A large group of Blue Jays from the Class of 2006 were among a crowd of close to 800 who attended the 2014 Alumni Mass & Jazz Reception on Saturday, Oct. 4.

Close to 800 people — most of them Blue Jays — returned to Carrollton and Banks for the 2014 Alumni Homecoming Mass and Jazz Reception.

The evening included Mass in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs and, after Mass, recognition of the 2014 Alumnus of the Year, Wilbur “Bill” Babin ’74. Also honored were members of the anniversary classes of 2004 (10 years), 1989 (25 years), and 1964 (50 years). Attendees from 1964 received commemorative diplomas from Jesuit president Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J. ’66.

Then the large crowd, which included spouses and guests, headed to Traditions Courtyard and the Student Commons where they enjoyed a delicious assortment of food, which was graciously donated and served by Acme Oyster House (Mike Rodrigue ’71) and Drago’s (Tommy Cvitanovich – a parent of two current students). The menu included char-grilled, char-broiled, and raw oysters, fried shrimp, seafood pasta, and gumbo among other offerings.

Libations were well coordinated by volunteer Patti Mahoney and Br. William Dardis ’58, who is Jesuit’s director of special events.

Decorations were donated by Jesuit father Kevin Tran. Lighting in Traditions Courtyard was expertly coordinated by D.J. Galiano ’07 and a large flock of student volunteers.

Members of Jesuit’s MCJROTC program, under the direction of Lt. Col Tim Huete ’76, assisted with parking.

Guests enjoyed the music of the Peter Harris Trio. Harris is a member of the Class of 1994.

“It was the best spirit I’ve seen at a Jesuit event in three decades,” said one attendee.

Alumni director Mat Grau ’68,, who helped reshape the event, was pleased as punch with the turnout.

“With input from our alumni steering committee, we decided to move the event from a Sunday Brunch to a Saturday evening and enhance the reception,” said Grau, “and our alumni responded in a positive way.”