Above: The Class of 1965 in the Jesuit Library.

Generations Return to Xavier

Three hundred and seventy-eight Sons of Xavier representing the Classes of 1945 through 2005 descended on 16th Street for a spirited Reunion Gala on Saturday, May 2. Alumni whose class years ended in 5 or 0 joined Golden Knights in celebrating Xavier and bonds formed long ago.

The weekend kicked off Friday afternoon with a luncheon honoring the Classes of 1942-45, who were last in the same room together at Xavier’s 69th Military Review, held on December 7, 1941. Their luncheon in the Jesuit Library marked the first time all four classes have reunited since that seminal day in American history.

The luncheon was the brainchild of Dr. Thomas Draper ’44, who shared reminiscences with his fellow Sons of Xavier during a moving speech. The last time they all gathered together, he remarked, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was President of the United States; Fiorello LaGuardia was New York City’s Mayor; and World War II reached American shores as the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, taking the life of a fellow Son of Xavier killed on the USS Arizona. After that fateful military review, their lives were dominated by war—including active service for many.

“I thought about that unique regimental review on December 7, 1941, and wondered if we could get the veterans of that review to Xavier,” said Dr. Draper. “I thought this might be the last opportunity to make that happen. And the spirit of this particular coming together was just so warm and inspirational.”

Reunion festivities continued later that evening as the Classes of 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 2005, and 2010 came together for off-campus class year parties. From the 50th reunion fête at the New York Athletic Club to the more casual 2010 reunion at Mr. Dennehy’s, the evening was filled with joy and laughter.

Saturday’s Reunion events began with student-led tours of Xavier, followed by masses honoring deceased alumni in the Church of St. Francis Xavier and the Meditz Family Learning Center. Alumni (hailing from as far away as Ireland!) then gathered at class year cocktail receptions before venturing to the gym for a memorable dinner.

“It was a joy for me not only to participate in the Class of 2005 reunion with so many of my classmates but to see the breadth of alumni who took the time to come home to Xavier for reunion weekend,” said Director of Alumni Relations James Cappabianca ’05. “It was a wonderful reminder of the centrality of 16th Street in our lives and the lasting bonds of friendship formed here.”

To view photos from reunion weekend, please visit our Flickr site.