Joe Evangelisti ’81 returns to Haverford

On Thursday, April 24th, the Haverford community was lucky to be joined by a fellow Ford in Joe Evangelisti ’81. The Fords sat, listening attentively to Mr. Evangelisti as he detailed his time at Haverford, his professional career, and more. As with most Reflections and guest speeches, the Fords delivered a standing ovation. At that moment, Mr. Evangelisti said he “felt the comfort and support of Haverford for the first time in over 40 years.” This isn’t to say that Haverford was a place lacking support—instead, it showed up differently, often shrouded by more traditional masculine activities, and even then, only presented itself directly to certain members of the community. 

Mr. Evangelisti started at Haverford after leaving the Radnor public school system, where he had an already established network of support and camaraderie. 

“I was in a class of only 59 boys,” Mr. Evangelisti said. “And only about five of us were new in the Third Form.”

With such a small class size and so few new students, cliques were bound to form. “I was also on a different economic spectrum,” said Mr. Evangelisti. “I was on scholarship.”

In many ways, Haverford is quite similar to how it was in 1981. Beyond the cliques and social scene, Mr. Evangelisti commented on the nurturing nature of his teachers. “The faculty truly cared about the whole person when I was there,” Mr. Evangelisti said. 

Haverford helped instill in him the importance of a determined work ethic, with an emphasis on high academic standards and excellence, setting him up for success post-graduation. 

Haverford has come a long way since the ’80s. In his talk, Mr. Evangelisti touched on his experience as a gay, closeted student at Haverford. Until 2015, gay marriage was illegal in the United States. In addition, schools, and especially an all-boys school like Haverford, often presented a view of straight role models as the ideal. Now, that is no longer the case.

 Whether it be through the school’s Human Relationships Seminar, through social media, or even through The Index itself, differences are highlighted, making for a more accepting community. 

Beyond social life, Mr Evangelisti touches on two of the most important aspects of Haverford during his time there—athletics and academics. 

“There was more of a focus on academic and athletic success back then,” Mr. Evangelisti said. “Now, I see more of a focus on the full person, on thinking about others, mutual respect and lifting each other up. The tolerance wasn’t always apparent to me, at least across the board, back then.” 

Now, Mr. Evangelisti serves as Head of Corporate Communications worldwide for JPMorganChase, a $4 trillion dollar bank with 320,000 employees. Despite the exuberant role, Mr. Evangelisti reflected on still feeling stage fright upon returning to Haverford. With the help of Haverford faculty, some water, and most of all, the air of support in Centennial Hall, Mr. Evangelisti overcame that fear, proving that these fears are only human and that anything can be done with a strong community behind you. 

One of the most stark visual differences between the Haverford of 1981 and 2025 is the presence of Centennial Hall. Centennial can be overlooked by students at times—seen as a place students are forced to gather twice a week. Mr. Evangelisti, however, showed his appreciation for the auditorium, especially after receiving a standing ovation. 

“We would have never had Reflections back then,” Mr. Evangelisti said.

“The warmth I felt and the fellowship I witnessed in Centennial Hall that morning were exceptional.”

Mr. Joe Evangelisti ’81

The vulnerability of Haverford has evolved through the years, allowing for one of the most integral traditions of Centennial to take place. 

Mr. Evangelisti closed by delivering some advice and hopes for the Haverford community. After his talk, Mr. Evangelisti was taken around campus. The quality of the boys and faculty he witnessed was fantastic. 

“The warmth I felt and the fellowship I witnessed in Centennial Hall that morning were exceptional. I’m inspired by the hope that these boys will demonstrate that same spirit and camaraderie outside of the auditorium — with each other, with their families, and in their social lives and communities,” Mr. Evangelisti said. “I hope this will be who they are, not just who they are today.”