Faces of Xavier: Zane Massey '96

Zane Massey ’96, Xavier’s newly appointed Director of Alumni Relations, didn’t hesitate when he received a call inviting him to apply for the post earlier this summer.

“That was easy,” Mr. Massey said of his decision to apply and, ultimately, return to Xavier. Since his graduation in 1996, he had returned to 16th Street often for events. Along with Dr. Kwame Ohemeng ’96, Dr. Brian Purnell ’96, Major Geoffrey Cole, USA ’95, and Don Hooper ’97, he established the Franklin Caesar, Ed.D ’72 P’00 Scholarship. “I have a love for this institution and the ideals I was able to form as a student here.”

Mr. Massey was thriving in his corporate career when Xavier called. A veteran of such notable companies as ConEdison, Siemens, and Marsh & McLennan, the Harlem native enjoyed his work as an investor relations and financial professional. But something was missing.

He began searching for it a few years ago when he authored Beyond the Statistics, a book about young men of color overcoming obstacles to achieve success. While promoting the book, he spoke to students at public schools in the Bronx and New Jersey, where he now resides. Mentoring came easily to him, having benefited from the example of individuals like Richie Battaglino ’67 P’96, whom he met when he played basketball with Mr. Battaglino’s stepson.

“Richie told me, ‘The only thing you have is your word. Your word is your bond,’” Mr. Massey recalled. “I always remember that.”

In his new post, in which he will work with more than 11,000 Xavier alumni, Mr. Massey looks forward to engaging with all Sons of Xavier. Just as importantly, the father of three hopes to shape the lives of future Sons to come.

“I hope to establish a genuine connection with our alumni and our current students in hopes that they return to Xavier and help somebody else—to mentor students and also support the institution,” he said.