The Twenty-Seventh St. Joseph's-St. Patrick's College and St. Patrick's Seminary and University Alumni Day was held on Saturday, April 25, 2009 at St. Patrick's Seminary. The day began at 9:30 a.m. for the 50th anniversary class (Rhet 1959). The class met at the Archbishop's Residence on campus to begin their day of laughter, discussion and reconnection. The wives gathered at 10:00 a.m. and departed for a day at the Filoli Estate. At noon, those attending a Cur House reunion with Coach Gordon Lacey (Athletic Director at the High School and College from 1967 to 1975) began to arrive to celebrate `The Coach' and themselves.

Throughout the afternoon and evening, almost 300 alumni, spouses and friends visited the Seminary, participating in the special events, the Mass in the main chapel, the social hour in the Library, and the alumni dinner in the dining room. Rev. Anthony E. McGuire, Rhet 1959, served as Homilist, and Rev. John Talesfore, College 1984, presided as Celebrant. Rev. Msgr. Robert J. Silva, R'59, wielded the baton as Choir Director, and, at the dinner, Bob performed a mean rendition of 'Mack the Knife' -slightly altered by Phil Murphy, R'59. Our Master of Ceremonies for the evening was J. Dennis McQuaid, R'59. Dennis demonstrated his courtroom skills by never losing control and always leading at a brisk, yet reverent, pace. Rev. Brian T. Joyce, R'57, and Rev. Larry Goode, R'58, were honored as Alumni of the Year. Walt Farrell (and wife, Kathe) proudly represented the 60th Anniversary Class, R'49. Special kudos to Jim Hansen, HS'69 and College 73, for all of his efforts in rounding up the 40th Anniversary Class.

President/Rector Jerry Brown, S.S., R58, received special recognition for his years of service to priestly formation and his dedication to the Alumni Association. President Frank Brady, R'54, and Don Carroll, R'58, honored Jerry and promised a more complete celebration in 2010 when Jerry returns from sabbatical. At the May 14th, 2009 Board of Governors meeting of the Association, Fr. Jerry was presented with a stained glass window that was rescued from St. Mary's Cathedral after the fire of 1962. The anonymous gift honors Fr. Jerry's work in priestly Formation and likewise honors the hundreds of sons of St. Patrick's ordained at this great church.

Finally, the Alumni Association demonstrated a vigorous welcome to the new President/Rector, Rev. Jim Kearney, S.S. Fr. Jim warmly greeted the assembly and was impressed by the turnout and dedication of the Alumni. The Alumni Association looks forward to many years of working with Fr. Jim.