Saint Mary’s College welcomed alumni, families, supporters, and friends to the Soda Center on Saturday evening for the 16th Annual Patrick B. Vincent Fundraiser Dinner, an event dedicated to celebrating the tradition of Saint Mary’s Rugby and raising critical support for the Men’s Rugby Program. / Photo by Rebecca Harper
Men’s Rugby Alumni Association celebrates the recognition of Matt Heafey ’88 as the 2025 Patrick. B. Vincent Lifetime Achievement Awardee.
Decades of generations gathered in the annual celebration to honor the life and legacy of Patrick B. Vincent to raise funds for Men’s Rugby at Saint Mary’s College.
The evening began with a vibrant cocktail hour in Claeys Lounge, where attendees gathered for conversation, music, and a warm welcome from the Gael Rugby community. Guests then moved into the Moraga Room for the formal program, which opened with remarks from President Roger Thompson and an invocation led by Father John Morris.
Recognizing Leadership and Community Support
Throughout the evening, Bob Lenz ‘86 honored the many individuals who strengthen and sustain the rugby program. He recognized the dedication of board members and extended a special thank-you to Jerry Murphy '72 for his years of service and leadership. Lenz shared that Murphy embodies the spirit of Saint Mary's through over five decades of exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and transformative contributions to the college. Under his remarkable leadership, this initiative has helped raise over $20 million for the college.
“Murphy embodies the spirit of Saint Mary's through over five decades of exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and transformative contributions to the college. He built a board with representatives from every graduating decade, from the 1950s through the 2020s. Under his remarkable leadership, this initiative has helped raise over $20 million for the college.”
- Bob Lenz '86 Rugby Alumni Board Chair
Lenz also expressed gratitude to the event’s sponsors, whose generosity helps provide student-athletes with opportunities for growth, excellence, and international competition. Updates were shared on the progress of the Rugby Club House and the upcoming Gael Night at the Basketball Game on January 4, followed by the announcement of this year’s New Zealand Raffle winner.
One of the most anticipated moments of the night was the presentation of the Patrick B. Vincent Lifetime Achievement Award to Matt Heafey ‘88. Presented by Lenz, the award recognized Heafey’s longstanding commitment to Saint Mary’s Rugby, his leadership within the community, and his enduring impact on generations of student-athletes. Heafey delivered heartfelt remarks, reflecting on the program’s history and mission.
Lenz also shared the experience of those who worked closely with him. Marty Storti ‘85 shared that some people go out of their way to take credit for things they did not do. Matt is the opposite. He rarely takes credit, even when he thoroughly deserves it. His leadership, humility, and steady commitment have made a lasting impact.
“Some people go out of their way to take credit for things they did not do. Matt is the opposite. He rarely takes credit, even when he thoroughly deserves it. His leadership, humility, and steady commitment have made a lasting impact.”
-Marty Storti '85
Coach Tim O’Brien also shared remarks on Heafey’s impact to the program. Matt has been invaluable to me at the college. On the people side of the ledger he has a unique ability to check in on me when I desperately need a shoulder to lean on. For 10+ years, he seems to have a sixth sense when I need a bit of balance, clarity and perspective in the coaching arena.
“Matt has been invaluable to me at the college. On the people side of the ledger he has a unique ability to check in on me when I desperately need a shoulder to lean on. For 10+ years, he seems to have a sixth sense when I need a bit of balance, clarity and perspective in the coaching arena. “
-Coach Tim O'Brien
History of Men's Rugby at Saint Mary's College
Saint Mary’s Rugby is one of the oldest and most respected collegiate rugby programs in the United States. Over the past century, the program has grown into a national powerhouse—earning multiple D1A National Championships, producing numerous All-Americans, and developing athletes who have gone on to compete internationally and represent USA Rugby. Beyond wins and titles, the program is built on values of sportsmanship, discipline, family, and academic excellence. This storied legacy is precisely what the Patrick B. Vincent Fundraiser Dinner seeks to honor and sustain each year.
Video production by Brian McKeon '25 MBA '26. Narration by Mario Stori '25 MBA '26
Fund-a-Need: A Powerful Display of Support
The night’s fundraising portion, Fund-a-Need, brought the current USA Rugby players to the stage to share personal insights tied to each giving level. The segment encouraged contributions toward the program's essential needs. Guests responded with generosity, demonstrating their ongoing support for the players and the future of the rugby program.
The program continued with remarks from Coach Tim O’Brien, who spoke about the team’s development, goals, and appreciation for the community that stands behind the athletes. Special guest Bo Hanson, a four-time Olympian and internationally recognized performance consultant, delivered an impactful message on leadership, teamwork, and resilience—drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience.
A Night of Community, Tradition, and Impact
In closing, Lenz thanked attendees, sponsors, and donors for their contributions to the Men’s Rugby Program and Saint Mary’s College. Many guests lingered to connect with one another and celebrate Saint Mary’s Rugby's proud legacy.
Those who were unable to attend or who wish to make an additional gift are still welcome to donate in support of the program’s operational needs.