Alumni Support and Its Impact on Xavier High School
There were nearly 1,000 faithful alumni that donated to Xavier High School during the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The contributions ranged from $5 to $100,000, with an average gift of $125. Most were directed for financial aid, many to the Annual Fund (unrestricted), and some to specific athletic, academic, and campus ministry programs.
The impact they had on your alma mater was profound. Those designated to financial aid made it possible for more than 150 young men to be able to afford a Xavier education. The other donations helped the school to make improvements to the physical plant, enhance programs for students, and grow endowment to $14 million.
If you are one of the generous alums that supported your alma mater last year, we are hopeful we can count on your renewed support this year. If you were a donor at one time but have not given recently, we would love to have you recommit this year. And if you have never financially supported Xavier in the past but still value your high school experience, make this the first year that you do.
Easy to make your tax-deductible gift. Just return the donation envelope when the annual appeal mailing arrives, CLICK HERE, or go the XHS website and click on "Donate."
Any contribution within your means will be greatly appreciated and immediately impact the alumni participation rate as we strive to hit the 20% mark which would put us in the top 1% of all Catholic high schools in the country! Great bragging rights!!
Sincerely,
Rich Feitel TJ Kronenberger '04
Alumni & Development Director Associate Alumni & Development Director
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MULTIPLE CLASS REUNIONS CONDUCTED AT XAVIER
Nearly 30 members of the Class of 1970 attended their 55th Reunion on Saturday, September 27th
The Class of 1970 held their 55th Reunion at Xavier on Saturday, September 27th. Nearly 50 members (many with spouses) returned to campus that evening to celebrate. Thanks to the reunion committee of Lenny Fredericks, Mike Early, Gary Giannelli, Bud McDowell, Larry Marino, and Paul Tarbetsky for all their efforts to organize this special event. Thanks also to John Lomartra '73 for donating his time to provide piano music to entertain the group that evening.
The Class of 1975 celebrated their special 50th Reunion on both Friday and Saturday evenings, October 10 and 11. More than 35% of the class attended the Saturday night gathering at Xavier High School.
On Friday and Saturday, October 10 and 11, many classes ending in 0 and 5 conducted their special events. The two classes that had the largest turnout were the Class of 1975 (their 50th) and the Class of 1985 who celebrated their 40th. The Classes of 2000, 2005, and 2015 were also represented. The Class of 1975 also did a second more formal night on Saturday with a total of 80 members and guests attending.
Members of the 1974 State Championship football team (Xavier's first) were recognized at halftime of the Xavier - Sheehan game. Coach Larry McHugh was also present to be honored by the school and fans.
Special thanks to the 1975 committee that worked together for the last few years to promote their 50th Reunion. Members were Larry Cacciola, Dave Chapman, Sandy Larson, Butch Lastrina, Joe Marchese, Tom Sweeney, Guy Tommasi, and Tommy Wrinn. It would not have been as well-attended without their efforts.
The Class of 1985 rallied some classmates the last few weeks leading up to the Grand Reunion and ended up with a small but festive group to celebrate 40 years since graduation.
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Lend a Hand to Help Rebuild the Class Reps System
Back in the 1980's and 1990's, every graduating class had at least 2 Class Representatives. They were instrumental in helping the Alumni & Development Office to stay up to date with information on alums, assist with the planning and conduct of alumni functions, and help raise funds for Xavier through contact with classmates.
It has been a monumental task rebuilding that model. We have made some progress in the last month with more than 30 alums signing up but still need many more. Can't do the things we want to do for you with the limited manpower available in this office. We really need your help on this one!
We have 2 reps from each of the following classes: 1967, 1970, 1975, 1979, 1980, and 2018.
We currently have only 1 from the following classes: 1968, 1969, 1971, 1974, 1977, 1981, 1982, 1985, 1987, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2014, 2019, 2020, and 2025. Still need at least 2 from every other class.
Please help to fill the gaps and join the Class Reps Alumni Social at Xavier High School on Thursday, October 23, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. when we will share more details on becoming a Class Rep.
If you would like to serve in this capacity or would like to learn more about becoming a rep, please attend that evening. We will also set up a Zoom link for those of you who are interested but not local. Appetizers and beverages will be provided that evening.
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Updates for CC, Soccer, and Football Teams
Cross Country: The Connecticut #1 ranked Cross Country team just wrapped up the regular season with an undefeated conference record of 13 - 0. The team has performed very well at both regional and national-level invitationals, led by a strong senior class and an exceptionally talented group of sophomores. Nolan O'Connor, a member of the sophomore class, has been the top finisher at all of those meets including the Great American XC Festival in Cary, NC.
The post-season kicks off this week at the SCC Championships, followed by the State Class Championship on Saturday, October 25th.
A huge shout out to 1994 Captain Jeffrey Lohmeyer for stopping by the Great American XC Festival to cheer on the team. They listened intently as Jeffrey shared words of wisdom, encouragement, and of course, stories from his time in the program in the mid-1990's.
Football: The Xavier football team has had an up-and-down season to date. They are currently 1-3 with their only win coming against Norwich Free Academy in overtime. The three losses include one to Jonathan Law 28-27 when the Falcons scored on the last play of the game and, going for the win, failed to convert on the two-point conversion attempt. Coach Sean Marinan hopes that the team continues to improve in the second half of the season and can record a few more wins for the Xavier fans.
Soccer: The Falcons are having another very successful season. They are currently 9-1-1 and have already clinched the SCC Divisional Championship for the 8th consecutive year. They have also been ranked in the Top Ten teams in the state since week one.
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Some New Items on the Xavier "Wish List" - Especially One for Wrestling Alumni. Check it Out!
There are several items we would love to purchase to improve the quality of our academic, athletic, and spiritual programs, but just can’t afford them within our current operating budget. If you see something on the list below that gets your attention, and you would like to direct a tax-deductible donation to purchase any of these items, please call Rich Feitel (office: 860-346-7735, ext. 732 or cell: 860-324-1689).
- HP Elite G11 high performance notebooks for teachers - $2,000 each (5 needed)
- Uniforms for the Xavier E-Team - $50 each (20 needed) or $1,000 for the entire team
- Modular synthesizers for music program - 10 pack for $4,790
Last, but certainly not least, an opportunity for all wrestling alumni to help support your National Class Program:
- A new wrestling mat to replace the one purchased in 2008 that is falling apart - $15,000
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Estate Planning - Alternative Ways to Support Xavier
Leaving a gift to Xavier High School through a bequest is a powerful way to serve others in perpetuity. If you have named Xavier High School in your estate plans, please let us know in order that we can honor your generosity by including you in the Xavier Heritage Society. Heritage Society members have created personal and family legacies with some of the most impactful investments in the school's history.
Other charitable planned gifts include retirement plans and IRA assets, life insurance policies, real estate and other tangible property, donor advised funds, annuities, remainder trusts and lead trusts.
For more information on how you can leverage your assets in service to others and manage tax obligations, please contact Rich Feitel at the Alumni & Development Office or speak with your investment professional.
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IN MEMORIAM
We honor the lives and legacies of our dearly departed alumni, family members, and friends, whose impact on our community will forever be greatly appreciated.
- George Powers '70
- William O'Brien '88
- Brian Francis Kearns '79
- Joseph Scott Sandstrom '76
Each month we remember those who have died recently and those who are called to our attention. Please keep them, their families, and friends in your prayers. The full list of alumni, faculty, and staff memorials is on the webpage at MEMORIALS.
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