to the diversity and multiplicity of the real world. It fosters
self-reliance and independence… along with a strong sense of
community. That’s not easy to do.”
Though the McCarthys were familiar with Fordham Prep through
other families who sent their sons to the school and familiar with
Jesuit education, seeing the school up close is what drew them
in. “The teachers and staff are dedicated to the mission of faith,
scholarship, and service,” stated McCarthy.
As their older son started at Fordham Prep, the McCarthys felt
compelled to do more and felt it was their duty to become
involved and support the institution they entrusted to educate
their sons. “To my mind, the singular value of a Fordham Prep
education is the high probability it will produce a well-rounded
individual—a “man for others” with many intellectual, spiritual
and character-based gifts …and the wisdom to deploy them in
an effective and ethical way.”
“This is traceable to the Jesuit philosophy of educating the whole
person, which is part and parcel of the Ignatian idea of finding
God in all things. Prep students learn to see the truth and beauty
in small things, in the details…without losing sight of the big
picture. They can appreciate subtlety and nuance, which gives
them an edge when it comes to setting the world on fire.”
he and I went out to lunch one day and started the conversation
as to how the foundation could help Fordham Prep,” says
McCarthy. “I was told of two ways – helping with enhancing the
entryway and Commons and through scholarship support.” The
McCarthys and the Leavey Foundation did just that, providing the
leadership gift towards the revamping of the entranceway and
Commons and endowing a scholarship to go towards a student
coming from a Catholic grade school in Westchester County.
But why, as parents, did th e McCarthys feel the reason to give to
Fordham Prep? Because it’s an investment. “A contribution to the
175th Anniversary Campaign will count as an investment in your
own sons, and in their fellow students. If you’re an alum, it will
signal your gratitude for how Fordham Prep shaped your life.
Your support will also bolster the wider community. It will be an
investment in the Church, in New York and in the cause of Jesuit
education as a whole.”
“The timing is key. Not only are we celebrating a milestone in the
school’s history, we are at a crucial juncture for secondary
education in general. It’s tough out there. If Fordham Prep is to
remain competitive by all external measures—and continue to
do what it does so wonderfully from a Jesuit and Catholic
standpoint—it must grow, adapt and evolve.”
So how did the McCarthys get involved? The connection was made
through The Leavey Foundation – a foundation Fordham Prep
President Fr. Christopher Devron, SJ first became familiar with
when establishing the REACH program at Regis High School in 2001. So what message does John McCarthy have for the Fordham
Prep Community? “Those who want the Prep to thrive should
support it in any way they can. Cathy and I encourage everyone
to be as generous as possible during this campaign. Now’s the
time! Dig deep! And please urge others to do so as well.”
“Fr. Devron was familiar with the foundation through REACH, so “The return on your investment will be priceless.”
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