ANNUAL REPORT FOR GIFTS MADE FROM JULY 1 , 2023 – JUNE 30 , 2024
DO WHAT YOU LOVE IN SUPPORT OF FORDHAM PREP
Fordham Prep Director of Campus Ministry Mike Kravatz crossing the finish line on May 4 , 2024 at Rock the Ridge , a 50-mile ultramarathon at Mohonk Preserve .
“ I got bit by the trail-running bug back in 2021 ,” said Fordham Prep Director of Campus Ministry Mike Kravatz P ’ 23 . His passion led him to participate in his first run , the 30-mile Shawangunk Ridge Trail ( SRT ) run , in September 2021 . In May 2024 , he completed the 50-mile Rock the Ridge ultramarathon at Mohonk Preserve to , in part , raise funds for Fordham Prep .
In a keynote speech during the Prep ’ s Dream Day in the fall of 2023 , Kravatz mentioned his SRT run and later hinted at the possibility of tackling Rock the Ridge . Inspired by enthusiastic students from the Prep ’ s Ministry Leadership Team , he committed to the challenge . Over the next four months , Kravatz meticulously trained , incorporating long runs and early-morning loops around the historic Rose Hill campus to build endurance .
His participation in Rock the Ridge raised funds for Mohonk Preserve , achieving this goal through personal contributions from family and friends . His efforts speak to the importance of caring for our common home , as outlined in the 2015 Laudato si ’ and mentioned in the 2023 Laudate Deum encyclicals by Pope Francis .
Encouraged by colleagues , he decided to extend his fundraising efforts to support the faculty- and stafffunded Unknown Mentor Scholarship at Fordham Prep for students of academic ability and substantial financial need . He sent an email to faculty and staff the day before the race , asking them to support his endeavor .
“ When I think about my 18 years at Fordham Prep , I feel compelled to give back ,” Kravatz explained . His
It ’ s part of our mission and it ’ s who we are as a school community . We strive to teach our students to be men for others and we strive to live it as well .”
son , Andrew ’ 23 , graduated from the Prep , making his support for a community that had given so much to his family extremely meaningful to him .
Kravatz ’ s dedication to both running and fundraising reflects Fordham Prep ’ s mission to form “ men for others .” For him , it is important
— Mike Kravatz P ’ 23 to set an example for students by giving back to the Fordham Prep community .
“ It ’ s part of our mission and it ’ s who we are as a school community ,” he stated . “ We strive to teach our students to be men for others and we strive to live it as well .”
To do this , Kravatz recommends finding your passion and connecting it with a cause you care about .
“ There are countless opportunities to give back to the Prep ,” he noted , explaining that supporting causes doesn ’ t always require following traditional fundraising methods . Time spent doing what you love can help others , just as Kravatz ’ s efforts demonstrate .
Kravatz is considering another ultramarathon , inspired by a friend ’ s invitation and the chance to help students in need . He plans to do what he loves to support environmental causes and the Catholic Jesuit experience offered at Fordham Prep . n
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