Alumni Blog

The Golden Hermits

Posted May 25th, 2015

On Thursday, May 14th, St. Augustine Preparatory School not only graduated 171 seniors but also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Class of 1965.

The Golden Hermits, as they are affectionately known, included 26 young men, of which seven were able to attend the ceremony in Richland’s proud and peaceful glen. Prior to graduation, Msgr. William Hodge, who is also a member of the Class of 1965, was a concelebrant at the school’s Baccalaureate Mass.

Earlier in the day, the Golden Hermits and their families met in the Zerbo Conference Room to reminisce about former faculty, friends, and hard-fought athletic victories. Some gave tours to their children remarking how the campus has changed but still retains the familial qualities that made them fall in love with the school five decades ago.

“It was great to see my fellow classmates and to share the wonderful memories we made back in the early ’60s,” said Bernard Monks, 1965 student council president. “I was so proud as I watched my younger Hermit brothers accept their diplomas and move on to the next chapter in their lives.”

Those in attendance included Joseph Canuso, Esq., John Collins, Esq., Henry Gertzen, Msgr. William Hodge, Ronald Martinelli, Bernard Monks, and William Varani.