Xavier in Chicago: College Tours, USA Rugby and Everything In-between

By James R. Cappabianca '05 

Last weekend, Xavier’s fall reception series took the Windy City by storm, and for many Xavier alumni, family members and friends, it was a chance to experience the great energy and excitement many continue to have for Xavier High School. This year was a unique year for Xavier’s visit to Chicago; Xavier not only organized an alumni event at the University Club of Chicago – an event that was, and continues to be, supported by the generosity of Mr. Herb Quinde '70 – but also had the opportunity to see young alumni at two great Jesuit schools in the Midwest, Loyola University Chicago and Marquette University. And of course, Xavier was proud to celebrate the achievements of USA Rugby and their match against the New Zealand All Blacks, a match which drew 61,500 fans to Soldier Field in Chicago, the largest USA Rugby event in history.

Xavier was well represented this past weekend in Chicago – lunch and dinner with numerous young alumni at Loyola and Marquette, over 140 people in attendance at Xavier’s reception at the University Club (far and away the largest crowd gathered in Chicago), and three Xavier alumni on the pitch at Soldier Field representing USA Rugby – starters Michael Petri ’02 and Seamus Kelly ’09, and Head USA Rugby coach Mike Tolkin ’85. In his remarks at the University Club, Xavier President Jack Raslowsky said, “It is something truly remarkable to see the support of the work done on 16th Street present here today spanning generations, from students who graduated last spring to alumni who graduated decades ago. The energy and spirit for Xavier is something special.”

Xavier’s addition of a “college tour” took James R. Cappabianca ’05, Director of Alumni Relations, and former faculty member and Admissions Counselor Meghan Borah (currently pursuing an MFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago) to the campuses of Loyola University Chicago and Marquette University. Mr. Cappabianca and Ms. Borah had the opportunity to catch up on the great things happening with those students currently attending Jesuit schools in the Midwest. More importantly, these visits gave Xavier the opportunity to offer exiting “Xavier updates” to recent graduates and provided some time to share new experiences (including full tours of each campus) while reflecting on how Xavier impacted the lives of these young alumni. During Xavier’s visit, Patrick Sullivan '13, current sophomore at Loyola University Chicago, said, “It’s great to see Xavier taking the time to stay involved and in touch with our lives beyond the hallways of Xavier. My work in service and retreat programs at Xavier has formed me into the person who values this similar mission at Loyola. I’m grateful for the ability to share this experience with current Xavier students and faculty.”

The enthusiasm for this year’s Chicago reception was truly remarkable, and Xavier is grateful for all those who supported the events last weekend. Mike Tolkin said it best after the match at Soldier Field last Saturday: “There is something about Xavier that just sticks with you wherever you go – and I’m happy to be a part of it and grateful to have the support of the Xavier family in all that I do.”