Cathy McNally P ’ 26
Cathy McNally P ’ 26
If you ’ re a current or prospective family , you ’ ve probably met Parent Ambassador Cathy McNally at one of the Prep ’ s Admissions events . She also frequents Mothers ’ Club events , and is part of a growing network of Prep moms in Manhattan , Queens , and the Bronx who get together for dinners , concerts , chats , drinks , and shopping regularly .
“ When my son visited Fordham as Ram for a Day , he returned home and marveled about the delicious lunch offered ,” said McNally . “ More importantly ,” she went on , “ he spoke about how accepted and welcomed he felt throughout his day at the Prep . He commented that the teachers were engaging , took an interest in him , and despite the fact that he was an eighth grader , were interested in what he had to say . For him , that fostered a feeling of belonging .”
She loves how much the Prep is dedicated to providing a space for students and families of different cultures to feel welcome in the community . Her son , Shoni ’ 26 , is part of the Prep ’ s Irish Club , runs cross-country , and engages with his teammates outside of school .
“ We have the feeling of belonging because the internal and external work that the Prep does reflects in the school ’ s philosophy , its culturally responsive teachings ,” she stated . “ We are impressed by the diverse selection of books required for readings . It clearly shows us the community is committed to ensure that each student ’ s idea and culture is represented , assimilated , and heard , and its willingness to engage in conversations with families . There is a really warm sense of community and care that is quite special ,” she added .
The teachers were engaging , took an interest in him , and despite the fact that he was an eighth grader , were interested in what he had to say . For him , that fostered a feeling of belonging .”
— Cathy McNally P ’ 26 , Parent Ambassador
Joe Altenau ’ 04
It ’ s never too late to rekindle the friendship and sense of belonging .”
— Joe Altenau ’ 04 , member of the Young Alumni and Mission Effectiveness committees
Joe Altenau ’ 04
Class Representative Joe Altenau ’ 04 is an alumnus of the Prep ’ s track and field program and a member of the Young Alumni and Mission Effectiveness committees . One of his fondest Prep memories is his junior Emmaus retreat , an experience that allowed him to explore his relationship with God , his family , and his friends .
“ The experience brought together students from different communities , clubs , teams , and other backgrounds and allowed us to focus on our similarities rather than our differences ,” he remembered . “ The time spent with the group allowed me to be vulnerable and open up with classmates that I may not have been close with before . It was truly one of the most important moments of my time at the Prep , especially when thinking about belonging ,” he noted .
Altenau has served as a table host at several of the Prep ’ s Alumni Senior Breakfast events . “ I love to share my experiences with current students to help prepare them for what life in college will look like as well as what to expect when they graduate ,” he responded when asked why he enjoys giving his time for the event . “ I ’ m so thankful for my time at Fordham Prep and for experiences I had , friends I made , and lessons I learned from the faculty and staff . Connecting with the current students helps remind me of all I have to be thankful for because of Fordham Prep ,” he continued .
As a track and field alumnus , Altenau notes that the popular phrase , “ It ’ s never too late to join track and field ,” extends to all aspects of Prep life , even for those who have long graduated .
“ It is never too late to join something new or to invite someone you may not have spoken to in a while to join as well ,” he explained . “ For those Prep alumni who may not have been to a reunion or Turkey Bowl in a while it ’ s never too late to come back and visit . If you haven ’ t talked to classmates in a while , it ’ s never too late to rekindle the friendship and sense of belonging ,” he added .
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FORDHAM PREP RAMVIEW