Alumni Receptions See Record Attendance

Building on its robust global network of 10,000+ alumni, this spring, Xaverian Brothers High School officially kicked off its new regional chapters in New York and Washington, D.C. with the return of in-person alumni receptions. Additionally, a Christmas Party was held at the beginning of December for our New England and Massachusetts alumni. These events continue to enhance the alumni community and provide networking opportunities, both of which are priorities for Xaverian after two years of little in-person programming. According to our Head of School, Dr. Jacob Conca ’94, “Our alumni are the lifeblood of the Xaverian community. These individuals have experienced a Xaverian education firsthand and they know the power of the enduring personal relationships that are a hallmark of our beloved alma mater.”

Xaverian’s New York Alumni Reception took place on Thursday evening, March 31 at The Yale Club in Midtown Manhattan. Hosted by Rick Czaja ’67, Dan Lalli ’98, and Chris Tam ’98, the reception drew more than 40 alumni from the New York City metro area. The record attendance was due, in large part, to the efforts of Xaverian’s New York Alumni Chapter Leaders: Jared Kawadler ’07, Ben Key ’07, Steve Lacman ’13, James Pierre-Louis ’07, James Walsh ’15, and Evan Wilkinson ’16. “The new model of having chapter leaders provides area alumni with the chance to connect with someone local to them…someone outside of the people who work here at 800 Clapboardtree Street in Westwood,” says Jim Scholl ’03, Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement. “In the long run, this model will allow for more lasting relationships to develop with our alumni throughout the country.”

On Thursday, April 7, Chris Marzilli ’77 co-hosted close to 40 alumni at Duvall House, a historic tavern visited by George Washington, located in the heart of beautiful Old Town Alexandria, VA. Joining Chris as a co-host was John Sullivan ’77, Ambassador to Russia. Though John was unable to be there in person (due to circumstances in Russia), he shared his remarks via Chris. A brief speaking program included Head of School Dr. Jacob Conca ’94, Chief Administrator for School Advancement Dr. Christopher Vasta ’00, D.C. Chapter Leader Tom Harkins ’04, and Director of Annual and Leadership Giving Dave Nelson ’02. In addition to Tom Harkins ’04, the other Washington, D.C. Chapter Leaders include Fabio Andrade ’00, Mike Brodo ’18, and Dan Conroy ’09.

For alumni living in New England and Massachusetts, there was a return to the tradition of holding an Alumni Christmas Party, which took place on Thursday, December 2 at the Dedham Country and Polo Club. There were 65 alumni in attendance - a record in the history of this event. Special thanks to New England/MA Alumni Chapter Leader Jared Kelly ’04 and other area alumni who supported efforts to promote the Christmas party.

“Now is the time for us to continue to bolster our alumni outreach efforts,” notes Chris Vasta. “Drawing on the Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers for guidance in these efforts, our alumni are truly ‘a band of Brothers who mutually help, encourage, and edify one another, and who work together.’ More than ever, we need to reconnect our alumni, especially coming out of a worldwide pandemic. With our alumni chapter model now in place, we’re seeing the fruits of the efforts of our chapter leaders before us. Our alumni are responding; they’re showing up and they’re reconnecting with Xaverian - some for the first time since crossing the graduation stage many years ago!” While Chris Vasta notes that this is just the beginning, he’s excited for what the future will hold: “In my conversations with our alumni at our recent receptions, I’m amazed by how many of them want to get involved. We welcome this and continue to invite any of our alumni to reconnect with us. Whether it’s by becoming a chapter leader, following Xaverian on social media, talking up the school to friends and co-workers, speaking as part of our Alumni Speaker Series with our students, or making a gift to support Xaverian students, there are so many opportunities for our alumni!”

Should Xaverian alumni like to become involved with our New England/Massachusetts, New York, or Washington, D.C. Alumni Chapters, please contact Jim Scholl ’03, Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement, at jscholl@xbhs.com.