The Storytelling Panel Discussion featured five prominent alumni, from left: Dooky Chase ’67, Marc Morial ’76, Moon Landrieu ’48, moderator Bruce Nolan ’65, and Stephen McKenna ’74.

More than 100 parents, alumni, faculty, and staff turned out for an evening of Integration Retrospect, an event which was held in the Auditorium on Thursday evening, February 28, and featured five well-known alumni from Jesuit High School.

Dooky Chase is a business and civic leader who is Jesuit’s 2012 Alumnus of the Year. Marc Morial served two terms as New Orleans’ mayor from 1994-2002 and is now the chief executive officer and president of the Urban League. Moon Landrieu oversaw the desegregation of City Hall during his two terms as mayor of New Orleans from 1970-78. Stephen McKenna is a physician who was the first African-American to graduate from Jesuit having lettered in football. Bruce Nolan was a news reporter for 40 years with the Times-Picayune.

The panel discussion was preceded by a history lecture given by alumni director Mat Grau ’68 on how Jesuit came to be desegregated in 1962. Following the panel discussion, New Orleans jazz vocalist Charmaine Neville entertained the audience with a mini solo performance. Tom Bagwill, who is Jesuit’s advancement director, served as host and introduced the alumni panel.

The special events during Integration Week are designed to educate the Blue Jay Community and honor the legacy of the individuals who paved the way for the rich culture, diversity, and opportunity that exist today at Jesuit High School.

Read More

Louisiana Weekly – Jesuit commemorates 50th anniversary of integration

The Advocate – Jesuit marks 50th anniversary of desegregation with panel of New Orleans mayors

Nola.com – New Orleans mayors remember integration’s burdens, 50 years after barriers fell for Catholic schools