Hall of Fame Dinner 2014: A Night of Celebration
On November 7th, over 300 Sons of Xavier and guests came together to recognize the accomplishments of their peers at the 2014 Hall of Fame Dinner at Pier Sixty in New York City. Held biennially, the Xavier Hall of Fame Dinner recognizes those members of the Xavier community who have dedicated their lives to serving their community, their church, and their nation. This year, eleven men of great distinction were inducted into the Hall of Fame, and though each of the inductees have lived unique lives, brimming with individual successes, a common bond unites them all – their lives speak to their dedication to live with great integrity and leadership as “men for others,” a core belief that was empowered through their work for and with Xavier.
The eleven inductees – Fr. Joseph McKenna, S.J. ’35; Fr. D. Michael Flynn, S.J.; Lieutenant General Dennis P. McAuliffe, USA (Ret.) ’41; Staff Sergeant Michael Rand, USA; Hon. Thomas N. Lyons ’67; E. Peter Corcoran ’46; Michael Wlach ’71; Fr. Daniel J. Gatti, S.J. ’59; Richard J. O’Reilly, M.D. ’60; Patrick T. Stokes ’60; and Brigadier General Ruben A. Cubero, USAF (Ret.) ’57 – were described by Xavier President Jack Raslowsky as “builders,” each in his own right. Mr. Raslowsky said, “We honor tonight eleven men rooted in mission. We honor them for giving life to the mission of Xavier—near or far from 16th Street—by being of service to the community, the Church, and to the nation. It is a class of honorees linked together by leadership. In many ways, they are builders – builders of a better world.”
From Fr. Joe McKenna, S.J., who “built the foundation for the work of the Society of Jesus in Nigeria,” to Mr. Michael Wlach and Fr. Daniel Gatti, S.J., who “were builders of Xavier—her buildings, her faculty, her programs, her students and her families,” each inductee has left a distinct, indelible impression on the world, and in turn, each living inductee in attendance thanked Xavier for the many lessons and memories he has imparted over the years.
Several guests of distinction offered their support for the work done at Xavier and particularly to those inducted into Xavier’s Hall of Fame. United States Senator Charles E. Schumer commended the work of Xavier in promoting leadership, manifested within the network of Xavier alumni and friends throughout the world. Additionally, the classes of ’57, ‘59, ’60, ‘67 and ’71 came out in great numbers in support of their former classmates. Led by the effort of Helene Strong, P ’99, ’04, Director of Advancement Services, the Advancement staff, Mr. Michael Ford ’63 and Hon. Edward J. McLaughlin ’63, the 2014 Hall of Fame Dinner brought friends and classmates together to fondly remember their time at Xavier.
Religion faculty member Robert Reinhart ’69 concluded the event, as customary, with yet another rousing rendition of “Sons of Xavier,” a song that resonates strongly in the hearts and minds of all who have passed through the halls of 16th Street. Just as the song implores all Sons of Xavier to keep “marching on to victory” and to pursue excellence in all facets of life, the Hall of Fame Dinner offers a similar mandate. By honoring extraordinary Sons of Xavier who have served as leaders in their respective fields and communities, the Hall of Fame serves as a living embodiment of their work, as well as a reminder for all to aspire to similar plateaus, working to make the world better as true “men and women for others.”