Xavier’s SONS
Ken Nolan ’65 and Quinn Lynch ’19 By Shawna Gallagher Vega When Ken Nolan ’65 took Christine Connolly to his senior Military Ball, it signaled the beginning of a lifelong family connection to Xavier. The Nolans married in 1969, shortly after Ken’s graduation from Boston College. They had five daughters, ruling out the possibility of becoming Xavier parents—but the ties binding them to 16th Street remained. “Jim Keenan, S.J. has been our family priest and a true friend, so the connection has been strong,” Nolan said. “In addition, Vin Biagi, S.J. ’67 is also close with us, and of course I have lifelong friends who have been close for the past 50-plus years—Dan Denihan ’65, Brian Kiely ’65, Tim O’Toole ’65, Gerry Slattery ’65, Mike Ford ’63.” Nolan has remained active in Xavier life both as a generous supporter and as a volunteer. In 2010, he joined the Xavier Finance Committee, sharing the expertise he’s gained over a long career as a CPA and financial advisor. In 2012, he began serving on the Board of Trustees—“the best experience,” in his words. Ken and Christine’s 13 grandchildren grew up immersed in Xavier stories and connections. “I remember my grandpa telling me how great of a school it was and how much he loved it when he was there,” his oldest grandchild, Quinn Lynch ’19, recalled. “He also would talk about the hard work he had to do, but how much it helped him prepare for his future.” In 2014, to Nolan’s surprise, his grandson took an interest in attending Xavier. That year’s Open House sealed the deal. “I had never really thought of going to high school in the city since I lived in Long Island,” Lynch said. “I was interested when I saw that the people and environment at Xavier were like no other school I had visited. It was a much more open environment. I felt like I was already a student at Xavier— like I belonged there, because of how welcoming the faculty and students were.” It also helped that Xavier had just added a lacrosse program, — QUINN LYNCH ’19 something Lynch had set his sights on. In May 2017, with his parents (Kevin Lynch and Jenifer Nolan Lynch P’19) and grandparents in the stands, the then-sophomore attacker helped his team win Xavier’s first CHSAA B division lacrosse title. “It means everything to me to attend my grandfather’s alma mater,” Lynch said. “Being at Xavier gives me a great opportunity to grow spiritually while also having the best education possible, and I probably would have never thought to come to Xavier if it wasn’t for him. It has also been a great experience to share the legacy and tradition at events like the Turkey Bowl or even just a lacrosse game.” For his part, Nolan considers his grandson’s enrollment at Xavier an honor: “I hope he comes away with loyal friends and relationships as I was so fortunate Ken Nolan ’65 and to experience.” Quinn Lynch ’19
“ It means everything to me to attend my grandfather’s alma mater.”
10 XAVIER MAGAZINE