FROM THE PRESIDENT
St . Ignatius Loyola believed that ingratitude was among the most serious sins we could commit . The converse of this belief is that gratitude is among the greatest virtues , habits , and attitudes we can practice , develop , and cultivate .
The Examen is the great tool and resource that Ignatius left for us to deepen our gratitude . It invites us each day to review our experiences to find signs of God ’ s blessing , grace , and goodness . One could approach the pages which follow in this issue of Ramview as data for a year-long Examen . These pages contain reasons for my gratitude to God who has inspired in you such marvelous generosity and commitment to advance the mission of Fordham Prep .
Here are some of the ways in which this generosity has impacted our mission just this year alone :
• We launched our iSTEAM ( Science ; Technology ; Engineering ; Arts ; Mathematics ) program . In addition to our traditional commitment in the humanities to teach students how to read and think critically , and write and communicate with clarity and force , iSTEAM helps them develop 21st Century learning skills to excel in college and prepare for the rapidly changing needs of today ’ s workforce .
• We progressed to the next phase of building a new east wing that brings our facilities up to the standard of excellence to which our faculty aspire in their classroom teaching .
• Avoiding the socio-economic barbell that increasingly characterizes enrollment at so many independent schools , we doubled the number of middle income students who receive tuition assistance , making it possible for them to enroll at Fordham Prep .
• We sent dozens of students across the globe to participate in academic exchanges at other Jesuit schools and in cultural immersion and scientific research programs .
• We supported several faculty members to attend professional development programs in their academic fields and to deepen their understanding of the Spiritual Exercises and Ignatian pedagogy .
• We provided funding for students with financial need to attend retreats , play a musical instrument in our jazz band , perform on the stage of the Leonard Theatre , travel on field trips , and participate on sports teams .
Please accept my profound gratitude to you and my thanks for your generosity . You have made an extraordinary difference in the lives of individual students and in the Fordham Prep community which serves them .
Christopher J . Devron , SJ President
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