The magic and triumph of achievement is captured in a special ceremony called X-Ring, one of the highlights of a StFX student's experience at St. Francis Xavier University. For years as they work toward their degrees, students countdown until Dec. 3 - the day of the Feast of St. Francis Xavier - of their final year when they finally receive the long-awaited X-Ring. The X-Ring is a symbol of not only academic achievement, but also leadership, success, excellence, and commitment to community. This year 1,060 students earned their rings.
StFX President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Andy Hakin, who received an Honorary X-Ring himself, said when he received his X-Ring he felt complete. "I felt like I knew what the place was about. It's about pride, and about love - love of this place," said Dr. Hakin. "The ring connects you to each other and to this place. You'll never be alone," he said to the graduating class. You've built a community that will last a long time. "As Xaverians you have a special superpower, it's kindness," he said. "Kindness is not a weakness, it's a superpower and, as Xaverians, you are blessed to have it. Pay it forward."
"I remember Dec. 3, 1986, like it was yesterday," said guest speaker John Caplice '87, who was introduced by his nephew Quinn Caplice, who also received his X-Ring during the ceremony. The ring can mean different things to different people such as success, commitment, and friendship. For Mr. Caplice the ring symbolizes a love story that became a family story. It's a beautiful symbol and you'll be recognized wherever you go. "When you leave this place, you'll be ready for the world," he added. Remember the values of this community and seek the truth in "Whatsoever so Things are True."
Mr. Caplice is a long-time supporter of StFX. He is a former member of the StFX Board of Governors and is also known for establishing the Point After Club at StFX to provide meaningful and sustainable financial support to StFX University and the X-Men Football program. Mr. Caplice has led a successful career in Canadian business.
Co-Presidents of the Senior Class Vincent Breen and Brett Baxter both announced the Class of 2025 Legacy Fund, creating an endowment fund that will contribute to a foundation of support for future Xavierians, creating scholarships, bursaries, food security, and service learning opportunities.
This year's Honorary X-Ring was presented to Mr. Barry O'Leary. Mr. O'Leary is a model Xaverian who truly lives the values of helping others and giving back. He epitomizes the StFX motto of Whatsoever Things are True. Originally from Ottawa, he attended StFX for two years in the 1960s. His experience at StFX had a highly meaningful impact on his life and helped shape his future.
Over the past 22 years, through his quiet generosity, students from the Ottawa area have been supported with two years of fully paid tuition to begin their journey at StFX. The recipients, chosen for their leadership qualities and service to the community, have gone on to achieve success in many areas and have remained in touch with Mr. O'Leary who opened the doors to StFX for them; a friend for whom they hold deep admiration and respect. His kindness has been described as life changing.
The X-Ring ceremony is only for graduating students, although nearly 2,000 parents, family members, and friends of the graduating class come to StFX to watch the ceremony on large screens across campus. Some families travel hundreds or even thousands of kilometers just to be on campus and experience the magic of the day.
Approximately 2,000 alumni and supporters viewed the ceremony online from across Canada, as well as from around the world such as the Netherlands, Ecuador, and Kenya as Alumni Chapters from around the world hold StFX Day Celebrations on this day.
X-Ring wearers include a long line of successful graduates including Prime Ministers, CEOs, and internationally acclaimed artists; whose global awareness and ongoing commitment to social justice reflect Xaverian values. The X-Ring is said to be the third most recognized ring in the world after Super Bowl and Papal rings. The first X-Ring ceremony was held in 1958.
