As fall arrives, it brings the most anticipated event of the season: homecoming. Among the faculty and volunteers who have worked together to make homecoming a success are the Saint Viator alumni. Every homecoming, 15,000 graduates are invited to tour the school, participate in a mass held in the Alumni Memorial Chapel and attend a private tent at the homecoming football game. In addition to homecoming, Saint Viator also hosts six class reunions for graduates of Saint Viator and Sacred Heart of Mary.

“The reunions and events that Saint Viator offers for alumni allow them to see how the school has changed and really experience the spirit of Saint Viator at its best,” said Director of Alumni Relations Mr. Chris Wells.

New this year is the release of a homecoming reunion video that focuses on what it really means to be a lion for life. There are also many other opportunities for alumni to be involved in school functions. For example, there is Lionpalooza, where President Fr. Corey Brost and Mr. Wells visit colleges around the country to have dinner and celebrate mass with graduates there. A mass is held every November to honor deceased alumni and to recognize the names on the memorial wall in the chapel. They are also encouraged to come to the Alumni Association Thanksgiving Gathering for the varsity basketball game and the annual “Food Fight” against Carmel High School.

“The Food Fight at Feed My Starving Children is a great way to have some fun while supporting a great cause and strengthen our rivalry,” said Mr. Wells.

On average, about ten percent of graduates are involved with Saint Viator, and five percent give donations. Alumni are a part of the Lion family and show their pride by helping give back to the Viatorian community in several ways. Many do so by serving on the Alumni Association Board or with their Alumni Ambassadors, who stay connected with their class and Saint Viator to help plan reunions.

Graduates also support the Saint Viator Foundation by providing financial assistance for the school community. And 22 alumni have made the biggest commitment of all: returning to serve as faculty and staff.

So, with homecoming now behind us, keep in mind how our graduates are a big part of making everything come together to create positive, long-lasting memories at Saint Viator. Our alumni are examples of living out the Viatorian message and being a lion for life.