Letters to the Editor (continued)

 

(continued from previous page)

Correction on Brockman and Marion Halls
First of all, congratulations and thanks for producing another outstanding issue of Xavier Magazine. I don’t know how you do it, but each succeeding issue is always better than the excellent one preceding it. In the recent issue, I noticed a couple of misstatements. On page 32, regarding Brockman Hall—the article stated it was built in the ‘60s—not correct. I resided in Brockman Hall my senior year, 1956, which I believe was the first or second year of its opening. On page 40, it states that Marion Hall served as a residence hall from 1957 - 1991—not correct. I entered Xavier in 1952 and resided in Marion Hall from 1952 as a freshman through 1955 as a junior. I’m pretty sure it was a residence hall even prior to 1952. Notwithstanding these small insignificant glitches, I enjoyed every article and photo in this issue. I especially enjoyed Fr. Graham’s perspective. I certainly appreciate all the hard work and effort put in by you and your staff in generating such a great magazine covering Xavier people, places, and activities. Keep up the good work!
Tom Morin, Class of ’56

Thanks to Fr. Graham
I hope you are doing well and enjoying your summer! This note is overdue, but I wanted to thank you with sincerity for the many ways you touched my life during my time at X. My Jesuit education has surely been one of the greatest gifts I have received in my life and one that I am confident has better enabled me to share my own gifts with others. I feel such contentment in knowing that Xavier will always be home, and I feel so very excited for the prospect of the countless ways there are to continue to grow with and contribute to the XU family.There are no words to express what being a Musketeer will forever mean to me—it is a pillar upon which I believe every aspect of my life in years to come will be built. I am grateful that you are a special part of my journey, and hope in some way I can be a part of yours.
Maggie M

Donation of Time in Honor of Dad
Dad and I greatly appreciate the kindness and hospitality we received at the lunch and game Sunday.  You have a fantastic staff supporting Xavier's alumni and development efforts. They went above and beyond to help us and we are very grateful. Dad loved Fr. Hoff and finds Fr. Graham to be a wonderful leader. He is excited to see the plans for the Fr. Hoff development.

Dad doesn't get around as well as he used to but that won't keep him from supporting the University. He has always believed that an education is a continuous gift meriting payback in multiples well beyond the tuition during enrollment. The Seeing Great Wonders Campaign is something he would certainly want to support with a three-pronged approach; with labor, money and prayer.

Dad was just nine-years old when his father passed away. His mother worked excessive hours to keep a roof overhead and bread on the table. Dad immersed himself in school and read lots of books including the Fr. Finn novels. He went from sixth grade to Covington Latin School and entered XU in 1948 at the age of sixteen, joining many students ten years older, war veterans attending via the GI Bill. He established many lifelong friendships with other grateful Xavier alumni including Danny Dell Sr., Leo Breslin and our old teacher, Dick Berning.

Dad had to work full time while attending Xavier and almost left after his junior year due to financial challenges. One of the Jesuits detected the challenge and connected Dad with one of the earliest scholarships supported by C.F. Williams. He will never forget that generosity and will always support the University.

Mom and Dad raised and educated eight children. Two brothers and I hold bachelor degrees from UC while one brother and four sisters have bachelor degrees from XU. Four of the XU grads went on to earn higher degrees. Julie Ledford went on to earn a JD at UC, Christiana Lawson earned a PhD in epidemiology at UC. John Nerone earned a PhD in journalism from Notre Dame and teaches at the University of Illinois. Jennifer Donahue earned a masters in library science from Kent State and works at St. Xavier high school. We all embrace Dad's philosophy that the education keeps giving and merits continuous payback. Dad also believes that support for any college in a community strengthens all colleges and high schools in the community. His loyalty to Xavier never deterred him from supporting UC and NKU.

Dad may not be able to offer much labor and financial support for the new campaign due to his fixed income and declining health, but my brothers sisters, and I would like to volunteer in his place. Please let me know how we can help. We're ready to be boots on the ground, ears on the phones, paper pushers or whatever else you need.
Pete Nerone