New Blue Jay parents gathered over the last two days in Ignatius Hall for Breakfast with the President, an intimate welcome hosted by the Office of Institute Advancement. Fr. John Brown, S.J., opened the event with prayer, assuring parents that their sons have not only chosen Jesuit for an education but that Jesuit has chosen them as partners in this journey. Christian Bautista ’06, director of institutional advancement, then shared a concise history of Jesuit before introducing director of guidance Stephanie Strain, prefreshman counselor Robin Rhodes, Parents’ Annual Giving (PAG) drive chair Missy Martin, and principal Jeremy Reuther ’01.

Bautista’s overview set a warm tone for each speaker’s remarks. Strain described how the guidance office supports students academically and personally, while Rhodes outlined resources available to incoming students. Martin spoke of her long-standing connection to Jesuit and testified to the importance of serving others by giving the gift of a Jesuit education through the PAG drive. PAG is an important part of Jesuit’s financial model that keeps Jesuit accessible through an outpouring of philanthropic support each year from current parents, alumni, parents of alumni, and friends. Parents can make their pledge early by clicking here.

Reuther assured parents that their sons are doing well—many arrive confident and engaged in school life—but he also reminded them that stumbles are part of growth. He encouraged parents to guide their sons toward thoughtful choices, to reach out when they see a peer in need of friendship, and to help them find where they belong at Jesuit. The conversation over coffee and pastries allowed parents to meet one another and ask questions of faculty and administrators. As the morning concluded new families left assured that Jesuit stands ready to accompany them through the years ahead.