On May 20 at Alumni Career Day, Delbarton Alumni Association Board member PJ Calello '90, P'28 welcomed the Class of 2025 into the Delbarton Alumni Association. “Delbarton gave you the tools and preparation to have the best days of your lives,” he told seniors as he officially inducted them into the Long Green Line of Delbarton alumni.

Next, Calello instructed seniors to log onto Delbartonalumni.com, a password protected portal where they now have access to fellow alumni,  news and invitations, and can RSVP to the many events the Alumni Association hosts throughout the year (the first is the annual Pig Roast/Dinner Meeting in the Garden on May 30). Young alumni search jobs and internships, and make connections as they navigate through their college years and beyond. When these 145 young men graduate on June 1, they immediately become a part of a network of 5,800+ Delbarton alumni and instant brothers. As the youngest members of the Delbarton Alumni Association, seniors were also invited to pledge their support to donate $20.25 to the Delbarton Fund for the next five years. Annually, an average of 36% of Delbarton alumni support the school financially, an impressive level of support for any college or independent school. 

Next, Alumni Career Day speakers came onstage, and seniors heard about careers, choices, challenges and more from (from left)  Kurt Krauss '81 (Attorney, Equity Partner at Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman & Dicker LLP), Joseph Kim, MD '89 (Physician IDCare), Craig Giannantonio '90 (Chief Financial Officer of UpClear), Jeffrey Headd ‘99 (Vice President Commercial Data Science Johnson & Johnson)and Cory Terzis '03 (Senior Manager, Partnership Strategy Sports & Venues at Verizon). 

Each man offered good advice to our graduating Delbarton seniors: do what you enjoy, keep moving forward, take risks and appreciate the power of the Delbarton network. "Life is not linear. It’s not a straight line," said one. “You rely on your values. The Benedictine values that you learn here sets you apart.” Another credited "the discipline to continue to drive myself that I learned here” as instrumental to his success. “These facts look shiney but they don’t reflect the journey,” said another alumnus as he introduced himself. "As seniors, you’re embarking on something you haven’t seen before. College is different, your goals become independent. Delbarton provides you with a strong foundation of faith, family and brotherhood.”

Several speakers reminded boys of the gift of their Delbarton education and the authentic community and network that comes with it. After the panelists' introductory remarks, Calello posed interesting questions that encouraged more observations and advice. Next, it was time for lunch. After picking up a gift bag containing an official Class of 2025 t-shirt, a handsome Succisa Virescit keychain and an all-school poster...

..seniors headed to the Formal Garden for a group photo and a picnic of subs, chips, drinks and dessert courtesy of the Alumni Association. Forty-five recruited atheletes stayed behind for a quick group photo (see outtake below).

Off to a good start for Delbarton's youngest alumni. The Senior Awards Ceremony with the entire student body takes place tomorrow, May 21, followed by (weather-permitting) the all-class photo on the front lawn of Old Main. After a break for Memorial Day weekend, our young near-grads celebrate in the Garden at the Senior Prom on Friday, May 30, then join their families for Graduation 2025 on Sunday, June 1.

This morning, one alumni speaker concluded, “This is a phenomenal place that your parents sent you to, and you should thank them.”

We salute members of the Class of 2025 as they bridge the gap between Delbarton and college...and beyond!