A new Hawk statue recently made its debut in front of Hagan Arena and the Ramsay Basketball Center.  The bronze likeness, which was blessed in June, is dedicated in honor of the late Victor C. Faralli, Jr. '49 and was made possible through the generosity of the Faralli Family.

“My father was and still is a Hawk and he always had a dream for a statue like this on campus.  It was something that he felt was missing,” said Steve Faralli. “He wanted to create something that would become a rallying point, a place where students could meet and a good luck charm.  He would be very, very happy.”

A member of the men's basketball team, longtime season ticket holder and athletics benefactor, Vic Faralli served on the University's Alumni Board, was instrumental in the establishment of the President's Cup Golf Outing and chaired SJU's Alumni Golf Outing.  The World War II veteran, who passed away in 2011, was founder and president of the Arthur Jackson Company in Philadelphia.  He received the Rev. Joseph S. Hogan, S.J. Award for his loyalty and dedication to Saint Joseph's in 2001.

 “Vic Faralli was a proud and loyal Hawk,” remarked Don DiJulia, Director of Athletics.  “This new statue is sure to become a rallying point for the University.”

Added former University President C. Kevin Gillespie, S.J. '72, “Just as the Hawk inspired Vic Faralli and his family…May all who look at it be inspired to aspire and live lives of faith, hope and love.”

Designed by Martin Linson, who also sculpted the Hawk statues that adorn the bleachers on Sweeney Field, the new Hawk weighs nearly 700 pounds with an approximate wingspan of eight feet.  Mr. Linson teaches sculpture at Linwood University in Missouri and at the St. Louis Art Institute. He placed first, among artists from 62 countries, at the 2012 London Olympic Sport and Art contest in Lausanne, Switzerland.

- Phil Denne '96