How do Jesuit alumni outside the greater New Orleans area stay connected with their alma mater when they don’t have ready access to Rivalry football game tailgates at Tad Gormley or Christmas Eve midnight Mass on campus? This was the question Frank Endom ’56, Lenny Long ’73, and Don Meyn ’69 sought to answer when they met with Jean-Paul Perrilliat ’03 from the Office of Institutional Advancement.

In January, these Baton Rouge-based Blue Jays convened at the Overpass Merchant, owned by Nick Hufft ’03, to brainstorm ways to invigorate their local alumni chapter. They exchanged fond memories across generations over delicious food and engaging conversation.

After an afternoon of camaraderie, the group outlined several initiatives to energize the chapter. For this summer, they discussed plans for a seafood boil in the Baton Rouge area for Jesuit alumni and their families. They also discussed the possibility of gathering for mass at a local church and joining for brunch afterward.

As the group departed, one member expressed how much he enjoyed the gathering. Endom turned, offered a knowing smile, and remarked, “This is just the beginning.”

Jesuit maintains active alumni chapters across the country. For more information about the Baton Rouge area alumni chapter or other groups, please contact Jean-Paul Perrilliat at perrilliat@jesuitnola.org or Mike Prados ’83 at prados@jesuitnola.org.