Jesuit’s relentless pursuit of God’s greater glory is only possible with the support of dedicated alumni, parents, and benefactors who believe in Jesuit’s mission and support it through all the days of life. On the 55th anniversary of their graduation from Jesuit, Blue Jays from the Class of 1969 have become the first to exceed $1,000,000 in lifetime giving to Jesuit’s Alumni Giving Drive (AGD).

The modern incarnation of Jesuit’s annual giving efforts—which ensure tuition remains low while enabling Jesuit to deliver a world class education to every Blue Jay—began 49 years ago in the mid-1970s under President Fr. Paul Schott, S.J ’40. Since then, alumni and parents have demonstrated extraordinary support for Blue Jay students and faculty members every year.

“Words can’t express our humility and gratitude for the alumni and parents who make possible the work that happens every day here on Banks Street,” said Christian Bautista ’06, Jesuit’s director of institutional advancement. “The tireless efforts of our alumni class captains and volunteers are a true inspiration. The Class of 1969 is a clear example of what alumni leadership looks like at Jesuit, but one of the things that is special about this place is that they are not alone or unique as a stellar example for fellow alumni as well as today’s students.”

“The difference that AGD has made in the lives of so many is immeasurable—not only for Blue Jays themselves but for their families, their communities, and for our city and world,” Bautista added.

Click here to give now to AGD for this fiscal year.

“I want to emphasize the impact that this giving has on Blue Jays,” said Fr. John Brown, S.J., Jesuit’s president. “The singular spiritual formation available to our young men, the peerless academic achievements of our students, the exceptional athletic and co-curricular results that we see every year at Jesuit—all of these things are only possible with the support of alumni like the members of the Class of 1969.”

The class had 58 donors this year and is currently led by class captain Kevin Heigle ’69.

“The Class of 1985 congratulates our brothers from ’69 for reaching the coveted milestone first,” said Chuck Adams ’85, the captain of the class that is eagerly aiming to be the second the reach this philanthropic landmark.

This collegial inter-class competition gained new steam with the recent announcement that the first floor hallway of the Madonna Della Strada building would permanently memorialize the classes that crossed the $1M mark. Classes will be recognized alongside endowment donors and Jesuit’s past alumni of the year. This particular milestone only “counts” gifts that were made to AGD—not to capital campaigns, other annual giving campaigns like PAG, or to endowed scholarships.

Beyond the Class of 1985, classes including the Class of 1959 and the Class of 1963 are also in a position to soon achieve this special goal.