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Fr. Prior Memorial

The Fr. Prior Endowed Scholarship Fund was originally established in the summer of 2004 to honor Fr. Prior’s 80th birthday and to help support talented students who could not otherwise afford a Loyola School education. In the summer of 2006, the School decided to expand the scholarship to support not just one, but eight students – two in each year.

Why eight students? School leadership considered that St. Ignatius founded the Society of Jesus with six friends (Peter Faber, Francis Xavier, Alphonso Salmeron, Jacon Laines, Nicholas Bobadilla and Simon Rodrigues) and wanted to honor this historic group of seven along with Fr. Prior himself. Fr. Prior was deeply involved with Loyola students as college counselor and as Assistant Headmaster for Student Affairs and he was passionate about Loyola developing well-rounded students. Therefore, through this Fund, we hope to support students who are talented yet financially needy and who also have excellent backgrounds in academics and extracurricular activities. At the same time, Loyola will also seek to seek out students who have the clear ability and desire to become “a man or woman for others,” the paramount objective of a Jesuit education.

The community’s love for Fr. Prior was clearly and emotionally shown when thousands attended his wake and funeral services. During the services, many discussed that throughout his years at Loyola, Fr. Prior gave generously of his time and talents and in his very unique way, he touched the lives of legions of students, parents, alumni, and friends. Fr. Prior was indeed often thought of as the foundation of Loyola School because of his care, concern, and love for the Loyola family, and his long dedication to the School. As already stated, Loyola’s mission is to mold men and women for others -- no single person in Loyola’s history has done more to accomplish this Ignatian goal than Fr. Prior.

In the fall of 2006, an anonymous family came forward with an exciting $1 Million Challenge Match. The family pledged to match dollar for dollar up to a $1 million any gift greater than $25,000 directed to the Fr. Prior Endowed Scholarship Fund. Through this challenge match the anonymous family hoped to honor Fr. Prior and to inspire members of the Loyola community to take a leadership role in supporting Loyola School’s endowment growth.

For Fr. Prior’s 80th birthday celebration and while he was battling cancer, we encouraged individuals to send in thoughts, memories and well wishes; here are but a few which help give one a true sense of Fr. Prior as both priest and person:

Let me tell you how much I miss serving JUG for you in the Commons of Loyola School. Sometimes I saw myself getting JUG just so I can spend time with you. It was your presence that made every day of Loyola worthwhile. I wish you a very Happy Birthday and many more t to come. You are the true Knight of Loyola School!
—Graduate 2000s

I was in Loyola’s Class of 1968. I have many wonderful memories of the help you offered me during my high school years, but my best is of the following year, while I was a freshman at college and you generously offered to celebrate my fathers funeral mass. It was a great comfort to our family at that time, and many people commented on your gracious service. You always demonstrated a calming presence and were willing to help us students feel we were capable of growing into worthy adults.
—Graduate 1960s

I love that your “first name” to most people is “Father” (not Gene) because you have been like a “father” to me and to so many others…..sage advise, gentle nudges, many laughs, occasional disagreements, but always with a warm heart and love. I find myself telling “Fr. Prior Stories” all the time. When I tell these stories to people who do not know you, they ask who you are and want to know more about you. I answer, “He is one of my best friends.” When they want to know more I tell them, “Imagine a priest as popular as Springsteen and you may start to grasp the influence he has had on so many lives.”
—Graduate 1980s

I just want to tell you how much I appreciate everything that you have done for me, my family and for Loyola as a whole. The day that you made your speech at my Eagle Scout ceremony was a very special day for me. I will always remember it. Your easygoing nature to all of your students made it a joy to be part of the Loyola family during my time as a student. You are the staple of Loyola and always will be. Today is your day, Fr. Prior. You have given so much for everyone who has met you during your life. Let everyone try to give back to you, what you have given to us. Enjoy your day!
—Graduate 2000s

Happy Eightieth to the Mayor of 83rd and Park!
—Graduate 1980s

Your dedication, caring and good cheer are the ties that bind us all to Loyola. The love and admiration you have earned, from the thousands of lives you have touched is the greatest measure of a man.
—Graduate 1970s

It has been true from when I first met you in 1962 and remains true to this day – you are the most Christ-like person I have met in my life. May God continue to bless us with your presence.
—Graduate 1960s

To date, the school has received $2 million in cash and pledges (ranging from $25 to $1 million). Through this Fund and through the many future Prior Scholars who will attend and influence Loyola, Fr. Prior’s inspirational and loving legacy will live on forever at Loyola School. A fully endowed scholarship at Loyola School will costs over $500,000. Prior scholars will be named as Loyola School receives, in cash, gifts totaling $500,000 in relation to the admissions calendar. Admissions decisions are at the discretion of the Admissions Committee and the President, but the choice of a Prior scholar recipient will be made by the President and the Vice President for Advancement. If you are interested in supporting Fr. Prior’s Fund, please contact the Advancement Office at 646.346.8136. To make a gift now, click here.