FROM THE PRESIDENT
The past academic year is one for the history books : a global pandemic ; a societal reckoning on racial justice ; spasms of social unrest .
These experiences have the potential to shape and form our perspective , deepen our gratitude and call into question our previously held commitments and life choices . This can happen at the level of individual awareness , but also for communities and organizations .
Our Fordham Prep community is no different .
In this issue of RAMVIEW , we look ahead to a new year . We are , perhaps , more humble and realistic about the power of nature to upend our lives . I hope we are also more willing to listen to one another — especially in contrast to the frequently polarized state of our society and even our Church .
To that end , I invite you to reflect on the stories in these pages which point to an exciting future for our students and our mission .
You will read how enhancements in our approach to civics education will prepare students to participate actively in citizenship and , rather than cancel voices of those with whom they disagree , instead commit to listen to and engage with opposing views . In an exciting development , Fordham Prep was recently selected in a competitive process to participate in a new New York state pilot program on civics which will allow our students to receive a new and special endorsement and seal of “ civics readiness ” on their transcripts .
You will also learn about Fordham Prep ’ s commitment to Catholic Social Teaching and the Apostolic Priorities of the Society of Jesus , and their invitation to help our students grow to more fully appreciate the values of belonging , dignity , and justice--especially as they relate to treating others with respect and care , and actively opposing all forms of racism , bigotry , and discrimination . As a point of interest , inserted in these pages is a
recent article I wrote for the Jesuit review AMERICA on Critical Race Theory and Catholic Jesuit education .
All of these themes and topics are central to the history and tradition of Jesuit education . When Ignatius Loyola spoke of the schools , he described them as a work of charity , a contribution to what he called the “ common good ” of society at large . Pedro Ribadeneira , one of the important early Jesuits , explained the purpose of Jesuit schools in a letter to King Philip II of Spain by stating “ institutio puerorum , reformatio mundi ,” i . e ., “ the proper education of youth will mean improvement for the whole world .”
Much has changed in the past year and a half . But as we commence our 181st year , one thing has not : Fordham Prep ’ s mission to form leaders in Faith , Scholarship , and Service through a college preparatory education in the Catholic Jesuit tradition . This mission — the desperate need for young men to improve the world in which we live , to set this world on fire with their love and justice and to dedicate their lives to God ’ s greater glory — is as crucial as ever .
Christopher J . Devron , SJ President
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