This past March, the Class of ‘76 made headlines during Shamrock Week by raising an incredible $67,055 for their newly established Class of 1976 Scholarship—a lasting legacy that will help future generations of students experience an Aquinas education. In a little over a year, they have raised $83,526 for the Class of 1976 Scholarship. As more classes approach milestone reunions, establishing a class scholarship has become a meaningful way to celebrate lifelong friendships while giving back to the school that helped shape so many lives. More than a reunion project, a class scholarship reflects the enduring bonds, shared values, and lasting impact of an Aquinas education while creating opportunities for future Li’l Irish long after the reunion festivities have ended. Classmates Bob Foley and Ted Boccuzzi point to the relationships they built at Aquinas as the reason they continue to stay engaged. “The years I spent at Aquinas were the best four years of my adolescence,” shared Boccuzzi. “The camaraderie I experienced and the lifelong friendships I forged were truly remarkable. Aquinas has always held a special place in my heart.” Those friendships have endured through regular gatherings, annual traditions, and countless emails exchanged. Whether meeting for a Red Wings game, a Christmas party, a round of golf, or a simple happy hour, members of the Class of ’76 have made a conscious effort to stay connected. That commitment to one another was on full display during Shamrock Week. What began as an opportunity to strengthen the class scholarship fund quickly evolved into a rallying point for classmates eager to support both their class and their alma mater. A little friendly rivalry with the Class of ’75 added excitement to the week, but the real motivation ran much deeper. For Foley and Boccuzzi, giving back is about ensuring that future generations of students have access to the same opportunities and experiences that shaped their own lives. “Aquinas played a significant role in shaping the person I am today,” said Boccuzzi. “Being part of the AQ family means belonging to a community that extends far beyond my four years as a student. It is a lifelong bond built on shared experiences, lasting friendships, common values, and a genuine commitment to one another.” Foley echoed that sentiment, noting that Aquinas has always been about “family and friends.” Looking ahead to the reunion, he is most excited for the opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and enjoy time together. Their story offers an important reminder for alumni of every generation: meaningful engagement often begins with simply showing up. Whether it is attending a reunion, joining classmates for a social gathering, volunteering at an event, mentoring a student, or making a gift, staying connected strengthens both the school and the community that surrounds it. “Strong alumni involvement often begins with bringing people together,” Boccuzzi reflected. “I also give Foley a great deal of credit for making phone calls and encouraging classmates to contribute. I also try to organize quarterly events for our class and maintain a distribution list that currently includes email addresses for 98 classmates, with one in the United Kingdom and the other spending part of the year in Poland.” The Class of ‘76’s generosity during Shamrock Week was not the product of a single campaign or a single day. It was the result of decades spent nurturing friendships, celebrating shared experiences, and remaining invested in a place that helped shape their lives. As Aquinas continues to welcome new generations of students, stories like theirs remind us that being part of the AQ family is not something that lasts four years. It is a connection that lasts a lifetime. 50 Years and Still Connected Fifty years after they walked the halls of Aquinas together, the members of the Class of 1976 continue to prove that the bonds formed at AQ don’t end at graduation. alumni events & news 14 AQUINAS LANDMARK | SUMMER 2026 Picnic at Foley’s Keuka Lake House: Roy Higgins, CPA, Bob Foley, Tom D’Ambrosia, James Weber, Wayne Marshall, Michael Markle, Terry Foley ’73, John Ivanuska, Larry Knapp, James Burgio 2021 Golf Outing at Pinewood Country Club: Ed Fiorentino, Bob Birecree, John Montgomery, Paul Contestable Red Wings Game 2022: Bob Foley, Tom D’Ambrosia, Brian Labigan, Nick Sciarratta, Ted Boccuzzi Raymond Megerle, PA, Bob Foley, Russell Thurston, Joe LaVigne We remember Raymond Megerle and Russell Thurston, who have since passed away. 2023 Christmas Party 2025 Christmas Party at Shamrock Jacks
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