Classmate is not a word I use lightly. It carries weight—more so as I get older. To call someone a classmate means we shared a chapter of life: the same hallways, common experiences, mutual struggles, and collective victories. I may not know every classmate well—for instance, at Notre Dame, I had about 1,800 of them—but there’s something intangible that connects us. Recent events, both triumphant and tragic surrounding the University of Virginia Class of 2029 made me reflect on the classmates we never get to meet.
My niece and God daughter Grace is headed to Charlottesville this fall. She will join approximately 4,000 other undergraduate students in pursuit of furthering their education and their dreams. She knows her roommate, her dorm and what classes she will be taking. She doesn't need to declare a major until Sophomore year but is looking to pursue a degree in Biology. Grace is not the only student from her high school going to UVA, but no doubt she will be meeting new men and women—her classmates who hail from all over the US. However, two of them won't be there for two very different reasons.
A tale of triumph
Although Novak Djokovic remains on the tour, the retirement of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal ushered in a new era for men's tennis. A youth movement has taken surge and for now Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are leading the pack. But one up and coming player is an 18-year old from Rio de Janiero, João Fonseca. The Brazilian had committed to play NCAA tennis at UVA, but after reaching the quarterfinals of the 500-level tournament, Fonseca decided forgo his college plans and pursue tennis professionally.
I came to find out that a senior named Braun Levi and his family relocated to Manhattan Beach after losing their home in the Palisades fire. On Sunday, May 4, 2025 Braun was killed by a drunk driver. I couldn't process all that I had heard. Losing a home? Losing a life? A son? A student? A friend? I had no words. Another Loyola teacher said "we were just surviving." Given a string of tragedies we had at St. Ignatius about ten years ago, I'm sad to say, "I understand."
Braun was a nationally ranked player, a four-year varsity starter at Loyola, and the Cubs' team captain. Essentially Sports writes,
Let Us Remember
Although Novak Djokovic remains on the tour, the retirement of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal ushered in a new era for men's tennis. A youth movement has taken surge and for now Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are leading the pack. But one up and coming player is an 18-year old from Rio de Janiero, João Fonseca. The Brazilian had committed to play NCAA tennis at UVA, but after reaching the quarterfinals of the 500-level tournament, Fonseca decided forgo his college plans and pursue tennis professionally.
According to a statement posted on his Instagram account, “It was an incredibly tough decision for me and my family as I have been dreaming about living a college life in Charlottesville, playing the sport that l love with a wonderful team and coach, but, in the last months, professional tennis called me in a way that I simply couldn't say ‘no’.”
He added, “Although I will not be attending school, I think it is an extremely valuable and viable path for young tennis players (on) their way to professional careers.”
You wouldn’t have seen him in UVA’s blue and orange or Brazil’s green and gold—Wimbledon’s strict dress code wouldn’t allow it—but perhaps you caught a glimpse of João on the grass courts this summer. He made it to the third round, becoming the youngest man to do so since Australia's Bernard Tomic in 2011. Can I get a Cavalier "Wah-hoo-wa!"
A tale of tragedy
The 2025 JSN Colloquium on Jesuit Education at Creighton University was moving, memorable, affirming and challenging. Over 425 educators from Jesuit schools across the country, Canada and Puerto Rico gathered for keynote speakers, panel responses, small group sharing and experiences of prayer in June.
The 2025 JSN Colloquium on Jesuit Education at Creighton University was moving, memorable, affirming and challenging. Over 425 educators from Jesuit schools across the country, Canada and Puerto Rico gathered for keynote speakers, panel responses, small group sharing and experiences of prayer in June.
Jamal Adams, the new President of Loyola High School in Los Angeles, led our first communal Ignatian Reflection. He spoke candidly about the profound challenges his school community faced in 2025. Many families lost their homes in the LA wildfires. In response, the school became a hub of support—a gathering place for those displaced and in need of essentials. The weight of what they carried was palpable, knowing that friends, families, and neighbors were forced to evacuate, relocate, and rebuild their lives. Others on staff felt called to bear witness to this hardship. One teacher said "this semester was like swimming through glue." That image has stayed with me.
I came to find out that a senior named Braun Levi and his family relocated to Manhattan Beach after losing their home in the Palisades fire. On Sunday, May 4, 2025 Braun was killed by a drunk driver. I couldn't process all that I had heard. Losing a home? Losing a life? A son? A student? A friend? I had no words. Another Loyola teacher said "we were just surviving." Given a string of tragedies we had at St. Ignatius about ten years ago, I'm sad to say, "I understand."
Braun was a nationally ranked player, a four-year varsity starter at Loyola, and the Cubs' team captain. Essentially Sports writes,
His coach, Brian Held, spoke to The Los Angeles Times on May 5, saying Levi was “probably the most decorated player to ever play for the school.” Loyola High School’s athletic department echoed that sentiment in a moving tribute on Instagram: “His lovable personality, infectious smile, and boundless energy made him a beloved member of the Loyola community. He was a true Man for and With Others, and we will miss him dearly.”
He was also committed to play at the University of Virginia, starting this fall. When I shared this news with my niece, she pulled up the United States Tennis Association's remarkable tribute Live Like Braun Levi: The Bright Legacy of Loyola High School’s Tennis Star. Together, we both read the entire post.
I wonder if Grace and Braun would have been friends. His younger sister Adelle said she was his best friend. Their father Dan, said he was and then added, "he made everyone feel that way." I mourn for the Levi family, for the Loyola school community, his former classmates and those who could have been.
I wonder if Grace and Braun would have been friends. His younger sister Adelle said she was his best friend. Their father Dan, said he was and then added, "he made everyone feel that way." I mourn for the Levi family, for the Loyola school community, his former classmates and those who could have been.
Let Us Remember
The 25 year reunion for the Class of 1996 took place in June of 2022. Because of COVID our celebration took place one year later but this did not deter my classmates from showing up. (In fact people are still talking about us. That's right the Class of 1996 came, saw and conquered). One of the most memorable gatherings that weekend was a class mass in Cavanaugh Hall. After the eucharist, a classmate shared a slide show featuring the names and pictures of over 40 classmates who had died. Several were friends. A few were surprising to me. It was both beautiful and difficult, but necessary. We belong to each other, whether we share the journey in practice or in theory, in chronos or kairos, here and now or in our dreams.
Thinking about both João and Braun and in remembering my own classmates and teammates, I cannot help but realize to know and call another person by either title—sometimes both!—is a blessing. It is a gift, defined by time and space—both ordinary and sacred. Blessed be.
Photo Credits
Lions tennis
Fist bump: Joao
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