​Young Alumni Return to Xavier

By Nick Byrne '11 

Every Wednesday before Thanksgiving, young alumni from near and far rally together on 16th Street to celebrate Xavier.

They roam the halls searching for familiar faces, many of them sporting a scruffier look than they did as students.

For four years, these young graduates of the Classes of 2012-15 worked together toward a common goal—to embody the qualities of the Graduate at Graduation. Last Wednesday, 145 of them returned to their alma mater for the 2015 Young Alumni Reception.

The day began with a Mass in the newly renovated student chapel, celebrated by Xavier chaplain Rev. Ralph Rivera, S.J.

Following Mass, young alums dispersed, meeting and greeting friends, family, and former teachers alike. As the day progressed, the entire Xavier community funneled into the gymnasium for the annual Turkey Bowl Pep Rally.

Head Coach Chris Stevens ’83 delivered his state of the union, wielding the 2015 CHSFL AA championship trophy in his left hand and a ram’s skull in his right. Members of the varsity football team stood before center stage as their coach praised them for their effort and success. The crowd of proud alumni standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the back of gym symbolized Xavier’s proud history and tradition.

Following Coach Stevens’ rousing speech, Robert Reinhart ’69 P’94 ’99 led the Xavier community in singing Sons of Xavier. The young alumni then moved to Hurtado Hall for lunch.

Thanksgiving Eve was a day filled with laughter, excitement, thunderous applause, and school pride—echoed the next day when the Knights defeated Fordham Prep, 15-13, for their fourth straight Turkey Bowl win.