ANNUAL REPORT 2024-25
XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL ANNUAL REPORT 2024–25
MOMENTUM
SERVICE IN SOUTH DAKOTA
Twenty-eight students traveled to South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Reservation in July as part of the Companions of St. Francis Xavier (CFX) program, a longstanding part of school life. While there, they worked with Re-Member, a nonprofit located on the reservation, to engage in service and learn about the history and culture of the Oglala Lakota tribe.
ANNUAL REPORT 2024-25
Xavier High School Jack Raslowsky P’16 President Kim Smith Headmaster Shane Lavin ’03 Vice President for Advancement Maggie Murphy Stockson Vice President for Planning and Principal Giving
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22.
Shawna Gallagher Vega, APR Vice President for Communications and Marketing Editor, Xavier Annual Report Contributors Luca Blankenbuehler ’25 Ralph Dinielli Catherine Ellard Ryan Kirwan Zane Massey ’96 P’22 Brian McCabe P’23 Steve Noga David Orlando ’17 Jennifer Reeder Astrea Slezak Photography Derrick Dingle Harisch Studios Michael Marmora Carlos Regnier Reena Rose Sibayan The Collective You Mark Wyville Design Erbach Communications Group
26.
24. CONTENTS 2.
Letter from the President
24. Strengthening the Mission
4.
Letter from the Board Chair
26. A Living, Breathing Gift
6.
News from 16th Street
28. Financials
14. Momentum 22. Building a Movement
40. Why I Give
How to Reach Us Xavier Magazine 30 West 16th Street New York, NY 10011 Email: news@xavierhs.org
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. Sustainability In keeping with Xavier’s commitment to sustainability, this publication is printed on FSC-certified paper. ANNUAL REPORT 2024-25
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/// FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Sons of Xavier, Parents and Friends:
A Year Defined by Momentum 2
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For Ignatius, gratitude was foundational. It was the virtue on which everything else was built. And while the Annual Report shares updates and news, its foundational purpose is gratitude. It is an opportunity to celebrate the support of the community and recognize our thousands of benefactors—named and unnamed—who make our work possible. Benefactor has Latin roots, bene facere, “do good to.” Those recognized within these pages and those unnamed have “done good to” Xavier, and their goodness has been passed on to our students, their families, our partners in the work and the larger community. Your gifts enabled regular operations, kept a Xavier education accessible and affordable, supported the Regiment, strengthened athletics, allowed the Holocaust Studies Program to flourish, provided opportunities for service programs in New York City, Camden, Maryland, Tennessee, South Dakota, Mexico and Chuuk in the Federated States of Micronesia, and provided students with the opportunity to encounter God, who loves us beyond measure, on retreat and in the classroom, and to share this loving God with others. Quite simply, Xavier would not have been, would not be, without you. And the temporal gifts were accompanied by your spiritual gifts—the prayers, the hopes, the love for the people of Xavier. The classmates, teachers, coaches, parents, friends and family who made and make this work real and are vehicles for God’s grace to enter and transform—really transform—hearts and minds. Sometimes it may seem that thank you is not enough, but when it is consciously deliberate, no more words need be said. The 14th century Dominican Meister Eckhart wrote, “If the only prayer we ever say is thank you, it will be enough.” While it is not my only prayer, it is my constant prayer for all those who “do good to” Xavier. Thank you. God has blessed this work in abundance for 179 years. Blessings made real through the goodness of God’s people, through your goodness. This year gives witness to the fact that we—all who make up Xavier—do not take those blessings for granted. We recognize that God works through us—and we recognize the responsibility
we will always have to partner with God to co-create this work of Xavier. We have all heard the lamentations, and shared in the sadness, when Catholic schools close. For all of us at Xavier, the network of Catholic schools is part of our culture, our tradition. A culture to which we have made great contributions and a culture from which we have drawn great strength. The loss of any of these schools diminishes us, and in real ways our strength honors and pays tribute to their work. Their hopes for the people of God live on in us. Schools close for many interconnected reasons: changing neighborhoods and demographics, diminished enrollment and tuition, and the availability of new educational opportunities, yet no school thrives without constant support—temporal and spiritual—and without a deeply felt, shared responsibility for its success. We are strong, Xavier is strong, because thousands of people—young and old; alumni, family and friends; living and deceased—took responsibility for Xavier once again in gifts large and small, in first-time gifts and in a 40th year of consecutive giving, in special gifts, senior class gifts and memorial tributes. Each and every gift irrespective of size or type recognizes Xavier’s needs, recognizes that Xavier needs you to stay strong and proclaim boldly, “I am taking responsibility for Xavier and I will not let Xavier fail.” Without this, quite simply, we would fail. The needs are too great and the challenges are too many. Every wall we open is a new adventure. Every technological advance brings new educational challenges. Growing economic inequities drive the need for greater tuition assistance so Xavier can be Xavier—a place where the sons of policemen, firemen and sanitation workers study alongside the sons of architects, doctors, bankers and lawyers. A place where the loss of a parent does not mean you have to find a new school. A place where the son of a single parent or recent immigrant with great dreams for his future can build the foundation to realize those dreams. You allow us to meet these needs, and so many others, and to do so in outstanding ways. We do not get by, we excel. The world needs our excellence. From the football team’s Labor Day weekend opening win in Dom DeFalco’s first season as head coach through an outstanding inaugural Emerging Xavier Leaders (EXL)
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The goal is clear: to keep the momentum going. By inviting others in, by sharing our story, by showing up, by caring for one another and by deepening our relationships with one another and with our God, good things will follow.
gathering in Union Square Park which led to a recordbreaking Turkey Bowl Challenge to 100% participation by the Class of 2025 for their senior gift to a recordbreaking Annual Fund, it was a year defined by wonderful momentum. Success building on success. You making our excellence possible. Before long we will begin anew, and together we will once again take up the mantle of responsibility for ensuring Xavier’s success, for making excellence real, and for paying tribute to those who have gone before. The goal is clear: to keep the momentum going. By inviting others in, by sharing our story, by showing up, by caring for one another and by deepening our relationships with one another and with our God, good things will follow. Annual Fund participation will grow. The Turkey Bowl Challenge will be a success. We will set new standards for annual giving. The Class of 2026 will build on the work of the Class of 2025. Our next endowed chair will be funded and the transformation of our campus will continue. We will continue to stand, confidently and proudly, for all the world to see. With echoes of Dag Hammarskjöld in my head, For all that has been, thank you. For all that is to come, yes. It is an honor to share the responsibility for Xavier with you. Jack Raslowsky President
ANNUAL REPORT 2024-25
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/// LETTER FROM THE BOARD CHAIR
Celebrating Record-Breaking Dear Parents, Friends, and Sons of Xavier: On behalf of the Board of Trustees, it is my great pleasure to present the Xavier High School 2024-25 Annual Report. This year we celebrate a record $3.3 million raised for the Annual Fund, an increase of 20% from Fiscal Year 2024. A record like this is only achieved when a community of generous and caring alumni, families, and friends is paired with a creative and dedicated Nearly one-third of the cost of a Xavier advancement team. Shane, Maggie, Brian, Ryan, Zane, Steve, Jenn, and education was supported by your generosity. Catherine have energetically and creatively found new and unique ways I hope that number continues to grow, to engage the Xavier community—not only in giving, but also in bringing and with your support, I know it will. people together to celebrate their connections to 16th Street. In so doing, they have emphasized the importance of building strong relationships and expressing gratitude. Xavier receives many types of gifts from many different people each year. Capital gifts such as funds for endowed scholarships, new construction, or renovations make the biggest impact on our long-term planning and investments in our campus. The Annual Fund provides direct support for every aspect of the student experience at Xavier, from scholarships, athletics, and activities to exceptional teaching. More than anything, receiving support from so many members of our community is a testament to the great work that Xavier’s dedicated faculty and staff have carried out with deserving young men for generations. This Annual Fund record also comes at a critical time. We have all felt the inflationary impact 4
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Xavier’s Annual Fund grew
20%
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2024-25
in FY25
Paul Enright ’91, Chair Chairman, Jain Global Fr. Mario Powell, S.J., Vice Chair Provincial Assistant for Secondary and Pre-Secondary Education, USA East Province Fr. Thomas Benz, S.J. Superior, Xavier Jesuit Community Provincial Assistant for International Ministries and for Safeguarding, USA East Province Ulderico Calero, Jr. ’83 Head of Banking and Lending, Wealth Management, BNY Br. Tyrone Davis, C.F.C. Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of New York Pierre Toussaint Education Fund, Inc. Thomas Evans ’81 Director, Construction (Retired), Oxford Properties Group Matthew Fitzgerald Chief Compliance Officer, PGIM Fixed Income, Prudential Financial, Inc. Fr. Sean Hagerty, S.J. ’02 Claudia Joyce P’22 ’24 Senior Advisor, New Mountain Capital David La Valle ’98 President, CEO, and Chief Investment Officer, American Capital Management, Inc.
Generosity of rising prices over the last several years. Almost everything costs 30-35% more today than it did before the COVID-19 pandemic. Xavier is not immune to that reality, so at the Board level we try to balance three competing priorities—the need to invest in the academic program and the physical infrastructure for both the present and the future, and we must do so without passing the majority of the costs of those investments onto our families in the form of tuition increases. The record-breaking generosity of the Xavier community has allowed those investments—from new and renovated facilities to additional scholarships—to continue unabated despite inflationary pressures. If you stop by 16th Street this fall, I hope you have the opportunity to use one of the seven restrooms we have renovated this summer. We all know this project was long overdue! I’d like to share one additional number with all of you, our generous donors: $8,500. That is the total amount per student that annual giving and the endowment draw contributed to Xavier’s 2025 operational budget. That means that nearly onethird of the cost of a Xavier education was supported by your generosity. I hope that number continues to grow, and with your support, I know it will. As always, thank you for all you do for our beloved school, and thank you for all of the ways you helped make this a record year for Xavier. Paul Enright ’91 Chair, Board of Trustees
Linda LeMura, Ph.D. President, Le Moyne College Peter Maniscalco ’72 P’00 President, Maniscalco Wealth Management Fr. Joseph Marina, S.J. President, The University of Scranton John Meditz ’66 Managing Director and Co-Founder, Horizon Kinetics Richard Nolan, Jr. ’83 Partner, McCarter & English, LLP Armando Núñez, Jr. ’78 James Power, Ed.D. President, Brebeuf Jesuit Prep Jack Raslowsky P’16 President, Xavier High School Robert Robotti ’71 Founder, Robotti & Company Sandy Sabean P’14 CEO and Co-Founder, Merity, LLC Fr. José-Luis Salazar, S.J. Director of Ignatian Identity, Saint Peter’s Prep Peter Seccia ’85 Global Head of Equity Derivatives, Jefferies Steven Vincent ’75 Brian Zeug ’81 Operating Partner, Centre Partners Management, LLC
ANNUAL REPORT 2024-25
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/// NEWS FROM 16TH STREET
FROM 16TH STREET
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Xavier Sends Forth the Class of 2025
Two hundred and twenty-six members of the Class of 2025 were sent forth to transform the world at Xavier’s 183rd Commencement on Thursday, June 12, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Valedictorian Dominic Alino ’25 and salutatorian Nirvaan Pal ’25, both bound for Columbia University, shared their profound appreciation for Xavier during their addresses to their classmates. “Step forward with a purpose, trust your gut, and you’ll find that the choices you make will let you build a life you’ll be happy living,” Alino said. “Each of us has the power to make the world just a little bit brighter—not just for ourselves, but for everyone around us.” Added Pal: “We are leaving, yet we are not finished. It’s our first time stepping into the real world as Xavier graduates. But when we see each other again after five, 10, 15 years, we won’t notice how much time has passed since now. What we will only see are those grand colors of unity—maroon and blue.” Sixty-five years after his own Xavier graduation, Xavier Hall of Famer Roger Kirwan ’60, a noted businessman and philanthropist, delivered the Commencement Address. He spoke of the ways members of the Class of 2025 impressed him when he met them via Zoom as he prepared his remarks. “They are brighter, more mature, and much more aware of the world and empathetic to its condition than we were,” he said. “Some of them have studied Italian or Arabic. They have taken classes in acting, moviemaking, or game design, and what would have been my favorite, Irish literature and culture. They went to Auschwitz to study the Holocaust and Costa Rica to dig wells in remote villages. They were able to live out the Jesuit adage to be men for others.” Several faculty members received honors at Commencement. Veteran English teacher Kathy Concannon received the Bene Merenti Medal for 20 years of service. Lieutenant Colonel Jacob Kelly, USA (Ret.), Xavier’s outgoing Senior Army Instructor, received the Robert Bellarmine, S.J. Medal for retiring faculty, as did longtime Spanish and film teacher Vicente Vargas, who bid farewell to 16th Street after 43 years of teaching. Students and colleagues also celebrated his long service on the last day of classes in June (below). “It is difficult to imagine the hallways of Xavier without Vin Vargas’ constant presence, as he has educated generations of young men for four decades,” Headmaster Kim Smith said at Commencement. “He has taught language, culture, and cinema with an acumen that is unmatched.”
ANNUAL REPORT 2024-25
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/// NEWS FROM 16TH STREET
NEWS AND NOTES
Xavier Celebrates Bene Merenti Medalists
At Xavier, long tenures are a hallmark of the faculty and staff—and a testament to the school’s strength. Xavier honors veteran employees marking 20 years of service with the Bene Merenti Medal. This year, Yamilka Santos of the maintenance department received her medal at Mass on Ascension Thursday, while English teacher Kathy Concannon was honored at Commencement. At each event, Headmaster Kim Smith read reflections from their colleagues to fête their milestone achievement. Ernesto Nuñez, Santos’ colleague in the maintenance department, saluted “her pride, consistency, and heart…always going the extra mile, not because it was required, but because she cares. Her work lays the foundation for our students and staff to thrive each day.” Added another colleague, Kevin Reinhart ’99: “Yamilka is amazing to work with and always willing to lend a hand. She is just another example of the wonderful women of Xavier.” English department chair Aidan Byrne counted among the colleagues who shared thoughts about Kathy Concannon. “Kathy Concannon loves her students. She sees the good in every one of them, finding humor and pathos and meaning in their writing, even when it is sometimes a challenge for the rest of us to see,” he reflected. “Kathy loves a good story. She loves hearing them, and she loves telling them. She is smart as a whip and has read everything. Her very presence in our department makes us better teachers, but her presence in our lives makes us better people.”
On May 22, the Feast of the Ascension, four students were baptized and 22 students were confirmed during a liturgy in the Church of St. Francis Xavier. 8
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On May 24, D’Angelo Brown ’25 won his third consecutive Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) 800-meter title, making him the first athlete in the 98-year history of the CHSAA to accomplish that feat. Earlier this year, he won the 1000-meter indoor state title at the New York State Federation Championships.
Read more at xavierhs.org/newsroom
Xavier Welcomes New Senior Army Instructor Xavier welcomed its new Senior Army Instructor, Colonel Thomas Pike, USA (Ret.), at the beginning of the academic year. A graduate of George Washington University and National Intelligence University, Pike brings more than 30 years of executive leadership experience in both civilian and military settings to Xavier—along with a longstanding desire to work on 16th Street. “I have actually been interested in the SAI position for almost 10 years,” Pike said. “I grew up in Gramercy Park and was a cadet colonel in the Knickerbocker Greys, an after-school cadet program in Manhattan for boys and girls founded in 1881. So I have known about Xavier for most of my life.” When Lieutenant Colonel Jacob Kelly, USA (Ret.), Xavier’s former Senior Army Instructor, announced his departure earlier this year, Pike jumped at the chance to apply. He believes strongly in programs like the Regiment and the Knickerbocker Greys, where one of his daughters now serves as cadet colonel and the other as a cadet major. “I make a choice to support these kinds of institutions, and I sit on the boards of four patriotic nonprofits. This is important to me, and Xavier JROTC is a part of this calling,” Pike said. “These
programs help young people and preserve the values of our nation and our military heritage. They help future generations to be good citizens, to connect with our nation’s principles, appreciate the noble virtues of service, and commit to supporting and protecting our Constitution. This cherished document binds us all as Americans, no matter who we are or where we come from.” Pike is excited to make a new home at Xavier, where the community’s warmth and generosity of spirit were evident from his very first visit. He expressed particular gratitude to President Jack Raslowsky, Headmaster Kim Smith, and Dean of Faculty Evan Bernstein ’04 for their warm welcome and deep support of the Regiment. Pike also looks forward to close collaboration with his fellow Army instructors and Xavier’s cadets. “We are already building upon our preparations for an upcoming inspection called the JROTC Program for Accreditation, more commonly known as the JPA. This is a thorough inspection which is required every three years. The key to success in JROTC is teamwork, and I look forward to working with my fellow instructors and our cadets as we continue to prepare,” he said. “Second, I believe in the importance of JROTC as a method to prepare students to be successful in their young adult lives. We have the opportunity to expand our program and reach more students, particularly incoming freshmen. I’m committed to encouraging new students to join our Regiment so they can experience firsthand just how rewarding and worthwhile JROTC truly is. The Xavier Regiment doesn’t just teach military skills. The program builds character, instills values, and creates leaders who are ready to make a positive difference in their communities and beyond. The many benefits of being a cadet are worth the time; take it from me!”
Xavier rugby defended its New York state title on June 7, defeating its Jesuit rival, Fordham Prep, 32-24, to retain the Mike Tolkin Cup.
ANNUAL REPORT 2024-25
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/// NEWS FROM 16TH STREET
In June, 10 Xavier students traveled to China for a two-week immersion in the country’s culture. The trip was made possible by the Lii-Haybyrne Institute for Asian Studies, created and funded by Jim Haybyrne ’62 and his wife, Penny Lii. The 10 student recipients of the Anthony S. Aracich, S.J. Fellowship for Asian Studies were accompanied by faculty members Ed Young P’22, Billy Maloney ’01, and David Said, S.J. during their tour, which took them to Beijing, Hong Kong, the Great Wall, the Confucian Temple, and many other culturally significant sites.
Fr. Kieran Halloran, S.J. ’10 was ordained to the priesthood by Timothy Cardinal Dolan at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola on June 14. A group of Xavier students, faculty, and administrators joined the celebrations that day. Halloran—who studied at Georgetown University, Saint Louis University, and Boston College—celebrated his first Mass at the Church of St. Francis Xavier on June 15, with a reception following in Keenan Commons. He now serves as parochial vicar at Saint Raphael the Archangel Catholic Parish in Raleigh, North Carolina. 10
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An important part of school tradition, Xavier’s Companions of St. Francis Xavier (CFX) program once again sent students to serve communities in Mexico, South Dakota, and Maryland throughout the summer. Above, students work on a construction project outside Tijuana, Mexico. “CFX offers students and chaperones opportunities to truly put our Ignatian values into practice in the day in and day out commitment to Gospel values of community, prayer, simple living, and service,” said Dr. Katie McCann, who concluded her time as Director of Ignatian Service Programs this summer. “These were values that formed me as a Jesuit Volunteer in Tanzania after college and ones which I was blessed to help foster in my time stewarding the CFX program at Xavier. It truly is a unique opportunity that our students get to participate in these experiences as high schoolers. Every Xavier student should seize this opportunity for life-changing, intentional experiences of attempting to live out the Gospel in real time.”
2029 THE CLASS OF
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Playing for the team was amazing and was a great opportunity for me—not just to play, but also for the experience.
Ronan Higgins ’26, a pitcher for the Xavier varsity baseball team, represented Ireland at the European Under-18 Baseball Championships in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria, in July. The Irish team went 3-2, beating Bulgaria, Turkey, and Croatia and losing to Slovakia and Hungary.
BY THE NUMBERS
295 48% 74 65
Enrolled freshmen
Students of color
Ignatian Scholars
Relatives of Xavier alumni
974
Total applications received Jack Raslowsky participated in the 2025 Ride for the Living, a four-day experience cycling 60 miles from Auschwitz-Birkenau to the Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Kraków, Poland, in late June. Along the way, attendees engaged in a variety of activities including privately guided tours of Auschwitz-Birkenau and Kraków and participation in Poland’s largest annual Shabbat dinner. “It was a great blessing to partner with our friends at the Jewish Community Center
for the Ride for the Living,” Raslowsky said. “It was a wonderful opportunity to hold sacred the memory of the 6,000,000 Jews who perished in the Holocaust and to celebrate the rebirth of Jewish life in Kraków, in which the JCC is playing a leading role. I look forward to returning to the JCC in the fall with Xavier’s Holocaust Studies students once again.” Xavier will send its third group of Holocaust Studies Scholars to Poland in October.
INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR THE CLASS OF 2030?
ANNUAL REPORT 2024-25
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/// NEWS FROM 16TH STREET
QA &
Christian Bachez ’19 By DAVID ORLANDO ’17
Bachez, the artist behind “Convergence,” the new mural in the Quad, shares the process behind his work—and the inspiration provided by the Class of 2025’s historic gift. wall white. This next part usually scares people when they see it: I doodled all over the blank white wall with spray paint. Once that was done, I was able to take a photo and digitally mock up my design onto the wall so I knew where each element would go. Then I sketched everything and slowly filled it in. I think I went through around 60 cans of spray paint by the end and two gallons of latex paint. Once the wall was cured I finished it with a high-quality varnish to protect it from the elements so it will hopefully last for many years! In total, the mural took seven nine-hour days to paint. I had help from my dad, Jorge, who taught me everything I know about WATCH A painting, my partner, Gee, and my friend, Justo.
How did it come to be that you were asked to paint a mural in the Quad? I was actually on the corner of 6th and 23rd Street when I received a call from Brian McCabe. I was ecstatic at the idea of painting a mural at Xavier, and was thrilled to hear that it would be a gift from the Class of 2025. I think they chose a mural because they wanted something grand and much different than the more traditional gifts given by previous classes. The mural was supposed to speak for the Class of 2025, to say to others, “This is what my experience at Xavier was like!”
TIMELAPSE What was the ideation process like? What did the OF THE MURAL’S How does it feel to have left your mark—quite Class of 2025 think was important to include? PRODUCTION literally—on the physical space of Xavier? What There were three things that I can say were 100% do you hope people see in this mural for many years inspired by the students who helped me with the design to come? concept. The first came in the initial discussion and was It was great coming back on the day of the senior the train on the bottom left. It represents the students barbecue to add some final details, remove the tape, arriving at Xavier to learn and grow, and leaving to live and finally sign it with the title: “Convergence.” I’ve the mission. I knew that had to be included to work with never had a mural of mine blessed before, so that was this idea of “convergence” that kept coming up in the also awesome. Hearing words of appreciation from the focus groups. The second symbol that came from Class of 2025 and other members of the community students was the hands “dapping up.” There were a few made me feel like the vision we created together really resonated. It students who mentioned this, and I think it’s a beautiful symbol that feels great to have left my mark on Xavier. I learned and experienced represents the brotherhood and connection we have with one so much during my time as a student, and I am grateful for the another. Finally, on the bottom right panel, there are some people opportunity to come back to paint at my alma mater. using a shovel and trowel to represent the CFX trips students spoke The hope is always to inspire. I hope to inspire other artists to about. It’s about putting in the effort and doing the work—it speaks to create and share their work around the school, student-athletes this idea of instilling important ideals in students that will be put to to go the extra mile, and students to study hard and succeed in good use in the world to help others. their classes. Once the design was finalized, can you walk us through the steps to get from a blank wall to a finished mural? David Orlando ’17 is Xavier’s Associate Director of Communications First, I went in with the primer. It took about half a day just to paint the and Marketing. He is a graduate of New York University. 12
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GIVING FACTS & FIGURES /// 2024-25
783
711
new donors joined our generous group of supporters
467
young alumni donated during the Turkey Bowl Challenge
XAVIER RECEIVED
6,035
donors made gifts during Xavier 360
gifts from alumni, parents, and friends
The top three Annual Fund gift designations were:
1
Financial Aid
1,884
2
JROTC
3
Track
resulting in nearly
DONORS
made gifts of $100 or less last year
$104,000
OF SUPPORT FOR XAVIER
ANNUAL REPORT 2024-25
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MOME A Year of Growth, Grace,
The varsity football team celebrates its 28-0 win over Fordham Prep at the 2024 Turkey Bowl.
NTUM and Generosity at Xavier High School
By BRIAN MCCABE P’23
ANNUAL REPORT 2024-25
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/// MOMENTUM
T
The hockey team takes the ice at Aviator.
here are moments in life when everything seems to click. Time appears to slow down, focus heightens, distractions fade, and excellence becomes natural. Athletes refer to this state as being “in the zone” or “locked in.” It’s a period of peak performance where individuals feel fully alive, present, and connected to something greater than themselves. Being in the zone and completely directing one’s energy toward a higher goal in an immersive, purpose-driven way creates an occasion for spiritual transcendence as well. From exceptional results flows a sense of awe and joy. This past year for Xavier High School has been just such a moment. Fueled by extraordinary gains in admissions and advancement, the Xavier community has found itself in a state of institutional and communal
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momentum. Enrollment and giving saw dramatic increases as effort, vision, and leadership seemed to align and move in rhythm with the desires of Xavier’s wider community. Due to the amazing responses from alumni, families, students, faculty, and friends, Xavier is not merely moving forward, it’s surging ahead and reaching new heights. For Xavier, this momentum isn’t just about metrics. It’s about mission. It’s about ministry. It’s about achieving something far greater together than we could have accomplished individually. Our advancement efforts have not merely raised funds; they have built lasting relationships based on respect, trust, and gratitude. Admissions growth isn’t just about higher numbers; it’s about helping vibrant, passionate, and committed young men and their families enter into Xavier’s past, present, and future with confidence and enthusiasm. In both areas, we have seen the fruits of proclaiming our values, boldly inviting others into our mission, and trusting that generosity will multiply.
Admissions: Excellence Attracts Excellence
is resonating far and wide don’t stop there. This past year Xavier recorded its lowest acceptance rate on record, reflecting exceptional demand from an expanding pool Over the past two years, admissions to Xavier High of intelligent, motivated young men. The average scores School have seen a remarkable resurgence. Major on the High School Placement Test (HSPT) among both metrics—such as applications, inquiries, test scores, and accepted and enrolled students were the highest in the yields—tell a story of progress. More families than ever past five years. The Ignatian Scholars Program, designed are attracted to Xavier, recognizing the value of Jesuit for incoming students capable of outstanding academic education and choosing to join this distinctive school achievement, also experienced a boom in 2025. Xavier community on 16th Street. welcomed 74 new Ignatian Scholars in the 2025-26 freshman class, a 50% increase from just two years ago. The signs are Fueled by extraordinary gains in clear. Talented young men from the New York metro area are choosing admissions and advancement, the Xavier Xavier in increasing numbers and community has found itself in a state of with greater enthusiasm. Theresa and Kevin McLoughlin institutional and communal momentum. P’29 were excited to register their son Emmett, a freshman from From 2023 to 2025, inquiries from prospective Queens. “We were thrilled to join the Xavier family this families rose from 1,179 to 1,353; applications increased September. All throughout the admissions process, we from 870 to 974; and the incoming class enrollment immediately felt at home on 16th Street. The student-led tours were so informative and the history and passion surged from 210 to 295. Indicators that the Xavier story
Seniors bless their class gift, a new mural in the Quad, at the senior barbecue.
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for Xavier comes through in each teacher, parent, and staff member we encountered,” they shared. “We are confident that these next four years at Xavier will be filled with exciting opportunities for our son to grow and challenge himself intellectually, physically, and spiritually.” Geographically and demographically, the school continues to draw from all five boroughs and beyond, maintaining a diverse and balanced student body. Even as the number of Catholic elementary schools declines across the area, Xavier has forged fresh partnerships through dynamic outreach to new neighborhoods and strategic approaches to build bridges. At the same time, the admissions team has organized an inclusive, community-wide effort to double down on personal connections and strengthen existing relationships. Notable rebounds from several Brooklyn neighborhoods highlight the growing synergy. Dobrina Carrara P’29, whose son Anthony commutes to 16th Street from the Bronx, found the admissions process seamless and supportive. “Every event we’ve Xavier cadets march in the 264th New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. attended reaffirmed that this is the right place for my son. Xavier made us feel at home,” she said. “The support we received in navigating the system and making this dream school financially accessible has been invaluable. We are excited for the next Generosity, when rooted in authentic relationships, is four years and beyond. Xavier has not contagious. Acts of giving tend to inspire others to give only welcomed us—it has embraced us. I can’t wait to see all the amazing things selflessly in their own way, creating a ripple effect that ahead for my son.” Xavier’s commitment to relationshipgains momentum with each new participant. building marked by cura personalis has proven to be a critical differentiator. Families experience a sense of authenticity that resonates with them. Within this context, perceived pinch points turn into positives. The commute, which can be lengthy and challenging in some circumstances, becomes an educational opportunity for young men to exercise greater maturity and independence. The rigor of a daily grind involving high expectations and consistent accountability serves as a source of deep pride for those looking to test the boundaries of their potential. After-school travel for athletes headed to Central Park, Randall’s Island, Chelsea Piers, the New York Armory, and beyond fosters courage and resilience. Members of the admissions team and Xavier students visit St. Stanislaus Kostka Families are delighted to recognize in Xavier Catholic Academy in Brooklyn. something rare: a school that forms young men not just 18
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for college, but for life, for service, for leadership, and for spiritual depth. Young men who are taught to take responsibility for their lives, have each other’s back, pursue excellence in all they do, and direct their talents toward the benefit of others with grateful hearts. Emmett McLoughlin ’29 put it simply: “I know that this is the right school for me because it provides the stepping stones I will need to become a stronger student and a better young man.” This sense of purpose matters. It attracts families who want their sons to be shaped by Ignatian values. Men for others who will go forth to set the world on fire. In turn, their belief in Xavier’s mission ignites a spark that fuels everything else full throttle, and the impact stretches far beyond 16th Street.
Advancement: Generosity Begets Generosity As the admissions team welcomed the next generation of Knights, the advancement team was equally hard at work, rallying the Xavier community to extraordinary generosity. The Annual Fund soared over $3.3 million in Fiscal Year 2025, surpassing the $3 million mark for the first time in Xavier’s history. Total giving exceeded $10 million, and more than 4,600 alumni, parents, and friends made gifts to support Xavier’s mission. Firsttime donors totaled 783, adding a record number of new voices to the chorus of supporters who believe in Xavier’s promise. Mark DeFazio ’14, one of this year’s new donors, felt motivated to pay it forward. “Xavier is a place that pushed me to grow, taught me the value of discipline and community, and instilled in me what it means to be a man for others. Staying connected and giving back is my way of saying thank you and ensuring others can have the same opportunity to grow in an environment that truly cares.” A culture of giving blossomed across younger generations. The Class of 2025 achieved 100% senior gift participation, a historic first. They directed their gift toward a mural to enliven the Quad for the benefit of the entire school community. Painted by Christian Bachez ’19, an artist and alum, the mural is evidence that Xavier’s fundraising this year was not only about dollars raised. It was about deepening relationships, kindling enthusiasm, and embracing a shared vision for the future.
Members of the Xavier cross country team compete at Nike Cross Nationals in Portland, Oregon.
The Annual Fund soared over $3.3 million in Fiscal Year 2025, surpassing the $3 million mark for the first time. Total giving exceeded $10 million, and more than 4,600 alumni, parents, and friends made gifts to support Xavier’s mission. ANNUAL REPORT 2024-25
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/// MOMENTUM
Prospective families attend last fall’s Admissions Open House.
Xavier empowered me to become a man for others, and by staying engaged and giving back, I hope to ensure future generations of young men have the same opportunities I did. —Badr Astiphan ’99
Meanwhile, Sons of Xavier from 2005 to the present answered the call during the Turkey Bowl Giving Challenge, an annual giving competition between the young alumni of Xavier High School and Fordham Prep leading up to the big game. The rules are straightforward. Each gift, no matter the amount, counts as one point for the school. The school with the most points when the clock strikes 12 a.m. on Thanksgiving wins. Xavier’s ambitious goal for the 2024 competition was 500 young alumni donors. The result? A historic total of 711 young alumni contributed, smashing the previous high by more than 300 donors and unlocking a $50,000 matching gift from a dedicated alum. With our football team posting a final score of 28-0, Xavier won a resounding victory on and off the field. This momentum extended into every aspect of the advancement team’s work. The 2025 Celebrate Xavier Scholarship Gala drew 480 guests, the highest attendance ever, and alumni participation at events topped 1,300. With 21% of alumni making gifts, Xavier’s alumni donor base rebounded to pre-COVID levels and showed that they are not just loyal and true, but actively engaged and invested in the school’s continued growth. Generosity, when rooted in authentic relationships, is contagious. Acts of giving tend to inspire others to give selflessly in their own way, creating a ripple effect that gains momentum with each new participant. What we witnessed this year was a tangible example of the hope-filled Gospel story of the loaves and fishes. Gifts, of any amount, offered in trust and good faith can grow into something far beyond what could have been asked for or imagined individually. Generosity begets generosity. Excellence inspires excellence. Momentum builds on itself.
Shared Mission, Shared Momentum These twin successes in admissions and advancement are interconnected. They reflect a community that believes in Xavier’s traditions and trajectory, and wants to be a part of its unfolding story. Spiritual graces are at the heart of this year’s story. Xavier is not a transactional place; it is a relational one. Choosing to support Xavier, whether as a prospective family or as a benefactor, means accepting an invitation to invest in a vision that is fruitful and life-giving, where love is the aim. This past year, that invitation was joyfully accepted again and again. Every gift was an act of faith Members of the Class of 2028 kick off their 16th Street career on Freshman Fun Day.
Fr. Daniel Murphy ’65, second from left, meets with student alumni ambassadors during the Golden Knights Reunion.
and every enrollment was a statement of trust. In return, we journey together on a shared mission with fellowship and mutual belonging.
have been cornerstones of my personal and professional life. Xavier empowered me to become a man for others, and by staying engaged and giving back, I hope to ensure future generations of young men Spiritual graces are at the heart of this have the same opportunities I did.” most exciting about year’s story. Xavier is not a transactional thisWhat’s feeling of being in the zone place; it is a relational one. is that it’s not fleeting. Strategic initiatives in both admissions For Badr Astiphan ’99, the graces have become and advancement are already underway to sustain clearer over time. “When I was a student, it was hard and build on successes and strengthen relationships. to imagine the magnitude of the impact Xavier would From targeted outreach in Queens and the Bronx to have in shaping who I would become, how I would show renewed attention to donor stewardship and alumni up, and how I would lead. With the benefit of hindsight, engagement, the teams are focused, energized, and it’s all clear. Xavier—the teachers, my classmates, the ready for what’s next. administrators, the location, the commute, the entire We move into the next fiscal year with an abiding experience—helped to shape me during the formative sense of gratitude and confidence. We have everything years of my life. It gave me the space to try hard things. we need. And yet we are not finished. The seeds have To be uncomfortable. To learn from failure and grow. taken root. The momentum is real. The mission To recognize that I had much more potential than I continues. We are, all of us, part of it together. thought I did and to push on the boundaries of what I Brian McCabe P’23 is Xavier’s Director of Annual thought possible,” he reflected. “Xavier taught me that and Planned Giving. He is a graduate of Saint Peter’s true impact lies not just in what I achieve, but in how I University. achieve it and who I uplift along the way. These lessons ANNUAL REPORT 2024-25
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BUILDING A MOVEMENT
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Street, Fazzalari committed to a seven-figure gift to endow the WE Dream Scholarship at Xavier. The scholarship began with one recipient in the 2024-25 school year, and a new freshman will be added each year until the cohort rounds out in 2027-28. It will fund four full Xavier scholarships in perpetuity. “I have seen firsthand that Xavier lives up to its mission—to teach 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,” Fazzalari said. “Xavier transforms boys into great men, and we would like to support them in this valuable endeavor.” A distinctive part of the WE Dream Scholarship is the direct engagement Fazzalari and Geyer, who recently graduated from Duke University, have with WE Dream Scholars. Geyer is particularly excited to act as a mentor to scholarship recipients as they journey through Xavier and beyond. “The WE Dream Scholarship was born from a The WE Dream Scholarship was born deep belief that an education from a deep belief that an education is is a powerful springboard to a powerful springboard to opportunity. opportunity. I wanted to create I wanted to create something that something that went beyond went beyond just financial support—a just financial support—a program that truly nurtures potential. program that truly nurtures potential,” Fazzalari reflected. “By pairing the scholarship with mentorship— Fazzalari first created the WE Dream which, yes, will be led in part by my son—and Scholarship in Italy, inspired by the young fostering a strong, supportive cohort, we’re women of Calabria—“bright, capable students hoping to create a community where scholars who simply lacked access to opportunity,” she uplift one another, grow together, and are said. “I’ve seen the barriers they face, and I empowered to become changemakers in their want to help rewrite that narrative.” Now she own right.” hopes to rewrite the narrative for deserving Fazzalari and Geyer met with last year’s students at Xavier. initial WE Dream Scholarship recipient Inspired by the transformational over the Christmas holidays, an experience experience her son Jack Geyer ’21 had on 16th s the child of immigrants, Emilia Fazzalari P’21 grew up with a palpable sense of the importance of education. It’s why she committed to the largest parent gift in Xavier’s history, creating the WE Dream Scholarship—which will make a 16th Street education possible for intelligent, motivated young men with financial need. “Education is a foundational pillar, and deeply personal to me—it’s what gave me the tools to shape my own path. My parents immigrated from Calabria, Italy, with only a fifth-grade education, but what they lacked in formal schooling, they made up for in grit, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in the power of hard work,” she said. “My brothers and I were fortunate to pursue higher education—proof that my parents’ sacrifices opened doors. Now, I’m focused on paying that forward.”
By SHAWNA GALLAGHER VEGA
Fazzalari called “incredibly meaningful.” “That personal connection brings the scholarship to life. It’s not just about funding,” she said. “It’s about belief, encouragement, and ongoing mentorship. My son and I are committed to building those relationships with future scholars. Investing in people is just as important as investing in education.” “What we’re building isn’t just a scholarship—it’s a movement,” Fazzalari concluded. “It’s about creating a network of bold, driven students who, with the right support, can realize their potential and achieve meaningful success. Xavier is a place where that kind of energy flourishes, and I’m proud to be part of it. This isn’t a one-time gift— it’s a long-term commitment to shaping lives and communities.” Shawna Gallagher Vega is Xavier’s Vice President for Communications and Marketing. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Boston College.
Fazzalari and her son, Jack Geyer ’21 ANNUAL REPORT 2024-25
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Strengthening the Mission By ASTREA SLEZAK
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n ecosystem of leadership—faculty, staff, and administration who understand and implement Jesuit pedagogy in every aspect of their work—is critical to the formation of young men on 16th Street. Forming faculty to best serve Sons of Xavier (in partnership with the Society of Jesus) has been paramount to the school’s educational model for nearly 180 years, and now a new endowed chair aims to anchor that work in a central figure—the Rev. Daniel J. Gatti, S.J. ’59 Chair for Jesuit Mission and Identity, named in honor of Xavier’s 32nd president. Michael Puglisi ’68 and his wife, Valerie, will generously fund the chair in perpetuity with a gift of $3 million. The role will oversee the development and execution of Ignatian formation programming for all faculty and staff, with a particular emphasis on those who have been working at Xavier for five years or fewer. The occupant of the role will also assist the president in providing Ignatian formation for mission to the Board of Trustees. “We recognized the paramount importance of this role and said we must do this for Xavier,” Puglisi said of his discussions with his wife, Valerie. “As we thought of the chair’s naming, Dan Gatti immediately came to our minds. Fr. Dan is an extraordinary example of a Son of Xavier. He checked all the boxes: student, lieutenant colonel of the Regiment, teacher, terrific fundraiser, and the most recent Jesuit president of Xavier, serving in that role for 12 years. Thus, we thought it only appropriate to have this chair named in Dan’s honor, given his love of Xavier.” “Fr. Gatti is an alum who has tried to live the mission throughout his life,” added Jack Raslowsky, who succeeded Gatti as president in 2009. “He is a faithful servant of the church. He is a loyal Son of Xavier. He is a man who values mission, values a life of prayer and faith, and recognizes the importance of the formation of others to keeping Xavier, Xavier.” The Gatti Chair for Jesuit Mission and Identity is in large part a response to the USA East Jesuits’ 2024-34 Apostolic Plan, which counts among its four priorities the strengthening of Ignatian spiritual formation for mission at schools. Critical to that work are two specific goals— forming leaders of Jesuit-sponsored works in Ignatian spirituality and engaging young and marginalized people more deeply through the Spiritual Exercises.
While planning for the role is still in its early stages, the position will report directly to the president to ensure that Ignatian spirituality and pedagogy are prioritized across the institution. Xavier’s leadership has set a goal of filling the role by the beginning of the 2026-27 school year. It’s a natural progression of the work already being done on 16th Street. Each day, Xavier prioritizes clear Catholic touchstones: Prayer at the beginning of the day. Shared worship. Jesuits in residence. “As a Jesuit school, we are an apostolic instrument in service of the mission of the Society of Jesus and the Church,” said Vice President for Planning and Principal Giving Maggie Murphy Stockson. “We carry out this work by thoughtfully accompanying students in their religious, spiritual, academic, and personal formation. We want our students to encounter God and know his great love for them through their experiences in the classroom, on the playing field or on stage, on retreat, and in their service work with those in need.”
The Gatti Chair for Jesuit Mission and Identity, funded in perpetuity with a gift of $3 million from Michael Puglisi ’68 and his wife, Valerie, will oversee the development and execution of Ignatian formation programming for all faculty and staff. Gatti, for whom the chair will be named, said he is deeply honored—and thrilled that Xavier’s Jesuit heritage remains in focus. “This role ensures that the characteristics and spirituality of Jesuit education will be known and practiced at Xavier High School,” he said. “I am forever grateful to Valerie and Michael Puglisi for their great generosity in establishing this endowed chair. Michael and I certainly share a deep love for our alma mater, Xavier. It was at Xavier that I discovered my vocation to become a Jesuit; it was a great honor to serve as Xavier’s 32nd president and to be inducted into its Hall of Fame. To be remembered in this way well into the future is an additional great and special gift.” Astrea Slezak is Xavier’s Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing. She is a graduate of Marist University. ANNUAL REPORT 2024-25
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A Living, Breathing Gift
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By DAVID ORLANDO ’17
and who made sure every student had a good college to go to and had a clear path forward,” she said. “That personal involvement and support is highly unusual. It’s so hard to find that, and I think it says so much about Xavier.” It was Sheahan who first reached out to the Advancement Office to see how they could support Twibell’s alma mater. “I always knew it meant so much to him, and we always wanted to get more involved in Xavier and to give back,” she said. Prior to the superclassroom dedication in November 2024, Twibell and Sheahan had a chance to tour Xavier, where they saw a new generation of Xavier teachers following in Biagi’s footsteps and encouraging students to strive for excellence. “I hadn’t seen Xavier in a long time, so I came down late last year before the school went on break,” Twibell explained. “We came by the superclassroom and I got to see it in action. I didn’t really know Ed Young, but what struck me was kids were sitting in semicircles. The desks In 2024, Bree Sheahan and Scott Twibell ’92 joined the were all combined in different formations, and all of the ranks of those who have changed the face of 16th Street students were talking while he surveyed what was going on, for the better with a $150,000 capital gift. engaging with them from time to time.” Twibell and Sheahan are thrilled their gift supports a space where learning is alive. “There were a ton of good uses [for our While spaces may be updated periodically, some elements of the gift], but they were just objects. This classroom is actually living and Xavier experience remain timeless—particularly, its rigor and deep breathing,” he said. care for students. “I don’t think I was prepared for how hard the school Young is no stranger to the Socratic style of teaching to which the would be. I grew up in Brooklyn, in Marine Park. It was an extremely superclassroom lends itself. “I’m not opposed to lecturing at all, but long commute. And I played football, so there were very long days. And let’s just say I did not do well the first year. So there was going to be a lot if you think back to your high school self, it always seemed to me the biggest motivator was if there was a teacher I respected; the biggest more school over the summer,” Twibell joked. thing that I wanted was affirmation. It doesn’t have to be ‘You’re right.’ “I got to know Fr. [Vincent] Biagi as my freshman French teacher But even just, ‘Hey, that was really thoughtful. I love your insight on and chaplain of the football team, and it turned out he was the person that,’” he said. who ran the summer school program,” he continued. “He went out of This discussion-centered approach is a welcome response to his way to not only make sure that I did well during summer school what Twibell perceives as one of the primary challenges of modern and could come back the next year, but really, he was not going to let education. “In today’s environment, kids need a lot more ways of people fail. He was just not going to let that happen. And that really engagement. There are a lot more distractions—certainly more than stuck with me.” when I was in school,” Twibell explained. “The more that you get them Sheahan said this level of faculty involvement is something she engaged, it gets to teaching the whole person. You’re going to get kids finds remarkable, yet not unusual for Xavier. “All of Scott’s friends who like learning like that, who know how to speak up in front of other have talked about Xavier in a very similar way. They all remember the people earlier in life. I just think there’s a ton of value in that.” Jesuits, and the teachers, the headmasters, who were really involved avier has called 30 West 16th Street home for 175 of our 178 years. In that time, the school’s footprint, not unlike the surrounding area it inhabits, has changed dramatically as decades rolled into decades—into now almost two centuries at the same address. Numerous alumni and friends of Xavier have helped improve the physical spaces that have served as the venue for forming young men of character for generations. In 2024, Bree Sheahan and Scott Twibell ’92 joined the ranks of those who have changed the face of 16th Street for the better with a $150,000 capital gift. In recognition of their commitment to an educational facility that evolves with the times, a new superclassroom (completed in 2023 as part of the 5L renovations) was dedicated in their honor on November 14, 2024.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2024-25
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THANK YOU
During Fiscal Year 2025, 4,627 alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students, and friends strengthened Xavier with their financial gifts. Every dollar is critical to Xavier’s continued ability to educate intelligent, motivated young men of diverse backgrounds and means. 28
XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL
2024-25 OPERATING RESULTS HIGHLIGHTS *Please note this statement only includes revenue received for operating purposes; restricted endowment and capital gifts are not included.
OPERATING REVENUE TUITION AND FEES (NET). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20,759,677 STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND ATHLETICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $555,603 AUXILIARY ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $763,020 NYS REIMBURSEMENT FOR SERVICES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,190,077 ANNUAL FUND. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,336,890 SPECIAL EVENTS (GROSS). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $625,036 FY25 ENDOWMENT DRAW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,087,000
$31,317,303 OPERATING EXPENSES INSTRUCTION AND RELATED COSTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14,250,541 GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,344,844 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,291,530 ATHLETICS AND STUDENT ACTIVITY EXPENSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,182,237 AUXILIARY PROGRAM EXPENSES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $272,604 ANNUAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $539,588
$29,881,344 SURPLUS $1,435,959
ANNUAL REPORT 2024-25
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SUMMARY OF CASH GIFTS $316,182
FUNDRAISING EVENTS (NET)
$3,336,890
ANNUAL FUND
10M+
TOTAL RAISED
$6,362,870
RESTRICTED AND OTHER MAJOR GIFTS $872,701 $2,584,083 $2,906,086
TOTAL ANNUAL GIVING BY CLASS
Temporarily Restricted Funds Permanently Restricted Funds Other Gifts
PERCENTAGE OF PARTICIPATION BY CLASS
FEWER THAN 150 MEMBERS
150 MEMBERS OR MORE
FEWER THAN 150 MEMBERS
150 MEMBERS OR MORE
1 1968................................$2,129,105
1965.................................$355,392
1 1963........................................40.5%
1970........................................ 38.7%
2 1971...................................$507,226
1964.................................$223,054
2 1966........................................ 38.2%
1964........................................38.6%
3 1966................................... $187,726
1980................................ $130,538
3 1962........................................ 36.7%
2024....................................... 35.9%
4 1960..................................$156,100
1975.................................. $110,566
4 1958........................................ 36.5%
1965........................................ 35.5%
5 1991....................................$127,450
1969....................................$90,981
5 1971......................................... 36.5%
1975........................................ 32.8%
6 1962.................................. $102,763
1978...................................$85,290
6 1948............................................36%
1974......................................... 27.5%
7 1961......................................$97,629
1983.................................... $76,537
7 1955........................................34.9%
1967.......................................... 27.1%
8 1977.................................... $91,603
1974................................... $69,920
8 1961......................................... 34.5%
1987............................................ 27%
9 1972.................................... $86,779
1970....................................$63,272
9 1957........................................ 33.3%
1969........................................ 26.3%
10 1952.................................... $82,867
1985.....................................$61,756
10 1972........................................ 32.3%
2023....................................... 25.8%
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XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL
XAVIER BY THE NUMBERS Geographic Breakdown of the Student Body Westchester Westchester 1.2% 1.54% Bronx Bronx 3.3% 5.5% Manhattan Manhattan 40.26% 43.6%
Long Long Island 1.87% 2%
New NewJersey Jersey 5.1% 5.72%
Staten Staten IslandIsland 4.4% 3.6%
FOUNDED: 1847 2024-25 TUITION AND FEES: $25,200
Queens Queens 14.9% 14.41% Brooklyn Brooklyn 26.3% 26.3%
Composition of the Student Body African American or Black Asian/Pacific Islander 6.4%
Top Class Participation By Decade
8.5%
40.5% 38.7% 36% 36.5%
35.9%
White/Other 55.1%
Hispanic or Latino 16.9%
Multiracial 13.1%
27%
22.1%
20.9% 20.1%
Class of 2024
Class of 2010
Class of 2005
Class of 1990
Class of 1987
Class of 1970
Class of 1963
Class of 1958
Class of 1948
Faculty and Administration Number of Jesuits on staff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Number of laypersons on staff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Number of alumni on staff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Student/faculty ratio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13:1
’40s ’50s ’60s ’70s ’80s ’90s ’00s ’10s ’20s
ANNUAL REPORT 2024-25
31
W HY I GIVE
Xavier—as a student, athlete, coach, and teacher—was a truly transformational experience for me, as it was for my father, THE Tom O’Hara ’43, and my sons, Liam ’04 and Ciaran ’06. Back in the 1960s, it was possible for a student to pay his own tuition with money he earned himself on weekends and over the summer. For a variety of very good reasons, that’s no longer possible in 2025. So I give what I can, not only to repay Xavier for what it has done for me, but to pay it forward, so that others might have that same experience. Men for others... —Tom O’Hara ’69 P’04 ’06
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WHY I G I VE
I donate to Xavier because it’s my way of giving back to the institution that provided me with a valuable education. Xavier has always allowed me to direct my donations towards initiatives that I’m most passionate about, such as those promoting inclusion in the classroom. This flexibility is extremely important to me because I believe education is the great equalizer. —Gardy Joachim ’95
ANNUAL REPORT 2024-25
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All of our contributions make a difference. Listed below are options to consider when making your gift.
CASH OR CHECK
Gifts may be made by cash or check, payable to Xavier High School.
CREDIT CARD
Credit card gifts may be made by visiting xavierhs.org/give, sending in an Annual Fund donation card complete with your credit card information, or calling the Advancement Office at 212-924-7900, ext. 1617.
VENMO
Gifts may be made on Venmo @xavierhs. Please include your full name, class year, or other Xavier affiliation in the notes.
MATCHING GIFTS
Many employers will match employees’ donations. This opportunity presents an additional source of income for Xavier and an easy way to leverage your gift into a larger donation. To find out if your company participates in a matching gift program, check with your human resources department or visit xavierhs.org/give, click on Employer Gift Matching, and search for your employer. Donors must initiate the matching gift process, so be sure to secure the proper forms to forward with your gift to Xavier. Donors are given credit for their original gift and any matching gift they secure.
PLANNED GIFTS
Donors may consider giving through such means as life insurance, bequests, or charitable trusts. Gift planning can be a way to reduce or avoid estate and inheritance taxes. We encourage you to speak with your financial planner when considering any type of planned gift. Xavier is pleased to provide you, your attorney, or tax advisor with additional information and assistance. Keep in mind that this information is general in nature. Always contact your professional tax advisor to learn how this general information relates to your individual circumstances. We are grateful for your philanthropic support. For more information, please visit xavierhs.org/plannedgiving or contact Brian McCabe P’23, Director of Annual and Planned Giving, at 212-924-7900, ext. 1617 or mccabeb@xavierhs.org.
STOCKS OR SECURITIES
A gift of appreciated stock generally offers a two-fold tax saving: avoiding capital gains tax on the increase in value of the stock and providing an income tax deduction for the full market value of the stock at the time of the gift. Gifts of stock are valued at the mean price on the date of transfer to Xavier. Stock donations should be transferred directly by your broker to Xavier’s brokerage account at Vanguard. For your convenience, visit xavierhs. org/stock and fill out the form to notify Xavier of the stock gift, or contact Shane Lavin ’03 (lavins@xavierhs. org or 212-337-7611) or Brian McCabe P’23 (mccabeb@ xavierhs.org or 212-9247900, ext. 1617) with the details as soon as the gift is made or instructions are sent to your broker. This will ensure proper and timely crediting of the donation to your gift record and avoid any confusion as to the origin of the gift.
GIVE NOW
WHY I G I VE
“
As a longtime teacher, coach, and the parent of a recent graduate, I have seen firsthand the growth and success of those receiving a Xavier education. Our donations and gifts to the Annual Fund give others that same opportunity. I give because I believe in the mission. —Joseph McGrane P’20
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CELEBRATE XAVIER SCHOLARSHIP GALA
The 14th Annual Celebrate Xavier Scholarship Gala, held at 583 Park Avenue on April 11, netted more than $316,000 for student scholarships. Spencer Kleinman ’25 served as the student speaker. We are grateful to emcees Michael Autovino ’13 and Eugene Flinn, all of our sponsors, and the record 480 attendees who made the evening a success.
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1. 2.
3.
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4.
Summer Receptions Belmar, New Jersey Belle Harbor, New York Quogue, New York Hyannis, Massachusetts
5.
6. 7.
1. Rich Domenichetti ’74, Rich Scheller ’74, Pat Cavanagh ’74, and Kevin McLaughlin ’74 in Belmar. 2. Jack Raslowsky with Xavier students in Belle Harbor. 3. Marge Duffy, Donna Brassil, and Mike Ford ’63 in Quogue. 4. Zane Massey ’96 P’22, Tom Hutton ’86, and Tim Williamson ’00 in Hyannis. 5. Dan Toner ’87, Joe Heegan ’87 P’28, and Bob Gilbert ’87 in Belmar. 6. JoJo O’Grady ’91 P’25 ’28, Margaret Buckley P’13 ’17 ’19, James Buckley P’13 ’17 ’19, and Kate O’Grady P’25 ’28 in Belle Harbor. 7. Tom O’Hara ’69 P’04 ’06, Kathleen O’Hara P’04 ’06, Jane Joyce, and David Joyce ’74 in Quogue. ANNUAL REPORT 2024-25
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/// WHY I GIVE
Why I Give By LUCA BLANKENBUEHLER ’25
Just days after the 183rd Commencement at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, I quickly found myself stepping into the next chapter of my life with first-year orientation at Boston College. I had countless emotions, many similar to my first days at Xavier High School: excitement, anticipation, and even fear. On 16th Street, I learned many lessons. I learned to take risks, to go beyond my comfort zone, and to engage fully with others. These lessons pushed me to actively engage with this amazing Jesuit high school community and surely prepared me for any challenge that comes my way. When I started at Xavier, I heard a line in passing that stood out to me while reflecting on my past four years: “You go to college to learn your profession, but you go to high school to learn who you are.” I can now undoubtedly say that this rings true. The confidence I found in myself and my abilities is all credited to my immersion in Jesuit education and all the teachers, coaches, and classmates who shaped me along the way. As a Son of Xavier, I know how I will live my life 40
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now: always stepping out of my comfort zone to experience new things and learn, while living with love for all I encounter. So when the very first opportunity came to give back, I knew that it was one I could not turn away. I could not turn away the opportunity to show my gratitude to this school and the people who made Xavier a second home for me. I could not turn away the opportunity to help make another student’s four years as enriching and formative as my own. Personally, the newly renovated spaces, whether the college counseling center or the art studios, were immensely important in discovering myself and my God-given talents at Xavier. Across the Class of 2025, I know many felt the same way, and we wanted to bring both spirit and a new destination to the next generation of students through our senior gift. Delivering the senior gift, the mural “Convergence,” was a labor of love from the entire senior class. From the hard work of the
Senior Gift Committee, led by Aaron Gill ’25 and Mr. McCabe, to the focus groups with the artist Christian Bachez ’19 and members of the faculty and student body, the whole school was mobilized to bring a spirit of Xavier to the Quad. I believe that the senior gift’s historic success of 100% participation reflects the Class of 2025’s love for Xavier, the love we have for each other, and the hope we have for future Sons of Xavier. As for me, the fear I felt on the first day of orientation subsided, and my commitment to living as a true Son of Xavier continues to live fresh in my mind, giving me the confidence to take life by the reins and live to the fullest. I learned who I am on 16th Street—I am ready for what lies next. Thank you, Xavier, for an amazing past four years, and thank you to those who donated to Xavier to make my time here so special. I can’t wait to join you and give back to this community. Luca Blankenbuehler ’25 is a freshman at Boston College.