126th Reunion Gathers in Gateway to the West

The 126th Annual Alumni Reunion was another great gathering of College alumni and a few special friends. Archbishop Robert Carlson and the Diocese of St. Louis hosted this year’s event. Led by reunion chairman Msgr. Francis Blood ’79 and Alumni Association Executive Secretary Msgr. Michael Curran ’81 C’88, the reunion attracted over 100 participants who enjoyed the traditional reunion schedule of events.

The Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch was the event site this year. Hotel owners and college benefactors, the Drury Family, graciously provided special rates and assistance to ensure the reunion was affordable. On Tuesday June 18, Vespers were held at the Basilica of St. Louis (the old Cathedral) and the Opening Mix followed.

On Wednesday, attendees were treated to a theological lecture on the crusades by Dr. Thomas Madden, Director of the Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies at St. Louis University. The annual business meeting of the Alumni Association was held featuring a financial report, an update from the Rector and Executive Director for Institutional Advancement. Msgr. Curran was re-elected to a five-year term as Executive Secretary. Holy Mass was celebrated at the “Old Cathedral” by Archbishop Carlson and several other attending prelates.

The formal banquet Wednesday evening included a special presentation to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Drury for their long history of support for the local Church and the North American College. The Founder’s Medal was presented to His Eminence Justin Cardinal Rigali C’64. Fr. Jason Schumer ’10 served as Master of Ceremonies. The usual three toasts were given in grand style by: Fr. James Mason (to our Country); Fr. Sean Martin C’95 (to the Holy Father); and Fr. Don Henke ’92 C’04 (to the College). A rousing version of Ad Multos Annos concluded the evening.

Thursday featured the traditional “Bum Run”: options included Holy Mass and a tour of the Cathedral Basilica, and tour of the Missouri Botanical Gardens.

While reunion plans for 2016 are still being finalized, it was announced that the 2017 reunion will be in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, and the 2018 reunion in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

To see a gallery of images from this event, click here.