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It's a New Fiscal Year (2025-2026) - Here We Go Again!
The thing we dislike most about this job is on July 1 we celebrate the success of the previous fiscal year but begin renewed efforts to raise funds for Xavier High School on July 2. It's back to zero again!
We had a lot to celebrate in 2024-2025. The Alumni & Development Office achieved all its goals as alumni, parents, parents of alumni, and friends of Xavier contributed more than $1.5 million. We conducted five very successful Alumni Socials, hosted reunions for the classes ending in 4 and 9 and raised the participation level of alumni support from 8% to 13%. All in all, it was a very good year.
So here we go again. In the months ahead, you will receive multiple requests to support this outstanding high school. Whether it's for the Annual Fund Drive, the Financial Aid Fund, or other restricted funds, we will need continued support from last year's donors as well as many new donors to reach our lofty goal which is $1.7 million.
Our major goal this year is to move the alumni participation rate to 20%. That would put XHS in the top 1% of all Catholic High Schools in the country. To achieve this rate, we need to receive a donation from 500 graduates that did not contribute last year or have never contributed. If we reach this number, it will greatly enhance the school's position to receive foundation and corporate support as well. Doesn't have to be a lot - $5 or $10 moves the needle and $50 is less than $1 a week.
If you are anxious to donate to help us achieve our goals, you can go on the Xavier website at any time to process a gift by credit card.
Your Alumni & Development Team,
Rich Feitel TJ Kronenberger '04 Suzanne Berry
Director Associate Director Office Manager
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Forty-Third Annual Xavier Golf Classic a Great Success!
On Friday, September 5th, the 43rd Annual Xavier Alumni Golf Classic was conducted at Portland Golf Course. Despite the threat of rain in the morning, the weather cleared, and all 144 players were treated to a spectacular day.
Tony Leone '06, Colin McPhelimy '06, Ryan Fitzgerald '05, and Jay Gastler '05 are pictured above. They finished 2nd in the Low Net Division with a score of 59.
This year's Classic was held in honor of Pat Ingellis, long-time faculty member and former Guidance Counselor. It was also held in memory of former faculty member and administrator Br. Tom Ryan, C.F.X., and John Pulaski '70, a devoted alum who played in over 25 Classics.
Low net winners of the Open Division (scramble format) were Geoff DeVille '80, his sons Geoff '12 and Ryan '14, and Erickson Wasyl, with a tournament record score of 54. Jack Gastler '74 and his 4-some of Matty Hoey '74, Kevin O'Rourke '74, and Steve Cardarelli '73 won the Senior Division with a score of 70. Other winners that day were Mark Ryan '81, closest-to-pin on #8 (1'2"), Gary Richo '81, closest-to-pin on #14 (7'1"), Jim Biega '13, longest drive on #7, and Erickson Wasyl, longest drive on #15. Jake Schinas '14 won the putting contest by sinking his initial putt and defeating 5 other alums in the putt-off.
Sincere thanks to John '80 and Laurie Kelley for hosting the event at Portland Golf Course and for all the help they and their staff provide in conducting this major fundraising/friend raising event.
Most importantly, the event netted over $240,000, all of which will be used to provide tuition assistance to needy and qualified Xavier families. There will be at least 20 young men who would not have the opportunity to attend Xavier without this funding. Sincere thanks to all the businesses, alumni, and friends who secured sponsorships to the Xavier Golf Classic!! Please visit the XHS website to see a complete listing.
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Grand Reunion/Class Reunion Updates
The Class of 1970 will celebrate their reunion on Saturday, September 27 at Xavier High School. Detailed information on this event was mailed to members of this class during the last week of June. There are about 30 alums who have registered to date, many with spouses. A separate email went out to members of this class this week with a list of those attending and an opportunity to register online.
The Class of 1975 will celebrate their reunion over two days on October 10 and 11. The first night will be part of the Grand Reunion at Xavier High School with other Classes ending in 0 and 5. A section of Lino's Cafe (formerly known as the Xavier cafeteria) will be reserved for this class. The second night will also be hosted at Xavier for the Class of 1975 only. Committee members Larry Cacciola, Dave Chapman, Butch Lastrina, Joe Marchese, Tom Sweeney, Guy Tommasi, and Tommy Wrinn have been making calls to encourage attendance. You can also register online.
The Classes of 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020 will celebrate their reunions as part of the Grand Reunion on October 10 at Xavier High School. The Class of 2000 has decided to conduct their 25th as a separate event. Each class will have a reserved section in Lino's Cafe. A mailing went out to all the graduates of these classes for whom we have addresses with detailed event information. If you are still in contact with classmates, please reach out and encourage them to attend.
Members of all the classes listed above can register for their reunion by visiting the Xavier High School website. Click on "Alumni" and it will lead you to your reunion registration page. You can also Register HERE.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the Alumni & Development Office (860-346-7735, Ext. 737).
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Some Old and New Items on the Xavier "Wish List"
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).
- 16' track technology multimedia systems for classrooms including projectors - $1,800 each (3 needed)
- 14 passenger van (Used or New) for schoolwide use - $35,000 to $75,000 - donations of $1,000 or more can be earmarked for this project
- 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
- Minibus wrap (school colors, logo, and student centered images) - $5,000
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR HOULI DAY/CAMPUS CLEAN-UP
Back in the day, hundreds of alums, parents, and students would show up for Houli Day to rake leaves, mulch gardens, paint curbing, plant trees and flowers, and give the school building and grounds a face-lift. It was all done in honor of Br. Houlihan, C.F.X., who not only taught 6 science classes but was the general groundskeeper for Xavier High School.
The event was resurrected a few years ago by Religion Teacher Jeremy Fowler and a group of students but little outreach has been done to other constituent groups. Tasks have basically been performed by faculty and groups of students during that time.
Bottom line is we need additional volunteers to help with clean-up projects this year. Houli Day will be conducted on Saturday, October 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Open House is two weeks later and we want the place to be sparkling for those who attend because, as the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression!
Please sign up today and help Xavier to look its best for Open House and as a lasting tribute to a special Brother who did so much for this outstanding high school for more than 40 years.
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Preview/Updates for CC and Soccer Teams
Cross Country: The season has gotten off to a wonderful start. More than a dozen athletes completed over 500 miles during our 12-week training period, which means that the young men are well-prepared for the season and the depth of the roster is strong. In fact, nearly a dozen athletes are vying for a spot on the Varsity Top 7, with 6 of those athletes from the incredibly talented sophomore class.
The Falcons opened their season on September 6 competing at the PTXC Invite in Kutztown, PA. The Varsity team came up 4 points short of a victory and the JV team placed 5 runners in the top 9 positions, with first time seniors Xavier Laudati and James Adu taking first and second, respectively.
The team will be running at Cromwell High School on Saturday, September 13 at the CT River Valley Invite between 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. It's a good time for local alumni runners and CC fans to see them in action.
Soccer Team: Xavier soccer returns 5 starters from last year's Division champion, SCC Conference tournament runner-up, and Class LL State Championship runner-up. Two players have already committed to D1 programs: Corbin Engleman (West Point) and Andrew Sobieski (Jacksonville University) with many more commitments to come. So far, the team is 3-0 and are currently ranked #1 in the CSCA Coaches LL/L poll.
There are high expectations for the Falcon Soccer team this year!
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Re-Forming Alumni Class Representative System A Priority
Due to limited personnel and time in the Alumni & Development Office, we can't possibly do the amount of outreach to alums to get and keep them engaged with Xavier High School. We need help from graduates who are committed to Xavier to expand communications with alums, especially with members of the Classes of 2000 to 2023.
We will be sending out a separate email this week to encourage alums to serve as Class Reps. Responsibilities include:
- Promoting alumni events.
- Encouraging class participation in the Annual Fund Drive.
- Serving on at least one alumni event committee (at least 6 to choose from) per school year.
We will conduct an Alumni Social at Xavier High School on September 19, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 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. Can also set up a Zoom meeting for those of you who are interested but not local. We would love to get at least 2 members of every graduating class to serve in this capacity. Appetizers and beverages will be provided that evening. REGISTER HERE! Please feel free to contact Rich Feitel or TJ Kronenberger '04 at 860-346-7735 with any questions.
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Putting Contest Participants at the 43rd Xavier Alumni Golf Classic: Pictured left to right is Tony Leone '06, Jake Schinas '14, Brendan Bell '05, Paul Poissant '75, Tom Sweeney '75, and Mike Schukis '75. All were involved in the putt-off that was won by Jake.
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Estate Planning - Alternative Ways to Support Xavier High School
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 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.
- J. Scott Sandstrom '76
- Dennis Reynolds '71
- Robert Florin '79
- John Makuch '69
- John Benson '82
- Marc Nicolletta '80
- Erik Robinson '82
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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