Thank You, Volunteers!

Have you ever been to Xavier High School at 5am? 

I’m guessing most have not been in our building that early, but if you have, you’ve likely seen a face that has greeted our students since the day we opened back in 1998. Every morning, Monday through Friday, Tom Ekland (L78) has supervised workouts in the Kazimour Fitness Center. What started as a volunteer gig to help Xavier football, has now evolved into working with both males and females, teaching techniques to become stronger, and overall healthier. In exchange for 24+ years of early mornings, guess how much “Coach Ekland” has been paid? Not a dime. Tom has done it all entirely as a volunteer. 

Have you ever noticed there’s a familiar voice each year over the PA at football games and also girls and boys basketball games? This person has not only served in this role since day one at Xavier, his service in this capacity dates to when Regis High School was still open. Pat Collins (R83) has served as the “Voice of the Saints” for I don’t know how many evenings at Xavier. I’m not sure about you, but if my nights are free, I generally like to keep them that way. After one recent basketball game, I made sure I thanked Pat. His response? “It’s an honor.” An honor? To spend three of your nights during the week at Xavier for zero pay? I was truly humbled by his response. 

I recently used the word “generational” in describing our Xavier community. Generations come back time and time again to support us in countless ways. Tom as a LaSalle graduate and Pat as a Regis graduate are perfect examples. And believe me, they are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to who volunteers and gives back at Xavier. 

From 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday and weekends, volunteers help make Xavier a special place. To all volunteers, a hearty and sincere “thank you.” We can’t be the school we want to be without your generosity. To say we are blessed would be a massive understatement. 

If I could, I’d like to reverse Pat’s “It’s an honor” statement: To all who volunteer at Xavier, on behalf of our entire community, believe me, the honor is very much ours. 



Chris McCarville
XHS President

Where you spend your time defines who you are, and what you care about. Service, volunteerism, and community have always been at the heart of Xavier High School. This edition of the bi-annual Common Thread newsletter from the Xavier Foundation celebrates our more than 250+ adult volunteers who make a difference and give back of their time and talent throughout the year in numerous capacities: LaSalle-Regis-Xavier Alumni Association, School and Foundation Boards, Booster Club, Xavier Parents for Xcellence, Campus Ministry/Adorers, Foundation Office, Xavier Impact Fund Parish/Business Campaigns, Arts/Sports/Clubs, Dancing with the Saints….and the list goes on!
 
Also, new for this publication’s print distribution is the one-time inclusion in the Corridor Business Journal as a way to show extra appreciation to our volunteers. We extend our most heartfelt gratitude to the people, businesses, and supporters throughout Eastern Iowa who make the difference in the lives of our Saints. Learn more about all the wonderful things happening at Xavier at www.XavierSaints.org.
 
One of the greatest gifts you can give is your time. We invite you to get involved. Visit xaviersaints.org/volunteer for a listing of opportunities, or email [email protected] to learn more about how you can share your talents.