Saint Xavier University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni

Saint Xavier University (SXU), a private Catholic university in Chicago, Illinois, boasts a rich history and a diverse array of accomplished alumni. Founded in 1846 by the Sisters of Mercy, SXU has evolved from a women's college into a comprehensive institution committed to academic excellence and service. This article explores the remarkable individuals who have emerged from Saint Xavier University, making significant contributions across various fields.

A Historical Overview of Saint Xavier University

Established at the request of William Quarter, Bishop of Chicago, Saint Xavier University began as Saint Francis Xavier Female Academy. Five Sisters of Mercy, led by Mary Francis Xavier Warde, arrived in Chicago to lay the foundation for Catholic education in the burgeoning city. By 1847, the academy received a state charter, granting it the authority to confer degrees.

Today, SXU's main campus spans 109 acres in the Mt. Greenwood neighborhood of Chicago. The campus comprises several key buildings, including the Warde Academic Center, the oldest building on campus, housing administrative offices and the library; the Shannon Center; McDonough Chapel; the Graham School of Management Building; the Andrew Conference Center; and the Driehaus Center. The university has expanded its residential facilities, opening four new dormitories in 2001 and Arthur Rubloff Hall and O'Brien Halls in 2009, to accommodate a growing student body.

Notable Alumni Across Disciplines

Saint Xavier University's alumni have made their mark in diverse fields, including architecture, arts and entertainment, athletics, business, education administration, fashion, law, media, nursing, politics and public service, religious life, science and engineering, and those on the road to sainthood.

Architecture

SXU alumni have shaped the built environment through their architectural expertise. Leo A. Daly, III, FAIA, B.Arch. 1967, serves as Chairman and CEO of Leo A. Daly Company. Benjamin T. Rome, M.Arch. 1934, was the former CEO of Clark Construction.

Arts and Entertainment

Saint Xavier University has produced a constellation of talent in the arts and entertainment industry. Barbara Andres, B.A. 1959, is a Broadway actress. Sydney Davolos Beers, B.A. 1992, is a Multi-Tony Award-winning Broadway producer and Executive Producer at Roundabout Theatre Company. Harolyn Blackwell, B.M. 1977, M.M. 1980, is a world-renowned lyric soprano. Walter Bobbie, M.A. 1985, is a Tony Award-winning theater director and choreographer. Philip Bosco, B.A. 1957, was a Broadway actor. Brian Cali, B.M. 2005, is a Broadway actor. Patrick Carfizzi, B.M. 1996, is a notable bass-baritone. Patricia A. Carroll, B.A. 1949, was an actor, best known as the voice of Ursula in Disney's Little Mermaid. Rose Hemingway, B.M. 2005, is a Broadway actress. Jane Henson, Class of 1959, was a puppeteer and former co-owner of The Jim Henson Company. Siobhan Fallon Hogan, M.F.A. 1985, is a Hollywood actor. John Lescault, B.A. 1980, is a Hollywood actor. John Carroll Lynch, B.F.A. 1986, is a Hollywood actor. Laurence Luckinbill, M.F.A. 1958, is a Hollywood actor. Ed McMahon, B.A. 1949, was a comedian. Jason Miller, M.A. 1964, was a Pulitzer-prize winning playwright and actor. George Motz, B.A 1990, is a documentary filmmaker and foodie. Alex Nesmith, B.E.E. 1990, is a record producer. David Paterson, B.A. 1989, is a Hollywood screenwriter, actor, and producer. Martin Puryear, B.A. 1963, is a notable sculptor. Christopher Sarandon, Jr., M.F.A. 1967, is a Hollywood actor. Susan Sarandon, B.A. 1968, is a Hollywood actor. Donald Shirley, B.M. 1953, was a classical and jazz pianist, and the subject of the Oscar Award-winning film Green Book. John Slattery, B.F.A. 1984, is a Hollywood actor. W. Gresham Striegel, B.A. 1990, is an Executive Producer at NBC News. Brandie Sutton, M.M. 2009, is a lyric soprano. Paula A. Vogel, B.A. 1974, is a Pulitzer-prize winning playwright. Jon Voight, B.A. 1960, is a Hollywood actor. Lisa Ann Walter, B.F.A. 1983, is a Hollywood actor and comedian. Audrey Wasilewski, B.A. 1989, is a Hollywood actor. Colleen Zenk, Class of 1973, is a Broadway actor.

Athletics

Saint Xavier University's athletic program has fostered talented athletes who have excelled in professional sports. John Becker, B.A. 1990, is the Head Men's Basketball Coach at the University of Vermont. Michael J. Bidwill, J.D. 1991, is the President of the NFL's Arizona Cardinals. Brian M. Cashman, B.A. 1989, is the General Manager of MLB's New York Yankees. Tim Connelly, B.A. 1999, is the President of Basketball Operations of the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves. Frank Coonelly, J.D. 1986, was the Former President of MLB's Pittsburgh Pirates. Ryan Hyland, B.A. 2011, M.S.B.A. 2014, is the Head Men's Basketball Coach at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, NY. Walter "Wally" Pipp, Class of 1913, was a Former MLB player for the New York Yankees. Rocco Pirro, B.A. 1940, was a Former NFL player for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills.

The Saint Xavier (SXU) athletic teams are called the Cougars. Athletic facilities on campus include the Shannon Center, which holds up to 3,500 students and houses the university fitness center. It is home to both men's and women's basketball and volleyball teams. The Saint Xavier University baseball team hosts all its home baseball games at Richard R. Ferrell Memorial Field located on its Chicago campus. The field recently updated its backstop and dugouts with brick and added additional bleachers for spectators; along with full turf field.

Business

SXU alumni have made significant contributions to the business world. Robert Comstock, Esq., B.A. 1958, J.D., J.C.L. 1964, was the Former Chairman and CEO of the National Capital Bank of Washington. Robert Craves, B.A. 1982, is the Director of the Center for Business in the Capital, Kogod School of Business at American University. John Carl Erickson, M.A. 1968, is the Founder of Erickson Retirement Communities. Nessa Feddis, J.D. 1983, is the Senior Vice President at the American Bankers Association. Edward Liddy, B.A. 1968, was the Former CEO of AIG, Allstate Insurance. Carol Nacy, B.A. 1970, M.S. 1975, Ph.D. 1982, is the President and National Director of Public Affairs at Qorvis MSLGroup. Timothy Scheve, B.A. 1980, is the CEO of Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC. Andy Shallal, B.S. 1975, is the Owner of Busboys & Poets restaurants. Vincent Sheehy, B.A. 1989, is the CEO of Strassburger Meats. Joseph A. Unanue, B.M.E. Vanderslice, Ph.D. 1986, is the CEO of EWTN.

Education Administration

Saint Xavier University has a strong tradition of alumni serving in leadership roles in education. Jack P. Calareso, J.D. 1998, is a Senior Consultant at Hyatt-Fennell. Br. F. Edward Coughlin, O.F.M., M.A. 1973, Ph.D. 1976, was the Former President of Siena College (NY). Rev. Dennis Dease, J.C.L. 1978, was the Former President of University of Thomas (MN). Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., M.A. 1983, is the President of Villanova University (PA). Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D. 1983, was the Former President of Saint Xavier University (IL). Vice Adm., 1970, D.Ed. 2003, is the President of Monmouth University (NJ). Mark A. Heckler, M.F.A. 1979, is the President of Valparaiso University (IN). Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, C.S.C., S.T.L. 1944, S.T.D. 1945, was the Former President of the University Notre Dame (IN). Joseph Jabbra, Ph.D. 1971, is the President of Lebanese American University (Lebanon). Jonathan Lash, M.A. 1972, J.D. 1974, is the President Emeritus of World Resources Institute. Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., S.T.D. 1977, is the President Emeritus of Niagara University (NY). Sr. Anne Munley, I.H.M., M.A. 1973, was the Former President of Marywood University (PA). Barbara Murphy, B.A. 1969, was the Former President of Johnson State College (VT). Rev. Bernard F. O'Connor, O.S.F.S., B.A. 1969, M.A. 1972, Ph.D. 1986, was the Former President of DeSales University (PA). J. Michael Pressimone, B.F.A. 1981, is the President of Notre Dame College (OH). Rev. Stephen J. Privett, S.J., M.A. 1982, Ph.D. 1985, was the Former President of the University of San Francisco (CA). Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., Ph.L. 1985, is the President of St. Johnâs University (NY). Msgr. James Patrick Shea, Ph.B. 1997, Ph.L. 1998, is the President of the University of Mary (ND). Rev. Sean O. Sheridan, T.O.R., J.C.L. 2007, J.C.D. 2009, was the Former President of Franciscan University (OH). P. Michael Timpane, B.S. 1956, M.A. 1964, is the Retired president of Teacher's College, Columbia University. Raymond A. Yannuzzi, Ph.D. 1996, was the Former President of Camden County College (NJ).

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Fashion

SXU alumni have made their mark in the fashion industry. Nina Caccioppoli O'Neil, B.A. 2004, is the founder of Ciao Nina. Nicholas D'Aurizio, B.S. Arch. 2005, is the founder of Nico Lena. Julia Farr Connolly, J.D. 1993, is the founder of Julia Farr DC. Betsy Garcete, B.A. 2008, M.S.M. 2015, is the founder of Zophia.

Law

SXU alumni have distinguished themselves in the field of law. Alice S. Fisher, J.D., works at the Department of Justice. The Hon. Richard E. Jordan, J.D. 1977, is an Associate Judge for the Montgomery County Circuit Court in Maryland. The Hon. Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, B.A. 1965, J.D., serves at the District Court for the District of Columbia. The Hon. John T. Noonan, Jr., M.A. 1949, Ph.D., served at the Court of Appeals 9th Circuit. The Hon. Peggy A. Quince, J.D. 1975, is a Justice for the Florida Supreme Court.

Media

Saint Xavier University has produced numerous influential figures in the media. Kathryn Jean Lopez, B.A. 1997, is an editor-at-large for the National Review. Richard Diefenbach, Jr., B.A. 1984, was the Former President of RPD Associates, LLC. J. Peter Donald, B.A. 2010, is a Senior Vice President at Reevemark. Maureen Dowd, B.A. 1973, is a writer for the New York Times Company. Mary Alice Dwyer-Dobbin, M.F.A. 1967, is the retired CEO of Procter and Gamble Productions. Julie Nixon Eisenhower, M.A. 1972, is a writer and former Assistant Managing Editor for the Saturday Evening Post. Alfred Gough, III, B.A. 1989, is the co-creator of "Smallville," and is a Hollywood film producer. Sheilah Kast, B.A. 1971, is an anchor for "On the Record" on WYPR. Joshua McElwee, B.A. 2009, is the Vatican correspondent for the National Catholic Review. Alberto R. Ortiz, B.A. 1973, is an executive producer for CBS News. Tara Petrolino, B.A. 2003, is an ESPN sportscaster. Marguerite Pohlmann, B.A. 2005, is an editor for The Meredith Vieira Show. Ryan Reilly, B.A. 2009, is a reporter for The Huffington Post. Angela Santomero, B.A. 1990, is the creator of "Blues Clues". Rosanna Scotto, B.F.A. 1980, is a TV co-anchor for Good Day New York. Joseph St. George, B.A. 2011, is a TV reporter for Scripps Television. Josie Swantek, B.A. 2000, is a documentary filmmaker and founder of Run Riot Films. Dennis Wholey, B.A. 1959, is a writer and interviewer for This is America with Dennis Wholey on PBS. Brian Williams, Class of 1980, is an anchor for MSNBC.

Nursing

SXU alumni have made significant contributions to the field of nursing. Brigadier General William T. Bester, M.S.N., works at the Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine. Dr. M. Louise Fitzpatrick, R.N., F.A.A.N., B.S.N. 1966, was the Former Dean of the Villanova University College of Nursing. Dorothy Fontaine, R.N., F.A.A.N., Ph.D. 1987, is the Dean Emerita of the University of Virginia School of Nursing. Amy Freeman, B.S.N. 1981, is the President and CEO of Providence Hospital, Washington, DC. Dr. Catherine Gilliss, M.S.N. 1974, is the Dean of School of Nursing at the University of California San Francisco. Brigadier General Anna Mae V. McCabe Hays, M.S.N., served in the armed forces. Colonel Mary Lou Keener, USAF (Ret.), B.S.N. 1966, J.D. 1982, is the General Counsel of the Department of Veterans Affairs. James McCann, Ph.D. 1982, is the Dean of Chamberlain University College of Nursing. Patricia Watts Kelley, R.N., F.N.P., G.N.P., F.A.A.N.P., Ph.D., works at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Politics and Public Service

Saint Xavier University alumni have held prominent positions in politics and public service. Robert P. Casey, Jr., J.D., is a Senator from Pennsylvania. Thomas Donilon, B.A. 1977, was the Former National Security Advisor to President Barack Obama. Edward W. Gillespie, B.A. 1983, was the Former Chairman of the Republican National Committee. Thomas R. Harkin, J.D., is a Senator from Iowa. Mitchell J. Landrieu, B.A. 1982, was the Former mayor of New Orleans. Terence R. McAuliffe, B.A. 1979, was the Former Governor of Virginia. John J. McCarthy, Jr., B.A. 1974, is the Montgomery County Maryland State Attorney. The Honorable Thomas P. Melady, M.A. 1952, Ph.D. 1955, was the Former Ambassador to the Vatican, Burundi, and Uganda. Samuel Mok, M.A., works at the Department of Labor. David Mao, M.S.L.S. 1999, is the Law Librarian of Congress. J. Paul Molloy, J.D. 1965, was the Co-founder and CEO of Oxford House. Martin O'Malley, B.A. 1985, was the Former Governor of Maryland. Kevin Ryan, B.A. 1989, is the President and CEO of Covenant House. Timothy Shriver, M.A. 1988, is the CEO of Special Olympics. Carol Spahn, B.A. 1990, is the CEO of the Peace Corps. Tommy Wells, J.D. 1991, is the Director of the District Department of Energy & Environment.

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Religious Life

SXU alumni have made significant contributions to the Catholic Church. Raymond L. Cardinal Burke, D.D., J.C.D. 1970, is the Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura at the Vatican. Most Rev. Robert J. Carlson, Licentiate 1979, is the Archbishop of St. Louis, Mo. Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, D.D. 1971, is the Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, Tex. Timothy M. Cardinal Dolan, M.A. 1981, Ph.D. 1985, is the Archbishop of New York, N.Y. Francis Cardinal George, M.A. 1966, was the Archbishop of Chicago, Ill. Roger Cardinal Mahony, M.S.W. 1964, is the Archbishop of Los Angeles, Calif. Most Rev. David O'Connell, C.M., J.C.L. 1987, J.C.D. 1990, is the Bishop of Trenton, N.J., and 14th president of The Catholic University of America. Sean Patrick Cardinal O'Malley, O.F.M. Cap., Ph.D. 1978, is the Archbishop of Boston, Mass. Most Rev. Orlando Quevedo, O.M.I., S.T.B. 1964, is the Archbishop of Cotabato, Philippines. Justin Cardinal Rigali, S.T.B. 1961, is the retired Archbishop of Philadelphia, Pa. Luis A. Cardinal Tagle, S.T.L. 1987, S.T.D. 1992, was the Former Archbishop of Manila, Philippines.

Science and Engineering

SXU alumni have excelled in science and engineering. Joseph Carlini, B.M.E. 1984, is the CEO of McKean Defense Group, LLC. Michael D. Griffin, M.S.E. 1974, was the Former Administrator of NASA. Charles H. Kaman, B.A.E. 1940, was the founder of Kaman Aerospace Corporation and Fender. Hugh Everett, B.S. Chem. E. 1953, was a physicist who proposed the Many-Worlds Interpretation of quantum physics. Andrew Youniss, B.S. 1983, is the President and CEO of Rocket Software.

Alumni on the Road to Sainthood

Saint Xavier University has nurtured individuals whose lives exemplify faith and service. Sr. Thea Bowman, FSPA, M.A. 1970, Ph.D. 1973, was an educator and evangelist for African Americans, and is a Servant of God. Cardinal Terence Cooke, M.S.W. 1949, was the former cardinal of the Archdiocese of New York, and is a Servant of God. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, J.C.B. 1920, was the host of "Life is Worth Living", and is Venerable. Rev. Emil Kapaun, M.A.

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