Xavier University, The Nation’s Only Catholic HBCU, Celebrates 100 Years Of Excellence And Plans For New Medical School

Pride, nostalgia and excitement about the future marked Xavier University of Louisiana’s Centennial kick-off celebration. Several hundred gathered on January 17 to hear remarks by speakers eager to tout the accomplishments of the HBCU including its president Dr. Reynold Verret, current student and Miss Xavier, Youma Diabira (class of 2025) and esteemed alumni Democratic Congressman Troy Carter (class of 1986) who has served Louisiana’s 2nd district since 2021. Congressman Carter, a second-generation Xavier graduate, reflected on the unwavering support his mother received while earning her bachelor’s degree at Xavier—with six children in tow. “Nowhere else in the world can you get the level of love, respect and academic prowess that you will get at Xavier University,” he said. Xavier, the nation’s only Catholic HBCU, is a leading institution in preparing Black students for careers in medicine, consistently ranking among the top producers of Black graduates who go on to attend medical school. Additionally, its College of Pharmacy is recognized as the second-highest producer of Black Doctor of Pharmacy degree recipients, according to the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Other prominent Xavier alumni include New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, former U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin and federal judge Ivan Lemelle...