alumni events & news The Aquinas Hall of Fame was established in 1987 to honor Aquinas alumni, faculty, staff and special friends, who are distinctively dedicated to serving their community in a way that upholds the tradition and teachings of this Institute and its mission. The Hall of Fame awards look to honor these individuals who have significant lifetime achievement and service. Congratulations to all of our inductees and their families. We are deeply grateful for your continued representation of Aquinas, both in the past and in the years to come. 2025 INDUCTEES THE AFFRONTI FAMILY Family The Affronti family’s legacy at Aquinas spans generations— rooted in faith, service, education, and a deep devotion to our mission and spirit. It all began with the Hon. Francis A. Affronti ’59, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005. During his time at Aquinas, Frank played freshman football and JV baseball, while also participated in bowling, Sodality, and the Italian, English, and Glee Clubs. He was also a dedicated member of the Maroon & White newspaper staff. Following graduation, he built a distinguished career in the legal profession and has been honored with numerous professional and community accolades. Frank’s story set the foundation for a remarkable lineage of graduates who have followed in his footsteps. Frank’s wife, Heather Affronti, though a proud St. Agnes alumna, became a pillar of the Aquinas community through her unwavering support and volunteerism from 1981 to 1997. A woman of steadfast faith and fierce commitment to Catholic education, Heather helped foster the Aquinas tradition in their children and grandchildren. Together, Frank and Heather raised four Aquinas graduates. Their eldest, Francis “Chris” Affronti, Class of 1985, proudly participated in the Mission Bouts all four years—an experience that continues to shape his life. A graduate of Providence College and Albany Law School, Chris has practiced law in Rochester since 1993. He has been named to The Best Lawyers in America© in Family Law since 2012 and has received the title of “Lawyer of the Year” in Rochester five times. Their son Daniel, Class of 1987, was a member of the varsity golf team, the drama club, and also participated in the Mission Bouts for four years. His 31-year career in the consumer goods industry has taken him across seven U.S. cities. He’s remained active as a volunteer, mentor, and educational advocate in every community he’s called home. Andrew, Class of 1991, also boxed all four years, earning two championships and the honor of Most Improved Fighter in 1990—making him the third Affronti brother to earn that distinction. He has worked at Frontier Communications for more than 30 years. Their daughter Leslie (Iacchetta), Class of 1997, served as a peer minister before graduating from Niagara University and Syracuse University College of Law. She has served as a Deputy County Attorney with the Monroe County Law Department since 2006. The third generation of Affronti Aquinas graduates continues to make their mark. Evan Affronti, Class of 2016, played JV and Varsity Baseball, was involved in student recruitment and digital journalism, and graduated with honors. A St. Bonaventure University alumnus, he is currently completing his MBA and was recently hired as a Credit Analyst. His sister Emma, Class of 2021, was captain of the Varsity Tennis team, student council leader, member of the Women’s Leadership program, peer minister, and Advancement intern. Now in her third year at St. Bonaventure University studying political science and pre-law, she continues to lead and give back through academic and social justice initiatives. Vincenzo “Enzo” Iacchetta, Class of 2030, is a student ambassador and modified soccer player, while his younger sister Antonia, Class of 2032, proudly represents the final member of the third generation. She is eager to leave her own mark at Aquinas, continuing the family legacy into the future. With each generation, the Affronti family have added their own chapter to the story—bringing honor to the family name, and to their beloved alma mater. JAMES P. BRENNAN ’88 Meritorious Service From his days walking the halls of Aquinas to his leadership in boardrooms across Upstate New York, James (Jim) Brennan has remained rooted in the values that defined his time as a student: leadership, service, and integrity. During his years at Aquinas, Jim was a proud multi-sport athlete—competing in cross country, basketball, and golf—while also serving as Senior Class President and a member of the Peer Ministry Leadership Council. Jim continued his educational journey at St. John Fisher University, earning a bachelor’s of science degree in accounting before launching a remarkable career at Deloitte & Touche LLP. Joining the firm in 1994, he was named partner in 2003 and currently serves as Managing Partner of Deloitte’s Upstate New York marketplace, overseeing operations in both Buffalo and Rochester. A seasoned advisor and regional leader, Jim brings decades of experience to some of the largest companies in the region, guiding clients through high-growth strategies, complex transactions, and major financial transitions. Jim has a deep understanding of current trends and top of mind issues for audit committees, CFOs, and senior executives. He has extensive experience with companies executing high growth strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, and public and private capital raising activities. He works regularly with clients operating in the travel and leisure, manufacturing, consumer products, and life sciences industries. Named a Rochester Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree in 2004, Jim’s leadership has always extended beyond the boardroom, especially when it comes to his alma mater and Catholic education. He has served on 2025 HALL OF FAME 16 AQUINAS LANDMARK | SUMMER 2025
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