Two Teachers Inspire Alumnus to Give Back

Mike Freeman, Class of 1980 and a member of the Fr. Wieber Society, is remembering St. Xavier High School in his estate plan because of the effect the school had on his life, and in particular, in appreciation for the influence two teachers had on him. Below is an excerpt from the last St. Xavier magazine in which Mike wrote about the impact Jim Downie and Joan Whitaker had on him.

There were two teachers who, looking back, had a profound and lasting impact on my life—for two very different reasons.

Jim Downie, who taught major British writers my junior year, brought a combination of joy and rigor to the study of literature that rubbed off on me in an imperceptible, almost magical way. I ended up majoring in English at college, dabbled at getting a Ph.D. in the subject and, ultimately, ended up in the advertising business, trying to delight and influence people with words. As anyone who took a course from Mr. Downie will remember, he was a notorious task-master. Five-page papers it seemed like every other week—handed back with comments on every page. His commitment to making a group of scribblers into disciplined writers amazes to this day.

Then there was Joan Whitaker, my calculus teacher, who decided on an under-attended snow day to teach class the rudiments of bridge (the card game) in lieu of the regular lesson plan. That, along with her continuing encouragement (she even sent me a copy of the Encyclopedia of Bridge upon graduation) resulted in a passionate hobby that lasts to this day.

There is something called the Great Man Theory of History. It's a 19th century idea that history can largely be explained by the impact of great and influential people, who through their superior intellect, or courage or charisma, have a decisive impact on their times. In my history, Jim Downie and Joan Whitaker were two of the great people.

Looking back, what strikes me most wasn't a particular philosophy or phrase but the overall service orientation of the teachers and staff at St. X. They were intensely dedicated to the educational success of students, including their moral and religious formation. Undoubtedly, for many of them, teaching was an economic sacrifice. Theirs was very much a vocation.

Men for Others: To me, this is the essence of Jesuit education—the notion that service to God and to others should inspire and guide our journey through life. It's a hard principle to live in a relativistic, materialist age. To me, St. X has always been an example of the principle in action.

According to Mike, "I am remembering St. X in my estate plan because I want to make sure future generations of young men will be inspired and motivated, as I was, by their St. Xavier High School educational experience."

The Fr. Wieber Society, recognizing those who are remembering St. Xavier High School in their estate plans, continues to grow in number because alumni and friends of St. X want future St. X Bombers to have the opportunity to experience a Jesuit education and become Men for Others. Please contact one of our Major and Planned Gifts Officers if you have any questions about how you might include St. Xavier High School in your estate plan.