Alumni Weekend Mass returned this year to the newly renovated Chapel of the North American Martyrs, a long-awaited moment after last year’s celebration was relocated during the chapel’s restoration. As alumni and their guests entered, they were greeted by the warm glow of new lighting and a sweeping blanket of stars adorning the ceiling. These constellations replicate the New Orleans night sky as it appeared two millennia ago on the night of the Resurrection.

It was especially fitting that Fr. John Brown, S.J., focused his homily on the meaning and purpose of sacred spaces as the community gathered in the restored chapel. Drawing inspiration from the feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, he invited those present to reflect on why the Church cherishes its buildings, not as mere structures, but as places that make visible the work of God’s grace. He described this grace as “cascading down… making holy whatever comes in contact with God’s Holy Spirit,” urging listeners to view the chapel itself as a tangible expression of that spiritual reality.

As the liturgy unfolded, many found their eyes drawn upward to the celestial ceiling and the paintings of the North American Martyrs that line the walls. Together, these images served as guides helping to connect more deeply with the divine. Fr. Brown further explored the unique character of Catholic worship, the symbolism of the sanctuary and altar, and the hopeful signs of renewed devotion among young Catholics, including Jesuit’s own students and recent alumni. The Mass was celebrated by Frs. John Brown, S.J., Anthony McGinn, S.J. ’66, Roy Joseph, S.J., and Penn Dawson, S.J., and enriched by music from the student choir led by Patrick Cragin ’06.

Following Mass, the celebration continued in Traditions Courtyard and the Student Commons, where alumni enjoyed classic New Orleans dishes such as raw and chargrilled oysters, gumbo, a whole roasted alligator, and shrimp pasta prepared by Acme Oyster House and Drago’s Seafood. Alumni reconnected with classmates, greeted former teachers and coaches, and toured the latest renovations and additions to campus. The evening captured the enduring spirit of Blue Jay loyalty and the gratitude shared for a community that continues to thrive “through all the days of life.”

Alumnus of the Year Robert S. Boh ’76 

A major highlight of Alumni Weekend was the honoring of Robert S. Boh ’76 as Jesuit’s 2025–26 Alumnus of the Year. A respected business leader and devoted servant to the community, Boh reflected on the profound impact of his Jesuit education. Reflecting on receiving the school’s highest alumni honor, he shared, “To join the distinguished list of past recipients, which includes my late father in 1998, is one of the great honors of my life. I am humbled to be chosen,” he said.

Jesuit president Fr. Brown praised Boh’s example, remarking, “In his leadership of Boh Brothers, caring for his employees, and building up our city, Robert Boh embodies the Blue Jay ideal of being ‘a man for others.’ He is a model of what we hope our students become.”

While at Jesuit, Boh excelled academically, graduating summa cum laude before attending Tulane University, where he earned degrees in civil engineering and business. After beginning his career at Boh Bros. Construction Co., LLC, he became President and CEO in 1994, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. Now serving as Chairman and CEO, he has guided the company for more than 40 years with integrity and a deep sense of service.

Beyond his professional achievements, Boh has offered significant leadership in the broader community through roles with the National Academy of Construction, the Construction Industry Roundtable, Tulane’s President’s Council, and numerous school and healthcare boards. He also reigned as Rex, King of Carnival, in 2019. “I am grateful for the religious, ethical, and academic foundation I received from Jesuit,” he said.

Reflecting on how his formation shaped his faith and his life, Boh emphasized the spiritual education he received as a Blue Jay: “Perhaps most importantly, Jesuit gave me a chance to learn about my religion and clarify my relationship with God. This became the basis for the life I would lead as an adult.”

During Alumni Weekend, Boh also addressed the student body at Morning Assembly. “The most impactful thing I received here was the Jesuit teaching about the Catholic religion and learning to put my faith in God,” he told students. “Life brings challenges and hardship, but belief in God has carried me through. I hope you won’t overlook the chance to build your relationship with Him.”

Through his leadership, faith, and lifelong devotion to Jesuit High School, Boh exemplifies the mission the school strives to instill in every Blue Jay.

Hall of Honors Inductee Brian North ’83

A deeply moving moment of the evening came with the induction of Brian North ’83 into Jesuit’s Hall of Honors, a recognition reserved for those whose contributions to the school have been both exceptional and enduring. Fr. John Brown reflected on the history of the honor, noting how past recipients—figures such as Brother Billy Dardis ’58, Paul Frederick, and Coach Frank Misuraca—have shaped Jesuit in legendary ways. “It has been nine years since we last felt the moment was right to add another name,” Fr. Brown said. “Now it feels almost surreal to say that we have lived alongside one of those legendary names in our own more recent time.”

Fr. Brown described North as a man whose love for Jesuit began as a student and never wavered. He shared memories reflecting North’s spirit and humor, including the upside-down locker number North mischievously riveted in place as a student—a marker that remains today. More importantly, he recounted North’s extraordinary dedication to Jesuit’s mission: “Brian North has left an indelible mark on this school, one still felt by many here, certainly by me.”

North’s leadership was transformative. Elected to the board in 2013 and named chair in 2015, he guided Jesuit through a decade of significant growth and renewal. His steady leadership strengthened governance, expanded the endowment, advanced campus development, and supported major fundraising initiatives. He advised four presidents and helped shepherd Jesuit through pivotal transitions. “Brian’s leadership was rooted in quiet strength and deep faith,” Fr. Brown noted. “He led with humility, always placing Jesuit’s mission and our students at the center of every decision.”

Even in his final months, North continued to serve with characteristic humility and gratitude. Fr. Brown recalled trying to thank him for all he had done. “He told me it had been a labor of love,” he said. “Everything he did—as a son, as a husband, as a father and grandfather—came from a clear awareness that he himself had received so much. For him, every opportunity to serve was a gift from God.”

Citing St. Paul—“Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord”—Fr. Brown concluded that these words captured North’s spirit. “That, to me, is Brian North,” he said. “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

North entered into the joy of his Master on June 2, 2025, at the age of 59. Jesuit is proud to honor his memory, his leadership, and his devotion by inducting him into the Hall of Honors.

John Paquette Award Honoree Chris Jennings ’78

The evening also included the presentation of the John Paquette Award, Jesuit’s new recognition honoring faculty members who have devoted more than forty years of service to the school. This year’s recipient was Chris Jennings ’78, whose four decades of teaching, coaching, and mentoring have shaped generations of Blue Jays.

Principal Jeremy Reuther ’01 spoke about Jennings’s profound impact: “Jesuit is the place that all of us alumni love so much because of educators like Chris—whose mentorship transcends the classroom, and whose relationships with his players transcend the court.” He praised Jennings’s steady leadership in the Social Studies and Physical Education departments, where his practical wisdom has guided thousands of students.

Reuther also highlighted Jennings’s extraordinary career as head basketball coach. Now just a dozen wins away from 750 career victories, Jennings has led the Blue Jays to five district titles and the 2001 state championship. Known throughout the Catholic League as “the Dean,” he has shaped not only players but also many coaches who began their careers under his guidance. Reuther recalled the deep respect Jennings commanded, noting that players trusted his expertise the way the wider basketball world revered coaches like Krzyzewski, Knight, and Jackson.

Jennings’s commitment to Jesuit began long before his tenure as a teacher and coach. As a student, he earned the nickname “Jump Shot Jennings” and remains Jesuit’s all-time leading scorer with 2,011 points. He went on to start for three years at Nicholls State University and was inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame—achievements that laid the foundation for his lifelong connection to the game and to Jesuit.

Through his leadership, consistency, and dedication to forming young men, Jennings exemplifies the spirit of the John Paquette Award, named for the Class of 1925 alumnus who served Jesuit for an extraordinary seventy years.

Milestone Reunions for the 25- and 50-Year Classes

Alumni from the classes of 1975 and 2000 were recognized before and during Mass. After both groups began the weekend with “stag” reunions on Friday evening, Saturday’s events opened with members receiving their 25-year pins and 50-year diplomas.

Alumni Director James Linn ’06 reminded both classes that these pins and diplomas symbolize more than the passage of time since graduation. Rather than simple commemorative items, they serve as invitations to continue participating in Jesuit’s mission—living as men of faith and men for others, even decades after their years on Carrollton and Banks.