Common Thread: Updates from the Foundation Board Chair & XHS President

It’s been another busy and exciting year at the Xavier Foundation as we look back on how we’ve continued to support Xavier High School.

Last October we proceeded with financing three new videoboards. These videoboards have been installed at Saints Field, Erusha Softball Field, and the Ken Charipar Baseball Field. The new boards were needed as the old scoreboards were old and difficult to maintain as our main source for repair was going out of business. These new videoboards will also tap into new revenue streams as supporters are recognized throughout varsity contests.

In supporting Xavier High School, we will also continue to remain focused on the President’s vision. This includes facility repairs, upgrades, and expansions. The Foundation Board approved the planning and design work being done by Emergent Design that will propel Xavier into the future by meeting the evolving demands brought on by technology and relevancy.

We also entered the second year of the Teacher Matrix Initiative that provides the framework for getting our elementary, middle, and high school teacher salaries to within 91% of Cedar Rapids Public Schools. This very worthwhile framework is primarily funded by the Xavier Foundation.

Finally, through the hard work and dedication of our Foundation Director, Mary Harken, and her staff (Amy Thuente, Shari O’Rourke, and Nick Ireland), the Xavier Impact Fund met its $1 million goal this year!  A special thank you to all of our donors who made this possible. Your continued support of Xavier High School allows Catholic education to be taught to our most important assets, the students.

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary we want to acknowledge and thank all those who have and continue to support the Xavier Foundation. None of this would be possible without your generous donations.

Thank you again for your incredible support!

David Schimberg (R91)
Chair, Xavier Foundation Board
 

In the fall of 1993, I began as a freshman at Regis High School. My four years at Regis were awesome – I loved every minute there. But I have a feeling my four years at that school was a different experience than those who graduated before me. While we proudly wore the red and gold, took on the toughest competition as by far the smallest school in the Mississippi Valley Conference, and embraced traditions passed down by those before us, something unmistakable was beginning at that time. Plans for a brand-new Catholic high school were being crafted. 

I remember taking part in a vote for the new school’s name and what the school’s colors might be. I remember playing baseball at Iowa City West and Coach Schemmel asked if we thought the benches in the dugout might be good for the new school. I remember quite a few joint activities between the Regis and LaSalle student bodies - even wearing track uniforms which were black and white and said “Regis-LaSalle.”
 
My high school experience at Regis took place with the leaders at the time keeping one eye solidly looking ahead. And praise God they did. 

As one of the key leaders of that era often says today, “Look at the end result of all of that hard work. It resulted in Xavier! Does anyone today think that was the wrong decision?” Jeff Henderson, Xavier’s first principal, couldn’t be more right. 

Today, people statewide view Xavier with much admiration. In 25 quick years, Xavier has EARNED a reputation of success and excellence. But I think many today either forget or are not aware of how difficult it was to get this school off the ground. 

Everything, AND I MEAN EVERYTHING, about launching Xavier was extremely difficult. There were two failed merger attempts, a lot of disagreement on how this new school should proceed forward, even the financing method for the new building was controversial. 
Again, I loved with everything in my being what it meant to be a Regis Royal. But with that perspective in mind, coupled with beginning my teaching career here in 2002 and now today serving as president, I know unequivocally this: The decision to build Xavier was worth every ounce of turmoil it once created. 

Students today are receiving a far better education. Students today have facilities and resources that both Regis and LaSalle couldn’t provide. And most importantly, the Catholic dimension and the embeddedness of our faith within our students today is much stronger than what I experienced graduating in 1997. The leaders at that time put aside personal agendas and realized it was in the best interest of future generations of Catholic teenagers in Cedar Rapids to move forward with a new school. 

The change was hard. Long-held traditions evolved. Many feelings were hurt. But to the credit of many who were fearless and brave, the result was Xavier. And to those individuals, too numerous to name, I offer a sincere “thank you.” 

So no, I’d say Jeff Henderson is not wrong. And on this 25th anniversary of our school, I too shout emphatically and proudly: “LOOK AT WHAT WE’VE CREATED! WE ARE THE SAINTS, THE MIGHTY, MIGHTY SAINTS!” 

I’m so proud of this school and our community. Thank you for the many ways, 25 years strong, you’ve been there for us. Generations of Xavier Saints are, perhaps quite literally, eternally grateful.  

Chris McCarville (R97)
President, Xavier High School