Mann, a graduate of the Class of 1964, received a standing ovation when Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J., president of Jesuit High School, presented him with the award at the conclusion of Mass in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs. "Arthur has been a tremendous help to me personally and to Jesuit," Fr. McGinn told alumni. "Even before Katrina, Arthur gave me the ‘big picture’ insight, that a school also needed to be operated as a business. His steady leadership and sensible guidance have been invaluable to Jesuit through the years." In accepting the award, Mann told his fellow Blue Jays that he was part of “the illustrious class of 4F” and is use to difficult situations. “Actually, we graduated in a high position – you know, that last row of risers at the auditorium was probably 16 feet off the ground,” said Mann, who reminded alumni that “we – you and I – were students then and still are, even though we are called alumni and I am here as proof that Jesuit High School is all about students, then and now. We are its strength, its major source of funding, and its promise for the future.” Mann said a Jesuit graduate often is viewed as successful, which can be measured in many ways – academics, athletics, and spiritual growth. “But most importantly, in one special way, success is achieved when we become less of a ‘me’ person and more of a ‘man for others’,” said Mann. When a Jesuit graduate gets a job, or enters a profession, or raises a family, or is ordained a priest, “he is looked on as being successful, and this is good but not heroic.” "I suggest he is a true success, a true hero, when he speaks out for social change for the better, or involves himself in neighborhood and community matters, or demands accountability from those in charge, or takes the lead," said Mann, adding that all of us have confronted “lifetimes of experiences” during the past five months as a result of Hurricane Katrina. "Young or old, we, the students of Jesuit High School, must continue to be the true successes, these heroes I refer to," he said. "Our city, region, and country desperately need our individual strength and determination to serve as the anchor in the storm. Don't let us be fooled into thinking otherwise. “To the extent that you and I, in the here and the now, are living the life of this ‘Man for Others’, we become symbols of the success of Jesuit High School, and in a profound way you, each one of you, are a perpetual alumnus of the year,” concluded Mann. “All I have to do now is figure a way to distribute this plaque to each of you over the next year.” |
