Engagement, Development
& Communications Office

This past Saturday, the Fordham Prep community celebrated a special Mass in honor of our 175th Anniversary at St. Patrick's Old Cathedral - the same basilica where our Founder, John J. Hughes, was consecrated as the first Archbishop of New York.  

In the Eucharist, Rev. Thomas Scirghi, SJ, Rector of the Fordham Jesuit community, preached a moving Homily about the values of Jesuit education.  The Prep's student choir performed a new hymn, commissioned to honor this special anniversary.  

Of course, we gave thanks for Archbishop Hughes, our faculty and school leaders who have formed and shaped Fordham Prep for 175 years, and our benefactors, whose generous support has propelled the Prep to excellence. 

Following the Mass, attendees enjoyed a reception and brunch at India House and viewed the premiere of a Liam Neeson-narrated short film about our 175th anniversary.

Fordham Prep President, Rev. Christopher Devron, SJ, spoke of the tremendous generosity of parents, alumni and friends.  In the early stages of the 175th Anniversary Campaign , lead donors have already committed nearly $25 million.   

Current parent John McCarthy, representing the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation, told us why the Foundation made one of the first lead gifts to the 175th Anniversary Campaign.

The 175th Anniversary Campaign will be a transformative event in the Prep's history.

Later this year, we will share with you the details of the Campaign's public phase.  You will learn about the initiatives the Campaign supports, as well as how you can be involved. 

We seek to engage the support of everyone, at any gift level, as our goal is to increase significantly the participation rate among all alumni, parents and friends.

We hope that you will reflect on your gratitude for the ways Fordham Prep's mission has touched your life, and are willing to make a generous response.

FUN FACT:  The statue of Archbishop Hughes that stands on campus today was dedicated in 1891 in honor of the 50th Anniversary of St. John's College, as Fordham Prep and University were together originally known.  A mass was held, and a speech was given by New York State Supreme Court Judge Morgan O'Brien, Class of 1868, who had been a drummer boy in the Civil War before he came to the Prep.  The weather that day was perfect for a celebration: bright, clear and cool.