From the President
“Ties of old days to the new,” as we sing in our Alma Mater, feels especially meaningful in seasons of transition. In this edition of the magazine, you’ll read about both the minor and major transitions shaping St. Xavier High School today.
You’ll see that theme reflected in our upcoming X-Travaganza—rooted in the same mission and enthusiasm, but energized by a new theme, new chairs, and new goals.
At the heart of the magazine is a letter from our new Vice President for Advancement, Ralph Nardini, who has accepted this role as Tony Schad prepares for retirement in June. Ralph reflects on one of the three priorities of our current capital campaign: the five-year building plan. As we approach our third century, it is time to plan for a third academic home. In the mid-1950s, St. Xavier transitioned from 7th and Sycamore downtown to our Finneytown campus. Today, after careful study of both cost and outcomes, our original plans to remodel the 1960 academic space have themselves transitioned. Ralph explains why we are pursuing rebuilding—rather than simply renovating—much of that space.
Transitions also remind us that some challenges endure from one era to the next. Energy costs, for example, remain top of mind. Our archivist, Nick Kemper, looks back to the mid-1970s energy crisis, when CG&E was unable to supply the school with enough power to keep the heat on.
And of course, transitions are deeply personal. As the remarkable Class of 2026 prepares to move on to college, the unforgettable Class of 1976 (my class!) is preparing to celebrate our 50th Reunion. In our day, we were on the cutting edge with TI-30 calculators. At $35, it took mowing six lawns to afford my “tech gear” for college. Even at today’s lawn-care prices, there simply aren’t enough days in the growing season for members of the Class of 2026 to mow their way to the technology they’ll need.
As we serve more than 1,400 young men today, we remain firmly rooted in St. Xavier’s past—and grateful for the strong position in which we find ourselves. We may transition from leader to leader, building to building, and class to class, but there is no doubt we are “Xavier men forever.”
With gratitude to those who came before us, those who are here now, and those who are on their way,
ADMINISTRATION
Mr. Timothy J. Reilly ’76, President
Rev. William L. Verbryke S.J. ’71, Rector
Mr. Daniel J. Lynch, Principal
Mr. Robert G. Bollman ’86, Vice President for Operations & CFO
Mr. Ralph A. Nardini ’77, Vice President for Advancement
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mr. Gregory G. Achten ’82, Chair
Mr. G. Jeffrey Berding ’85
Mr. Eric M. Breissinger ’85
Mrs. Stephanie Bruemmer
Ms. Melanie M. Chavez
Mr. R. Patrick Connaughton, Jr. ’06
Mr. Michael E. Dahm
Mrs. Amy M. Garrett
Mr. Lee P. Geiger ’93
Mr. Christopher S. Habel ’87
Dr. Colleen M. Hanycz
Rev. Paul A. Lickteig S.J.
Dr. Patricia Y. McAlpine
Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek S.J.
Mrs. Sarah Palermo
Mr. Timothy J. Reilly ’76
Rev. Matthew C. Spotts S.J. ’04
Mr. Timothy J. Steigerwald ’83
Mr. Karl S. Thomsen
Rev. Damian Torres-Botello S.J.
Mr. Nicholas J. Vehr ’77
Mr. Matthew R. Veith ’93
Rev. William L. Verbryke S.J. ’71, Vice Chair
Mr. Madhu Vrishabhendra
Mr. Stephen J. Wolf ’78
CONTRIBUTORS
Joyce A. Bowman
Mary Beth Bruns
Kathryn S. Dierckes
Heidi B. Eveleigh
Edmund L. Franchi
Julie Goshorn
Cara L. Hester
W. Matthew Keith ’93
Nicholas B. Kemper ’06
Michael E. Mullally
Edward F. Nardini ’81
Ralph A. Nardini ’77
Aleth B. Rhoades
Anthony E. Schad ’81
John A. Schrantz ’96
Stephen R. Specht ’86
Carlos T. Stewart
Johan E. Trajano ’25
Gavin A. Vargas ’19
EDITOR
Becky Schulte
DESIGNER
Jon Enia ’97, makercreative.com
PRINTING
Joseph Berning Printing Company
St. Xavier Magazine is published three times a year by the alumni, advancement and communications offices.
St. Xavier High School
600 W. North Bend Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45224-1499
Phone: (513) 761-7815 ext. 121 http://www.stxavier.org e-mail: bschulte@stxavier.org
ALUMNI HOT LINE
1-800-572-5340 ext. 116
Direct all Letters to the Editor, address changes, or other correspondence to the above address.
Postmaster: Send address corrections to: St. Xavier Magazine, 600 W. North Bend Road, Cincinnati, OH 45224-1499.
Cover Photo: Students cheer on the football Bombers as they defeat
Photo:
We R St. Xavier
News and notes around the St. Xavier campus
St. X vs Elder
Under the lights of Paycor Stadium, in front of a roaring 22,375 fans and a sideline lined with stars, including former Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn, 2004 Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart, and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, St. Xavier delivered one of the great comeback wins in program history against their GCL rival the Elder Panthers. More than 30,000 from 48 states and 13 countries tuned in to the live audio stream by the student broadcast ESPX and the St. Xavier Radio show with Ralph Nardini, Nick Nardini and Tony Schad.
A comeback on the biggest stage in the city. A rally seen by more than 22,000 witnesses. And a finish worthy of the venue, and the rivalry. The Bombers walked out of Paycor Stadium with a win that will be remembered for years.
President's
Dinner Awardees
St. Xavier High School benefactors and supporters gathered at St. Xavier High School for the annual President's Dinner on October 29, 2025. Tim Reilly ’76 welcomed guests to thank them for their support of St. Xavier.
St. Xavier High School recognized members of the Board of Trustees. Robert E. Carroll ’76, Brian J. Fitzgerald ’91, Andrew N. Recker ’97, Mark M. Ryan ’91, and Eric M. Sundrup SJ were honored and thanked for their service.
The evening ended with two incredibly special award presentations. Congratulations to Mrs. Colleen Ireton, Magis Award Recipient and Mr. John F. Barrett ’67, Insignis Award Recipient who were honored for sharing their gifts and talents with St. Xavier.
Cross Country State Championship
Senior Dom Ellis won the OHSAA Division 1 State Meet! He ran a 15:07.92. Dom’s postseason resume includes: GCL Champion, District Champion & State Champion! Congratulations to Dom on an incredible season!
Walk4X
September 19, 2025, marked our 50th Annual Walk4X. Thanks to the incredible efforts of our students, we reached our fundraising goal to help bridge the gap between tuition and the true cost of a St. X education. A special thank you to the Class of 1997 for designating their class gift to permanently endow the Walk.
Hadestown: Teen Edition
November 14 was opening night of Theatre Xavier’s Hadestown: Teen Edition. The musical delved into themes of hope, resilience, and the courage to pursue change, even when the odds are stacked against you, inviting audiences to choose action over despair. Congratulations to the TX cast and crew, Director Dr. Elizabeth Harris, and all who contributed to bringing this year’s production to life.
All Saints and All Souls Day Mass
On November 3, our community gathered for Mass celebrating the Feast of All Saints and Blessed of the Society of Jesus, presided over by Fr. Aaron Malnick SJ. We honored the Jesuits and all who have lived out Ignatian values with faith and inspiration.
Christmas Dinner
St. X’s “Best-Kept Secret” still shined despite the snow in December! Guests enjoyed a wonderful evening with dinner served by students, wine served by hosts, and a festive Christmas concert featuring individual performers, small groups, and Ensemble X, making it a memorable start to the holiday season.
Canned Food Drive
Vice President’s Message
St. Xavier High School wrapped up the 97th annual canned food drive this Fall. This year, freshman and sophomore homerooms collected an incredible 56,301 pounds of food! Donations were turned in at St. X on select Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays and loaded into a 53’ trailer, where local food banks later picked up the contributions.
Fourteen homerooms earned a spot in the One Ton Club, receiving banners to proudly display in their classrooms after collecting more than 2,000 pounds each. Junior and senior homerooms also played a vital role by collecting and delivering food directly to their assigned food bank partners.
Message from Vice President.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
A very special thank you to the Class of 1991 who endowed the St. X food drive and helping make this long-standing tradition possible year after year.
Veteran's Day Lunch
Vice President for Advancment
On November 11, St. Xavier hosted a Veterans Appreciation Lunch. Veteran and active-duty alumni, parents of alumni and current students, as well as veteran and active-duty friends of St. Xavier, were welcomed.
The day began with Mass and was followed by lunch. Veterans had the opportunity to connect with students discerning military service and share their stories, wisdom, and experiences. A short program followed, recognizing the service of our veterans and active-duty members.
A special thank you to retired Army Reserve Colonel Brad Wenstrup ’76 for speaking at the event!
National Commended Students
Congratulations to the 2026 National Merit Commended Students!
Students: Charles Barrett, Mitchell Bollinger, William Burkart, John Daniher, Amir Ghasemzadeh, Keegan Hickey, Henry Hinckley, Henry Joecken, Leonardo Lazarde, Joseph Mansour, Lucas Mierke, Matthew Schafer, Nicholas Stautberg, Ryan Sullivan, Jason Tobery, Franklin Villing, Anton Vovchenko, Syed Zaidi
Ralph A. Nardini ’77
Ralph A. Nardini ’77
National Signing Day
Vice President’s Message
National Signing Day December 9, 2025
August Betz - Rollins College - Lacrosse
Braden Bricking - Ohio Northern University - Baseball
Ja’Kobe Clapper - University of Notre Dame - Football
Carson Dwyer - Georgetown University - Tennis
Dom Ellis - Indiana University - Cross Country
Chase Grisi - University of Minnesota - Swimming
Alex Nixon - Holy Cross College - Swimming
Message from Vice President.
John Piersma - Stanford University - Rowing
Aden Reeder - University of Michigan - Football
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Brayden Reilly - Clemson University - Football
Jack Ryan - Boston College - Baseball
Rowdy Scheer - University of Delaware - Lacrosse
Spencer Stegbauer - Washington & Lee - Lacrosse
Daniel Vollmer - Vanderbilt University - Football
Georgia Aquarium Trip
Congratulations to our student athletes who committed to continue their academic and athletic careers by signing to play athletics in college.
The Marine Biology Club took an unforgettable weekend trip to the Atlanta Aquarium with Mrs. Nardini and Mrs. Donahue, diving in with incredible marine life through scuba and snorkeling adventures.
Christmas Concerts
St. Xavier’s Music Department hosted the annual Christmas Concerts in early December. A special thank you to the Bands, Choirs & Strings who brought the joy of the holidays to life!
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp
The Benny the Bomber Entrepreneurship & Innovation Boot Camp was a huge success on October 24 and 25! Over the course of two action-packed days, eighth-grade boys from across the region experienced what it means to think like an entrepreneur. Hosted by St. Xavier High School’s Leo H. Gerbus ’53 Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, students worked in teams to identify real-world problems, develop creative solutions, and pitch their ideas to a panel of judges.
The camp blended hands-on learning, teamwork, and innovation, all guided by St. X’s Servant Leadership model. Campers also enjoyed campus tours, interactive workshops, and a taste of Bomber Brotherhood that makes St. Xavier such a special place.
Ralph A. Nardini ’77
St. Francis Xavier's Feast Day with XJA
Vice President’s Message
On December 3, St. Xavier High School celebrated the Feast Day of St. Francis Xavier with Mass and were joined by the students, faculty, and staff of Xavier Jesuit Academy. Following Mass, Xavier Jesuit Academy students stayed to enjoy pizza with some of our St. Xavier students. Fr. Damian Torres-Botello SJ, from Xavier University, also joined us to celebrate Mass
New Hoop House
Message from Vice President.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Designed and built by a student team led by the Environmental Action Committee, the new hoop house will enable students to propagate locally collected native seeds and develop a diverse collection of native plants for use on campus and in the community. These plants will be used to provide habitat, shelter, and food for native species and further Jesuit Universal Apostolic Preference of Caring for Our Common Home.
Ignatian Family Teach-in for Justice
In mid-November, the Ignatian Family Teach-in for Justice/Advocacy Club traveled to Washington D.C. for the 2025 Ignatian Family Teach-in for Justice. This is a conference that brings together high school and university students from across the nation to explore issues on a broader basis and empower young people to use their voices to advocate for policy changes to address their concerns. The students participated in meetings with federal, state, and local elected officials to advocate for policies that better support vulnerable populations as well as our environment.
Mental Wellness Week
This past fall, St. Xavier High School and Elder High School came together to promote mental wellness and unity among students. On September 24, St. X students visited Elder to hear nationally recognized motivational speaker Nick Jackson and collaborate with their peers on ideas for a Sources of Strength event. The following day, Elder students joined the St. X community as Nick delivered his powerful message of hope, connection, and mental health on campus. The partnership culminated in a Mental Wellness Night during a soccer and football doubleheader, where both school communities stood united in support of young men’s mental well-being—proving that even longtime rivals can come together for a greater cause.
Ralph A. Nardini ’77
Ralph A. Nardini ’77 Vice President for Advancment
Christmas Cards
Nine students were invited to present their original Christmas card designs to President Tim Reilly ’76, art teacher Todd Mosley, and Director of Communications Becky Schulte. Each student prepared a professional pitch and shared the inspiration behind their work. From these presentations, three standout designs were selected. Here’s what the students had to say about their drawings.
Vice President’s Message
“Many portrayals of Jesus’ birth show it as peaceful, beautiful, and calm. I wanted to highlight the sheer joy of the occasion—joy so great it brought hosts of angels singing praises to God. My artwork reflects that energy, celebrating the wonder and excitement of this sacred moment.
Message from Vice President.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
I have loved drawing and creating art throughout my life, inspired by my parents, who are both former architects and talented artists. I began taking art more seriously in high school, exploring pencils, colored pencils, markers, and many other mediums. For now, art is a gift I enjoy for fun, but I hope to carry its creativity and joy into everything I do in the future.”
- Urban Owens ’27
Ralph
A. Nardini ’77
Vice President for Advancment
“Inspired by Psalm 46:10, ‘Be still, and know that I am God,’ I created this manger scene to capture the quiet and glory of Jesus’ birth. I wanted to create an image that showed both the humble and still part of the birth of Jesus, and the glory of it. I decided that the manger scene was the best way to depict this. As well, adding Mary praying demonstrates the quiet environment around Jesus' birth.
I’ve always loved art, from pencil drawing in grade school to painting in high school. I am currently in AP drawing and experimenting with charcoals, colored pencils, and paint. While I may pursue engineering, I hope to carry the creativity of art into all I do.”
- James Henry Tebbe ’27
“The inspiration for this artwork came from Psalm 46:10 — “Be still and know that I am God.” I was also drawn to the beauty of Byzantine icons, where Mary and Jesus are always at the center. Through my own style, I wanted to “zoom in” on the quiet, tender love between them while honoring the grace and reverence of traditional Byzantine art.
Art has been part of my life for as long as I can remember — from doodling on scraps of paper to developing my skills through art classes at St. Xavier. I’m especially drawn to pencils and colored pencils, which let me refine and reshape my ideas while showing each unique stroke that builds the final image. Though I don’t plan to pursue art professionally, I find joy and peace in creating. I hope to continue drawing as a lifelong hobby while pursuing a career in architecture or engineering — blending creativity and design in all I do.”
- Joe Mansour ’26
Hispanic Volunteer Day
Each October, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosts Hispanic Volunteer Day. This year, St Xavier’s students participated by visiting Roberts Academy to give back to the community. They spent their day cleaning a vegetable garden.
Ralph A. Nardini ’77
Southwest Ohio Soccer Banquet
Vice President’s Message
On December 9, Jack Sweeney ’27, James McKernan ’27, and Alex Haddad ’26 were honored at the Southwest Ohio Soccer Banquet at TQL Stadium.
Xavier Scholarship Granting Organization
Mothers’ Club Christmas Celebration
The Mothers’ Club Christmas Celebration was nothing short of magical once again this year! Guests enjoyed festive shopping at the Christmas Market, a gourmet holiday-inspired luncheon, a fabulous fashion show, signature cocktails, exciting raffles, and holiday cheer all around. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a huge success and thank you to Mothers’ Club for their constant support of St. Xavier!
Ralph A. Nardini ’77
Vice President for Advancment
It is not too late for the 2025 tax year! The Xavier Scholarship Granting Organization (Xavier-SGO) might be the most exciting tax news you’ve ever received! If you pay Ohio income tax, you can pay less while supporting our Jesuit mission! XAVIER-SGO, a Scholarship Granting Organization, is a charitable organization created by St. Xavier High School to allow our donors to receive an Ohio Income Tax Credit for their contributions to support our mission or the mission of the newly opened Xavier Jesuit Academy. Xavier-SGO has been certified by the State of Ohio as a Scholarship Granting Organization. The Ohio income tax credit (yes, tax credit!) is limited to $750 per individual or $1,500 per joint Ohio tax return. You will need to submit the acknowledgment letter with your State of Ohio taxes.
Visit www.xaviersgo.org to participate. If you have any questions, please contact Ralph Nardini at rnardini@stxavier.org If you have misplaced your tax letter and need a copy, please contact Libby Hodapp at ehodapp@stxavier.org
Alumni
Spotlight
Alumni Spotlights are weekly short features of St. Xavier alums on St. Xavier's social media that celebrate the career, service and/or a personal journey of a member of the Long Blue Line. They include a few photos, a biography and quotes/reflections since graduation from St. X. They are a simple way for alumni to share their story and stay involved.
Participating in an Alumni Spotlight can inspire current students, connect with the St. X community, showcase a career, and expand professional visibility. We would love to feature you!
SCAN THE QR CODE TO SEND US YOUR SPOTLIGHT TODAY!
Vice President’s Message
St. Xavier's Fine Arts Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Among St. Xavier's many traditions are the outstanding fine arts programs. The following inductees were chosen because of their contributions and accomplishments in theater, music, writing, and visual arts, and graduated at least 10 years before our induction event.
The 2026 event inductees:
Message from Vice President.
Julie Beckman - Theatre
Jessica Hendy - Theatre
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Francois Lopez-Ferrer '08 - Music
Joe Moeller '07 - Theatre
Jay Moriarty '64 - Literature
Ann Yee - Theatre
Friday, May 1, 2026, 6 p.m.
Tickets available beginning March 1, 2025
The Change of Seasons
Fall is in the air, and nothing says autumn quite like colorful leaves—and a table full of fresh flowers! The Alumni Parents’ Club kicked off the season on October 9 with a lively and hands-on flower-arranging event. Alumni parents gathered at The Pines, generously hosted by alumni parent Christine Lynch, to browse and select unique gifts for themselves and loved ones. Then it was next door to Flowers by Shannon, owned by alumni parent Shannon Stautberg, where everyone rolled up their sleeves to design their own gorgeous fall arrangements. The best part? Each participant got to take home their creation, bringing a personal touch of autumn into their own home.
Joining the Alumni Parents’ Club is a wonderful way to stay connected! Members receive four exclusive invitations each year to meet fellow alumni parents, reminisce about your sons’ St. X years, and make new friends. Barb Meehan and Christine Neitzke are co-presidents for the 2025–26 year. Mark your calendar for upcoming events: Ash Wednesday Day of Reflection on February 18, and St. X Baseball in April 2026. Whether you’re looking for reflection, celebration, or just plain fun, there’s something for everyone.
For questions about membership or to join, contact Kathryn Dierckes at kdierckes@stxavier.org Don’t miss out on this vibrant, welcoming community of alumni parents!
Introducing the New Torii Gate!
St. Xavier's Build Something Big Club completed their first project on Spirit Day by installing a torii gate at the entrance to the St. X Nature Trail. The Build Something Big Club dedicated over 100 hours towards designing, fabricating, and erecting the torii gate using traditional Japanese methods, meaning it was impressively constructed with very few screws and nails. The torii gate is made of red oak wood provided by an anonymous donor, and the finished product weighed close to 1000 pounds. Ingrained on the main beam is Psalm 46:10, which reads, “Be still, and know that I am God,” which conveys the cultural purpose of a Japanese torii gate: to mark a sacred space that connects the real world with the divine. When one absorbs the beauty of nature in stillness, they are able to experience the divine presence of God in the natural world.
Scan the QR Code for more information
Ralph A. Nardini ’77
Ralph A. Nardini ’77 Vice President for Advancment
Vice President’s Message
Career ConneXions: Inspiring the Next Generation of the Long Blue Line
This semester, Career ConneXions continued its mission of connecting St. Xavier students with volunteers who provide real-world career exploration experiences. These opportunities help young men gain confidence in choosing a college major and profession that aligns with their passions and talents.
Message from Vice President.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Pat Connaughton Jr. ’06, Senior Design Engineer at Colibrium Additive, a GE Aerospace Company, exemplifies what it means to give back. In addition to serving on the St. Xavier Board of Trustees and the Career ConneXions Advisory Board, Pat hosts job shadow experiences for students interested in engineering. During these sessions, students dive into concepts such as simulation, mechanical design, software development, manufacturing, computer-aided design, and lifecycle management.
Pat shared his perspective on mentoring through Career ConneXions: “The most gratifying part of helping students is the genuine appreciation you receive. It’s clear you’re making a real impact—they hang on your every word, ask thoughtful questions, and take notes. Their gratitude reinforces that they recognize the value you’re providing and will leverage these experiences to become phenomenal representatives of the Long Blue Line. It’s an incredibly rewarding way to stay engaged. What you’ll find is that these young men will amaze you—they are so much more capable than you can imagine.”
Class of ’76 50th Class Reunion!
Thursday, May 28 –Saturday, May 30, 2026
Mark your calendars and be prepared for a great weekend of fun and storytelling of the glory days on North Bend Road! We look forward to seeing you in May!
Questions? Please contact Mike Mullally, Director of Alumni Relations, at mmullally@stxavier.org or 513-761-7815 ext. 155.
Or for more information about the Class of 1976 Reunion weekend, go to www.stxavier.org/1976reunion
We also spoke with Kristin Lenhart, mother of Jack ’29 and Partner at Dinsmore & Shohl, who began volunteering with Career ConneXions this year. One of Kristin’s many responsibilities at her firm is interviewing candidates for attorney positions—a skill she brings to St. Xavier through our Career ConneXions Workshops Students dedicate a lunch period to work one-on-one with professionals like Kristin, walking away with a polished résumé, a LinkedIn profile, and actionable feedback to help them shine in college interviews, internships, and part-time job searches.
Ralph A. Nardini ’77 Vice President for Advancment
Kristin reflected on her experience:
“Helping out was such an uplifting experience. Thanks to Career ConneXions and the network of St. X parents and supporters, the career services these students can access as high schoolers are truly top-notch! When it comes to interview skills, I honestly couldn’t tell much difference between a high school junior and the second-year law students I frequently interview.”
Join Connaughton, Lenhart, and many others in inspiring and guiding the next generation—one student at a time. To learn more or get involved, contact Aleth Rhoades, Director of Career ConneXions, for details (arhoades@stxavier.org).
The Class of ’76 Reunion Planning Committee is proud to announce the kick-off to their 50th Class Reunion scheduled for May 28-30, 2026. This three-day celebration for the class will take place at various venues and include the following events:
Thursday, May 28th - Alumni Only
6:00-8:00pm Graduation Procession and Alumni Social at the Cintas Center
8:00-11:00pm Class Social at Braxton Brewing in Norwood
Friday, May 29th - Alumni Only
11:00am Golf Outing at Sharon Woods Golf Course (Straight Tee Times)
5:00-10:00pm Stag Social at St. Xavier High School in the Reynolds Room
Saturday, May 30th - Couples
9:30am-12:30pm* Pickleball Social at The Pickle Lodge at Lunken Landing 4:00-5:00pm Class Mass at St. Francis Xavier Church - Downtown
5:30-11:00pm Class Reception and Dinner at the Cincinnati Marriott at River Center in Covington *subject to change
A very special thank you to the Class of ’76 Reunion Planning Committee Greg Greiwe - Chair, Bob Carroll - Co-Chair Tim Reilly, Pat Fischer, Rick Friedmann, Mike
Ralph A. Nardini ’77
Bachman, Orest Melnyk, Hal Franke, Jeff Whelan, Brian Ross
Vice President’s Message
Each August, young men arrive at St. Xavier High School from dozens of grade schools, suddenly responsible for new classes, new expectations, and a new sense of accountability for their growth. They are learning not only how to manage homework and activities, but how to become Men for Others in a community that asks more of them with each passing year.
Those transitions do not end after freshman year. Every promotion in responsibility, from leading retreats to captaining teams or clubs, invites our students to trust that God is at work in their changing lives. By senior year, they can look back and see how every small “yes” to growth has slowly formed them into the leaders our mission envisions.
St. Xavier High School itself is always in motion, rooted in Jesuit tradition yet constantly responding to the needs of students, families, and the wider Church. New programs, updated facilities, and an ever-expanding network of alumni and friends are signs that the Spirit keeps nudging this community forward.
In the Advancement Office, that movement takes the form of relationships—conversations with alumni, parents, and benefactors who believe in what this school is becoming. Their generosity sustains scholarships, spiritual formation, and the everyday experiences that make the St. X journey possible for each student.
This year marks a personal transition as well, as I step back into the role of Vice President for Advancement. It is a humbling grace to return to this role, to once again accompany our community of supporters who love St. Xavier and want to secure its future.
Re-entering the role has invited fresh discernment: how to listen more deeply, lead more collaboratively, and keep the mission of forming young men at the center of every decision. Just as our students learn to navigate new hallways and new expectations, I, too, am learning again how to walk these familiar corridors with renewed purpose.
This transition would not be complete without profound gratitude for Tony Schad ’81, who has served St. Xavier High School for 21 years and has led the Advancement efforts for the past decade. Over those years, Tony has helped weave a remarkable tapestry of relationships—with alumni, parents, and friends—rooted in a deep love for this school and its mission.
His leadership has strengthened the foundation on which future generations will stand, ensuring that the transformative experience of a St. X education remains accessible and vibrant. As Tony retires, the community gives thanks for his steadfast commitment, his tireless energy, and his enduring belief in the young men of St. Xavier.
Advent is the Church’s great season of holy transition, a time of waiting between what God has already done and what God has yet to reveal. It is a reminder that we live “between the times,” called to be faithful stewards of the people and responsibilities entrusted to us.
This Advent, the transitions at St. X—our students growing into new roles, the school evolving to meet new needs, Tony stepping into a well-earned retirement, and my own return to lead Advancement— feel held within that sacred waiting. In all of it, there is gratitude for what has been, hope for what will be, and deep trust that God is quietly guiding every step of our journey together.
Ralph A. Nardini ’77 Vice President for Advancment
Ralph A. Nardini ’77
Securing the Next Era of St. Xavier High School
Standing on the campus of St. Xavier High School today, you can feel the weight of history in every brick and hallway. Since 1959, when the current building, then considered state of the art, rose from the fields of Finneytown and welcomed its first students in the fall of 1960, this school has been the heartbeat of the St. X community. For 65 years, it has shaped generations of young men and quietly witnessed state championships, school liturgies, lifelong friendships, and countless everyday moments that define a St. X education.
But as much as we treasure our history, we must also face the realities of time.
Behind the familiar walls and well-kept classrooms, the original infrastructure of the building is nearing the end of its life. Visitors regularly remark how good the school looks, a testament to the dedication and skill of our facilities team. Yet the systems hidden from view tell a different story. The plumbing and mechanical systems—many of them still original to 1959—are failing. Since the President’s Dinner alone, two major pipes have burst, demanding emergency repairs and underscoring a growing concern: simply patching and fixing is no longer sustainable.
After months of thorough evaluation, analysis, and consultation, one truth has become clear. To honor our responsibility as stewards of St. Xavier’s future, it will be more cost-effective—and far more sustainable—to rebuild the original portions of the building than to continue to renovate aging systems. This is not a decision made quickly or lightly. It is the result of careful discernment, rooted in our Jesuit commitment to wisdom, prudence, and the long view, an approach similar to our predecessors in the 1950's.
Working closely with architects, planners, and educational leaders, St. Xavier High School is now envisioning a phased construction project that will allow classes and student life to continue uninterrupted. As we approach the beginning of our third century, the vision is not simply to replace what is old, but to design a school that will serve St. X students for the next 65 years and beyond. Thoughtful planning is guiding every decision, from classroom layout and collaborative learning spaces to campus safety and environmental sustainability.
The new St. Xavier will do more than update a building; it will deepen our mission. Modern, flexible spaces will help us more effectively support the educational and spiritual growth of the young men entrusted to our care. Enhanced spaces for reflection and prayer, and areas designed for collaboration and service, will all reflect who we are as a Jesuit school—formed by tradition, focused on the future, and committed to educating “Men for Others.”
Throughout its history, Jesuit education has stood at the forefront of secondary schooling, adapting to the needs of each era while remaining grounded in enduring values. This project aims to be a model of that same forward-thinking spirit: a campus that exemplifies academic excellence, spiritual formation, and responsible stewardship of resources and creation.
Bringing this vision to life, however, will require more than architectural plans and construction crews. It will call upon the strength of the Long Blue Line—our alumni, parents, and friends who know firsthand the power of a St. X education. Transformational gifts from this community will make it possible to move from aspiration to reality. Each contribution, no matter the size, becomes part of a larger legacy: ensuring that future generations of Bombers can experience the same spirit, faith, and excellence that have defined St. Xavier for nearly two centuries.
At St. X, we do not plan merely for the next school year or the next decade. We plan for the young men we have yet to meet—for students who will arrive on campus long after today’s seniors have become alumni themselves. This rebuild is more than a construction project; it is an investment in the spirit, education, and mission that define who we are.
Just as previous generations had the courage and foresight to move St. Xavier from its downtown campus to our current Finneytown home, we now inherit a similar responsibility and privilege. As we approach the celebration of our 200th anniversary in 2031, we are called to prepare the foundation—literally and figuratively—for the next era of St. Xavier excellence.
The walls may change. The wiring and pipes will be new. But the heart of St. X—the formation of young men in faith, intellect, and service—will remain constant. In rebuilding our school, we are not leaving our history behind. We are building on it, so that the story of St. Xavier High School can continue to unfold for generations to come.
To hear more about our needs for the future and to discuss how you might be able to help in a transformative way, please reach out to Ralph Nardini at rnardini@stxavier.org or 513-618-3233
JOIN US FOR X-Travaganza 2026!
A St. Xavier tradition for more than 50 years, X-Travaganza brings parents, alumni, and friends together through a year-long series of events that celebrate community and support our mission. Proceeds from all events directly benefit every St. Xavier student, funding educational programs and co-curricular experiences that help form Men for Others
Make your X-Travaganza reservations and purchase Grand Raffle Tickets online at www.stxavier.org/xtrav or scan the QR Code here:
SAVE THE DATE
X-Travaganza Golf Outing May 18, 2026 At Oasis Golf Club For more information: www.stxavier.org/xtravgolfouting
Our committees are busy planning X-Travaganza 2026: Viva Las VegaX. You will want to be in attendance because what happens at Viva Las VegaX STAYS at Viva Las VegaX!
The Online Silent Auction opens Sunday, March 1, 2026 and closes Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 9 p.m. This allows everyone an opportunity to bid on an array of items posted online. JACKPOT!
The main event, Viva Las VegaX, takes place on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Mass will be held in the chapel at 5 p.m. with the dinner auction in the Berning Gym. Here’s the Deal…come see for yourself how the Ellis Lobby and gyms are transformed into the City That Never Sleeps!
Let the Good Times Roll with a variety of raffles, cocktails, and appetizers as you browse the “in the room” Silent Auction items on display. Only guests in attendance at X-Travaganza that evening will be able to bid on these special items. This year we will again offer an X-citing limited edition X item for purchase at the event. Don’t Go Bust and miss your chance!
The Grand Raffle drawing for cash prizes of $20,000, $10,000 and $5000 brings an exciting start to the delicious sit-down meal, with the fast-moving Live Auction starting at 7:30 p.m. The X-ceptional items up for auction include a bottle of 20-year-old Double Eagle Very Rare Bourbon, a Spring Break trip for 12 to Gulf Shores, a trip for two to Las Vegas with tickets to The Sphere, TWO opportunities for a suite to watch the Reds, a private wine tasting for two in Napa, a three-bedroom condo for one week in Maui, and MORE! You will want to raise your paddle for sure – Bet On It! X-Travaganza 2026 Chairs – Mark ’91 and Sue Ryan – promise a night you won’t soon forget!
The X-Travaganza Team is grateful to the hundreds of volunteers, gift gathering party hosts, donors and sponsors whose countless hours make these unforgettable events possible. This collective generosity and enthusiasm creates a unique opportunity for fun AND purpose – with proceeds benefiting all the young men of St. Xavier.
Your ongoing support of X-Travaganza – whether being a part of an event, purchasing Grand Raffle tickets, donating gifts for the auctions, volunteering or numerous other roles – fulfills the long-standing tradition of student support by the St. X community and The Long Blue Line.
Student Spotlight
Johan Trajano ’26
Johan Trajano has made the most of every opportunity St. Xavier offers—and then some. Involved in everything from athletics and the arts to service, leadership, and academics, Johan’s experience reflects a student who has fully embraced the chance to explore his interests, serve others, and grow into himself. His long list of activities includes being part of Ensemble X/X-Men, Mock Trial, Track and Field 100m Sprinter, Theatre Xavier, Boxing Club, Chinese Club/Asian Pacific Alliance, Math Club, Jazz Band, Big Brothers Service, Peer Tutoring, Emmaus Retreat Group leader, Liturgical Music, Student Ambassador/XACT, Sources of Strength, Hands Across Campus, and a Writing Center Volunteer. Through his wide-ranging commitments, he has found both his voice and his place within the St. Xavier community. Read below to see how these experiences have shaped his journey and what it means to truly belong at St. Xavier.
Where did you go to grade school?
Why did you decide to attend St. Xavier?
I went to St. Susanna in Mason, Ohio—go Titans! Through my brother Nathan Trajano ’19, I attended the Hands Across Campus’s annual Taste of Diversity celebration and got to participate in Theatre Xavier as “Little Henry” in TX’s rendition of It’s A Wonderful Life as a grade schooler! I was honed in on St. X since grade school because I had so much exposure to all the fun things they had to offer, from cultural food potluck celebrations to performing in Broadway-like theatre productions.
What advice would you give to a freshman?
Give in to what St. X offers! Some things may seem boring or overwhelming, but trust me, your tuition money is being spent intentionally to develop you to become your best self. Most of my tuition is covered because of St. X’s tuition assistance, but the experiences that St. X has given me are priceless. Take it from someone who’s been all around the school, involved in pretty much every sector of the building. St. X does a great job of giving you opportunities to become your best self, but that can’t happen unless you say yes. Some of those things include going on Kairos, a service mission trip, or joining a new club you’ve always thought about trying. I never thought I’d be playing a sport or being religious, but here I am senior year having participated in boxing and track, led multiple retreats, and cantered for all-school Masses. What is optional is another opportunity.
What is your favorite memory/experience at St. X?
Taking Chinese at St. X was a fun experience I wasn’t expecting to have at St. X! There’s only one section of Chinese for each level with about 20 students in each, and as you progress in levels, you’re with the same students whom you took Chinese with the previous year. Chinese is one of the most difficult languages to learn, but Mrs. Yuan does a great job teaching it to English speakers. Of course, the class has your typical tests and homework assignments that we all somewhat dread, but what made the class special was the culture we created. Learning Chinese was fun with group projects of running around the classroom to translate Chinese proverbs on the wall and Gimkits that reward correct translations and encourage friendly sabotage to fellow classmates. We grew closer to each other and Mrs. Yuan over the years learning about each other through the Chinese culture.
What is the St. Xavier Advantage?
It’s living in the culture of the Long Blue Line! As Men for Others, we foster a culture of making service a top priority, even though it’s not required. Pretty much all Bombers do some kind of service because we understand how it’s not only fun, but it bridges connection across the St. X community and Greater Cincinnati through meaningful work like Special Olympics or Big Brothers. Another part of our culture includes being a college-prep school. In Mrs. McLaughlin’s Scriptures class, I learned it’s striving for the “magis,” meaning more. St. X is rigorous all-around—academics, extracurriculars, sports—but it’s critical and formative for each Bomber’s pathway to success. Many of my alumni friends have talked about how thankful they are for how St. X prepared them for college, and college felt easier than St. X for many alumni. As we join the Long Blue Line, we are privileged with mentorship that develops maturity, resilience, and passion.
Anything else we should share about you?
One more piece of unsolicited advice I learned at St. X: tell someone you love them! Whether you’re an incoming freshman in high school or already working a 9-5, our lives just keep getting busier. But DON’T let that get in the way of your relationships with others. DON’T forget who helped you get to the success you’ve found, whether that’s your parents, friends, or other community support. DO express gratitude and DO make time for the people who are important in your life! That is one of the most important things I’ve learned at St. X. This school is special because it pushes you to become your best self in every single aspect. Whether it’s because of Mr. Beluan’s rigorous Precalculus class or Mrs. Collins’s advice in World Religions, I like to think I’ve grown to become a strong student, mentor, brother, and son.
I love you mom!
excerpts from the ARCHIVES
Nicholas Kemper ’06, Archivist
The winter of 1976-1977 was particularly brutal. Frigid air blanketed much of the United States for months, causing subzero temperatures to become the new normal. Compounding the problem was a severe shortage of natural gas, used as a heat source for many schools, homes, and companies. Cutbacks became common, and numerous businesses were forced to close, at least temporarily.
As a major consumer of fuel in the city, St. Xavier was not immune to this crisis. The school used significant amounts of natural gas to heat both the building and the pool, and it was only a matter of time before a shutdown order arrived. On January 27, 1977, St. X President Paul Borgmann, S.J. received notice that St. X was to close and lower all its thermostats to between 40° and 45°.
Unable to educate students in Finneytown, school officials came up with a novel solution: students would instead attend class downtown at the Mabley and Carew department store on Fountain Square. Mr. J. Edward Murray, president of the company and father to St. X sophomore Steve Murray ’79, graciously allowed available store space to be used for the purposes of education. For the first time in almost twenty years, St. Xavier would once again have a downtown campus.
On Thursday, February 3, freshmen and seniors first reported to St. Xavier Church. Following Mass and announcements, they made the short walk to Mabley and Carew. Sophomores and juniors came the following day, and the same alternating schedule was to repeat until the Finneytown campus could be reopened.
The school day began at 9:30 a.m. and continued until 3 p.m. with classes held throughout the building and on multiple levels. A specially designated “St. X Elevator” stopping at floors 1, 8, 9, and 11 was utilized as much as possible, though no more than 15 students could use it at a time. All classes met as usual except for Phys Ed, Typing, and Symphonic Band. Lockers were nonexistent, chairs were scarce, and the floor was reportedly chilly, so students were advised beforehand to sit on their coats and jackets. Finally, the operation of the store was not to be interfered with, and students were expected to be considerate of both employees and customers.
Current faculty member Roger Yauss ’79, then a sophomore, fondly remembers his time at Mabley and Carew. He recalls sitting on the floor in large open rooms with multiple classes being held simultaneously. It was loud but not chaotic, Roger remarked. Easel pads were used in lieu of chalkboards, and to the delight of students, many teachers assigned slightly less homework than usual. The rug department, with its piles of comfortable and colorful shag, was highly sought after as a learning space by students and faculty alike. Despite the suboptimal circumstances, the experience was an exhilarating and enjoyable one for Roger and his classmates.
Eventually, after consulting with parents, faculty members, and officials from CG&E, school administrators decided that students could once again return to the familiar confines of the Finneytown Hilton effective February 9.
Although the resurrection of the “downtown campus” did not last long and came with its own challenges and limitations, this unique experience demonstrated the school’s remarkable ability to adapt and endure in the face of adversity. For a brief but unforgettable stretch of winter, St. X found a temporary second home at a department store in the heart of Cincinnati. As noted in a handout given to students at the time, it would be an adventure worth telling their grandchildren one day.
Faculty Focus
Ed Nardini
For more than two decades, Coach and faculty member Ed Nardini helped shape the St. Xavier experience for countless young men. Retiring this past fall after 22 years as head coach of the freshman football team, Coach Nardini approached his role as both an educator and mentor, forming students in character as much as competition. In the following Q&A, he shares reflections on his career, his students, and what it has meant to serve at St. Xavier.
Over your years coaching freshman football at St. Xavier, what are some of your favorite moments?
It is difficult to list just a few of my favorite moments, but I will try.
• In 2004, beating Elder in overtime and in the celebration with the players afterwards, I broke my expensive prescription sunglasses. I ended up using those glasses as a prop in my end-of-game talk and in my pre-game talk the next week. Those broken glasses served as a way to get the team motivated to win the next game. And, needless to say, we ended up winning the GCL that year!
• I believe it was 2009, we were beating LaSalle for most of the game, until they scored a touchdown to take the lead by six with a few seconds left in the game. They kicked off to us, and our returner, Cameron Dunn, returned the kickoff for a touchdown. With no time remaining, we kicked the extra point to win the game.
• I have many more, but without a doubt, my favorite moments happen each year while watching the group of 90-100+ players begin to “Get It”, the St. Xavier Mission, that is, and then to put that Mission into routine practice and life by “Playing as a Team and a Family” by the end of the season. This has always been how I measure a Winning vs. a Losing season! Wins and losses didn’t matter as much as the players “Getting It!” In my eyes, I had 22 winning seasons as a Head Coach.
How have you seen young athletes grow not just as players, but as students during their first year in the program?
I’m not sure how to answer this question! Every year, I tell each team on August 1 that they are still 8th graders. And, with amazement, these 8th graders start turning into young men within two months. To hear the parents talk about the maturity, the thoughtfulness, the gratitude, the love that their son is starting to show, tells me that the Freshman Coaching staff is doing their job and doing it well. It’s not me! It is the Coaching Staff and the parents. How do I see the young athletes grow into Student-Athletes? I get to see some of them in my classroom, but also hear the good news from their teachers. The Freshman Coaches all emphasize that if you cannot make it in the classroom, you will not make it on the field. A student athlete is a student first.
In what ways did you intentionally weave St. Xavier’s mission into your coaching approach, and what lessons do you hope your players carry with them long after they leave the freshman field?
I hope I have modeled the St. Xavier mission in my actions, as well as my coaching staff has always modeled. My staff inspires me and I am so grateful that the St. X players get to learn from them. The coaching staff prioritizes relationships, and having faculty and alumni on this staff, giving of their time, talents, love, and effort, adds another level to the extra-curricular classroom. Every year, I hope the freshmen come away with knowing we are all part of something much bigger than ourselves. I hope they see that “It’s not about ‘me’ (the individual player), it’s about the much bigger picture (the team, the classroom, the community).” As freshmen enter high school, they typically still think as 8th graders and that the world revolves around them. They can have the mentality that “it is all about me!”, so I always hope that they will come to understand that “it’s not all about me!” Additionally, life is challenging, and like all people, these student athletes will inevitably face adversity. I hope they will understand the importance of facing that adversity eye-to-eye and leaning on others.
As you retire from coaching, what will you miss most about working with St. X students, and what are you most proud to have contributed to the school’s mission and tradition?
I will miss watching the “Wide-Eyed” freshmen coming in on August 1 and watching them transform as the season unfolds! I will miss the freshmen trying to figure out how they fit within the team dynamics. I will miss the fight and will to succeed in their efforts. I will miss watching the Freshmen figure out what it means to be a St. Xavier student-athlete! I can only hope that I have contributed to the school’s mission and tradition. St. X and the Long Blue Line are larger than life. I hope the players understand this and understand how many members of the Long Blue Line have come before them, love them, cheer for them, pray for them, and will come after them.
I have been blessed to have been coaching for 27 seasons! If you had told me after my playing days at St. X and Northeastern that I would be coaching, let alone be a head coach for a freshman football team for 22 years, I would have said “you’re nuts!” When I witnessed the positive growth and maturity of the first group of players, like Greg Cash ’03, I started to think coaching and teaching could be a path for me that I had never considered previously. I have a lot of people to THANK: the coaches who have coached me throughout my career; the coaches I have coached with; Principal Mueller, Coach Rasso, and Coach Specht for taking a chance on me. I especially have to thank all of the freshmen that I have had the privilege of coaching throughout my career. I have learned as much, if not more, from them as they have from me.
Title Subtitle News from the Long Blue Line
Alumni X-Cerpts
60’s 90’s 20’s
Branimir Ivan Sikic, M.D. ’64 received an honorary doctorate degree (Ph.D. honoris causa) from the University of Zagreb on November 26, 2025. This was in recognition of his many contributions to science and medicine in Croatia. He is the 104th awardee, who include Nikola Tesla, Margaret Thatcher, William J. Perry and three Croatian Nobel laureates in Chemistry. Dr. Sikic is Professor Emeritus of Medicine at Stanford University, Stanford, California.
A Book of Life by Ron Stegman was published in May of 2025. Ron taught religion at St. Xavier for 40 years and over 2,000 alumni have been to his log house, which is central to the themes within his book.
Ron gathered stories of life, love, and relationships from his own experiences and listening to others for 50 years. These stories developed into A Book of Life. Many of these were gathered from the classes and mission trips he led during his time at St. Xavier. These stories will move you to feel more deeply, bring you to think about and appreciate your experiences, and come to a greater understanding of life within and around you.
A Book of Life can be found on Amazon, VitalityBuzz.org, and other online book retailers.
Keith O’Brien ’91 has a new book coming out in February entitled Heartland.
Joe Lanni ’96 was honored with the Matteo Ricci SJ Award at the St. Xavier High School Leo H. Gerbus ’53 Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation’s annual dinner on September 25. The award, named for the 16th-century Jesuit missionary and scholar, recognizes St. X alumni who have been exemplary in their engagement with entrepreneurship students at St. Xavier.
Kobe Rodgers '21 helped lead Division II Nova Southeastern to a perfect 36-0 season and a national title. He was a starter and a steady presence on a team that never lost. Now, he's a senior at Louisville. Fully healthy and ready to play in a competitive game for the first time in 19 months. Ready to contribute in a new league, at a new level, under a familiar coach.
Tyler Goodall ’23, Midshipman 1st Class, has been selected as a Navy pilot and currently serves as a platoon leader for the midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy. Congratulations!
Rob Whitehouse ’22 graduated last year from The Naval Academy in 2026 and now is in the Basic School for the Marine Corps. His parents are Rob and Tammy.
WEDDINGS
FOX
Charlie Fox ’15 was surrounded by many of his fellow Bombers at his wedding.
DOMBROWSKI
Tim Dombrowski ’14 married Corinne on May 30, 2025. He was joined in celebration by his brothers, Chris ’08 (right) and Matt ’10 (left).
HALL
A wedding rich in Indian tradition brought a group of St. Xavier alumni back together in Cincinnati to celebrate David Hall ’07. From cross country to football to soccer, the Long Blue Line showed up in style.
Pictured L–R: John Brumm ’07, David Frey ’07, Stephen Mackey ’08, David Hall ’07, Sam Michel ’07, Matt Freese ’07, Spencer Eisley ’07.
MARTINI
Robert Martini ’14 married Jennifer Nguyen on October 12, 2025. Pictured here are Robert and friends from the Class of 2014.
BIRTHS
WULF
Audrey Josephine Wulf was born on June 11, 2025. Congratulations to Matt ’09 and Abbey (Duncan) Wulf!
IN MEMORIAM
1967 Michael BATTERSBY
1956 John BEITING
1967 Daniel BURKE
1952 John CUSTER
1958 Robert DIECKMAN
1958 Gerard DREILING
1962 James GELS
1953 Richard HOCKS
1963 Robert KOCH
1967 Richard KRIDER
1956 Joseph MCCLURE
1962 Michael REAGAN
1958 Timothy SAVAGE
1952 Charles SCHARE
1962 Jerome SCHUERMANN
1953 Thomas WERNER
1957 Paul ZOOK
1952 Robert ZURENKO
2001 John ELFERS
X-Peditions
On the globe, the Long Blue Line is the equator. In St. X parlance, the Long Blue Line of alumni and student body appears all over the globe. Bomber blue turns up all over the map and we want the evidence. Send us your pictures wearing St. Xavier High School gear or hoisting a copy of a St. Xavier magazine at an exotic locale or local landmark. Maybe a picture of Bombers at the Pyramids of Egypt or posing at the Pit. Either way, let us know where you’ve been displaying your X pride. Send your high-resolution digital images to Gavin Vargas at gvargas@stxavier.org, fill out the online form at www.stxavier.org/xpedition, mail the form to St. Xavier High School (Magazine), 600 W. North Bend Road, Cincinnati, OH 45224, or scan the QR code on page 24.
1. Will Herrmann '21 graduated from The Ohio State University in December 2024, and in March 2025 he began his Appalachian Trail thru hike, hiking 2200 miles from Georgia to Maine and finishing in August 2025. He is now returning to his aviation career and is working toward the completion of his commercial pilot's certificate.
2. Cedric Thompson ’91 and Dr. Michael Canos ’91 met up in north Atlanta in October 2025.
3. On August 4, retired faculty member Mike Marchal joined Seattle-area alumni for dinner at Nomadic Restaurant. 4. TJ Jagoditz ’99 and Rich Curry ’99 attended the Oasis concert in Edinburgh, Scotland. 5. Cousins John Spencer ’77, Tim Mackey ’78, and Paul Harmeier at their September fishing trip in Bozeman, Montana.
1. In August, Gunnar Peterson ’27, Steve Rabe ’68, and Bill Ernst ’95 were in Milton Keyes, England to see Bill’s wife Christina Bianco perform as the narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. 2. Larry Bethel ’88, Mike Bethel ’87, Steve Seger ’88 and Jamie Weist ’88 got together at the first Bengals game of the year. 3. Greg Miller ’07 and Andrew Kalthoff ’07 at the Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle’s Nest) in Berchtesgaden, Germany, part of their trip to Oktoberfest in Munich 2025. 4. John Lefevre ’87 and Jim Lefevre ’85 cheered on Jim’s nephew Maxwell Ottaway ’27 and the Bombers as they defeated St. Ignatius in Cleveland. 5. Derek Seifert ’16 graduated from Xavier University with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. 6. Tom Robinson '03 and son, Thomas Paul Robinson, in Stockholm, Sweden in front of the Nobel Prize Museum. 7. Justinian Mason ’09 in Tokyo, Japan where he attended the World Athletics Championships. 8. Derek Seifert ’16 at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in France with Bonnie and Allen S., and RN Anneliese G., with North American Lourdes Volunteers.
1. On September 16, 2025, Seattle alumni and their guests gathered at the Seattle Yacht Club for fellowship with each other and dinner with St. X President Tim Reilly ’76. 2. Dick ’66, Michael ’00, and Andy ’97 Felger visited Normandy and Mont Saint Michelle. 3. Andrew Andsager ’22, Harry Albach ’22, Matt Dupps ’22, Jack Rhoades ’22, and Jackson Davidson ’23 enjoying time together before the Alabama vs. Georgia football game. 4. The Chicago Alumni Golf Outing was played at Sunset Valley Golf Course on Saturday, October 4. 5. Aidan Kelley ’16 qualified for and completed the Boston Marathon this past spring. There to support him were his brother Noah ’15 and his dad Sean ’83. 6. Sandy Healey-Wenhold, a staff member at the St. Xavier switchboard, and a friend recently vacationed in Ponte Vedra, Florida where they found palm trees that made an X. 7. Adam Serraino ’99, Dave Bareswilt ’99, and Tony Brinck ’99 celebrate a tailgate before Brennan Bareswilt's ’22 Centre Football Game against Southwestern in Danville, KY in October. 8. The Class of 1973 had a luncheon at The Wiedemann Brewery on September 17. 9. The Dallas Alumni Chapter welcomed St. X President Tim Reilly ’76 and President Emeritus Bill Verbryke, SJ ’71 to its chapter dinner on October 20 at The Clubs of Prestonwood - The Hills.
1. Hank Stickley ’82, Joe Linz ’69, and Art Bender ’69 celebrated X at Lake Martin, Alabama. 2. The Class of 1975 at their October lunch at Hofbräuhaus.
3. The Class of 1971 met for lunch on October 31 at Wiedeman Brewery in St. Bernard. 4. Robert Strub ’92 hosted members of the Class of 1992.
5. Dominic Cafeo ’93, owner of Jefferson Social at The Banks in Cincinnati, gets ready to fly the Bomber flag before the November 21 regional final game at Paycor Stadium. 6. Max Welker ’15, Alex Welker ’13, and Joseph Welker ’04 celebrating Thanksgiving in Caracas, Venezuela. 7. The annual St. X Mass and Christmas Lunch at Twin Lakes Retirement Community took place on December 3, under the leadership of Jack Wild ’53. Highlights included Mass celebrated by Fr. Bill Verbryke, SJ ’71, a school update by Ralph Nardini ’77 and a lively reunion between Class of 1950 friends Joe Dillhoff and Don Klekamp (pictured in front of the St. X flag). 8 Faculty members George Beluan, Chris Zimmerman, Matt Curoe, Kris Holmes, Mike Haskins, Jim Brower, Denny Perry, and Tom Broe traveled to the Notre Dame vs. Boise State game this fall, hosting a tailgate that drew a strong turnout of St. Xavier graduates currently at ND, along with several Notre Dame alumni who are also proud Bombers. 9. The Class of 1975 lunch group met in December at Yard House
1. Keith O’Brien ’91 and Chris Bollen ’94 were both awarded a 2025 Ohio Book Award! Keith’s book was Charlie Hustle and Chris’ was Havoc. 2. Dan Fagel ’77, was featured in an article, “The Physician’s Prayer,” that appeared in the November 2025 issue of The Catholic Telegraph Magazine. Dan talks about how his faith shaped him into the Doctor he is today. 3. The Class of 1995 gathered together for their 30 year reunion at Mad Tree Brewery. 4. Members of the Class of 1978 got together at the Hyde Park Country Club for a Christmas celebration. 5. Members of the Class of 1968 gathered for a Christmas lunch at Moerlein Lager House. 6. Brothers Sean Copenhaver ’05 with son Carter (2038) and Brandon Copenhaver ’15 with son Cameron (2044) attend a St. Xavier Football game. 7. Brendan Long ’09, Conor Long ’12, and Ryan Long ’09 summitted Long’s Peak (14,259 ft) in Rocky Mountains National Park on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 11 a.m.
X-Peditions
What's up? You can let us know in a variety of ways–send a photo for our X-Peditions feature or tell fellow Bombers about your wedding, a recent move, your latest promotion, a family addition, your retirement or other news via the Alumni X-cerpts pages. Just fill out and send in the form below. We’re looking forward to hearing from you soon…
HOW TO SUBMIT PHOTOS
• Scan the QR code
• Email your submission to Gavin Vargas at gvargas@stxavier.org
• Fill out the online form at www.stxavier.org/xpeditions
• Mail the form to St. Xavier High School (Magazine), 600 W. North Bend
6: First Friday with President Tim Reilly ’76 7: X-Travaganza
10: Class of 1987 Lunch at the Rusty Bucket in Rookwood 11: Class of 1957 lunch 14: Phoenix Alumni Chapter: Reds Spring Training –Contact Ed Franchi for questions (efranchi@stxavier.org)
15: Sophomore Grandparents’ Mass
17: Class of 1959 Lunch
20-28: Theatre Xavier presents Clue
8: Class of 1957 Lunch
14: Class of 1987 Lunch at the Rusty Bucket in Rookwood
19: Freshman Grandparents’ Mass
21: Class of 1959 Lunch
2: Michael Benson Jazz Festival with special guest Christian Howes, internationally acclaimed jazz violinist
2: Student Art Exhibition Opens at St. Xavier 6: Band Spring Concert
7: Men in Black Spring Strings Concert
12: Class of 1987 Lunch at the Rusty Bucket in Rookwood
13: Spring Choir Concert
22: Golden & Then Some Reunion March April 1: Fine Arts Hall of Fame 1: First Friday
18: X-Travaganza Golf Outing
28-30: Class of 1976 50-Year Reunion
29-31: Silent Retreat for Recent Graduates (2022-2026) –Contact Alex Hale S.J. for more information (ahale@stxavier.org)
21: Seattle Alumni Chapter: Reds v. Mariners Outing –Contact Ed Franchi for more information (efranchi@stxavier.org) May July
In Memoriam
The St. Xavier Community was saddened to learn about the passing of Paul Zook ’57. Paul was a former member of the English Department and, along with Dick Klus, was instrumental in the creation of the Advancement, Alumni, and Communications work at St. Xavier. He served the St. Xavier community from 1968 to 2005, and we are deeply grateful for his years of dedication and the many lives he touched.
Please continue to keep Paul and his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.
August 9
Young Alumni Golf Outing at Glenview Golf Course August 24 Alumni Golf Outing at Four Bridges Country Club
600 W. North Bend Road
Cincinnati, OH 45224-1499
www.StXavier.org
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
53 RD X-TRAVAGANZA AUCTION
X-Travaganza 2026
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Proceeds from X-Travaganza benefit ALL St. Xavier students.
Join us, along with our chairs, Mark ′91 and Sue Ryan, for St. Xavier’s 53rd X-Travaganza. This X-cellent event is sure to sell out so don’t wait to grab your tickets to this X-clusive hot spot! Silent Auction, Live Auction, various raffles and the exciting Grand Raffle Drawing for cash prizes of $20,000, $10,000 and $5000 await you at this celebration of The Long Blue Line!
You will not want to miss the Live Auction with over 25 unique items and experiences, including:
• 10-Day Stay in Cape Town, South Africa
• Spring Break for 12 to Gulf Shores
• Private Wine Tasting for two in Napa
• Bottle of 20-year-old Double Eagle Very Rare Bourbon
Live auction begins at 7:30 p.m.
GRAND RAFFLE 2026
Directly benefiting St. Xavier Tuition Assistance. Sponsored by
TICKETS
Tickets available now through Friday, March 6, 2026. Purchase Grand Raffle tickets online at www.stxavier.org/grandraffle or at the QR code here:
Looking for more information? Contact X-Travaganza Director Julie Goshorn at jgoshorn@stxavier.org