Editor’s Corner

Leah Clark, Editor-in-Chief

2024 marks the countdown to the celebration of Xavier’s 100 years of excellence.

That’s 100 years of students from all walks of life claiming 1 Drexel Drive as their second home. That’s 100 years of Xavier creating leaders across various fields. That’s 100 years of Xavier preparing students to create a more just and humane society.

Xavier has come a long way in its 100 years. What started as St. Katharine Drexel’s defiance against racial segregation laws in the South and determination to serve Black and Native Americans grew into the only Black and Catholic institution in the nation.

And as we approach the next century of Xavier, I can only wonder what our foundress would say.

When St. Katharine Drexel opened the doors of Xavier’s College of Arts and Sciences in 1925, did she know Xavier would last to see 100 years? Did she know that generations of families would walk Xavier’s halls? Did she know Xavier would become the number one institution to graduate Black students who go on to complete medical school?

St. Katharine Drexel established a tradition of excellence at Xavier. That tradition is what led this institution to push its students to greater heights.

However, St. Katharine Drexel also established a tradition of social justice.

Since the 1930s, Xavierites have been on the frontlines of the fight for social change. From the nation’s first public interracial tennis match to the election of the first woman mayor of New Orleans, we have always been social activists.

While Xavier has a rich history, we must also look toward its future. There are so many more accomplishments on Xavier’s horizon.

We have the opportunity to forge more corporate partnerships than ever before. Strong efforts are being made to increase Black male recruitment and retention. We are adding new majors and graduate programs. We have added new sports from soccer to rowing, and from dance to cheer. Also, Xavier is on the cusp of a major facelift with campus-wide renovations.

As we look to the next 100 years, we cannot let our traditions of excellence and social justice die. Students must pick up the torch of St. Katharine Drexel, and, in the words of the Centennial Campaign, “Press Forward. Fear Nothing.”

Signed,

Leah