Fordham Preparatory School - Ramview Ramview Spring 2018 | Page 23

All three sons were very involved during their time at Fordham Prep . They play classical violin , and have participated in various musical groups and events at Fordham Prep . Joey ran track during his four years at Fordham Prep . He went on to attend Lehigh University where he majored in mechanical and minored in electrical engineering . He currently works as a project manager in real estate and construction development in Manhattan .

Middle son , James ’ 16 , currently attends Boston College , where he is studying economics and Russian . “ James says his four years of Latin have really helped him study Russian ,” says AnitaRose . He played four years of hockey and was part of the Bluegrass Club and the Italian Club .

Their youngest son , John ’ 19 , has been part of the Fordham Prep soccer program since his freshman year . He is also the webmaster of the Key Club . “ Our three sons have really enjoyed being on sports team and the clubs at Fordham Prep ,” Joe states .

With the experience their sons have had at Fordham Prep , the Dziwuras felt it was only natural to give back to the school through the Fordham Prep Annual Fund . They have contributed every year to the fund since Joey ’ s freshman year in 2009 .

AnitaRose : “ It is very important to give back . Both of us did not come from wealthy or privileged backgrounds . We worked hard and appreciated the Jesuit education we received . We have also emphasized the importance of education to our sons , and we want to help others have that same experience .”

Joe agrees . “ Regarding the Jesuits and education , I can ’ t even begin to speak about how much I have received from them , starting from my time at Campion . The friendships and bonds I made 40 years ago cannot be replicated or replaced . I keep in touch with my classmates and the Jesuits from my schools . The Jesuits and faculty are friends of mine and the relationships go back decades . I still make a point to talk to and visit with my former high school teachers and Jesuits that I met in high school because of the relationships we had then . The Jesuits were unselfish and generous with their time , so giving back to Jesuit education is very important to me and my wife .”

“ The Fordham Prep teachers and the campus ministry departments were instrumental in forming my sons into good young men ,” Anita mentions . “ The teachers have set an excellent example by teaching boys to become responsible men with a purpose and sense of integrity . Character development is so important when talking about giving back .”

“ And this goes back to instilling Ignatian pedagogy and tradition into the faculty . The lay faculty have to do the job the Jesuits once did ,” adds Joe .

“ When I go to Fordham Prep and I see the teachers and the relationships they have with students , it reminds me of the young Jesuits who taught me in high school . Because of that , I have a very strong bond with Fordham Prep just as I do with my high schools . I see my kids establishing the same bonds ,” Joe says .

“ Academically , Fordham Prep has prepared my sons extremely well . When Joey was a freshman at Lehigh , he helped his classmates in math and science , and it struck me that the background and the education he received at Fordham Prep allowed him to tutor other engineering students .” For the Dziwuras , their Fordham Prep experience has given them and their sons much in faith , scholarship and service . In their minds , giving back is the least they can do .

“ Fordham Prep has been a formative mechanism for every boy who attends the school ,” recounts Joe . “ High school years are so important , and it makes an impact on their character for the rest of their lives . High school is when you start thinking about the more important matters in life . You want to have kids in a good place during those years , and in a place that wants the best for them .”

The Dziwuras end with this : “ It ’ s important to provide opportunities for current as well as future Fordham Prep students . We owe a lot to the Jesuits and the Jesuit community .”

SPRIING 2018 | 23