Another year is another opportunity for alumni to come together to reminisce about their years at Riordan with their peers and other graduates. On Nov. 16, alumni from all over came together at a Hilton Hotel in downtown San Francisco for the annual Downtown Luncheon.

There, they were greeted by a handful of current Riordan students who guided them to the registration. Then, they had the opportunity to mingle amongst each other, purchasing various cocktails while they waited for their brothers to arrive at various times throughout the hour.

As soon as noon hit, the alumni either went to the VIP room or dining room, depending on what they chose when they purchased their ticket. There, they enjoyed lunch. First came the bread and butter and a ceasar salad. Then, the main course of crispy skinned chicken breast was distributed. While they were enjoying the main course, it was announced by John Ring, Riordan’s Development Director, and emcee Sal Castaneda, that the Riordan community is only $300,000 shy of completing their goal of $2.7 million for the football field renovation.

The alumni, who wanted to help fulfill the goal and hoped to receive a prize from the raffle, took out their cash, credit cards, and checkbook and put them in envelopes, which were collected and later entered into the raffle. I

In the latter half of the lunch, Castaneda introduced guest speaker Carmen Policy, the president and CEO of the San Francisco 49ers in the 80s and early 90s, who helped the team win five Super Bowl titles. The two had a Question and Answer session, where Castaneda asked about his time as president and CEO. Policy talked about various subjects, ranging from how he convinced Edward J. DeBartolo Jr.’s father for $12 million to sign the players the 49ers needed to be contenders for the Super Bowl to how players like Bill Ring were important to the success of the team.

This year’s Downtown Luncheon was an enjoyable experience for all: Riordan administrators, student helpers, coaches, and the alumni.