Over 40 Alumni, friends, family, and members of the CBA community gathered in the Chapel on March 21st to honor the 2009 Alumni Association Purple & Gold Award recipients: Msgr. Ronald Bill ’49 and Edward Leone ’74. These individuals were selected for their continued support of the best interests of the students, faculty, and alumni of CBA; their dedicated years of service to the school; and their commitment to the ideals and principles of their alma mater.

Msgr. Bill ’49 has served as a member of the CBA Board of Trustees since 2003 and is the Chairman of the Nominating Committee. He has offered countless Masses at the school for the alumni, students, Brothers, and for the entire CBA community. Msgr. Bill has been a tireless and generous supporter of numerous fund-raising efforts for the school including phonathons for the Annual Fund and various capital campaigns. He served in the US Army as a chaplain during the Vietnam War and retired as a Brigadier General. Msgr. Bill has served the Syracuse Diocese since 1979.

Edward Leone ’74 has been involved with the CBA basketball program since his years as a player in the early 70’s and he is currently serving as assistant coach of the Varsity men’s team—more than a 30 year commitment. He has been a very generous supporter of his Alma mater, giving of his time, talent, and treasure through the years. Ed is an attorney with Bottar & Leone, and his firm is a long-time sponsor of the Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament at CBA.

John Marzocchi ’77, president of the Alumni Association, presented the Purple & Gold citation to Msgr. Bill. In his acceptance speech, Msgr. Bill spoke of his strong connection with his alma mater and his humble appreciation for the award. Those assembled enjoyed a lovely reception following the ceremony, and several joined the crowd of revelers at the Lasallian Dinner and Auction later that evening.

*Coach Leone was unable to attend the March 21st ceremony, as he was in Glens Falls, NY with the boys varsity basketball team while they competed in the NYS final four tournament. The presentation of Ed’s award will take place at a ceremony and reception later in the year.