A total of 69 Xavier graduates were accepted into medical and dental schools during the 2008-2009 academic year. The University is off to a good start for the 2009-10 academic year, as evidenced by the more than a dozen seniors who have already been accepted into medical schools.

"The distinction of leading the nation in placing so many deserving and talented young people into medical school is a clear indication of our commitment to academic success," said Dr. Norman C. Francis, Xavier's president. "There's something special about Xavier," he said. "Our faculty and staff take great pride in working with all students from the moment they enter as freshmen until the day when they graduate and enter their chosen professions. I'm convinced that the nurturing and academically challenging environment that we offer is a key factor in our continued leadership in not only the health professions, but in the wide range of academic disciplines that we offer."

Xavier, the nation's only Black and Catholic university has long enjoyed a solid reputation for its excellence in the biological and physical sciences. XU Pre-Med advisor JW Carmichael was individually recognized by Meharry Medical College with an honorary degree in 2008 for his role in helping to make Xavier the leader in African-American medical school acceptances. Xavier University, founded in 1925 by St. Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, maintains the distinction of being the only college or University in the United States that was founded by an American-born saint of the Catholic Church.

High school students interested in receiving more information on Xavier University are encouraged to visit www.xula.edu/admissions or call (504) 520-7388 or 1-877-XAVIERU.

This article was originally published in the March 1, 2010 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper