FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
THE LASTING IMPACT OF BELONGING
VOLUME 43 , ISSUE 2
Brian J . 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
CONTRIBUTORS
JP Feighery ’ 03 Director of Alumni Engagement
Ryan Fink ’ 10 Assistant Director of Development and Data Analytics
Nicholas Genovese Sports Communications Officer
Kyra Zerwick Alumni Engagement 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
As you will read in this issue of Ramview , our theme this past academic year was BELONGING : FIND YOUR PLACE AT THE PREP . It was encouraging to see how that sense of belonging continues to empower and enrich the lives of our students . As Interim President this year , I had the added opportunity to experience the lasting impact of belonging on our alumni .
At the many alumni gatherings I had the honor to attend this past year , it was a joy to witness the amazing loyalty and commitment to Fordham Prep throughout our alumni network . You shared how you experienced belonging at the Prep in so many ways , foremost through the care and dedication of your teachers . The ways you continue to stay connected to and supportive of your classmates is a testament to the belonging you still feel to one another .
You are a testament to the transformative and enduring power of belonging . You have carried the values instilled in you during your time at the Prep and translated them into action in your respective fields and communities . You also turned them into action in your support of the Prep . And , importantly , your dedication to justice , service , and a commitment to the common good serves as an inspiration to current and future students alike .
In the past year , I understood better how similar the bonding among alumni is to that of the Prep students I ’ ve taught and coached over the past three decades . I shouldn ’ t have been surprised . Belonging is at the very core of our mission as a Jesuit institution . Living the Jesuit ethos , the Prep ’ s faculty and staff ensure that every individual , regardless of their background or circumstances , feels accepted , supported , and connected within our community . Through this deep sense of belonging we empower our students to discover their true potential and have the confidence and skills to become agents of positive change in the world .
From the moment students walk through our doors , we strive to create an environment that fosters inclusivity and celebrates the unique gifts each person brings . In today ’ s society , that ’ s become increasingly challenging . Our dedicated faculty and staff work tirelessly to cultivate a sense of belonging in every classroom , where students are encouraged to express their thoughts , challenge assumptions , and engage in open dialogue . By embracing diversity and honoring the inherent dignity of each individual , we create a space where all voices are heard and respected .
Most importantly , fostering a belonging environment is at the heart of our Jesuit Catholic mission to be men and women for others . By engaging in service projects and advocacy initiatives , our students learn the importance of compassion , empathy , and solidarity . They discover that their actions have the power to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others , and , in turn , find a deeper sense of belonging to a global community .
As my time as Interim President comes to a close this summer , I am immensely proud of the enduring legacy of belonging that the Prep imparts upon its students and is sustained by you , our alumni . It is my hope that you will carry this spirit with you wherever you go , and that you take solace in the knowledge that you will always belong to the Prep community . Knowing our new President , Anthony Day , well from his days as a Prep teacher and from working with him to prepare for his new role , I am absolutely confident that you will find him ready to carry on these important values . I look forward to working closely with him in the months and years ahead as we continue to make our alumni proud of their alma mater .
In conclusion , thank you ! I am profoundly grateful to all our alumni and benefactors who have supported me and the Prep community throughout this year . Your kind words , notes of support and encouragement , and continued financial support for our students have been a great inspiration and have instilled in me an even deeper sense of belonging at the Prep .
May God bless all Rams !
Brian J . Carney Interim President , A . M . D . G .