Xavier Jesuit Academy made history on September 11, dedicating its Wall of Honor to recognize individuals whose lives exemplified the values that guide XJA's mission. Held during the daily Ignatian Examen. During the ceremony, Myron Kilgore, Sr. and Jane Schaefer were named XJA’s first inductees.
Joseph Feldkamp, XJA's director of advancement, welcomed family members, donors, and board members. He reflected on the school's journey since opening just over a year ago, building upon 50+ years of Jesuit Nativity education across the United States.
"At Xavier Jesuit Academy, we strive each day to live out our values to be Faith-Filled, Intellectually Competent, Open to Growth, Committed to Doing Justice, and Loving," Feldkamp said. "Today, we dedicate the Xavier Jesuit Academy Wall of Honor, a tribute to individuals who have embodied these same values throughout their lives."
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| Schaefer Family | Kilgore and Hall Families |
Personal Tributes
Fr. Bill Verbryke, S.J., who had known both honorees for decades, led the blessing and shared personal reflections.
Speaking about Myron Kilgore, Sr., Fr. Verbryke recalled him as "an excellent English teacher" from his own freshman year at St. Xavier High School. As a board member, Kilgore challenged everyone "to be the best that we could be" and promoted inclusion and diversity. "He had an impact, not just at St. Xavier High School, but throughout the Cincinnati area," Fr. Verbryke said.
Jane C. Schaefer exemplified volunteer commitment at St. Xavier High School alongside her husband Tom. "Both she and her husband showed their commitment to their boys by demonstrating: you get engaged, you get involved," Fr. Verbryke shared.
He recalled his final conversation with Jane about Xavier Jesuit Academy: "Her face lit up when we were talking about the potential that this school is able to give as a gift to its students"
A Lasting Legacy
The Wall of Honor will become an annual tradition at XJA, celebrating individuals whose lives demonstrate the transformative power of faith based education. The ceremony also marked the establishment of the Jane C. Schaefer Scholarship Fund and the Myron Kilgore, Sr. Scholarship Fund. To learn more about these scholarship funds, contact the Office of Advancement at advancement@xavierja.org.
