St. Katharine Drexel did much for her community and America in her life time. Having built schools across the United States including, Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA), she gave African Americans and Native Americans the chance to get a quality education when very few opportunities existed. XULA, a historically Black Catholic University founded in 1925, welcomes students of all races and religious backgrounds. As a result of focusing on the education of students as her first priority, St. Katharine Drexel died before establishing a center of worship on the XULA campus. Her generosity and work were honored on October 1, 2000 with her canonization as Saint Katharine Drexel (only the 2nd American born Saint) by Pope John Paul II.  XULA has chosen to perpetuate the legacy of St. Katharine Drexel by building a chapel in her honor.

The National Alumni Association has made a $100,000 pledge to the St. Katharine Drexel Chapel.  Alumni Chapters from around the country are assisting the Association in meeting this goal.  During the Homecoming 2011 Banquet on Saturday, November 19, the Alumni Association will facilitate a Silent Auction with the proceeds benefitting the St. Katharine Drexel Chapel in the name of the National Alumni Association and its Alumni Chapters.  In addition to the silent auction, individual chapters are currently fundraising in their respective areas to benefit the Chapel.  If you are interested in assisting the National Alumni Association with a contribution of money, time or talent please contact 1^st Vice President Dr. Holly Bastian at (404) 538-1990 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

To learn more about the St. Katharine Drexel Chapel click here.

To learn more about St. Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament click here.

Honoring an Icon is an artistic commemorative tribute to Dr. Norman Francis for serving 40 years as president of Xavier University of Louisiana and to honor his accomplishments. The art piece is a tri-figuration which shows Dr. Francis as a shoe shine boy, as a young man carrying books, and finally as a leader and Xavier University President shown walking with students. Steve Prince '91 has elegantly displayed Dr. Francis wearing his 2006 Presidential Medal of Freedom and planted before him an iris, representing his faith, valor, and wisdom.

Proceeds from the sale of Honoring an Icon commemorative prints established the Dr. Norman and Mrs. Blance Francis Endowed Scholarship.  To purchase a print contact Kimberly Reese '95, Director of Alumni Relations at (504) 520-6782 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .