St. Thomas community members remembered the late Msgr. James Lavin in Scooter’s Tuesday with complimentary peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, known as “Lavin burgers,” in celebration of what would have been his 95th birthday.

Lavin began his journey at St. Thomas as an 18-year-old undergraduate and was involved with the university community until he died in 2012 at 93. After being ordained a priest in 1945, he taught religion and participated in various departments at St. Thomas, including serving as an academic counselor and working for the Alumni Association as a special assistant to the president.

Nadine Friederichs, manager of alumni relations, said Lavin was a one-of-a-kind individual and should be celebrated and remembered.

“When we talk about being a Tommie for life, I think he is a great example of that,” Friederichs said. “Let’s honor this icon and legacy that probably won’t be duplicated here again.”

The Peanut Butter and Jelly Fund, which was founded after Lavin died, sponsored the second annual “Lavin Day.” Students, parents and alumni, with help from Ireland Hall, Residence Life and Old Guards all donate to the fund to keep the tradition alive, Friederichs said.

Sophomore Juan Ferreras attended the first “Lavin Day” last year and said he supports what the day is about.

“It’s just to continue tradition, I was here last year— why not keep the tradition going?” Ferreras said.

Lavin coined the term “Lavin burgers” in 1976 when he distributed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to students in Ireland hall once or twice a week.

Lavin lived in Ireland Hall for the majority of his time on campus, and according to Dylan Brooks, an Ireland Hall representative, the hall still carries on Lavin’s tradition.

“We gather in the basement every Sunday night and eat Lavin Burgers and hang out just as Father Lavin would have done,” Brooks said.

The Rev. David Smith, a St. Thomas Old Guard member and 1958 alumnus, said he knew Lavin when he attended St. Thomas and credits him for his current career path.

“That man is the main reason I am a Catholic priest,” Smith said. “I was going to be an engineer until I met him at St. Thomas, and I decided what he did was more important than what engineers do.”

Bob Kolnik, a member of the alumni board of directors said Lavin is remembered not for the sandwiches, but for all he did for the community.

“Father Lavin could do anything at anytime for anybody,” Kolnik said. “His presence on campus was very visual.”

Friederichs said the Alumni Association plans to keep Lavin’s legacy thriving through the event.

“Who knows, it could be the year 2041, 100 years from his graduation and we are still celebrating with peanut butter and jellies,” Friederichs said.

Kolnik said looking at Lavin’s portrait hanging on the wall in Scooter’s brought tears to his eyes.

“He exemplifies St Thomas. Always did and always will,” Kolnik said. “He was a great example, a great role model and he will never be forgotten.”

Johnnay Leenay can be reached at leen1980@stthomas.edu.