A Constant Presence, A Lasting Legacy
If you have been around Strake Jesuit at any point in the past 50 years, there is a very good chance you crossed paths with Larry Mason ’66. Few people have ever embodied the spirit of Strake Jesuit more completely. For decades, Larry was a familiar and beloved presence on our campus whose devotion to the Green & White was matched only by his care for the people who make this community what it is. From his time as a student in the mid-60s up until his death in 2021, no one was more present than Larry. Whether it was a Friday-night rivalry game, a quiet midweek basketball game, or a tournament far from campus, Larry was there encouraging athletes, visiting with families, and reminding everyone how special it is to be part of the Strake Jesuit community.
Larry’s loyalty to his alma mater extended far beyond athletics. Each spring, without fail, he took his place among the families and friends gathered at graduation. He did this not because of any particular student, but because he believed deeply in the formation of Men for Others. Watching each class begin their next chapter mattered to him. Over the years, his annual presence became its own tradition, one that strengthened the sense of community the day represents.
Larry’s impact also touched generations through his writing. For many years, he was the sole author of the beloved “By George” column on the last page of The Chronicle, offering reflections, anecdotes, and stories grounded in his lifelong commitment to Jesuit values. His writing, much like his friendships, was warm, thoughtful, and uniquely “Larry."
Today, we are proud to share that Larry’s love of Strake Jesuit did not end with his passing. Through a remarkable act of generosity, Larry included the school in his estate plans, leaving Strake Jesuit $1 million to support the mission he so deeply believed in. This bequest stands as one of the most significant planned gifts to Strake Jesuit and will strengthen the experience of current and future Crusaders for many years to come.
To honor Larry’s legacy, the lobby outside the Competition Gym will now be named “The Larry Mason ’66 Legacy Lobby.” This public space, one that Larry walked through countless times, is a fitting tribute to a man whose commitment to Jesuit education and Crusader athletics was unmatched. The naming of this lobby is a reminder of Larry’s enduring spirit and a celebration of the impact that one person can have on a community.
Larry’s gift also invites us to reflect on the power of planned giving. Thoughtful estate planning allows alumni and friends to leave a lasting legacy that extends far beyond their lifetime. For Larry, this meant ensuring that Strake Jesuit would continue shaping Men for Others long into the future.
As we celebrate the life and generosity of Larry Mason ’66, we invite you to consider how you, too, can leave a legacy at Strake Jesuit. Larry spent a lifetime cheering for the Crusaders, and with this final act of generosity, he ensures that generations to come will continue to receive the intellectual, spiritual, and physical formation he loved so much. We will remember it every time someone says, “I’ll meet you in the Legacy Lobby.”
To learn more about planned giving at Strake Jesuit, visit strakejesuit.planmylegacy.org.
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