Gary Massa, vice president of University Relations at Xavier has received the 2023 Reverend Barry McGannon S.J. Award. The award is the Jesuit Advancement Association’s (JAA) highest honor for leadership and outstanding service to the Jesuit Network and Xavier. It is awarded to a member of JAA who has demonstrated commitment and excellence in their work and profession.

Massa joked the award means he’s getting old, but he expressed delight in the recognition.

“The award was designed to acknowledge those who contributed to the Jesuit network and their institution and it’s humbling that other VPs voted for me. It means a lot when you are acknowledged by your peers,” he said.

Colleagues from the 27 Jesuit universities in the United States voted for Massa’s nomination.

“Gary is an extraordinary individual whose unwavering commitment to Jesuit higher education has inspired us all. Gary has distinguished himself within the Jesuit system, dedicating his time, talent, and expertise to the development of advancement,” said Chris Wiseman, vice president of the University of Loyola New Orleans.

Before leading University Relations at Xavier, Massa who is also a two-time Xavier graduate (BSBA, MBA), worked in sales management for Reebok and Midland.

The former Xavier men's basketball co-captain, co-MVP and 1000-point scorer never imagined working for the University since he remained active in the Xavier community as a color commentator for Xavier basketball on TV.

After ongoing conversations with Mike Conaton, former chairman of the board at Xavier and Rev. James. E. Hoff, S.J., Massa took over for Fr. Michael Graham, S.J. as the VP of University Relations.

It was nerve-wracking for Massa to begin new work, but he felt he was in the right place.

“I’ve had a couple of experiences in my life where the Holy Spirit guided me and that's an incredibly peaceful feeling to know you are right where you need to be,” he said.

During his 25-year tenure, Massa has continued to serve on the President’s Senior Leadership cabinet. He is responsible for all phases of Xavier’s Development and Alumni Relations efforts including the Annual Fund, Major Gifts, Estate Giving, and all aspects of campaign programming as well as Xavier’s alumni relations.

Under his leadership, Massa’s office has conducted three successful campaigns (currently in its fourth) raising more than $750 million, which is 95 percent of what has been raised in the history of the University. Additionally, the Annual Fund has more than tripled and estate giving to the University has quadrupled.

Massa believes that his contribution to Xavier would not have been possible without his team.

“We have more than 100 years of executive experience in development at Xavier. Not only is that unheard of, but this award doesn’t happen without our staff,” he said. “I love working with them. I have great respect and admiration for my teammates, and I look forward to coming to work every day and working with them.”

As much as Massa appreciates his colleagues, they appreciate him as well.

“Gary always gives credit to our team, but the success of our team over the past quarter century is because of his leadership,” said Pete Owendoff, associate vice president of University Relations.

He continued, “Not only is Gary an incredible leader, but he is also one of the most kindhearted souls. He will go through a brick wall for our team and will go about it in such a compassionate way. The deep and meaningful relationships he builds with our board, our donors, and our team is truly a gift.”

The University Relations office has been recognized multiple times with national honors from CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education) for overall performance for advancement.

The project Massa and his team are currently tackling is raising funds for Xavier’s College of Medicine.

“The higher ed model is changing. There are a lot less students coming out of high school. It’s competitive and some universities won’t make it. We’re not going to be one of them because we’re going to raise money to launch this college of medicine,” said Massa. “It’s important because it builds upon our strength in the sciences, it fulfills the shortage of family practitioners, it will help us be more solid financially but most importantly it fits our mission.”

Massa doesn’t know what the next 25 years at Xavier will look like, but he doesn't plan to stop anytime soon because his work continues to be both exciting and meaningful.

“Our President, Dr. [Colleen] Hanycz, has been an inspiration. She has a bold vision and she is an exceptional leader. So, it doesn’t feel like a job when you believe in our mission. I’m just grateful to have had the chance to do something meaningful with my life, at a place that I love, with a mission I love.”