FROM THE PRESIDENT
EXTENDING THE LEAD
I
N DESCRIBING TRANSITIONS OF LEADERSHIP , people often use the image of “ passing the torch .” As a former track and field coach , the image of “ passing the baton ” resonates more with me . Like a runner in a relay race , I ’ ve been passed the baton . While feeling immensely fortunate that we are in the lead , my determination as Interim President is to extend that lead before passing the baton to my successor .
VOLUME 42 , ISSUE 3
Brian Carney Interim President
Joseph Petriello , PhD ’ 98 Principal
Jose R . Gonzalez Vice President for Engagement , Development and Communications
Michael Higgins P ’ 21 ’ 26 Chief Administrative Officer and Treasurer
EDITORS
Bradley Serton ’ 95 Director of Enrollment and Marketing
Dana Gibbs Communications Officer
CONTRIBUTOR
Nicholas Genovese Sports Communications Officer
QUESTIONS , COMMENTS , AND CHANGE OF ADDRESS :
Engagement , Development and Communications Office
441 East Fordham Road Bronx , NY 10458
ramview @ fordhamprep . org
718.367.7500 tel 718.367.7598 fax
DESIGNED BY
Adler Branding & Marketing New York , NY
Our solid lead is thanks to the great work of our faculty , staff , administration and trustees this past year . Fordham Prep is stronger than ever — offering young men an education that is second to none , one that enables them to grow in extraordinary ways as leaders in faith , scholarship and service .
In this issue of Ramview , you ’ ll read about the reasons I feel so confident that we will “ extend the lead ” in the coming year . That confidence is first and foremost based on the solid , longstanding programs that I have come to appreciate in my 29 years at Fordham Prep … and that sustained us through the past two tough pandemic years . Building on that lead , I ’ m excited — and energized — by the opportunity to advance the many important strategic initiatives developed in the past five years .
You can read about three examples of how our initiatives are designed to give Prep students a way to apply deep-rooted learnings and Jesuit values from their classrooms to their extracurricular clubs to their everyday lives . While experiencing in their classics courses the power of rhetoric on Greek and Roman societies , students now have a way to see how informed debate can address the needs of today ’ s society . The FitzSimons Civics Education Initiative provides a platform to inspire and equip students to be engaged and effective citizens — young men willing to take part in civil dialogue and ready to promote a robust and healthy democracy . Our environmental and greenhouse clubs are combining learning and service in supporting our neighbors in need by providing food for the community dining room at POTS on Webster Avenue . Our iSTEAM program enables students to delve into groundbreaking business , technology and social topics — from 3-D printing to cybersecurity to eSports . iSteam allows students to weave together ideas from various disciplines , think critically , be creative , and use discovery as an engine for learning .
In a future Ramview , we ’ ll describe investments and initiatives we are launching over the next five years to apply the same principles of innovation for the professional growth and development of our faculty . I look forward to “ extending the lead ” for our dedicated faculty who inspire and challenge our students each day in the classroom , on the stage and on the athletic fields . You will read in this issue about outstanding teachers like Dylan LaGamma ’ 09 , who will lead our visual and performing arts department in the coming years and about four Prep legends who are retiring after a combined 192 years of service to Fordham Prep — Dennis Ahern , Bill Bozzone , Fr . Stanley O ’ Konsky and Tony Tartaglia . They each remind us that great teachers are at the heart of the Fordham Prep experience and that investing in these teachers is vital to our continued success .
None of these efforts to “ extend the lead ” would be possible without the support of our alumni , parents and benefactors . All of us in the administration and on the faculty and staff are immensely grateful to each of you . Without your support , the initiatives and innovations highlighted in this issue of Ramview wouldn ’ t have been possible . In the coming year , we look to you to help us invest in upgrades to our athletic facilities , to expand our endowed scholarships for students from families of limited means and to maintain a strong annual fund to ensure that we can keep tuition at competitive levels in these inflationary times .
I look forward to seeing many of you throughout the year during special events , athletic competitions and other gatherings . Working together , we can ensure that the 2022 – 2023 year will be remembered not only as a year where the baton was passed but also as a year where we “ advanced the lead ” in the great history of Fordham Prep .
May God bless you and your loved ones this summer !
Brian Carney Interim President , A . M . D . G .