New Orleans, La. – Because of Xavier: reflecting on the opportunities and worth of the Xavier degree was the call to action for Give.Love.Xavier (GLX) Day on April 4. The nearly $1 million raised so far during the 2023 annual time of giving for Xavier University of Louisiana, Give.Love.Xavier (GLX) Day will support the dreams of both current and future Xavierites at the nation’s only historically Black and Catholic institution. Quickly approaching its historic centennial, Xavier’s supporters recall how Xavier and its mission have resulted in great leaders and changemakers for nearly a century, with its promise to continue to do so for the next one hundred years.

Xavier University of Louisiana’s largest yearly fundraiser aids the University in meeting its current and most pressing needs associated with providing need-based financial assistance for students, developing innovative programs, improving learning technology and software, offering food security to the campus community, and elevating campus wellness and infrastructure.

“The support of donors, families, and other friends of Xavier allows this great institution to fund many need-based scholarships that will assist the change-makers and servant leaders that Xavier sends forth to the world,” said Dr. Reynold Verret, President of Xavier University of Louisiana. “So many supporters this year answer the call of St. Katharine Drexel and the mission she bestowed on Xavier nearly a century ago, to educate talented students who will advance a more just and humane society.”

Last year, thousands of donors contributed $1.2 million. Kicking off this year’s celebration with a “Spirit Week” on March 27 that included both virtual and on-campus events, to date, more than 1,900 donors have shown their support for the futures of current and upcoming Xavierites. If you didn’t participate in this year’s fundraising event, it’s not too late! Gifts made until May 5 will count toward this year’s Give.Love.Xavier goal. For more information or to make a gift, visit https://giving.xula.edu/ or contact Braxton McShan at (504) 520-6795.

This year, the Gamma Alpha Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., led the leaderboard of givers, surpassing their goal of $100,000 with $121,371.57 raised by 359 donors. The alumni classes of 2003 and 1998, celebrating their 20^th and 25^th anniversaries, respectively, were neck and neck for most of the day before the class of 2003 pulled ahead with $51,634.69 raised by 117 donors while the class of 1998 has a current total of $46,245.17 raised by 104 contributors. Corporate and individual sponsors contributed more than $200,000. Many members of Xavier’s Faculty and staff participated as well, by providing “challenge” grants, participating in team challenges, and spreading the word.

Xavier’s Office of Alumni Relations launched the Give.Love.Xavier initiative 11 years ago to strengthen alumni engagement. Since then, GLX has raised more than $6 million with the help of more than 18,000 donors throughout the years.

“We are so grateful to all of Xavier’s supporters who participated in this year’s Give.Love.Xavier event,” said Kimberly Reese, associate vice president for institutional advancement. “The almost $1 million raised so far will directly benefit so many of our deserving Xavierites. The incredible contributions of our campus family, alumni, communities, and other friends of Xavier truly embody what Xavier and Give.Love.Xavier Day is all about- offering Xavier students the highest quality of education possible so they can confidently follow their dreams, Xavier degree in hand.”

About Xavier University of Louisiana

Xavier University of Louisiana, America’s only historically Black and Catholic University, is ranked among the top three HBCUs (historically Black colleges and universities) in the nation. Recognized as a national leader in STEM and health sciences, Xavier produces more African American students who graduate from medical schools each year than any other university in the United States. Additionally, Xavier’s College of Pharmacy is also among the top producers of African American pharmacists in the country.

Established in 1925 by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament as a place for African American and Native Americans to receive quality education, Xavier has since expanded its programs in art, business, education, biological sciences, chemistry, pharmacy and political science. More recent additions in robotics, bioinformatics, engineering, data science, neuroscience and genetics, in addition to new STEM-based master’s programs, have provided Xavier students (3,419 students) an unbeatable combination of traditional classroom study, hands-on research, service-learning opportunities and life experiences. Xavier students collaborate with world-renowned faculty, who are experts in their fields, to produce award-winning research and notable work. The winning Xavier formula provides students with a well-balanced curriculum and an environment that nurtures their intellect and feeds their souls, thereby facilitating a more just and humane society for all. For more information about Xavier University of Louisiana, visit us online at www.xula.edu or contact Regi Reyes at (504) 520-5240 or rreyes@xula.edu.