The Fall Alumni Reps Dinner on September 24 at the Madison Hotel was well attended by over eighty-five Delbarton Alumni Association class representatives . Six senior leaders from the Class of 2024, including Student Body President Joe Artiglere '25, center, also attended the Dinner to get a taste of alumni life -- it won't be long, boys.

After an hour of networking, the group dined following an opening prayer from former Headmaster Fr. Edward Seton Fittin, OSB '82, then listened to remarks from Alumni Association President Joe Ferraro '95 about his commitment to the Association and the event-packed year ahead. 

Next, Ferraro introduced alumni who reported on upcoming events including initiatives designed for younger alumni, major events and receptions, young alumni college chapters, mentoring, networking and a new Alumni Career Center, and community service and retreat opportunities. 

Assistant Headmaster for Advancement Craig Paris '82 and Matt Gilfillan '86 reminded Class Reps of Homecoming Weekend which begins with the Alumni Golf Outing on October 3, the Hall of Honor Dinner on October 4 and Homecoming Day on October 5. Soccer players, dig out your cleats for the Alumni Soccer Game that morning. Click for details and an opportunity to RSVP for the Alumni Golf Outing and Hall of Honor Dinner and Mass at 11am in Spada Commons on Homecoming morning.

Reports were offered by...

• Dan Cimaglia '16 with a Class Reps update and Delbarton Fund awards (see stats and photo below). 
• E.J. DaCosta '10 and Gianni Vinci '18 who spoke about Delbarton Collegiate, the growing program of alumni college chapters. 
• Jim Gallombardo '81 who talked about the exciting expansion of the Alumni Career Mentorship & Networking program and the development of a Delbarton Alumni Career Center on campus. 
• PJ Calello '90  offered an update on DAA@FAC, an initiative that builds involvement and support between alumni and Delbarton Arts programs. Hot tip: don't miss the alumni events planned in tandem with the Delbarton Christmas Concert on Wednesday, December 18 and Winter Musical on Friday, January 31.
• Joe Colangelo '03 spoke about Ora et Labora, the alumni faith and community service program. Sadly, no apple picking or hard cider-making for the Abbey Orchard this fall due to hot, dry weather...Colangelo recruited volunteers to help enhance Orchard irrigation, and encouraged alumni to join this year's Alumni Retreat at St. Mary's Abbey.

Cimaglia and Delbarton Fund Director Maria Van Kirk P'26 presented trophies to the award-winning alumni giving classes. After an impressive final push for Delbarton Fund support during another outstanding year at the School, alumni came through for their alma mater in a big way.  By midnight June 30, 34% of Delbarton alumni --  1,900 alumni in all -- gave or pledged to the Delbarton Fund this year. Delbarton continues to set the bar high for other independent schools, colleges and universities across the country.

Pictured below is Tyler Hudson-Crimi '08 accepting two major awards on behalf of the Class of 2008. With him, from left, are Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, OSB, Joe Ferraro '05, Tyler Hudson-Crimi '08, Maria Van Kirk, Dan Cimaglia '16 and Craig Paris '82. 

Here are the 2023-2024 Delbarton Fund award winners:

Headmaster's Cup - Class of 2008 (71.82% participation)

Fr. Kenneth Mayer, O.S.B., Award - Class of 2008 (79 donors)

Alumni Achievement Award - Class of 2009 (21 donor increase over prior year)

Class Winners by Decades:

Congratulations to these award-winning classes on their fine results!

After the reports, Fr. Michael offered a very positive state-of-the-school update, including a Middle States accreditation report ("like love letters to Delbarton"). The theme this year is Listening:  "Listening is the foundational skill for us to be a community, for people to feel like they belong. To feel like you belong, you have to feel that someone is listening,”  Fr. Michael told alumni. He reported that 222 young men have already started applications for the 2025-2026 school year, then offered a much-appreciated Q&A. He concluded the evening with a closing prayer. 

September 24 at the Madison Hotel was a wonderful night of fellowship for the Delbarton Alumni Rep network. Gentlemen, thank you for joining us and onward to another event-filled year with the Delbarton Alumni Association!