The Great Ignatian Challenge
The Great Ignatian Challenge is the creation of Fordham Prep alumnus, Jim Rowen. Inspired by the Jesuit mission of being “women and men for others,” Mr. Rowen initiated the Challenge by pledging thousands of dollars to support participating schools in their Thanksgiving food drives. The Challenge was intended to highlight the collective service power and generosity among the participating Jesuit high schools.
Since 2016, the number of participating schools has grown and over 937,000 pounds of food has been collected and distributed across local area food banks, community centers, and aid organizations. This year, we are thrilled to announce that De Smet Jesuit, Gonzaga Prep, and Rockhurst High School are all joining the Challenge, bringing the participating schools to 18!
Schools Participating
Boston College Canisius Cheverus De Smet Jesuit Fairfield College Prep Fordham PreP
Georgetown Prep Gonzaga Prep Gonzaga Loyola (Manhattan) Loyola (Blakefield) McQuaid Jesuit
Regis Rockhurst Scranton Prep St. Joseph's Prep St. Peter's Prep Xavier
The schools are all sponsored by the USA East Province of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and the Challenge derives its name from the 16th-century saint, Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, who taught:
"Love consists of sharing what one has and what one is with those one loves.
Love ought to show itself in deeds more than in words."
A key component of a Jesuit education is caring for the wider community which allows students to gain first-hand knowledge of local, national, and global issues. Through service to the community, the students prepare for the day when they will participate in their world as competent, concerned, and responsible members who are committed to social justice.
Past Years
2021 - Pantries Receive Over 167 Tons of Food from Great Ignatian Challenge
2020 - Record Breaking Great Ignatian Challenge Collects 84 Tons of Food
2019 - Great Ignatian Challenge Collects Nearly 68 Tons of Food
2018 - Great Ignatian Challenge Surpasses Records!
2017 - The Great Ignatian Challenge Collects Over 50 Tons!
2016 - The Great Ignatian Challenge Surpasses 100,000 Items!
Media
Fox Business - These Catholic schools have 250,000 reasons to be thankful due to one hedge fund manager
NY Post - Renaissance exec Jim Rowen '82 turns food drive into ultimate contest
WNBC - Bronx Students Give Back to New York
Fox 5 - Fordham Prep and "The Great Ignatian Challenge"
News 12 - Fordham Prep Collects Food for "The Great Ignatian Challenge"
WABC - Fordham Prep Students Collect Tons of Food for Neighbors
Patch NYC - Fordham Prep & Six Other Schools Launch Food Drive Competition
Bronx Times - Fordham Prep "The Great Ignatian Challenge"
Connecticut News 12 - "The Great Ignatian Challenge"
NJ.com - "The Great Ignatian Challenge"
Jesuits East - Six Schools Compete in "The Great Ignatian Challenge" (2018)
Jesuits East - Seven Schools Compete in "The Great Ignatian Challenge" (2019)
Bronx Times - The Great Ignatian Challenge raises hunger awareness