alumni events news is past fall, we celebrated classes ending in 0 and 5—and they certainly brought the fun! From across the decades and across the country, alumni returned to Dewey Avenue September 26–28, 2025, for a weekend full of connection, memories, and AQ pride. Blessed with picture-perfect autumn weather, alumni, families, and friends spent the weekend sharing laughter, camaraderie, and reminiscing about stories only AQ friends could know. e festivities kicked o Friday evening with thrilling athletic matchups, including Girls Tennis, Volleyball, and Soccer. e stands were packed with cheering alumni and families, setting the tone for a weekend full of energy. Saturday began with guided campus tours, bookstore shopping for the latest spirit wear, and the Class Scholarship Breakfast. Donors had the special opportunity to meet this year’s student recipients and witness rsthand the lasting impact of their generosity. e Veteran’s Reception honored alumni who have served our country, while Bob Gibbons ’65 captivated attendees with stories from his book Becoming Aquinas, the rst comprehensive history of our school. Later in the day, the excitement moved outdoors to Wegmans Stadium, where the Li’l Irish Varsity Football Team took the eld for the Homecoming Game. With alumni from class years ending in 0 and 5 enjoying the VIP Room, the crowd roared as AQ defeated Pen eld 42–21. e evening continued with Boys Soccer facing o against Corning, keeping the energy and celebration alive. Sunday brought a beautiful conclusion to the weekend with Family Mass led by Father William Leone ’65, uniting alumni, students, and families in gratitude and faith. Following Mass, the 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony honored a distinguished group of alumni: Thomas J. Tracy ’68 – Distinguished Alumnus Peter M. Guelli ’83 – Distinguished Career Brother Sam Guelli ’84 accepted the Hall of Fame award on Pete’s behalf, as Pete was unable to attend due to his responsibilities as COO of the Bu alo Bills on game day. Fred E. Strauss ’45 (posthumously) – Distinguished Career Naomi Silver, President, CEO, and COO of the Rochester Red Wings, accompanied by Dan Mason, General Manager of the Rochester Red Wings, accepted the Hall of Fame award on his behalf. James P. Brennan ’88 – Meritorious Service The Affronti Family Melissa Masters Urban ’96 – Athletics Michael F. Riley ’61 – Athletics 2001–2002 Varsity Football Teams Kari Jo Nieman, wife of the late Coach Dave Nieman, accepted the award on his behalf, alongside the players. e weekend wrapped up with a celebratory Hall of Fame Brunch, where alumni, family, and friends raised toasts to honor the achievements, legacy, and enduring impact of this exceptional group. HOMECOMING WEEKEND: WHERE FRIENDS AND STORIES MEET 24 AQUINAS LANDMARK | WINTER 2026 Homecoming Weekend 2026 will celebrate all classes ending in 1 and 6: Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27! More details coming soon. If you would like help bringing your classmates together for a Class Event during Homecoming Weekend, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Kelly Conlan P’21 & ’26, Aquinas Fund and Events Manager, at kconlan@aquinasinstitute.com or (585) 254-2020 x1050. HIDDEN STORY: Alumni from the classes of ’75, ’80, ’85, ’90, ’95, and ’05 brought the fun to Homecoming Weekend. The Class of 1980 played a round of golf at Lakeshore Country Club on Friday, followed by a lively happy hour at Silk O’Loughlins. Their celebrations continued the next day in the VIP tent during the Homecoming Football Game, before moving on to a spirited cocktail party at the Port of Rochester Whiskey River. Anthony Rotoli ’80 shared,“It was incredibly emotional seeing my classmates again. There are some I’ve stayed close with over the years—like my buddy Joe O’Donnell, Jr.‘80—but even with those I hadn’t seen in decades, it felt like no time had passed. Our Aquinas bond is something that never breaks, no matter how many years go by. That’s the power of AQ, once you’re connected, the friendships are forever.” HIDDEN STORY: The Aquinas Veteran’s Scholarship was born from the passion and persistence of Bob Trost ’64, USMC, who wanted to give back to the school he loved while honoring his service in the Marine Corps. After reconnecting with fellow Marine and classmate Bill Huling, Jr. ’64, the two set out to make their vision a reality. What they thought might take three years to fund was accomplished in just three months—a true testament to the strength of the AQ brotherhood. Today, Bob and Bill continue to serve with pride on the Aquinas Alumni Veterans Committee, ensuring that the spirit of service continues to inspire future generations. HIDDEN STORY: What started as casual chatter in the VIP tent quickly turned into something magical—the Class of 1975 began singing the alma mater, sparking alumni from other classes to join in. Voices blended across generations, creating a moment of pure AQ spirit that perfectly captured the lifelong friendships and sense of community that begin here. HIDDEN STORY: Melissa, captain of the 1996 squad that won Aquinas’ rst Section V cheerleading title, now celebrates the next chapter of her cheerleading legacy. Her daughter, Sami ’31, is beginning her own AQ journey and carrying on the tradition—coached by the very athletes Melissa once mentored.
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