Hall of Fame Dinner Honoring Ser vice to God, Xavier, Countr y and Community According to Xavier: Reflections on 150 Years, the “purpose of the Hall of Fame is to honor those who have been outstanding as followers of Christ in the tradition of St. Ignatius Loyola and St. Francis Xavier, and who have been outstanding in the service of God, Xavier, their fellow men and women, their country or civic community.” There are a great many Sons of Xavier who meet these demanding requirements; after much consideration, eight were chosen to be inducted at the 2003 Hall of Fame Dinner.
Xavier cadets, Michael Cherif ’04, Jay Kwon ’05, David Lopez ’04, Petar Mostarac ’04 and Nicholas Bonello ’04
Held on November 21st at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers, the formal event began at 6:30 with cocktails, followed closely by dinner at 7:30. The music of a jazz trio and beautiful maroon and blue floral arrangements complemented the scenic surroundings; the Statue of Liberty and views of the sunset were visible from both water-lined reception rooms and an outdoor patio. The first hour of the event allowed for attendees to mingle and examine past Xavier yearbook photographs, enlarged and displayed on easels. Two photographs sparked guest’s particular interest. The first, a photograph of the 1959 military ball, reveals none other than Martha Stewart as the Queen of the Ball and Bill Carey ’59 as her escort. Xavier President, Father Gatti ’59, is also pictured with his date, one of the princesses! The second photograph, of the 1962 Columbus Day Parade, pictures the Xavier regiment marching proudly past a number of New York’s most prominent politicians. Included among the spectators is President John F. Kennedy, flanked by a veritable who’s who in the 1960’s political scene. The timing for this display was uncanny; the Hall of Fame Dinner, held on November
Ed and Audrey Hawley pose with their son, Dan ’75, Rev. Anthony Aracich, S.J. and Dan’s wife, Mary
Hank Woehling ’55, Jim Tierney ’68 and Mike Tierney ’69
21st, took place as news programs ran headlines on the 40th anniversary of Kennedy’s death, forty years before on November 22, 1963.
the event. He then directed attendees to two large screen presentations, located in opposite corners of the dining hall. As slideshows came to life, displaying pictures, past and present, of life at Xavier, guests enjoyed entrees consisting of balsamic roasted pear salad, grilled tournedos of beef, wood roasted wild mushrooms and sweet potato pudding. Following dinner, chocolate cherry beggar’s purses and good One of the past Xavier yearbook photographs that conversation was on display at the Hall of Fame Dinner showed delighted guests. President John F. Kennedy watching the Xavier
Approximately four hundred guests were present for the posting of the colors, carried out by the Xavier Regimental Color Guard, and the singing of the Star Spangled Banner. Rev. Joseph O’Hare, S.J., past President of Fordham University and regiment in the 1962 Columbus Day Parade Father O’Hare then current member introduced Hon. Edward McLaughlin of Xavier’s Board of Trustees, acted ’63, who presented each nominee as the evening’s emcee, introducing for induction. Sincere and witty Xavier’s Headmaster, Rev. David S. comments alike made their way into Ciancimino, S.J. ’77 who began dinner Judge McLaughlin’s introductions. with a prayer. As names were called, Father Gatti presented a proclamation and Hall Father Gatti welcomed guests and of Fame pin to each newly inducted recognized prior honorees present at Alumnews - Winter 2004
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