Alumni Newsletters

Annual Fund Drive at the Half-Year Point

We are pleased to report that as of December 31, we have received $584,190 in contributions to the 2024-2025 Annual Fund Drive. We are making good progress but have a long way to go to reach our goal of $1.1 million for this fiscal year.

To date, we have received donations from 405 alumni. We need to receive 1,000 to also achieve our participation goal of 13%. Every gift received from an alumnus, regardless of amount, impacts this number. The higher the participation rate, the better chance Xavier High School has of receiving foundation and corporate support when applying for grants.

If you are already counted in the number of alumni donors above, you have our sincere thanks. We are also aware that there are hundreds of graduates who gave last year that we can count to make a gift between January and June 2025, because you/they prefer to give each calendar/tax year.

Remember that if you have a brother, son, nephew, etc., that is a graduate of Xavier and does not currently support this outstanding high school, please encourage him/them to participate this year. We would appreciate it if you would also reach out to classmates with whom you are still friends to support the school. We need all the help we can get to achieve our lofty goals. 

We realize that many of you are still in college, paying college tuition(s), or have other pressing financial commitments that currently don’t allow you to make a significant contribution to Xavier. But even a gift of $10, $25, or $50 will have a positive impact on our percentage of participation goal. It’s the cost of a pitcher of beer, breakfast for 2 at Starbucks, or lunch for 2 at your favorite local restaurant. Isn’t it worth giving up just one of these purchases a year to help your alma mater thrive?

Please click HERE to contribute and instantly increase the alumni participation rate!

We look forward to reporting in June that we have achieved both goals for 2024-2025. Can’t do it without many more graduates responding to our appeals!

Your Alumni & Development Team,

Rich Feitel, Greg Jaskot '00, and Suzanne Berry

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT!

As a valued member of our Xavier community, we take pride in your amazing accomplishments both during your time at Xavier and after graduation. Your achievements are a source of inspiration for our current students and fellow alumni, who are constantly striving to uphold the Xavier legacy. If interested in sharing your story, please click the button below!

Need Your Help in Re-Forming Alumni Class Reps System at XHS

Back in the 1980’s and 1990’s, there were at least 2 Class Reps from every graduating class. You may have been one of them. They were a tremendous help to Xavier High School in conducting alumni events, contacting classmates during the Annual Fund Phonathon, and gathering information for the “Alumni Briefs” section of the alumni newsletter.

Due to limited personnel and time in the Alumni & Development Office, we just can’t do everything we would like to do for you and your families. We are reaching out to you in hopes that we can resurrect the Class Representatives system this year and be much more effective in serving the needs of our alumni population.

Responsibilities of a Class Rep will be to:

• Promote the mission, goals and ideals of XHS,
  
  
  
• Serve on your Reunion Committee if it’s a reunion year,
  
  
  
• Promote alumni events and encourage class participation,
  
  
  
• Monitor the activity of your class as best you can and share interesting news in the form of class briefs for the Alumni E-News,
  
  
  
• Serve on at least one alumni event committee (at least 6 to choose from).

With the ability to use Zoom for meetings, there is no need to physically be near Xavier. We can use your help wherever you are!

Can’t take the Xavier Alumni Association back to the top of alumni supported Catholic schools in the country without more involvement and assistance from our graduates! Click HERE if you would like to become an official Class Representative for XHS.

It’s A Reunion Year for all the Classes Ending in 0 and 5!!

The graduating classes of 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020 will be celebrating special reunions this year.

The Alumni & Development Office will assist the members of any class that would like to conduct a reunion by helping to form committees, providing contact information for classmates, and suggesting possible reunion venues. 

We are also planning to hold an event here at Xavier in the fall for not only special reunion classes but for any class that would like to have a class gathering.  

The Class of 1975 has been working for a year on planning their 50^th. Information on that reunion should be distributed to members of that class soon.

Please contact the Alumni & Development Office to inform us if you would like to be a member of your class reunion committee. The more alumni involved, the more successful your reunion will be!

The Search Goes on for Missing Alums:

The Xavier Alumni & Development Office is making an all-out effort this year to find alumni from every class for whom we have no contact information. We would like to be able to reach them with this E-Newsletter and provide regular information regarding reunions and special alumni events. XHS has never been notified of their death, so we presume all are still living.

If you know the whereabouts of any of the alumni from the Classes of 1996,1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000 listed below, please contact Suzanne Berry, Rich Feitel or Greg Jaskot in the Alumni & Development Office (860-346-7735, Ext. 737).

We will publish a list of as many Classes as space provides in each issue of the E-News going forward.

1996
Mark Castiglioni, Mike Cavallaro, Michael Chesnes, Shaun Clapp, Thad Karatkewicz, Pat Kellaher, Eric Lepoutre, Elihu Lyman, Derric Moore, Pat Planeta, Steve Ricci, Tashi Rodriguez, Jared Steffman, Eric Summit, Gerard Tarrant, Garrett Tucker, Dave Varni, Jon Winslow, and Brian Zelesky.

1997
Cortland Imeokparia, Frank Maratta, Bryan Millspaugh, Mike Paulus, Andrew Ramage, Chris Rouleau, Kamil Salus, Brett Schambach, Joe White, and Brian Wozniak.

1998
Jason Cronen, Arthur D’Onofrio, Jastin Falla, Matt Grocki, Travis Hammel, Christian Lassonde, Chris Matson, Tim McAuliffe, Matt Miramant, Frank Petracca, Mike Puzzo, Mike Stavola, Bill Triantafyllidis, Matt Walsh, and Mike Williams.

$25,000 Cash Raffle Has Started

The Xavier High School 25K cash raffle is back!

• Tickets are $100 each. Only 800 will be sold and the winner takes home 25,000 dollars.
  
  
• Ticket numbers will be sent via email. When purchasing a ticket, you must provide an email address. Ticket numbers will not be sent out in the mail. 
  
  
• The drawing will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9 at Xavier High School. You do not need to be present to win, but you must be at least 18 years old to purchase.
  
  
• Purchaser of the winning ticket is responsible for all taxes. In accordance with IRS regulations, all state and federal taxes will be withheld by Xavier High School.  
  
  
• Tickets may be purchased by mailing a check (please do not mail cash) to Xavier High School, 181 Randolph Road, Middletown CT 06457. They also can be purchased clicking here! 
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For more information, contact the office of Alumni & Development office at 860-346-7735. Good Luck!

Alumni Briefs 

Aaron Leroux ’97 is an independent photojournalist and documentary photographer currently traveling the world covering protest movements, refugee crisis, and other political and cultural issues. He has published two books; “Were It Not for Shadows” is a book of street photography focusing on Los Angeles, CA. He co-authored a second book, “The Nature of Water,” which features the collective work of over 50 international photojournalists who documented the 2019 Anti-Extradition protests in Hong Kong.

The Jim Henson Foundation and the Ballard Institute and Museum at the University of Connecticut present “American Puppet Theater Today,” featuring works by Richard Termine ’71. The display will feature over 130 images and select puppets. Rich currently is the Performing Arts Photographer for the New York Times and has been the Production Photographer for Sesame Street & The Muppets for 20 years. He started his career with Jim Henson 40 years ago. The display will run from January 31, 2025, to May 11, 2025 at the Ballard Institute and Museum on 1 Royce Circle at UConn.  

"Catch the Fever on Saturday March 22nd, 2025! 

The Xavier Home and School Association is excited to host an eXciting night of fun and funds raising during the 33rd Annual Black and White Auction.
Make sure to Save the Date and follow the event to stay informed... entertained... intrigued... and most of all eXcited for the unforgettable night on Randolph Road!

FB event: https://www.facebook.com/events/2726321857556687/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/xavierbwauction?igsh=eXpvaHppdXBoajQw

Twitter:  https://x.com/xavierauction?t=pZ87ynN3MsE2lGTruNryrw&s=09

In Memoriam 

• Sebastian LoGiudice, father of John '89 and grandfather of Sebastian LoGiudice '21, Nicholas Mazzotta '12, and Luigi Mazzotta '10. To read the obituary, CLICK HERE.
  
  
  
• Mario Fazzino, father of John '04. To read the obituary, CLICK HERE.
  
  
  
• Ryan Eno, brother of John Eno '09. To read the obituary, CLICK HERE. 
  
  
  
• David Sierpinski, father of Scott '77 and grandfather of Cole '21. To read the obituary, CLICK HERE. 
  
  
  
• Stephen P. Miles '67.
  
  
  
• Brendan Wood '78.
  
  
  
• Timothy Connelly, Sr, father of Cal '15 and Timothy '17.
  
  
  
• Carey M. Hewitt '74.
  
  
  
• Michael Cowell '77.
  
  
  
• Roy Brown, father of Derrick Brown '88 and Todd Brown '88 (deceased).
  
  
  
• Joseph Serra, Sr., father of Joseph Serra, Jr. '92.
  
  
  
• Mrs. Joan D'Orvilliers, wife of Roland '70.

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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Annual Fund Drive – Goals for Alumni Support

From February to July of 2024, a concerted effort was made to contact as many alums as possible via phone calls, personalized first-class letters, and direct emails. During that time, we received donations from over 350 new and recovered alums (had not given for years). That raised the percentage of alumni participation from 4% in January to nearly 9% by fiscal year end.

We launched the 2024-2025 AFD in October. Personalized appeal letters have been mailed to every alum from 1967 to 1997 for whom we have an address. We have focused efforts to attract support from our 1998-2023 graduates via email blasts and social media postings. Plans are also being made to conduct an alumni phonathon later in the fiscal year.

Our goals this year are to renew the 700 alumni donors from last year, add another 400 new or recovered alums, and reach 14% participation. Can’t do it without your support!

Please help us to achieve our goals by renewing last year’s gift, a previous donation, or making a first-time contribution to Xavier. Doesn’t have to be a lot – just a sign of support to confirm that you really care about the future of your alma mater.

Click HERE to donate now.

Rich Feitel                                                                        Greg Jaskot '00  

Alumni & Development Director                                       Associate Alumni & Development Director

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Your Alma Mater Receives Prestigious Awards

Xavier High School received two special awards in 2024.

First, the school was named a finalist with Kingswood Oxford School and Miss Porter School for Best Private School in Hartford and surrounding towns by the Hartford Courant. Quite an accomplishment for a school that charges 1/3 the tuition as the other two finalists! The administration, faculty, and staff are commended for creating a unique educational environment that positioned the school to receive this recognition.

The school also received an A+ rating from Niche.com and was rated as the second-best high school athletic program in the state of Connecticut and 46^th in the country. Niche.com is the market leader in connecting schools and colleges with students and families. Among all Catholic, private, and all-boys schools in the state, Xavier is rated number one! Darien was the only high school ranked above Xavier. Criteria for the award is based on the overall success of athletic programs, number of sports offered, and percentage of students who participate in those programs. Congratulations to Athletic Director Dan DeConti '01, all the coaches, and the hundreds of young men who participate in athletics at this outstanding high school.

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Fall Sports Finale

Congratulations to Coach Brian Fitzgerald and the Xavier Soccer Team! They made it all the way to the Class LL final where they were defeated by Farmington High School 3-1. Two thrilling come from behind wins over Glastonbury and Trumbull got them to the championship game. They completed the season with a 19-3-2 record.

The Cross Country Team completed a very successful season with an 8^th place finish in the New England Championship. Coach Chris Stonier’s harriers won their 6^th straight Class Championship and finished 5^th in the State Open.

The Football Team completed their season losing to both Hand and Wilton High School to finish at 3-7. The Falcons were never able to establish any momentum after suffering three early-season losses to Bunnell, Sheehan, and Manchester by a total of 10 points.

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Winter Sports Preview

Wrestling Coach Mike Cunningham has high standards and expectations for the upcoming season. Although only 3 varsity starters return from a team that was arguably one of the best in the history of the state, there is a great amount of young talent that should rise to the occasion and compete at the highest level. The team will travel to top tournaments throughout the Northeast this year so it will be well prepared for the postseason.

Mike Kohs ‘84 enters his 26^th year as Head Basketball Coach of the Falcons where he has compiled a career record of 370-203. Returning starters are juniors Michael Waters and Elijah Moore who both averaged double figures last year. The team has depth at the guard position and should be able to score from the perimeter. Team rebounding, great team defense, and development of depth in the front court are keys to having a successful season.

After graduating several all-state athletes and school record-holders, the Xavier Indoor Track & Field team will look for several athletes to fill the void if they are to contend for the programs 4^th consecutive Class L State Championship, and 5^th title in the last six years. The team returns distance runners Owen Martin and Jack Ouellette, two of the best milers in school history, as well as Oliver Guzy, school record holder and two-time State Open champion in the long jump. Coach Chris Stonier is also counting on contributions from Selasie Dogbey (long jump), Brendan Russ (hurdles), Johnny Simpson (sprints) and Tyler Johnson-Lanning (high jump and pole vault) to continue the success of the program.

First-year coach Evan LaRosa will lead the Falcon swimmers this year. He spent the last 8 years with the Panther Aquatic Club in Southbury. The team has some talented swimmers returning that completed in SCC and State Finals in 2024. However, to contend in those meets, the Falcons will have to increase depth as a team. Coach LaRosa’s primary goals this year are to establish a team identity and to get more students involved in the swim program.

Click Here to View the Winter Sports Schedules

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The Search Goes On For Missing Alums

The Xavier Alumni & Development Office is making an all-out effort this year to find alumni from every class for whom we have no contact information. We would like to be able to reach them with this E-Newsletter and provide regular information regarding reunions and special alumni events. XHS has never been notified of their death, so we presume all are still living.

If you know the whereabouts of any of the alumni from the Classes of 1991,1992, 1993, 1994, and 1995 listed below, please contact Suzanne Berry, Rich Feitel or Greg Jaskot in the Alumni & Development Office (860-346-7735, Ext. 737).

We will publish a list of as many Classes as space provides in each issue of the E-News going forward.

1991
Jon Cannon, Scott Carta, Steve Christmas, Chris Cragin, Malachi Davis, Brian DeLude, Brian Eggleton, Paul Gilman. Caine Kaar, Jon Kiley, Seth Maynard, Jeremy Medina, Lester Nurse, Cliff Parker, Marcus Rosano, Brian Savage, Jason Snyder, Marc Tardiff, Guido Tine, Kyle Wells, and Ryan Ziolkowski.

1992
Brendan Coty, Kevin Cyr, Richard DeMarse, Ryan Flood, Anthony Gerrits, Kevin Healy, Matt Helenek, Chris Holthausen, Scott Iovene, Damian Kelly, Brian LaPila, Matt LaPoint, Matt Light, Chris Linehan, Dan Liseo, Phil Lucey, Greg Lyons, Adam McInvale, Kieran McManus, Eric Pashley, Jeff Plante, Kevin Smith, Mark Stearns, Brent Strong, Richard Triblets, Dave Weston, Jon Whitmore, and Keith Young.

1993
Dan Cewe, Tom Cinquino, Pat Coolican, Neil Demarse, Dave D’Onofrio, Jason Dutton, George French, Eddy Huang, William Maley, Mike Mauro, Ray McKenna, Kris Moshier, Ricardo Ortiz, Jason Pressler, William Sotire, Brian St. John, Justin Sturwold, Jeremy Surette, Nathan Thermer, and Bret Waltz.

 1994
Chris Falivene, Matt Gerrits, James Glover, Barr Kimnach, Frank Latina, Tim Linden, Keith Schnabel, Michael Smith, andDavid Wood.

1995
Neal Devlin, Brian Erzen, Chris Goodney, Lee Graf, Ben Johnson, Eric Leger, Robert Light, Scott Morrison, Andrew Mulh, Matt Ostasiewski, Shawn Peters, Phil Pickering, Stephen Rickenback, Dave Sadowski, Mike Strathearn, Kevin Thurston, Darryl Tucker, and Jesse Von Dietsch.

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21st Artie Kohs Classic Set for December 26 & 27!

Save the date! The 21st Artie Kohs Classic is set for Thursday, December 26 & Friday, December 27! This year’s tournament features Xavier, Berlin, Glastonbury, and Waterford. There will be a basketball alumni reunion during the tournament. 

The Kohs Classic was started in 2004 to help generate funds for the Arthur M. Kohs scholarship fund which provides financial assistance to a current Xavier student-athlete who otherwise might be unable to benefit from a Xavier education. We are all grateful for the generous donations throughout the many years of the Kohs tournament and would like to thank those alumni and friends who have already mailed in a check or sponsored the tournament on the Xavier website.

Click here for the Artie Kohs Classic Sponsorship Page

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Magner, Morrison, & '82 Basketball Team to be Honored on January 3rd

Rich Magner, head Basketball Coach of the Falcons from 1980 to 1998, and his able assistant Tom Morrison, will be honored on January 3^rd when the current varsity team takes on Hamden High School. The 1982 team, winners of the first HCC championship in school history and tri-captained by Jeff Billings, Tom Patton, and Dave Dunn, will also be honored that evening.

The festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. with a pre-game reception. A presentation of awards will be conducted at half-time of the varsity contest. All members of any Magner/Morrison coached team are invited to attend the reception and will receive free admission to the game. Depending on the turnout, the pre-game reception will be held in the Music Suite or Lino’s Café (cafeteria).

Former basketball players are encouraged to attend this special recognition event to honor Magner, Morrison and the ’82 team. The event is being sponsored by the Alumni & Development Office.

Click Here to RSVP for this Special Event!

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Around & About

- Xavier is exploring ways to expand our summer offerings at Xavier, and we'd love for you to share THIS SURVEY with friends and family in the area that have children between the ages of 9 - 14. Together, we can shape a summer that inspires! 

- We're hosting a mini Open House on Thursday, December 5, and we’d love for you to share this opportunity with anyone who might be interested in joining the Xavier community. Whether it’s family, friends, or neighbors, your connections can help inspire future Falcons to discover all that Xavier has to offer. Thank you for helping us shape the next generation of leaders!

- Xavier alumni are invited to attend a special memorial service to celebrate the life of Coach Raj Jaswal, a beloved teacher and coach who inspired countless students and athletes. This service will be a time of prayer, reflection, and gratitude for the positive impact Coach Jaswal had on the Xavier community. The service takes place on Sunday, December 15 from 2 - 3:30 pm in the Xavier Dining Hall. CLICK HERE to RSVP.

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In Memoriam

- Frank Kehoe '92. To read the obituary, CLICK HERE. 

- Paul Buhl, father of Thomas '15 and John '19.

- Joan Gilbert, mother of George III '71, Stephen '72, Francis '74, Charles '74, John '77, Joseph '77, Andrew '78, David '80, Patrick '82, and Mark '85.

- Peter Kinsley '81.

- Katherine Foley, mother of Michael '70, Kevin '71, and James '75.

- Edwin Scott Cichon '70. 

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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Contact Us

Xavier High School Alumni & Development 181 Randolph Road Middletown CT 06457

Rich Feitel, Director, 860-346-7735 x732, [email protected]

Greg Jaskot '00, Associate Director, 860-346-7735 x733, [email protected]

Suzanne Berry M '83, P'18, Office Manager, 860 346 7735 x737, [email protected]