The first Jesuits I ever met were Tom Bunnell, S.J. and Tom Healy, S.J. That was 50 years ago. Fr. Healy, I believe, became the first person with the title of President of Seattle Prep and Fr. Bunnell became the Principal. And, at that time, I was an Irish Christian Brother at O’Dea High School. That was exactly 50 years ago. (Yes, I am old.)

They were, in my opinion, fathers of the first major transition at Seattle Prep. The transition was really an evolution as Prep moved from an all-male school to a co-ed school. When that took place, I had left religious life and became the principal of Saint Joseph School, a Jesuit Parish. Then, as I remember, Seattle Prep moved to the Matteo Ricci concept and many of the seniors spent their final year at Seattle University. After a while it became apparent that a full high school experience, for most, meant four years at Seattle Prep rather than starting college early.

Then Prep really started to grow. As a grade school principal, I went from trying to get eighth graders to go to Seattle Prep to trying to get Seattle Prep to accept all the students that were applying from my school. And that seemed to happen overnight. Prep was the place to be. My own children (Paige Hofbauer Ayres ’06 and Dane Hofbauer ’02) ended up going to Prep and loving their experiences and the lifelong friendships they forged.

Prep truly evolved with their investments in programs like counseling and retreats as they worked on developing the true evolution of the whole person. Students did not just learn history and literature. They began to live it and place themselves within it. The past, the present, and the future all became “moments” by which the young adults at Prep were challenged to really discern the roles which they saw as a reflection of their values and beliefs. Transitions became part of the evolution of their thinking and their lives.

New buildings were constructed, and new programs and services were instituted as the needs and dreams of the entire Seattle Prep community evolved. There was and is no end to the dreams and aspirations of those who are a part of this community.

On February 1, 2022, I suddenly fell from the sky from a high-flying jet, without a parachute, to serve this community. It was a shocking honor. True to Prep’s legacy there was and is a great deal going on here. Construction is taking place, accreditations are being conducted, and future directions are being discussed. But my greatest joy has been in my observation of the way the students here relate with and treat each other. I truly do see a loving community. I see the great respect they have for one another and the staff. And I see a staff that will go to any end to help their students, or any other person in the school.

When I spoke to the students this spring, I told them that I truly believe they are a pivotal group of leaders for the future. They have more challenges and issues than those who have gone before them. The polarization of groups and countries, the confusion over the truth, the health of the planet — so much rests on their shoulders. I called them truth seekers, architects of the future, and our Chariots of Fire — bringing light and hope into the future. And I believe they can do it. No, I believe they will do it!

Yes, Prep has changed. There have been transitions. It has evolved. And it will continue to do so. I believe Pep has always improved as it has sought to help the students to be more — to do more — to give more (the magis) while deeply caring for each and every person (cura personalis). And, because of that I have great hope for the future. I am grateful to be a part of this journey and spend one more year with such a dynamic and giving community.