Common Thread: A Family Tradition

For Xavier Alumni, Katie Mills Giorgio (X99), growing up and attending Xavier had its advantages. Katie is a renowned author and independent writer with multiple publications ending up in newspapers, magazines and even her own book. The most notable of her writings have made it into publications such as The Gazette, Corridor Business Journal, and even the Washington Post.

Mrs. Giorgio grew up with a Catholic education and was in the first ever graduating class of Xavier in 1999. Prior to Xavier, she attended Regis and post Xavier she graduated from Drake University with a double major in Magazine Journalism and English/Writing. A Catholic tradition of schooling has been in her family for years. “It goes back to my grandparents who went to Immaculate Conception,” Giorgio said. Giorgio continues to have family members in the Xavier system. “There has been one year in the last twenty-five years that I haven’t had a family member in attendance at Xavier.” 

For Katie a Catholic education is a foundational principle that she believes in and holds very close to her heart. She continues this tradition with her own children who attend Xavier. Her son, Tom, is a senior and a part of the Xavier Class of 2023. She also has a daughter, Lucy, who is in the Xavier Class of 2026. “I chose Xavier for the legacy and the community feel. I like having my kids be identifiable by the staff members in the building. I also like how they are able to grow their faith while at school,” said Katie. 

Katie is continuously active within the Xavier community. She serves on the LaSalle-Regis-Xavier Alumni Association Board of Directors. Katie also is the head of Xavier Parents for Xcellence (XPX) and competed in Dancing with the Saints Season 6. She is also a familiar face as host of the annual alumni Forever Saints Day event.

In addition to having articles and works published in magazines and newspapers, Katie has recently published her first book titled, 100 Things To Do In Cedar Rapids Before You Die. The book was made available in the fall of 2022 and published by Reedy Press. It shares about all the wonderful things to do in and around Cedar Rapids. The book covers a large diversity of topics and includes activities for all the seasons. From hiking Mount Trashmore to the tasty eats at NewBo City Market, 100 Things covers anything and everything there is to do. “Part of me being excited about writing a book about Cedar Rapids is because I really feel good about the community and raising my family here… and Xavier plays a role in all that,” said Giorgio. Her experiences and time within the Cedar Rapids community helped in the inspiration and ideas of everything within the cover.

Our community is truly blessed for all the contributions Katie and the Mills-Giorgio family have given to Xavier Catholic Schools throughout the years. We are forever grateful for the impact Katie has given to Xavier and continue to look forward to a long tradition of service to Catholic education.