“ We built back all that was lost as brothers , as fellow Rams , and as members of a truly historic class ,” he shared .
“ The next few years of our lives are going to be different and it will take some time to adjust to that next transition . There will be more times when it feels like we ’ re trudging up the stairs against the tide all over again . But ,” Okonkwo assured his classmates , “ we ’ re good at adjusting so there ’ s no doubt in my mind that the strength and resilience that we have built over the last couple of years will carry us through .”
Before the conferral of diplomas , Graduation Speaker Tania Tetlow , President of Fordham University , addressed the graduating class .
“ Ever since I got the invitation to speak to you today I ’ ve been asking myself , ‘ What did the teenage me need to know ?’” Tetlow began . She advised the class of 2023 to choose the classes taught by those who are known to be good teachers “ because good teachers can make you excited about any subject ,” to not waste time doubting themselves when they mess up , and to choose their friends carefully .
Through her own anecdotes of finding herself as a college student and learning from her mistakes , she spoke to students about the tools they have been given through their Jesuit education at Fordham Prep .
“( You have ) seeds planted deeply in you to be open and curious ,” she reminded the class of 2023 , “ willing to be challenged , searching for truth with determination and humility , to be grateful , leaning into the possibilities of life , finding the best in people , to be brave enough to really know yourself , to resist the temptation of cynicism , to have the courage to hope , and most of all , to be men for others .”
Tetlow encouraged the class of 2023 to think back to this moment of joy in times of adversity . “ When you ’ re struggling , I want you to remember this feeling sitting here basking in the overwhelming love and pride of your friends and families and teachers . This is how much God loves you every moment of every second of every day of the rest of your life ,” she concluded .
Before the ceremony concluded , retiring faculty and staff members in attendance ( David Gelpi , PhD P ’ 12 , Michele Gedeiko , and Nervana Repetti ) as well as Edwin Gonzalez were honored for their combined 117 years of service to the Prep .
Interim President Brian Carney was also recognized for his leadership , support , and dedication to the Prep during this transitional school year .
Read more about our retirees on page 35 .
The class of 2023 continues to mourn the loss of Nicolas “ Nico ” Nuño ’ 23 , who passed away shortly before graduation .
TOP LEFT : 2023 Commencement Speaker Tania Tetlow , President of Fordham University . Twenty graduates of the Prep ’ s class of 2023 will attend Fordham University this fall .
TOP MIDDLE : Tania Tetlow hugs Brian Carney after the Chairman of the Board , Mario Ciampi ’ 78 , presents him with a medal for his service to the Prep .
RIGHT COLUMN : Religious studies teacher David Gelpi , PhD P ’ 12 ( photo top ) and Business Office staff members Nervana Repetti ( photo middle ) and Michele Gedeiko with her daughter Allie ( photo bottom ) were gifted Ram sculptures during the 2023 Commencement ceremony .
SUMMER 2023 VOLUME 43 , ISSUE 2
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