70 Years of Work and Love
Being a St. Ignatius Wildcat is a lifetime contract, one that returns the love and care put into it tenfold. As is the case with any relationship, maintaining connections with classmates requires effort and generosity. For the last seven decades, the Class of 1955 has been a living testament to that.
Last September, 25 classmates and their families sat down for lunch at Delancey Street Restaurant along the Embarcadero for their 70th reunion. Classmate-designed "55" pins were organized on top of the check-in table, next to a pair of envelopes collecting donations for two different funds. As the classmates picked up their nametags, they were handed a raffle ticket and the chance to win a bottle of wine.
The piéce de résistance of the afternoon? A table stretched out under the southern window bearing an impressive display of 50s-era SI memorabilia — a few t-shirts (one showing the Wildcat mascot standing under Turk and Stanyan street signs), a yearbook, assorted photos, and two binders with flyers, pamphlets, and other interesting snapshots, including a handbill for the 1954 basketball Tournament of Champions where a 10-cent ticket would get you in to watch SI win the first of two consecutive TOCs.
Charlie Gagan, S.J. '55 offered a blessing and Walt McCall '55 ran a brief program and raffle. SI President Joe Vollert '84 delivered remarks, highlighting the uniqueness of what the Class of 1955 has built.
This was more than just a lunch — it was a celebration of where the members of this class have been and where they are going, even at their age. It was a shining example that after all these years, they are still making an effort to keep these events fun and interesting. There was a palpable sense of pride and joy in the room.
So what compels a group of men, all in their late 80s now, to continue staying connected all these years after high school? In one sense, it's simple:
"We like each other," said Mr. McCall.
In another sense, this bond has been shaped by so much more: gratitude, loss, tragedy, selflessness.
To understand the Class of 1955, it's important to understand the world they were shaped in.
"Growing up in the '50s after the Second World War, it was a big change. Our parents really instilled in us the need to be careful with your time because it is precious," said Mr. McCall, the class rep for this group.
Fr. Gagan added, "I think we were blessed. It was an era that followed a difficult time in the United States with the Second World War. The 1950s were a time of establishing. After a devastating experience of war and loss, people were establishing foundations, family life, and optimism about the future."
From an early age, the men who make up the Class of 1955 carried a foundational perspective on life that traditions were built upon, one that could withstand the weight of inevitable tragedy.
Shortly after graduation, Daniel T. Casey '55, a star University of California, Berkeley-bound athlete, died before starting the fall semester. The loss sent shockwaves throughout the class, but it also served as a rallying point for them.
"I think that cemented something in a lot of us about how fragile life can be," said Mr. McCall.
So, in 1956 — just one year after graduating — the Class of 1955 had its first gathering. Spearheaded by the late Dave Dawson '55, the man for whom their annual Christmas lunch is now named, the get-together was lightly attended, as many were spread out attending college or working, but it was the start of seven decades of exceptional togetherness and a responsibility to each other that has been shared over the years.
Preserving this bond requires a village. Over time, the torch has been passed off as these men deal with life and death, and the next man carries it to do their part.
Mr. McCall, one of the driving forces behind this year's reunion, has "only" been involved for about 15 years. Rich Giambastini '55 has picked up the mantle of "recording secretary." He sends emails to collect RSVPs, share out notices of classmates' deaths, and more.
"Bill Hogan had been doing it for years when he announced that he couldn't do it anymore, and so I volunteered for it. I didn't think twice," said Mr. Giambastini, who retired from teaching in 1988, but continues to serve as a substitute teacher. "If I can still work, I can do this for our class."
There's a sense of duty that comes with being a member of the Class of 1955. Leaders rise up when they're needed. When a bill must be paid, someone pulls out their checkbook. Members use their resources and give what they have back to the class. Someone always steps up for the class.
The 70th reunion was the latest in a long line of impressive outings for this group. Previous reunions have been many places — from Original Joe's to a hotel in Nevada. Of course, there's the annual holiday celebration. They organize luncheons on the first Friday of every month. During the pandemic, they held a Zoom memorial.
Fr. Gagan's favorite event is the All Souls Mass at Sts. Peter and Paul Church. The living classmates come together to honor the deceased ones, reading the names of those who have gone before them out loud. Following Mass, the classmates cross Washington Square Park to break bread together at Joe's.
"It gives us a chance to not only think about the ones that we have lost, but, as we pray, we remind ourselves that we, too, will join that group, but with that same hope and love that we've been surrounded with, love that comes from outside ourselves. It's eternal. It takes trust," said Fr. Gagan.
The Class of 1955, like any other class, had its cliques, but there has always been a sense of unity, one that has grown as their family has grown. Wives and, notably, widows join in on celebrations.
"We've had ups and downs, with loss, but now I'm friends with widows who have strengthened our bonds as a class," says Fr. Gagan.
Mr. Giambastini adds that "I'm proud of how we've been able to stick together."
Reaching a 70th reunion takes work and the Class of 1955 has found joy doing it. There is joy in telling their stories and celebrating each other, in life and in death. There is joy in the labor and sacrifices it takes to organize and embark upon adventures together.
And that labor and sacrifice, combined with the desire to tell stories, brought immense joy to their 70-year reunion – and it will continue to shine at every gathering for as long as a single heart beats within the Class of 1955.
This article appeared in the Winter 2025 issue of Genesis magazine.