Jordan Berka, a resident of Brooklyn, delivered the Valedictory Address at Xavier’s 172nd Commencement on Thursday, June 12. Berka is a member of Xavier’s cross-country and track teams who will continue his education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was awarded the Gold Medal for General Excellence for the highest overall average in the graduating class. The Gold Medal for General Excellence was donated by Margaret Hubener in memory of her husband, Claude, Class of 1923. Jordan also received the Rev. Edward Spinello, S.J., Award for his outstanding commitment to student activities. In his address, Berka spoke movingly and gratefully of the gifts Xavier has given, most especially, lessons about independence, a strong work ethic and the capacity to love. The E-News is happy to share the conclusion of Berka’s address:

"Finally, the ultimate gift that Xavier helped us to recognize is the capacity to love. If you asked me who I loved my first day of freshman year, I would answer without hesitation my mother, my father, my brother and my sister. If you asked me that question right now, the answer would be quite different. It would include a LARGE number of the people seated here today and I’m sure that many of you fellow seniors, if asked the same question would respond similarly. It’s funny because who would have thought that the place I would hear the phrase “I love you” most would be in an all-boys private High School, but it’s true. The word “love” has evolved from a word reserved only for family members to a word that has become the motivation behind all of our actions. Love is ever-present in the Xavier community. Love is what motivated students and faculty to reach out and provide care after the devastation of Super-storm Sandy. Love is what motivated teachers to keep their classroom doors open year round for students to walk in and seek help.

And on a more personal level love has become an integral part of my friendships. Just recently, my good friend Eliot Kaufmann sprinted out onto the track after my last race as a Xavier athlete, hugged me and told me that the last four years would not have been the same if we had not become friends. It was an intimate gesture of friendship I deemed unimaginable four years ago. Love has become the backbone of every caring and strong relationship the Xavier community and I have formed over the last four years. In the future I hope to continue to let this love and compassion guide me on my journey and motivate me in all things to come.

In closing, I would like to thank the faculty, staff and administration for the gifts that they have helped us to recognize. It is because of your influence that I can confidently say that I am a man of at least three qualities. A man of my own ideas and opinions. A man ready to face the challenges the world has yet to throw at me. And a man ready to love.

So, Sons of Xavier, best of luck in all that you do. God bless!"