Duces Society Reception and Captains’ Wall Dedication Celebrate Leadership

On Saturday, October 18, over 100 alumni representing classes from 1961 to 2025—and traveling from as far as Georgia, Tennessee, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania—gathered for the annual Duces Society Reception. Held annually on Homecoming morning, the event recognizes our alumni leadership donors.

As part of the celebration, all St. Sebastian’s captains were invited to the dedication of the recently installed Captains’ Wall. The tradition of honoring our captains began on Nonantum Hill, where dark wooden planks shaped like St. Sebastian’s shield were displayed on the walls of the refectory. This custom continued at the Needham campus, with plaques displayed in the dining hall and Administration Building over the years. The new wall, located in Arrows Hall in the Burke Family Center, represents a redesign of the captains’ plaques. 

Leading the dedication and blessing, Fr. Chris Boyle emphasized St. Sebastian’s enduring values of integrity, leadership, courage, and faith. Head of School Brendan Sullivan welcomed back Duces Society members and captains with gratitude, noting that both groups share common traits: “The word duces is the Latin word for leaders. Through the support of our leadership donors, we are able to provide need-based financial aid to 34% of today’s Arrows. Your leadership is truly making a difference – thank you. As Captains, you were leaders among your peers, setting the tone for your teammates and excelling on the field of play.”

Duces Society members and captains then enjoyed a luncheon in Martin Hall before heading to the football field, where they joined Arrows soccer and football players for the singing of the National Anthem. Representing alumni, Dan Daly ’61 and Fred Corcoran ’62 served as honorary captains, calling the coin flip before the football team defeated Trinity Pawling and the soccer team triumphed over Middlesex.