Hermit Hawks Night: Celebrating Faith, Leadership, and Lifelong Brotherhood

The energy was unmistakable at the newly renamed Xfinity Mobile Arena, where alumni, families, and friends from St. Augustine Prep and St. Joseph’s University came together for a night that blended faith, fellowship, and Flyers Hockey!

Hosted in partnership with St. Joseph's University and the Philadelphia Flyers, Hermit Hawks Night celebrated two institutions united by their shared mission to form servant leaders grounded in integrity, service, and community.

A Homecoming of Shared Values

The evening featured two members of the Flyers organization whose ties to the Prep run deep—Dan Hilferty ’74, CEO of Comcast Spectacor and Governor of the Philadelphia Flyers, and Daniel Brière P’16 ’17, General Manager of the Flyers and proud Hermits Alumni parent.

For Mr. Hilferty, who is also a graduate of St. Joseph’s University, the night represented a full-circle moment—linking the formative years he spent at both institutions to his leadership journey today.

“I often think about how fortunate we are—those of us who experienced the great tradition of St. Augustine or had the privilege of walking the halls of St. Joseph’s,” he shared. “We are blessed to have been formed by people who saw something in us, who taught us to lead by serving others. As we cheer on our Flyers tonight, I hope we also remember how these traditions—the Hermit and the Hawk—call us to give back and lift others along the way.”

Faith and Mission in Conversation

The celebration continued with remarks from Dr. Cheryl McConnell, President of St. Joseph’s University, and Fr. Robert J. Murray, O.S.A., Head of School at St. Augustine Prep, who spoke of the deep connection between the Augustinian and Jesuit charisms.

Both traditions, they reflected, seek to educate the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—while inspiring students to use their gifts in service of others. The shared mission of the two schools continues to nurture leaders of faith, intellect, and compassion who bring light to every community they touch.

Dr. McConnell highlighted the exciting growth on Hawk Hill, from new facilities and programs to record enrollment, all driven by the same enduring values that emphasize reflection, discernment, and care for the common good.

“While our campus footprint has grown, our purpose remains the same,” she said. “We continue to form men and women who find hope, faith, and belonging—values that echo what St. Augustine instills in every Hermit.”

A Night to Remember

Guests were treated to a special behind-the-scenes tour of the arena and Flyers gameday operations, offering an exclusive look into the organization’s inner workings—another reminder of the leadership and excellence modeled by the Prep and SJU alumni who help guide the storied franchise.

To top off the evening, the Flyers obliged with an exciting victory on the ice, punctuating a night filled with camaraderie, gratitude, and pride in shared tradition.

The spirit of Hermit Hawks Night reflected something greater than a game—it celebrated the lifelong bonds that connect Hermits and Hawks, united by faith, purpose, and a call to serve others.

“We are all Flyers tonight,” Mr. Hilferty said, “but even more, we are Hermits and Hawks for life.”

Stay Connected Beyond the Arena

The celebration didn’t end when the final buzzer sounded. Attendees were invited to continue the spirit of connection and mentorship through HermitsConnect.com—St. Augustine Prep’s dedicated networking platform that unites alumni, students, and friends of the Prep.

Through HermitsConnect, members can reconnect with classmates, mentor current Hermits, explore career opportunities, and stay informed about upcoming events that strengthen the lifelong bonds of the Brotherhood.