Above: Xavier President Jack Raslowsky embraces Vice President for
Advancement Joseph Gorski after awarding him the Robert Bellarmine, 
S.J. Medal at Xavier's 173rd Commencement. (Harisch Studios)

Joseph Gorski Awarded the Bellarmine Medal

One of the highest honors given at Xavier is the Robert Bellarmine, S.J. Medal, awarded to long-serving members of the faculty and staff upon their retirement. This year, Xavier awarded that prestigious medal to retiring Vice President for Advancement Joseph Gorski, a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross who has shepherded the school's fundraising and alumni relations efforts since arriving on 16th Street in 2000.

"It is the generosity of the alumni of Xavier that helps to keep the school up and running, and it is the job of the Advancement Office to coordinate and lead our efforts in that area. The foundation of this office is to foster and maintain relationships with our alumni, and for the past 15 years Mr. Joseph Gorski has led this effort with great distinction," said Headmaster Michael LiVigni as he introduced the award. Mr. LiVigni quoted several of Mr. Gorski's colleagues, including Director of Annual Giving Shane Lavin '03, who said, "Joe has an unbelievable capacity to recall names and faces and the tiniest details about people. It is a skill that builds an immediate rapport with people and one that he has used to build many important relationships over the years that have served Xavier well."

Under Mr. Gorski's leadership, Xavier has raised more than $60 million, most importantly for student scholarships. Mr. Gorski's ability to connect with alumni, many of whom were beneficiaries of scholarships themselves, has left Xavier a stronger institution. "The mark of a good administrator has always been that you leave the institution in better shape than you found it," Mr. LiVigni said, "and in Joe Gorski's case, this is absolutely true."

Our congratulations to Mr. Gorski and his wife, Betsy Gorski, on a much-deserved retirement.