Fordham Preparatory School - Ramview Ramview FALL 2017 | Page 53

Letter from Board Chair Paul Brusco ‘82
I am excited to write to you as the chair of the board of trustees of Fordham Preparatory School this year. I am also grateful and
humbled by the opportunity to serve with such a fine and committed group of trustees, faculty and staff at Fordham Prep.
Jesuit schools, since their inception, have been committed to providing a distinguished Catholic, Jesuit education to students from
differing socioeconomic backgrounds. The Ignatian tradition of the Society of Jesus stresses holistic excellence including the
development of moral, spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional and aesthetic values. By remaining faithful to this Jesuit tradition, and
in consonance with our faculty’s instruction, we are a leading preparatory school in the categories of faith, scholarship and service.
For almost two centuries Fordham Prep’s Catholic, all-male Jesuit mission remains steadfast: to inspire young men to reflect, to
question, to learn, to pray, to love, to serve and to lead. Fordham Prep continues to be a community created from a broad spectrum of
ethnic, racial, geographic and socioeconomic circumstances. Fordham Prep has deservedly earned a reputation for instilling a passion
in our students to make positive and lasting differences within our local and global community. Our students impact their communities
and the world long after graduation.
Fordham Prep is committed to making this education experience accessible to qualified students who cannot afford the tuition.Our
alumni often reflect on their Jesuit education and the sacrifices their families made to make this possible. Many of these alumni
originated from middle class families residing in the Bronx. The board of trustees, alumni and administration realize the impact this
segment of our student population has on the fabric of Fordham Prep and have endeavored to further aid this underserved group over
the last several years.
The distinguished faculty members at Fordham Prep are critical to the success of our school. These dedicated academics adhere to
exceptionally high standards and strive to unlock the inner potential of all their students. This includes developing new ways to
integrate technology into the curriculum and to promote 21st century skills.These professionals are committed to cultivating the
intellect through cura personalis (care of the individual) which is at the heart of uncovering truth, discovering meaning and building
lasting character. Fordham Prep will continue to provide its deserving faculty the tools necessary to enhance professional development
to achieve an effective balance among technology, Ignatian values and global competency.
This September students have returned to a renovated third floor which features a new chapel to support the spiritual needs of the
Prep community. Fordham Prep also continues to advance its mission by investing in and improving the building's facilities. The
school’s physical and technological infrastructure must serve as a platform for an innovative learning environment. In this regard, the
board of trustees hopes to collaborate with the faculty and administration, and build on the progress made by continuing the
modernizing of classrooms located in the building’s east wing.
Fordham Prep provides programs which inspire students, faculty and staff in the ways of the Catholic, Ignatian mission such as Campus
Ministry and Christian Service Immersion Trips. Student retreats as well as planned events including the offering of Mass promote the
Catholic sacramental life and spirituality. The Prep also promotes expanded opportunities for families to engage in the mission of faith
and service such as the Ignatian Challenge and service at Part of the Solution (POTS).
F inally, we continue to encourage our students to challenge themselves, to leave their comfort zones and at this early age to
understand that they are a part of much broader community that desperately needs role models and leaders who nurture a passion
to help those less fortunate.
Thank you very much for your continuing support of the mission of Fordham Preparatory School.
Paul Brusco ’82
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Fordham Preparatory School
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