Fairfield Prep is pleased to announce two Jesuit assignments for the 2021-22 academic year. In a tremendous sign of support for the school, Rev. Joseph O'Keefe, S.J., Provincial of Jesuits USA East, has missioned Rev. Brian Konzman, S.J., and Rev. Ronald Perry, S.J., to serve Fairfield Prep beginning this summer.

President Christian Cashman expressed his gratitude: "I offer my profound appreciation to our Provincial Rev. Joe O'Keefe and Provincial Assistant Rev. Joe Parkes, S.J., for their investment of these gifted Jesuits for the spiritual and institutional life of Fairfield Prep." 

Reverend Brian Konzman, S.J.

Fr. Brian Konzman will serve as the Special Assistant to the President for Institutional Planning. Succeeding Mr. Gregory Marshall '73 who is retiring after 42 years of dedicated service this June, Fr. Konzman will join the Prep leadership team in a decisive moment in the school's history. Working directly with President Christian Cashman, he will support Prep's strategic initiatives in support of the 80th anniversary of Prep and beyond. His strong background and degree work in Jesuit ministry, educational and institutional leadership, and training in science, mathematics and technology position him as an ideal candidate to step into this important role. Cashman noted: "Fr. Konzman brings an incredible combination of leadership gifts and will be a key player in the strategic planning and development of our institutional narrative around innovation, collaboration and transformation in the Jesuit tradition. He will also be a tremendous role model for our boys, showing how Jesuits have always been men of faith who serve God through the complexities of the world around us."

Fr. Konzman attended Scranton Preparatory School and the University of Scranton, where he earned a dual degree in chemistry and philosophy. Counseling his peers as a resident assistant inspired him to discern a vocation to the Society of Jesus. He entered the Jesuit novitiate in 2008, and was sent to Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., to teach theology and direct their Campus Kitchen, redistributing food to the needy. In 2010, he enrolled at Fordham University in the Bronx, earning a master's in philosophy. He returned to Gonzaga in 2013 for two years to teach computer science and serve as director of worship, coach cross country and minister as chaplain for the swimming and diving team and baseball team. From 2012 to 2015, Fr. Konzman was a managing editor and writer at The Jesuit Post, a website dedicated to faith-based commentary targeting young adults. Following, he completed a Master of Divinity degree at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in California.

Ordained a deacon in 2017, Fr. Konzman served at Newman Hall-Holy Spirit Parish, the Newman Center at the University of California, Berkeley, and as chaplain for Cal's rugby team. His Jesuit formation included summers in China studying Mandarin; in Nicaragua studying Spanish; and in Pennsylvania working as a spiritual director. Fr. Konzman was ordained a priest in 2018, after which he served as a priest at the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola in New York City. He has spent the past two years completing an MBA at Columbia Business School and an MA in Private School Leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University.

Reverend Ron Perry, S.J.

Fr. Ron Perry will serve as a full-time member of Fairfield Prep's Campus Ministry Team and as Chaplain to Prep Alumni. Father Perry returns to Prep where he served 25 rewarding years as a beloved teacher and Jesuit from 1977-84, and again from 1987-2006. Many alumni will remember his gifts as an educator, retreat leader, photographer and ski buff. Some of his many roles at Prep included theology teacher, German teacher, guidance counselor, and chaplain. Fr. Perry also served as Prep moderator of sophomore and junior classes, tennis team, cycling club and ski club. He was appointed as a member of the Fairfield Prep Board of Governors from 2007-2012. Most recently, Fr. Perry was missioned at Boston College High School, serving in many positions including Rector of the Jesuit Community, Kairos retreat leader, Christian service immersion trip leader, media club moderator, photography teacher, and member of the Board of Trustees.

Fr. Perry holds a bachelor's in philosophy and theology from Boston College; a master's in German from Middlebury College; a Doctorate of Ministry from La Salle Academy, Rhode Island; and a Master of Divinity in theology from Weston Jesuit Community in Massachusetts. In addition to his Jesuit assignments serving and studying in New England, Fr. Perry spent time missioned at Creighton Prep in Omaha, Nebraska. Internationally, he enjoyed opportunities in Munich, Israel, England and Belize.

President Cashman commended Fr. Perry's experience: "It is a joy to welcome Father Ron Perry back home to Fairfield Prep! He is remembered by many alumni and current faculty who enjoyed working with him during his previous tenure with us. He will be a welcome addition to our gifted Mission & Ministry team which works creatively to provide a rich experience of Ignatian, spiritual formation for our boys. Fr. Perry's passion for social justice and faith in action will be a great model. His gifts will also strengthen our already thriving commitment to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and the sacramental life of our school. And of course, our Prep alumni will be thrilled to reconnect with Fr. Perry!" 

Fairfield Prep will bid a sad farewell to Mr. Brendan Coffey, S.J., who will depart Prep after his two-year Regency. Mr. Coffey has been a beloved colleague, friend and mentor to faculty, staff and students alike. His passion for Jesuit life and the Ignatian way are inspiring. The Prep Community prays for him and wishes him blessings as he proceeds into final studies at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in California prior to ordination. The door is always open at Prep for Brendan Coffey, S.J.! Please join us in praying for our Jesuit collaborators as we give thanks for the dedication to the vital mission of Jesuit education. AMDG!