Fordham Preparatory School - Ramview Ramview SPRING 17 | Page 11

Stanley O’Konsky, SJ
Fr. O’Konsky graduated from St. Peter’s Prep in 1960 and
entered the Jesuit novitiate in Plattsburg, NY immediately
afterwards. He started his tenure at Fordham Prep during his
regency period from 1966 to 1968, teaching English and
Religious Studies. He was ordained in the University Church in
June 1972.
“He’s always there when you need help.” That has been a
common sentiment people have used to describe Stan O’Konsky.
Whether you are a student, a teacher or an alumnus, he is
always there to lend an ear or a hand. He has been there for
weddings, baptisms and funerals. His English classes are a “must
take” at Fordham Prep, and his help with college essays is sought
after every year. A fixture in the retreat programs and long-time
swimming and diving team moderator, Stan has been involved in
all aspects of a student’s life at Fordham Prep.
I had Fr. O for junior year English. We had an assignment for
which we had a day to prepare. It was a table read of some
scene from a play. My part was the most line-heavy so Fr. O
asked me to put in some effort at home and rehearse a bit so it
would sound more natural in class.That was the first time I have
ever rehearsed something in my life, but it wasn't the last. After
reading in class, Fr. O said he was impressed and asked if I had
ever considered acting. I hadn't until then. Despite going to
college for mechanical engineering, I'm now pursuing stand-up
comedy and acting in New York City. I have a really long way to
go, but I don't think I would have ever let myself believe I could
do it if someone I respect hadn't told me so first. Thanks Fr. O,
—Dave Jenkins ’11
I had then Mr. O'Konsky SJ as my teacher in a course on literary
classics in 1970. I think this course was meant to make up for the
fact that 3-3 students didn't ordinarily take Latin. I still remember
some of the things that we read: Dante's Inferno, Chekov's The
Cherry Orchard, James's The Turn of the Screw. I went on to get a
PhD in Comparative Literature, and now I am a professor at
Cal-Berkeley, so I can truly say that the course changed my life!
Thank you Fr. O'Konsky!
—Ignacio Navarrete '71
I had to wait until Senior year to qualify for AP English, which
gave me my only chance to study with Fr O'Konsky. Fr O'Konsky
presented the class as an undergraduate seminar, and
encouraged us all to strive for deeper understanding of how
authors employ technique to contribute meaning to their
writing. Fr O'Konsky probably did more than anyone to foster my
interest in Modern American fiction; when I returned to Fordham
in the 90s, it was to study for an MA in Modern British and
American Fiction.
—Chris Blake ’84
Fr. Stan O’Konsky, SJ was one of the most impactful teachers I
ever had the pleasure of learning from. He taught me to think
outside the box, and to analyze my surroundings and develop
my own thoughts, rather than just following the public consensus.
I have thought of him often over the years since graduation, and
reflect on his teaching and leadership as part of the foundation
from whence my own confidence developed. I wish him well and
hope his current crop of students realize how lucky they are to
have him as a teacher.
—Jonharold Cicero ’98
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