Xaverian Brothers High School is proud to announce a historic $10 million joint commitment from the families of two distinguished alumni, Rick Spillane, Jr. ’68 and his wife, Joanne, along with Joanne’s brother, Jack O’Donnell ’71, and his wife, Pam. Following the largest planned gift commitment in Xaverian’s history which was announced in June, this $10 million commitment stands as the school’s most substantial current-use gift to date. The funding will directly advance priorities in Xaverian’s strategic plan, including capital improvements and investments in the fine and performing arts. The gift also establishes the first endowed position at the school: the Charlie Duddy Science Department Chair, honoring the late and beloved physics teacher who left a profound impact on both Rick and Jack.

“Rick and Jack’s generosity will transform our ability to deliver on our mission,” said Dr. Jacob Conca ’94, Head of School. “However, even more important than the dollar amount is what this gift represents. It’s two brothers, doing the right thing, and paying it forward to a school that helped define them. This gift will impact generations of students and teachers, and we are most grateful for Rick and Jack's belief in the power of a Xaverian education.”

A Gift Rooted in Family and Brotherhood

Rick and Jack’s generous contribution to Xaverian is tied to a unique family story. Decades ago when Jack was seeking funding for a struggling startup, Rick and Joanne stepped in with critical financial support. What started as one company has steadily grown under Jack’s leadership into the audio equipment family of brands, inMusic, which today includes over 20 distinctive lines. It is through this success that the $10 million gift is possible.

“Jack and I are brothers-in-law, but we are also ‘Brothers for Life’,” said Rick, using a familiar Xaverian phrase about the enduring connections between graduates. “Of course, we said ‘yes’ when Jack asked for help, but I never expected to get a return on doing so. The general history of family loans is not exactly littered with tremendous successes. If you told me 30 years ago that our decision would result in us being able to make a $10 million gift to Xaverian, I certainly wouldn’t have believed it. However, Jack is an incredible entrepreneur, and his talent has yielded phenomenal results.” 

“At the time, Rick didn’t think of it as an investment,” recalled Jack. “He said, ‘This is something I want to do, and I might never see the money back again, but that’s okay.’ He helped me through the difficult startup period that can crush a business if they don’t have the support. He and Joanne are a gift from heaven.”

Honoring Teachers and Strengthening Programs

Both alumni pointed to the influence of legendary Xaverian physics teacher, Charlie Duddy, in shaping their education and lives.

“Mr. Duddy was an awesome presence in the school,” said Rick. “He was larger than life and an inspirational teacher. His physics classes were a must-attend, and if you ask anyone from our era which teacher they appreciate and remember most, more often than not they’ll answer with ‘Mr. Duddy.’”

When Jack doubted his ability in the classroom, Charlie Duddy was one of the teachers who helped him begin to see himself as a strong student. “I remember thinking I wasn’t qualified for advanced physics, but Mr. Duddy believed in me,” said Jack. “His affirmation shaped my identity at a critical age. He and Xaverian gave me something extremely valuable: a moral upbringing and a good education.”

Rick hopes that the establishment of the first-ever endowed position does more than honor the memory of one teacher; he wants it to serve as a beacon of gratitude to all Xaverian teachers. "I believe in supporting the people who are in the building every day, teaching, coaching, and mentoring,” Rick said. “It’s our hope that the establishment of the Charlie Duddy Science Department Chair serves as a sign of appreciation for all that they do.”

In addition to honoring teachers, Rick and Jack’s gift will support investments in the music program at Xaverian. “World-class musicians think in a different language, and the world needs that mental diversity,” said Jack. “I’d like to see world-class musicians graduating from Xaverian and creating notoriety for Xaverian in music culture. That would absolutely thrill me.”

A Legacy of Service

Rick has dedicated decades of service to Xaverian, including 25 years on the Board of Trustees. He was the first recipient of Xaverian’s Lifetime Achievement Award, presented at the 2024 Xaverian Gala. And his finance and investing acumen has helped Xaverian to establish and steadily grow a robust endowment. Throughout his years of service to the school, Rick kept his brother-in-law informed about their alma mater. 

“I’ve seen through Rick what the school is doing,” said Jack. “I’ve seen how Xaverian is thriving, and I know that the contribution we make will be well spent in the development of young minds.”

Both Rick and Jack emphasize the foundational importance of the ethics and morality taught at Xaverian. “You mature a great deal in high school, and the Catholic education and culture of Xaverian was so formative in teaching us to do the right thing,” said Rick. “The accumulation of doing the right thing over and over again produces greatness, and that’s the case at Xaverian.”