’93 ’96 Lee and her husband also celebrated their Bill Martino at [email protected]. K-8. Religion to math, not exactly the change I years until retiring in 2020. Following his Rocco J. Iacovone ’62 “Since leaving Xavier in June of 2002, the 50th wedding anniversary in New Orleans, just expected. I remain with Catapult this academic retirement, he plans to move to the East Coast, Since Rocco Iacovone’s retirement from Xavier theme of my life has been moving,” writes before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Chris Napolitano year, unfortunately part-time because of the around Washington, D.C. in 2007, he has kept busy performing at many Jayne Lee. “I pray that all of you are healthy and Napolitano taught religion at Xavier from pandemic. I offer remote instruction in math Despite being away from Xavier, Campbell has venues in New York City and surrounding As a member of the faculty at Stella Maris weathering this storm. We have witnessed too 1996 until 2017. He writes, “After 22 years once again to students at St. Joe’s. Xavier made countless efforts to remain connected to areas. He has recorded original works for High School, she was a guidance counselor many tragedies in our times. You are and will of spending my teaching career and young continues to be part of my identity and fond the place he once called home. several record companies and even took time to to young women. In 2005, she left to work always be in my prayers.” adult life at Xavier, I made the extraordinarily memory. Know that you are missed and loved!”
42 XAVIER MAGAZINE XAVIER MAGAZINE 43 Milestones
Raelynn Theresa, granddaughter of Jim Mantle ’68
Anthony Traverzo ’04, Jonathan Rivera ’06, David Edward Fox ’72 and Lori Belair Lopez ’04, and Jimmy Cepeda ’05
Richard Wefer ’75, his wife, Susan, and Mike Benigno ’00 and his daughter, their granddaughter Claire Christine Leah Angeline STAY CONNECTED to 16th Street.
Judith and David Lopez ’04 James Kondrat ’12 and Julie Crowell
Rivera ’06, and Anthony daughter, Jessica, and son-in-law, Mike Benigno ’00 and MARRIAGES Traverzo ’04. Adrian. his wife, Ellen, welcomed their Edward Fox ’72 and Lori daughter, Leah Angeline Benigno, Brooke Setenay Elizabeth Sezen Vera Mae Fox Belair were joined in holy James Kondrat ’12 married Richard Wefer ’75 and his on December 1, 2019. The matrimony at the Cathedral of Julie Crowell in Malibu, California, wife, Susan, became first-time Benignos live in Rockaway Beach. St. Paul in St. Paul, Minnesota, on February 7, 2020. grandparents on November 12, on June 12, 2020. The ceremony 2020. Claire Christine Ryan was Patrick Sezen ’04 and his was presided over by the Rev. born that day to their daughter, wife, Caroline, welcomed their first Kevin McDonough, the older Allison, and her husband, Matthew child, Brooke Setenay Elizabeth brother of former Obama Chief BIRTHS Ryan. Sezen, on November 3, 2020. of Staff and newly appointed In October, Jim Mantle ’68 Secretary of Veterans Affairs welcomed the birth of his Brian O’Neill ’76 and his wife, Ricardo Castillo Cano ’06 Denis McDonough. granddaughter, Raelynn Theresa. Danny Mantle ’66 is her Kim, recently celebrated the and his wife, Rebecca, welcomed births of their sixth and seventh their first son, Daniel Alejandro, on David Lopez ’04 married great-uncle. grandchildren. October 16, 2020. his wife, Judith, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Chicago, Joseph Fama ’75 welcomed his Patrick Forde ’99 and his wife, Kevin Fox ’08 and his wife Illinois, on May 10, 2019. Xavier second grandson, a boy named Shannon Donohue, welcomed a welcomed their first child, Vera alumni in attendance included Xavier, on September 15, 2020. son, Finn Forde, on May 5, 2019. Mae Fox, on July 17, 2020. Jimmy Cepeda ’05, Jonathan Xavier’s parents are Joseph’s www.xavierhs.org
Ricardo Castillo Cano ’06 with his wife, Rebecca, and their son, Daniel Alejandro 44 XAVIER MAGAZINE XAVIER MAGAZINE 45 OBITUARY
Jack Curran, S.J. ’46
The son of John tertianship year. He then spent two years at the Gregorian University in Alumni Curran and Florence Rome studying Church history and canon law. InJohn Moynahan ’40Memoriam, brother of Bernard Paul Guglielmo ’77, 4/21/20 Tomas Cabrera P’93, father of Jose Moriarty Curran, In 1963, Fr. Curran returned to the Pacific, to Pohnpei in the Moynahan ’30†, 1/10/20 Richard Schilling ’82, brother of Andrew Cabrera ’93 P’21 and grandfather of Tomas Thomas Casey ’44, 1/20/21 Schilling ’84, 8/18/20 Cabrera ’21, 2/26/21 John F. “Jack” Caroline Islands, where he pursued language studies before becoming a Thomas McMahon ’44, 2/14/21 William McPadden ’86, 12/16/20 Claridilia Baez P’01, mother of Dion Baez ’01, Curran, S.J. ’46 was pastoral minister in the local parish. He returned to Xavier High School John Mulligan ’45, 9/21/20 James Keane ’00, 10/22/20 9/17/20 born in New York in Chuuk in 1967, and for the next six years he served as superior, dean Joseph Morris ’47, 2/4/21 Enrique Gonzalez ’01, 12/3/20 Warren Pusz P’09, father of John Pusz ’09, 10/14/20 Walter O’Hara ’48, 7/29/20 Alexander Durante ’11, 2/27/21 City on October 15, of students, and an English and religion teacher. Thomas Harkins P’13, father of Tom Harkins 1929. He crossed He returned to Pohnpei in 1973 to serve as superior of the mission Dr. Allan J. Ahearne ’50, 1/10/21 ’13, 12/10/20 Dante Viano ’50, 1/30/21 paths with the Society and to do pastoral work. From 1975 to 1978, Fr. Curran lived in Manila Parents Edward Lopata P’14, father of Ed Lopata ’14, Michael Driscoll ’51, 12/31/20 Denise Puglisi P’68, mother of Michael 10/14/20 of Jesus early when in the Philippines, where he served as executive secretary for the East Lawrence McCrory ’51, grandfather of Dennis Puglisi ’68, 1/28/21 Gail Ronaldson-D’Albero P’13, mother of he was baptized at Asian Jesuit Education Conference for two years and as president pro- Dier ’01 and Michael Dier ’09, 2/23/21 Mary Robotti P’71, mother of Bob Robotti ’71, Jeffery “JJ” Ronaldson-D’Albero ’13, 11/13/20 St. Ignatius Loyola tem for the East Asian Assistancy Conference of Major Superiors for Joseph Vrindten ’51, 11/12/20 2/11/21 Patrick G. Heaney P’18, father of Patrick William Kennedy ’53, 8/18/20 Mario Antonio Fernandez P’72, father of Church on the Upper one year. Heaney ’18, 9/17/20 John Moylett ’53, 7/13/19 Mike Fernandez ’72, 7/23/20 Dina Chapman P’20, mother of Daniel East Side. Fr. Curran returned to the Caroline Islands in 1978 to serve as Dr. John Sweeney ’53, 12/29/20 Guerrino Razza P’72, father of John Razza Chapman ’20, 9/11/20 After graduating from Xavier in 1946, he entered the Jesuits at superior of the Jesuit community in Chuuk. In 1980, he returned to John Hutton ’54 P’86 ’96 ’98, father of ’72, 10/19/20 Robert Posio P’21, father of Robert Posio ’21, St. Andrew-on-Hudson in Poughkeepsie. In 1950, Fr. Curran went to Pohnpei, where he was superior of the community, judicial vicar, then Thomas Hutton ’86, John Hutton ’96, and James O’Neill P’73, father of Michael 11/19/20 Joseph Hutton ’98, 11/14/20 O’Neill ’73 James Kaplan P’22, father of Justin Kaplan Woodstock College in Maryland to begin his philosophical studies, and vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of the Caroline Islands. He Harold Murphy ’54, 12/27/18 Isabel Bautista P’74, mother of Guillermo S. ’22, 1/7/21 in 1952 he and many of his classmates moved to Bellarmine College in remained in Pohnpei until 1995, except for the time he spent as director W. Foster Wollen ’54, brother of A. Ross Bautista, Jr. ’74, 8/22/20 Plattsburgh, New York, to complete those studies. of St. Ignatius Residence in Guam in 1986-87 and a sabbatical year from Wollen ’61, 8/28/20 Patricia McDonnell P’76 ’77 ’78 ’80, wife Spouses Ronald “JP” Lesko ’55 of John P. McDonnell, Sr. ’50† and mother of In 1953, he took his first journey to the Pacific, to Chuuk in the 1987-88. John P. McDonnell, Jr. ’76, Bryan E. McDonnell Joyce Flood, wife of Raymond Flood, Jr. ’58, John Daly ’56, 1/13/18 Caroline Islands, where he taught freshman Latin and English and In 1995, Fr. Curran returned to Xavier Chuuk as superior of the ’77, Kevin J. McDonnell ’78, and Laurence G. 8/17/20 Paul Marto ’56, 6/20/20 McDonnell ’80, 10/19/20 Margaret “Peggy” Gildea, wife of James served as dean of discipline at Xavier High School. Fr. Curran returned community while continuing to serve as Vicar General and Chancellor Dominic Verrastro ’56, 2/1/21 Mary Kelly P’77, mother of Joseph G. Kelly ’77, Gildea ’70, 11/5/20 to the United States three years later to study theology at Woodstock of the Diocese. Except for the three years he served as Coordinator of Ronald Como ’57, 8/3/20 10/18/20 Inez Keller, wife of Stephen Keller ’80, College in Maryland. Francis Cardinal Spellman ordained him to the Church in Pohnpei (2001-04), Fr. Curran remained in Chuuk until 2011. Harry Hasselmann ’59, brother of James Mirella A. Young P’77 ’79 ’83, mother of 11/26/20 Kathleen McGuth, wife of COL Bill priesthood on June 20, 1959, at Fordham University Church. That year, he moved to Murray-Weigel Hall in the Bronx. Hasselmann ’62†, 7/3/20 John Young ’77, Christopher Young ’79, and Joseph Nee ’60, brother of Gerard Nee ’57 Peter Young ’83, 11/9/19 McGuth, USA (Ret.) ’52, 12/11/20 In 1960, Fr. Curran traveled to Münster, Germany, for his Fr. Curran died on January 4, 2021, at the age of 91. and Richard Nee ’64, 2/27/21 Joseph Ottati P’78, father of Anthony Ottati Mary Ann McLaughlin, wife of Martin John Scott ’60, 2/2/21 ’78, 11/8/20 McLaughlin, Jr. ’54, 10/1/20 David Smigelskis ’60, 6/20/20 John Barbieri P’80, father of Michael Barbieri Peter Toja ’60, 11/11/20 ’80 P’10, grandfather of Peter Barbieri ’10, and Children father-in-law of receptionist Carmela Barbieri James Ryan ’61, 1/14/21 Justin Laurie, son of Ed Laurie ’64, 11/22/20 P’10, 1/6/21 James Faulkner, Jr., Esq. ’62, 10/13/20 Catherine Schlapman, daughter of Mark Marguerite Moran P’81, mother of Daniel Delaney ’53, 5/28/18 Eugene Gaughan ’63, 3/21/21 Moran ’81 P’15 and grandmother of Daniel Bernard Beirne ’64, brother of Anthony Moran ’15, 2/23/21 Faculty/Family Beirne ’66, 10/8/20 Joan DePrizio P’82, mother of Robert Rev. Joseph Kamiensky, S.J., Xavier faculty Kevin Regan ’68, 1/26/21 DePrizio ’82, 11/16/20 member from 1970-74, 3/1/21 David Posteraro, Esq. ’70, brother of Richard Dimler P’83, father of Rich Dimler Jane Maconaghy Nugent, mother-in-law of Anthony Posteraro, Jr. ’63 and Robert Posteraro ’83, 12/15/20 religion department chair Jon Dwyer, 12/3/20 ’65 and son of Anthony Posteraro ’34†, 12/30/20 Ed Greason P’83, father of Michael Greason John Martin, father of math teacher Rob Jorge Guttlein, Esq. ’71 P’02, father of Juan- ’83, 11/28/20 Martin, 12/3/20 Carlos Guttlein ’02, 12/23/19 Patrick Cancilla P’84, father of Patrick Paul Orlando, brother-in-law of English Martin O’Shea, Esq. ’71, brother of Patrick Cancilla ’84, 8/25/20 teacher Jennifer Kennedy-Orlando P’21 and O’Shea ’61, 11/6/20 Rose Cancilla P’84, mother of Patrick uncle of Lou Orlando ’21, 1/20/21 Michael Verdon ’71, 11/11/20 Cancilla ’84, 1/30/21 Aurelio Segovia Delgado, father of school William McDonnell ’72, 12/12/20 Amelia Malchiodis P’85, mother of Giancarlo nurse Francine Delgado, 1/23/21 Dr. Michael Del Terzo ’77, 9/11/20 Malchiodis ’85, 12/1/20 John “Jack” Hennigan P’89 ’97, father of Christopher Hennigan ’89 P’21 and Kevin Hennigan ’97 and grandfather of Jack Hennigan ’21, 4/2/20 Michael Scally P’92, father of Robert Scally ’92, 11/19/20
46 XAVIER MAGAZINE XAVIER MAGAZINE 47 BACK STORY
the entire Xavier math department will surely agree), if I do the math in this instance, I think I got things right more often than I got them wrong. If you are reading this and I got it wrong in your particular situation, then I pray that you will accept my apology now. I have seen the role of headmaster as having two main components: to offer support to teachers and to ensure that an environment is created that allows young men in our care to learn and grow. What that means in From1947 the Archives real terms has run the gamut. As a teacher, I comforted my students on 9/11 and grieved with our On Xavier’s 100th anniversary in 1947, members of the Class of 1912 gathered at the Seventh Regiment community over the profound losses we suffered that horrible day. I Armory on Park Avenue for their 35th reunion dinner. Daniel Francis Xavier Riordan 1912† saved his reunion had the opportunity to serve our community as we recovered from the photo as a keepsake along with one from his school days in 1911 (inset). “He, like many of his classmates, aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, proudly working beside students and went on to serve in World War I,” said his grandson, Kieran Wilhelm ’01, who recently unearthed both photos. colleagues in that effort. I have been swept up in overwhelming joy for Riordan’s Xavier legacy also lives on in his other grandsons, Matthew Wilhelm ’87 and Damian Wilhelm ’92, my colleagues and former students as they married, had children, and and his great-grandson, Nathanael Wilhelm ’23. celebrated the good things in life. I have wept at the death of three dear colleagues and two students and watched God’s grace shine forth in our Grateful for the community through our collective grief and sorrow. And most recently, I have struggled to care for a community in a world filled with civil strife Opportunity amidst a global pandemic where every decision is questioned, not just by the wider community, but by me as well. The opportunity to share stories at Beefsteak Dinners, to listen By MICHAEL LIVIGNI P’21 attentively as colleagues and students share struggles or life-altering decisions, to lift glasses in a toast to the good work of friends as they The life of a high school principal is not an easy one. Don’t get me retired, the hilarious discussions at the breakfast table in Spinello Lounge wrong—it isn’t like we make life-or-death decisions every day. We every morning, the meals shared, the embraces of hope and sadness, and don’t run into burning buildings to save lives. We don’t put on Kevlar the opportunity to care for those in need—all these things speak to a vests (well, not all of us) to protect our fellow citizens. But I have job and a place that has given me more than I have ever given it. God has often thought during my 18 years as an administrator that what we shown himself to me time and time again in the faces of my students, in are asked to do on a daily basis vacillates between impossible and the words of my friends, on retreats, in service, in the classroom, and in absurd. It is one of the reasons I have loved being Xavier’s headmaster so many more places that to think of them becomes overwhelming. so much. I won’t bore you with the platitudes of “I always embraced I have been asked what my legacy at Xavier will be. I have not a challenge,” because that wouldn’t be true. Like the vast majority responded to that question because to think about a legacy is a foolish, of humanity, I would prefer that things remained predictable and human endeavor. A legacy is fleeting and anything I have done in my relatively easy. But also like the vast majority of humanity, my time as headmaster is changeable, as it should be. Stewards don’t leave experience tells me this is simply not the case. legacies. The only legacy I see is the face of my son, Matthew, a member I arrived at Xavier in 2000 and became headmaster in 2006. Xavier of the Class of 2021 and a proud Son of Xavier. was my second teaching job, and much of what I learned about the Instead, if I am asked what I hope to have accomplished over these Society of Jesus I learned at Canisius High School in Buffalo, where I began my career. Canisius and Xavier are eerily similar and wildly years, the answer to that is simple. If I taught one student one thing, then different at the same time. I have found that true of virtually every I have accomplished the task that every teacher hopes to accomplish. If I Jesuit school I have visited. We speak the same Ignatian language, have helped one person recognize how truly alive God is in their life, then have the same goals, but approach it all very differently. (I think I have accomplished the task that every Catholic school teacher hopes to God is probably pleased with that; we are one body with different accomplish. If I have served one person and made their burdens easier, faces.) Canisius gave me many gifts: dear friends, the restoration of then I have accomplished the task that every Ignatian educator hopes to my Catholic faith, and an introduction to a way of teaching I have accomplish. If I have served God just once in this job, then I am grateful embraced with my whole heart. for the opportunity to have done so. The gifts Canisius gave me came into full use here on 16th Street. Over the years I have tried to guide Xavier to be the best Catholic and A graduate of the University at Buffalo and Fordham University, Michael Jesuit school it could be. I think I got it right many times, and I think LiVigni P’21 will conclude his time as Xavier’s 54th headmaster in June. He is other times I failed miserably. Although I am not a “math person” (as pictured in the Headmaster’s Office with his son, Matthew LiVigni ’21.
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Read more Community is the lifeblood of Xavier. on page Faculty, staff, and students worked together to carry on school traditions— like Christmas at Xavier, seen here—in 12 the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.