This August, alumni and guests gathered together for the annual Plus 50 Mass and Reunion at Brother Martin High School. This special evening included reunion festivities for 50 years or over St. Aloysius or Cor Jesu graduates. This year’s celebration was extra special as the Brother Martin community celebrates 50 years of Brother Martin High School and 150 years of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart in New Orleans.

The evening began with Mass in the James B. Branton Chapel celebrated by Monsignor Andrew Taormina ’54 SA. Monsignor Taormina thanked everyone for welcoming him back to Brother Martin and celebrating the Eucharist with him. He also reflected on his time as a student at St. Aloysius while reminiscing with alumni.

At the conclusion of Mass, Director of Alumni and Advancement Kenny Spellman ’84 recognized special guests including President Greg Rando ‘77, Brother Neri J. Falgout, S.C.’46 SA, Bro. Neal Golden '57 CJ, and Alumni Officers Chris Alley '08 and Chuck Stall '02. A special recognition was also given to classes celebrating five year anniversaries – The St. Aloysius Classes of 1943, 1948, 1953, 1958, and 1963 and the Cor Jesu Classes of 1958 and 1963.  Kenneth Thompson '65 SA of Utah was recognized as the alumnus who traveled the farthest to attend our celebration.  St. Aloysius 1942 classmates Ellis Quigley and Keith Wheelahan were recognized as alumni from the earliest class.

Following mass, a reception was held in the Tom and Gayle Benson Mall with catering by Rommel's and Scot Craig '80 of Katie's. There was also a chance for classmates to show their school spirit with a cheer led by Paul Gagnet '66 SA. The Class of 1965 SA also showed school spirit by having the most class representatives in attendance.

A special thanks to Monsignor Andrew Taormina ’54 SA, Vocalist Mrs. Melanie Williams, Loyola School of Music’s Pianist & Choral Director Dr. Meg Frazier, and the members of the Plus 50 Committee; Armand Bertin ’59 CJ, Lou Bravo ’48 SA, Sam Briuglio ’59 SA, Bob Dauterive ’60 CJ, Emery Dyer ’56 SA, Bill Fulham ’61 CJ, Bro. Neal Golden ’57 CJ, Gordon Gsell ’61 CJ, Sid Lambert ’64 CJ, Deacon Terry Manieri ’64 SA, Mike McAdam ’53 SA, Tom Nenos ’64 SA, Butler Powell ’56 SA, Lenny Simmons ’64 CJ and George Wax ’45 SA.  

Thank you to all our sponsors, raffle winners, alumni and guests for a wonderful evening of camaraderie and celebration! If you are interested in the 2019 Plus 50 Mass and Reunion, please contact the Advancement Office at 504-284-6700 or email alumni@brothermartin.com.