A CELEBRATION OF BELONGING
Bill Perry ’ 64
Bill Perry ’ 64
From 1965 – 66 , Hall of Honor member Bill Perry ’ 64 was Assistant Moderator of the Dramatics Society , one of the Prep ’ s oldest and most popular co-curricular activities . From 2016 – 19 , he served as Advisor to the Prep ’ s Board of Trustees .
“ At his induction into the Hall of Honor , Dr . Frank Holbrook ’ 45 referred to the Prep as ‘ home .’ Can any word better connote an atmosphere of ‘ belonging ’ than that ?” Perry asked . “ Classes , sports , clubs , and faculty relationships promoted supporting each other and engendered strong friendships . Our Class of 1964 remains close after almost 60 years and similar unity permeates many other Prep classes . Belonging is a hallmark of the school ,” he continued .
Perry , Guerrero , and a whopping 11,000 alumni representing the Prep ’ s classes of 1960 – 2015 were part of an initiative to bring back the feeling of belonging during the pandemic when the Class of 2020 was told they might not be able to have an in-person commencement ceremony . They banded together to write letters to each Prep senior welcoming them to the “ Long Maroon Line ,” an effort that produced at least five notes per graduate . Fortunately , the Class of 2020 did graduate in person , and this project became a prime example of alumni continuing to be men for others .
In 2021 , Perry released a book titled The Things He Taught : Charles W . DaParma , Jr . ’ 45 of Fordham Prep . Profits from sales are donated to the Prep ’ s Charles W . DaParma ’ 45 Classics Scholarship . Perry is also involved in the creation of other scholarships such as the Class of 1964 John Vrionis Scholarship and the Murray Award , which recognizes a senior who embodies the same qualities of courage , love for his neighbor , and final sacrifice as Robert C . Murray ’ 64 .
Gratitude both for his parents and their sacrifices and the Prep itself for offering him a scholarship inspire him to give back to his alma mater . “ If a scholarship recipient understands that others ( primarily unknown to him ) are committed to his well-being and education , he can begin to realize that he is a member of a unique community ,” Perry said . “ Appreciation , in turn , can engender gratitude — which leads to many positive actions and outcomes ,” he added .
Our class of 1964 remains close after almost 60 years and similar unity permeates many other Prep classes . Belonging is a hallmark of the school .”
— Bill Perry ’ 64 , Hall of Honor member
Anna Nicaj P ’ 22
Anna Nicaj P ’ 22
Parent Ambassador Anna Nicaj P ’ 22 is one of the many past parents who are still involved on campus . She assists in the running of the Prep Shoppe , greeting students with a smile as they shop for merchandise that showcases their love for the school .
“ As an ambassador , I strive to be helpful with any questions that parents have from making introductory phone calls to meeting them on Accepted Students Night ,” Nicaj stated . “ Feeling reassured as a new Prep parent was important to me , and I make sure that I extend the same feeling to new parents .”
Alumni mothers of the Prep such as Nicaj remain in contact with each other well past their son ’ s graduation . They often meet up again at Prep events and sometimes make plans to hang out on their own .
“ Gathering for occasions outside of the Prep is something I really enjoy . From dining out , or just having a cup of coffee at home with Prep moms is something I always look forward to ,” she said . “ We may have all met at Fordham Prep , but the friendships will last well beyond graduation . I ’ m grateful for the years my sons have spent here and the wonderful community everyone has built here ,” she added .
We may have all met at Fordham Prep , but the friendships will last well beyond graduation .”
— Anna Nicaj P ’ 22 , Parent Ambassador
SUMMER 2023 VOLUME 43 , ISSUE 2
13