FORDHAM PREP 2022 ANNUAL GIVING REPORT
UNKNOWN MENTOR SCHOLARSHIP TAKES OFF
In the fall of 2021 , science teacher and soccer coach Pete McNamara P ’ 11 , ’ 12 , ’ 17 led an effort to establish a scholarship fund to support Fordham Prep students with substantial financial need , introducing the idea with an impassioned address to his colleagues at a faculty meeting .
This scholarship is unique in a number of ways . First , it is funded directly through contributions from current members of the Fordham Prep faculty and staff , making this a truly communal scholarship . The second is that it is a scholarship that is offered based on both academic ability and financial need , rather than one or the other .
“ It ’ s a painless way for us to follow the teachings of Ignatius and reach out to those bright minds that may need assistance to attend a Jesuit school . The idea had been brewing for many years through long discussions with many supporters including Fr . Devron , Fr . O ’ Konsky , and Dr . Patricia Morris . It is a great thing for our community as a whole .”
The scholarship was christened the “ Unknown Mentor Scholarship ” to pay tribute to the anonymous faculty and staff gifts that would be collected and given to a student ( or students ). The identity of the student ( s ) would also be unknown to those outside of the scholarship committee . “ The scholarship ’ s name also tags the idea of the very unique role of mentoring in Jesuit schools ,” said McNamara . Within the first few hours of the scholarship ’ s launch , nearly 20 individuals pledged their support . Later they were joined by an anonymous donor who agreed to match the total amount collected by the faculty and staff as well as members of the Board of Trustees . Later that fall , social studies teacher and mentor Micheal Viele ’ 01 and trustee Vinnie Murray
WE HAVE A WAY OF LAUNCHING YOUNG MINDS INTO THE FUTURE .”
— Pete McNamara , Science Teacher and Soccer Coach
Fordham Prep science teacher and soccer coach Pete McNamara P ’ 11 ’ 12 ’ 17 ( CENTER – GREEN SHIRT ) planted the seeds of the Unknown Mentor Scholarship at a faculty meeting in the fall of 2021 . Here he is with some of his students on a recent trip to the Galapagos Islands with the Prep ’ s Global Education program .
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