Xavier University of Louisiana, the nation’s only historically Black and Catholic institution, recently partnered with the leading peer network of philanthropic foundations and individuals supporting Catholic activities and initiatives, FADICA, for its annual 2024 meeting and symposium, which was held partially on Xavier’s campus in late February. Themed “The Future of Catholic Education is Now,” during the symposium, Reynold Verret, Ph.D., President of Xavier University of Louisiana, received the St. Joseph of Arimathea Medal of Service for his profound leadership of the campus community and dedication to the catholic university’s mission to promote a more just and humane society. Named for the leadership service shown by St. Joseph of Arimathea, the award recognizes a leader who assumes considerable personal responsibility for the Church’s mission. 

“I am grateful for this meaningful recognition of the values I hold dear and the mission to promote a more just and humane society that I am privileged to lead at Xavier University,” said President Verret. “It underscores the importance of service, integrity, and compassion in our pursuit of excellence and inspires me to continue striving for the betterment of our community and the empowerment of our students.” 

President Verret was unanimously elected Xavier University of Louisiana’s president in 2015 by the Board of Trustees. With his background as a biochemist and immunologist, his leadership was critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, and under his direction, the university maintained a less than 2% infection rate during some of the worst bouts of the illness. As Xavier University of Louisiana prepares to celebrate its first century of service, President Verret reminds the community to remain faithful to the values and mission bestowed on the institution by its foundress, St. Katharine Drexel and her Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, while also continuously looking for ways to elevate and innovate the excellence that Xavier is known for.  

“We are privileged to honor Dr. Verret, whose legacy of leadership has forged ways for all students to succeed,” said Alexia Kelley, President & CEO of FADICA. “His building up the Kingdom of God has been nothing if not humble, bold, and steadfast.” 

FADICA also gives a Saint Katharine Drexel Award in Catholic Philanthropy award each year at the convening, but this is the first year the award has been bestowed upon its recipient on the campus of St. Katharine Drexel’s beloved Xavier. The 2024 awardee was Terrell Richardson, who was recognized for her generous support to the Archdiocese of New Orleans Office of Black Catholic Ministries, which revived the Office’s Annual Gospel Music Festival, an evangelization event for the Archdiocese, and provided much needed support for children through school supply and toy drives.  

FADICA leaders noted how pleased they were to see the legacy of St. Katharine Drexel shine on in the manner for which Xavier upholds it. 

“We are immensely grateful to Xavier University of [Louisiana] for graciously hosting the FADICA-Catholic Philanthropy Network at their extraordinary and beautiful campus,” Kelley wrote in a LinkedIn post. “Xavier University was founded by St. Katharine Drexel -- the patron saint of philanthropy and racial justice -- 100 years ago next year. Her motto is depicted throughout the campus: "Press Forward, Fear Nothing." Thank you for your visionary leadership, dedication, and generous hospitality, President Verret! Many blessings on this eve of Xavier's Centennial year.” 

A third award, the Mary Magdalene Medal of Service, was awarded to Gayle Benson, the owner of New Orleans’ National Football League (NFL) team, the New Orleans Saints. Chosen for her philanthropy that manifests discipleship, Benson provides generous support to a wide range of charitable causes through the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation.  

More than 100 participants gathered over three days for the annual convening, including 75 Catholic philanthropists, dozens of Church leaders from across the country, and members of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. President Verret, along with Fr. Dennis H. Holtzschneider, President of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, Amy Rauenhorst Goldman, CEO and Chair of the GHR Foundation, and Dr. Raenell Houston, Executive Director and Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, participated as distinguished speakers during the seminar.  

“We are thrilled that FADICA chose to bring its conference and meeting to New Orleans, and we are particularly excited that it has offered Xavier the opportunity to host a portion of the conference’s activities on our campus,” President Verret said. “Hosting this group on campus allowed Xavier the opportunity to introduce and showcase our institution to a group of donors dedicated to supporting our mission of Catholic education as inspired by Saint Katharine Drexel.”