Louisiana Congressman Troy Carter Sr. reflects on his XU days

November 7, 2024

By: Trinity Johnson, Editor-In-Chief

For nearly 100 years, Xavier has produced some of the nation’s most influential leaders across various sectors. As the university approaches its centennial celebration, it is important to recognize not only the institution but also the notable changemakers it has nurtured. 

Among Xavier’s distinguished alumni, is the only Democratic official serving in Congress, representing Louisiana: U.S. Rep. Troy Carter Sr. Carter graduated from Xavier in 1985 with degrees in political science and business administration. During his four years at Xavier, he was involved in the political science club, community service, and his fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi. 

After graduation, he went on to work under New Orleans Mayor Sidney Barthelemy, a connection made at Xavier as Barthelemy was one of his professors. 

“I might have still gotten here through other machinations, but I can say without fear of contradiction, that this specific opportunity was granted to me because I was a Xavier student,” Carter said in an interview with the Herald on Oct. 9. 

From there, Carter was elected to the legislature, then the city council, the state Senate, and now the U.S. Congress. The congressman noted that current students might not fully understand the importance of Xavier’s legacy as it nears its 100th anniversary. 

“Unfortunately, it’s not a knock on the students. It’s just a knock-on people’s general desire to know more of their history, and a lot of times things get in your rearview mirror before you’re able to appreciate what they were, and listen, I was no different,” Carter said. 

He also reflected on the personal significance of Xavier and its legacy. For Carter, attending Xavier is a family tradition, with his mother, his eldest son Troy Jr., his sister, three nieces, and a nephew all graduating from the university. The congressman’s familial passion for the university also surfaces in his legislative work. 

Throughout his political career, Carter has spearheaded bills and grants directly benefiting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), securing more than $17 billion in HBCU funding. His efforts have resulted in Xavier receiving more than $33 million in grants, including $2.5 million secured in 2022 to jump-start the university’s renovation of St. Michael’s dormitory into a STEM and pre-health advising center. 

“Xavier University is going to be around for a long, long time, and it’s going to be that way because of bright students like you, because of bright students who are here and the loving faculty and staff who really care,” Carter said. 

However, the congressman stressed the importance of alumni giving back to ensure the future of the university and other HBCUs. This year, he is teaching a course in the political science department at Xavier, finding time in his busy life as a congressman, to pass on his knowledge to a future generation of leaders.  

“I predict that you and everyone who’s reading this will start writing checks to Xavier to make sure it’s around for another 100-plus years,” Carter said. “There will be very few places that will love you as much as Xavier, give you as much, or provide you as much opportunity. Why do I say that? Because I am a proud product of all those things.”