Faces of Xavier: Jose Aquino '07 and Nick Byrne '11

During December’s Giving Month, Xavier will be sharing reflections from donors who make giving to 16th Street a priority. This week, young alumni donors and class chairs Jose Aquino ’07 and Nick Byrne ’11 share their reasons for giving to Xavier.

Jose Aquino ’07
I give back to Xavier because I received so much, formally and informally, during my four years of high school. By formally, I mean in class, and informally, I mean on the field, on retreats, and on service trips.

I can honestly say that my years as a student at Xavier were some of the best of my life. As students, we gained much more than an education, and that to me is priceless.

Giving back makes me very proud. Even though it's not a lot of money, I know that it helps. Tuition doesn't cover the cost to educate each student, so our gifts fill that gap. Now, as a faculty member, I am a first-hand witness to the growth of the school and how much giving matters. Xavier's stature keeps growing every year, and when we alumni give back, it helps support future generations of Xavier men. Alumni donations play a large role in determining continued development of the school, giving students from diverse economic backgrounds the chance to experience a great Jesuit education.

Some might think that what they contribute isn't significant enough, so they'd rather not donate. They do not realize how significant every contribution is, both financially and as a show of community support for Xavier. The process of giving is simple and makes a difference. Just do it.

Nick Byrne ’11
I give to express my gratitude.

Xavier is my home away from home. As I walk through these hallowed halls, I hark back to my days as a student and can confidently say that Xavier made me a better man. I don’t know where I would be without Xavier, and quite frankly—I don’t want to know.

Alumni gifts make the Xavier experience possible for students through scholarships, programs, enhanced facilities, and more.

Financial support is central to Xavier’s efforts to recruit and retain the best faculty and staff members. In order to provide our students with the highest quality of education, we need to keep our curriculum, technology, facilities, and equipment up to date.

No matter the size, every gift makes a difference and counts as a positive vote for the future of Xavier and its students.