19 May 2025
Xavier University of Louisiana hosted its Centennial Gala on May 8, celebrating its 100th anniversary and paying tribute to the institution’s founding and history.
The gala, presented by Ochsner Health, raised more than $2 million, including a $500,000 pledge from Earvin “Magic” Johnson.
Hosted as part of the university’s 100th-anniversary fête paying homage to a century’s worth of community involvement and education, the event honored the historic legacy and ongoing contributions of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and President Emeritus Dr. Norman C. Francis.
Noted actor and comedian Bill Bellamy emceed the event which also featured a performance by R&B/Soul legend Jeffrey Osborne and remarks from journalist Bryant Gumbel.
“When Saint Katharine Drexel founded Xavier University, she dared to imagine a world where education is an instrument of justice, a force for healing, and a path toward leadership for those the world too often overlooks”, explained Xavier President Dr. Reynold Verret. “She planted a seed of hope that has flourished with every generation. We honor the incredible legacy that brings us to this centennial celebration and look ahead. The funds raised through the gala – every gift, every act of generosity – will directly support scholarships, ensuring that more students have access to the education they deserve and the future they dream of.”
NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s pledge of $500,000 was made in honor of Dr. Francis, who is a graduate of Xavier University and eventually went on to lead the institution as its president for 47 years, the longest tenure of any university president in the U.S.
Under Dr. Francis’ leadership, the university rose to become a leader in sending Black students to medical school, the campus saw an expansion of its footprint, and school enrollment tripled. Dr. Francis has been celebrated on a national stage as a trailblazer in education and civil rights, one who has made profound contributions to the nation.
“The mark of a great man is who shows up,” said Magic Johnson in his tribute to Dr. Francis at the Gala. “Because the man that you are, all the great things that you’ve done in your stellar career. And all the people that you helped. You became successful through your great leadership at Xavier… In your honor, I’m going to give Xavier $500,000.”
“Our Centennial Gala was a beautiful success,” said Phillip D. Adams, vice president of Institutional Advancement. “Not just that it honored Xavier’s storied legacy, but that we raised more than $2 million to secure the futures of deserving students who choose a Xavier education. In just 100 years, Xavier has amassed various accolades, solidifying itself as a leader. I’m honored that we have been able to steadily raise necessary scholarship funds, and I look forward to what we can achieve in our next 100 years of excellence.”
Founded in 1925 by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, Xavier University of Louisiana has made momentous strides in its 100 years, continuing to be recognized as a leading undergraduate institution for the formation of Black doctors, a top producer of African American pharmacists, and professionals with graduate degrees in STEM. The university also recently achieved Research Colleges and Universities (RCU) designation in the newly restructured Carnegie classifications for its phenomenal research and engagement initiatives.
According to a press release issued by the university, the root of its impact can be credited to “the enduring vision of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament for educational excellence and social justice, which has prepared this leading HBCU and top Louisiana university for 100 years of good work.”
“The order, founded by Saint Katharine Drexel, changed society by implementing its mission to challenge all forms of racism and other deeply rooted injustices in the world. Establishing a significant university in the Deep South in the 1920s presented numerous challenges, but the Sisters persevered and continue to serve and nurture the university even to this day,” the press release stated.
All proceeds from the gala will go to support student scholarships.
This article originally published in the May 19, 2025 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.