New Orleans– As part of its yearlong 100th-anniversary fête, Xavier University of Louisiana will host its Centennial Gala on May 8 at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, presented by Ochsner Health. This event will be elegant and joyous and pay homage to a century of excellence and community impact. It will honor the historic legacy and ongoing contributions of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and President Emeritus Dr. Norman C. Francis. Renowned actor and comedian Bill Bellamy will host, R&B/soul legend Jeffrey Osborne will perform, and journalist Bryant Gumbel will bring greetings.

 

"Our centennial is a singular moment to reflect on all this university has accomplished during just 100 years while honoring the trailblazers who have lighted the path forward and envisioning the next century of excellence," said Reynold Verret, Xavier University of Louisiana President. "The Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and my esteemed predecessor, Norman C. Francis, continue to shape Xavier's legacy profoundly. We are thrilled to honor them and celebrate in a manner fitting for Xavier's New Orleans heritage."  

 

Founded in 1925 by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, Xavier has made momentous strides in 100 years. It continues to be recognized as a leading undergraduate institution for formation of Black doctors, a top producer of African American pharmacists, and professionals with graduate degrees in STEM. The university also recently achieved Research Colleges and Universities (RCU) designation in the newly restructured Carnegie classifications for its phenomenal research and engagement initiatives. Moreover, Xavier alumni are walking representations of creating a more just and humane society as many lean towards realizing a better world locally and globally. It is because of these graduates that the university is praised for its impact.  

 

At the root of Xavier’s impact is the enduring vision of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament for educational excellence and social justice, which has prepared this leading HBCU and top Louisiana university for 100 years of good work. The order, founded by Saint Katharine Drexel, changed society by implementing its mission to challenge all forms of racism and other deeply rooted injustices in the world. Establishing a significant university in the Deep South in the 1920s presented numerous challenges, but the Sisters persevered and continue to serve and nurture the university even to this day.  

 

Over two decades after Xavier's founding, a young Norman C. Francis left his home in Lafayette, Louisiana, for the adventure of a lifetime. A class of 1952 mathematics graduate, Francis returned to Xavier in 1955, where he held various roles, but none more important than a 47-year tenure as university president, which began on April 4, 1968. Under his leadership, Xavier became a leader in sending Black students to medical school, the campus community expanded, enrollment tripled, and the university’s historic legacy began to shape. Dr. Norman C. Francis is celebrated as a trailblazer in education and civil rights who has made profound contributions to the nation. Still, most significantly, he is a son of Xavier.  

 

All proceeds from the gala will support student scholarships. For more information about the Centennial Gala, please visit XULACentennial.com and click Gala.