The Vir Fidelis Ball

Saturday, May 2, 2026

The Vir Fidelis Ball was established in February 2020 to honor and thank leaders who have helped build Monsignor Farrell High School into the revered institution it is today.  Join us for an unforgettable evening of dining, dancing, and Farrell Pride as we honor seven distinguished alumni and raise money for the Vir Fidelis Fund.

Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 

Nicotra's Ball Room - Hilton Garden Inn 

1100 South Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314 

Cocktails | 6:00 pm

Dinner | 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm 

Tickets, Sponsorship & Raffle Tickets

Click here for a listing of sponsorship opportunities.

Sponsorship opportunities are available until Friday, April 17th.

Tickets to the event are on sale until Friday, April 24th.

To purchase tickets to the event, sponsorship, and raffle tickets, please use the Buy Now button below.  

Booking Hotel Rooms

Rooms are being held at the Hilton Garden Inn for this event.  For those who would like to book a room, please see the information below.

Available Dates: May 1, 2026 - May 3, 2026

Group code: NFLG

Reservations can be made via the link below, or by calling the hotel directly at 718-477-2400 between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.  Be sure to use the group code or mention that you are attending the Farrell Gala. 

Honorees

The Vir Fidelis Award

Awarded at the Vir Fidelis Ball when school leadership identifies an alumnus, faculty, or staff member who has made a transformative impact on the direction and legacy of Monsignor Farrell High School.

Bob Pangia, Class of 1969, earned his A.B. in Economics from Brown University in 1973 and his MBA from Columbia Business School in 1977.

For decades, Bob has given generously of his time, talent, and treasure, helping to strengthen Monsignor Farrell High School and expand opportunities for our students. His most transformative contribution came through his leadership in creating and shaping our Business & Finance Institute, fundamentally changing how Farrell delivers financial education and preparing our Faithful Men for success in a complex global economy.

Bob also served as an inaugural member of the Monsignor Farrell High School Board of Trustees. He has returned to Farrell as a guest lecturer in our Business & Finance Institute and served as an alumni mentor for students in our Stock Portfolio Competition.

Professionally, Bob built a distinguished career spanning more than five decades as an entrepreneur and leader in investment banking, healthcare, and private equity.  Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles at PaineWebber, where he served as Executive Vice President and head of Global Investment Banking, as well as positions with Drexel Burnham Lambert and Kidder, Peabody & Co.

He founded Ivy Capital Partners in 2002, focusing on investments in the orthopedics and sports medicine sectors, and later served as CEO of Ivy Sports Medicine, which was successfully sold to Stryker Corporation in 2016.

Bob also served for nearly a quarter-century on the Board of Directors of Biogen, a leading global biotechnology company, where his financial expertise and leadership, including as Chair of the Compensation and Management Development Committee, helped guide the company’s governance and long-term success.

Throughout his career, he has contributed to numerous corporate boards and played a role in the growth and development of leading healthcare and technology companies.

Bob was also a standout student-athlete at Farrell and Brown. He served as co-captain of the Farrell football team under Coach Dennis Barrett, which began the streak of a five-year undefeated run for the Lions. He was also co-captain at Brown and was named to the All-Ivy football team in 1971. Bob was the recipient of the War Memorial Trophy, awarded to the player who "through sportsmanship, performance, and influence contributed most to the sport at Brown." 

Bob was inducted into the Monsignor Farrell High School Alumni Hall of Fame in 2013.

In 2017, he was honored by the Ivy Football Association, which recognizes and celebrates Ivy League football and its graduates who have become leaders in their chosen fields or professions.

Tom Moran, Class of 1970 (posthumous), described as one of the great humanitarians of our time, earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Manhattan College in 1974. He received numerous honorary doctoral degrees, including Doctor of Humane Letters (Manhattan College and Mount Mary College), Doctor of Laws (College of Mount Saint Vincent and National University of Ireland), and Doctor of Science in Economics (Queen's University Belfast).

At the age of 14, Tom began his first job as part of the Monsignor Farrell janitorial staff, and later, while a student at Manhattan College, drove a cab in the evenings. "Many of the lessons I learned from the full-time janitors are still with me," Tom explained in a 2008 interview with Irish America Magazine. "What I learned from each of them is that every job is deserving of respect."

Tom started his career in 1975 in an entry-level role at Mutual of America, a Fortune 1000 mutual company. Over the course of 43 extraordinary years, he rose through the ranks to become Chairman and CEO of the company.

In 1994, Tom became the first President to be appointed from within Mutual of America. A year later, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer, a position he held until 2016.

From June 2005 until May 2018, Tom served as Chairman of the Board and was instrumental in the company's growth with over $20 billion in assets.

Beyond his professional success, Tom made a profound global impact through his involvement in the Irish Peace Process and his leadership of the international relief organization Concern Worldwide, where he helped transform the organization during his tenure as Chairman. In 2015, he received the Irish Presidential Service Award.

Referred to as "One of the greatest Irish-American leaders of all time" by IrishCentral.com, Tom served as Chancellor of Queen’s University, Belfast, as well as Chairman of the North American advisory board of the Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, University College Dublin, Ireland. Niall O’Dowd, the founder of Irish America, Irish Voice, and IrishCentral, described Tom as "One of the great humanitarians of our time, not just in the Irish community but among Americans."

Known for his humility, generosity, and deeply held Catholic faith, Tom gave selflessly, often anonymously and without recognition.

He contributed his expertise to numerous nonprofit and corporate boards, supporting causes in education, healthcare, public policy, and humanitarian aid, including: the Bank of Ireland, Aer Lingus, the New York Catholic Foundation, the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation, the American Cancer Society, the Greater New York Councils of the Boy Scouts, the Viscardi Center, WNET, Manhattan College, the National Committee on American Foreign Policy, and the Irish Hunger Memorial. Tom was a presenter at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and at the Petra Conference of Nobel Laureates in Jordan.

In recognition of his professional success and philanthropy, Tom was the recipient of numerous awards, including the Calvary Hospital Medal of Honor, the St. Elizabeth Seton Award from the National Catholic Education Association, the Terence Cardinal Cooke Medal, the New York City Fire Department Humanitarian Award, the commissioner's Award by the New York City Police Foundation, the Pierre Toussaint Medallion Honor, and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. He was inducted into the Irish America Hall of Fame in 2012.

A dedicated alumnus and a member of the inaugural Monsignor Farrell Alumni Hall of Fame class (2005), Tom was instrumental in guiding school leadership as a trusted advisor through challenging times, ensuring the school continued to thrive. 

As a devoted member of the Monsignor Farrell Board of Trustees, Tom gave greatly of his time, wisdom, and personal resources to make a transformative impact on the school's mission and future.

Sadly, Tom passed away in 2018 at the age of 65. His funeral Mass was celebrated at Saint Patrick's Cathedral by his friend, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York.

In his memory, the Thomas J. Moran Award was established by Monsignor Farrell High School (see below). Mutual of America also presents the Thomas J. Moran Community Partnership Award to a partnership that significantly and measurably improves lives and communities.

In April 2023, The Graduate School at Queen’s University Belfast was officially renamed The Thomas J. Moran Graduate School.

The Thomas J. Moran Award

Named in memory of distinguished alumnus Tom Moran, Class of 1970. Awarded for embracing their God-given talents to reach the highest levels of career or calling and using that success to elevate Monsignor Farrell High School and the educational experience of our Faithful Men.

Michael Garland, Class of 1970, award-winning author, illustrator, and artist, is being recognized for a life of exceptional artistic achievement and meaningful creative influence. 

Over the course of his career, Michael has earned acclaim as a New York Times best-selling author on multiple occasions and an illustrator whose work has inspired readers, students, and fellow artists alike. 



He is the author and illustrator of forty-four children’s picture books and illustrator for more than fifty books by others, including best-selling authors James Patterson and Gloria Estefan.

Michael is also a fine artist with a long list of gallery shows and awards. His work has been featured in American Artist Magazine, Print Magazine, Communication Arts, and Conservation Magazine. His artistry has been recognized nationally through his work for major publishers, television networks, and magazines. 

A highly sought-after speaker, Michael has lectured at schools — from elementary to graduate — throughout the country. Generous with his time and talent, he has shared his expertise with the Faithful Men of Monsignor Farrell, returning as a visiting author in our Writing Studio. 

Michael earned his B.F.A. from the Pratt Institute in 1974 and has served as a professor at both Marist University and Mount Saint Mary College.

Bill Dougherty, Class of 1979, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Georgetown University in 1983 and earned his law degree from the University of Chicago Law School in 1986. 

Bill built a distinguished career in corporate law at the prestigious firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett after graduating from the University of Chicago. He practiced in the Firm’s Tokyo office from 1990 to 1991 and was named a partner in 1995. From 1996 until 2002, Bill worked in the Firm's London office.

He was first elected to Simpson Thacher & Bartlett's Executive Committee in 2008, and served as Co-Administrative Partner from 2009 to 2012, overseeing the Firm's daily operations. He was named Chairman of the Firm’s New Partners Committee in 2008.

In 2013, Bill was named Chairman of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett's Executive Committee, the Firm's governing body. 

A member of their Corporate Department, Bill focused on mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance transactions. His leadership helped guide the Firm through remarkable growth, major institutional change, and the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. He has also been widely recognized throughout the legal profession for his skill, judgment, and impact, earning honors from leading legal publications and organizations. He stepped down from his role as Chairman at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett in 2022.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bill has devoted himself to service through leadership roles with the Legal Aid Society and the Partnership for New York City. 

Bill is a generous and selfless supporter of Monsignor Farrell. He serves on the Advisory Council of our Institute for Law & Public Policy and is a supporter of our track and field program.

The Monsignor Peter G. Finn Award

Named in memory of past-principal Monsignor Peter G. Finn. Awarded for living a life for others and making a lifetime of positive impact on their community and the Monsignor Farrell community.

Ed Devlin, Class of 1968, has exemplified a lifelong commitment to service, generosity, and community. Alongside his late wife, Claire, Ed devoted countless hours to supporting the school’s track & field program and enriching the experience of its student-athletes. 

Their unwavering presence ensured that track meets were organized with care and precision. As a dedicated member of the Spiked Shoe Club, Ed and fellow track alumni have also helped provide meaningful scholarship support to Farrell students in need. 

Ed’s dedication reflects a deep gratitude for his alma mater and a desire to give back in impactful ways. Beyond Monsignor Farrell, he has extended his altruism through his involvement with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, supporting its mission to honor and assist first responders and military families. 

His life stands as a testament to quiet generosity, enduring loyalty, and a steadfast commitment to uplifting others.

Gerard Villa DDS, Class of 1973, has lived a life defined by compassion, generosity, and service to others. A 1977 graduate of Boston College, Dr. Villa earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from NYU College of Dentistry in 1982. 

For more than four decades, he has cared for the Staten Island community as a dedicated dentist, as owner and partner of Galligan and Villa, DDS, and as an Adjunctive Attending at Staten Island University Hospital - Northwell Health.

Through the 1990's and early 2000's, Dr. Villa was a cornerstone of Monsignor Farrell alumni leadership and support, serving as Vice Chair of the Monsignor Farrell High School Board of Advisors, Chair of the Farrell Golf Classic Committee, and guiding multiple fundraising initiatives. His selfless service extended to the broader Staten Island community through leadership roles with the Staten Island University Hospital Foundation, Sisters of Charity Housing Development Corporation, and St. Clare Parish Finance Committee. 

He has also contributed his time to the South Shore CYO Advisory Board, the March of Dimes Staten Island Chapter, and the Warren Jacques Award Committee. 

A Knight of Malta since 2013 and Past-President of the Richmond County Country Club, Dr. Villa has been recognized with the Staten Island CYO Community Service Award and the Eger Foundation Community Service Award. His three sons are all Monsignor Farrell graduates - Michael (2001), Andrew (2006), and Matthew (2009).

Michael Lanza, Class of 1991, Managing Funeral Director of Colonial Funeral Home, has spent his career walking beside families in their most difficult moments, offering comfort, dignity, and care when needed most. 

A graduate of St. John’s University and the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service, Michael is a fourth-generation funeral director. He has selflessly provided support and comfort to countless members of the Staten Island and Monsignor Farrell community during their hardest times. 

Throughout the broader Staten Island community, his generous heart is also evident in his leadership as Chairman of the Board of the GRACE Foundation, where he has helped support children with autism and their families. He is also a supporter of On Your Mark, the Eden II School for Autistic Children, and the Carl Bini Foundation.

Michael is also a board member of Community Board 2 on Staten Island and serves on the land use committee. A parishioner at St. Charles Church, he is also a Third Degree Knight in the Staten Island Knights of Columbus.

Throughout his life, Michael has quietly and faithfully given of himself, always placing the needs of others before his own and truly living a life for others.

His two sons are both graduates of Monsignor Farrell - Michael (2017), and Anthony (2018).

Since the inception of the Alumni Hall of Fame in 2005, Monsignor Farrell High School has proudly recognized the outstanding accomplishments and service of our alumni. Over the years, the process has evolved from committee-based selections to nomination packages with applications and letters of recommendation. Today, we are excited to share that the way we honor those who have exemplified living the life of a Vir Fidelis will take on a new and meaningful form.

As of 2025, Monsignor Farrell High School will no longer maintain a Hall of Fame Selection Committee or a formal application process, nor will there be a goal of an annual class of inductees. Instead, alumni will be honored through two biennial awards presented at the Vir Fidelis Ball.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all past and current members of the Alumni Hall of Fame Committee for their selfless and diligent service. Your dedication has greatly enriched our community and strengthened the Farrell legacy.

New Awards

Beginning in May 2026, Monsignor Farrell will present two special awards every two years at the Vir Fidelis Ball: The Thomas J. Moran Award and The Monsignor Peter G. Finn Award.

These awards reflect our school motto and mission while also honoring the legacies of two men who played pivotal roles in shaping Monsignor Farrell High School.

Award Selection Process

For the 2026 Vir Fidelis Ball only, applications previously submitted to the Hall of Fame Committee over the past two years will serve as the pool of candidates.

In future years, nominations and selections will be managed directly by school leadership, including the President, Principal, Chairman of the Board, Director of Institutional Advancement, and Director of Alumni Affairs.

This new tradition allows us to celebrate our alumni in a more intentional and focused way, ensuring that the recognition given truly reflects the values, mission, and enduring legacy of Monsignor Farrell High School.