St. John’s Northwestern President Robert J. Fine, Jr., Honored with Ruzicka Leadership Award

DELAFIELD, Wis. (October 21, 2025) – St. John’s Northwestern is proud to announce that President Robert J. Fine, Jr., has been selected to receive the prestigious Ruzicka Leadership Award from The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS). The award will be presented this November at the organization’s annual conference in Boston, recognizing Fine’s distinguished career in boarding school leadership and his lasting impact on both St. John’s Northwestern and Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg, Florida.

A Legacy of Leadership

Named in honor of Steven D. Ruzicka, longtime TABS Executive Director (1995 to 2007), the Ruzicka Leadership Award is among the most esteemed honors in the independent school community. It recognizes individuals who have devoted two decades or more to boarding school education, demonstrating vision, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to advancing their institutions and the profession as a whole.

President Fine embodies these ideals through a career spanning more than 25 years as both head of school and president. Under his leadership, he has guided two respected academies through periods of renewal, growth, and innovation, leaving a profound mark on the students and communities he serves.

“Bob’s leadership has always reflected the best of what boarding schools represent,” said Gary Sievewright, Chair, Board of Trustees at St. John’s Northwestern. “His ability to inspire confidence and purpose in others has elevated both our institution and the many students who have had the privilege to learn under his direction.”

Fine shared his appreciation for the recognition, saying, “I am deeply honored to receive this award and to be counted among so many dedicated leaders in boarding education. The true reward, however, is seeing students grow into capable, compassionate leaders who make a difference in the world. That is the purpose that continues to guide me every day.”

About TABS

The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) serves as the leading professional organization for boarding schools in the United States, Canada, and beyond, providing research, advocacy, and leadership for school heads and educators.

About St. John’s Northwestern

St. John’s Northwestern is a safe, structured environment that provides each student a foundation for life with specialized programs built with future aspirations in mind. St. John’s Northwestern is a private coeducational college preparatory boarding and day school and is accepting applications for grades 7 through 12 and post-graduate. Learn more at stjohnsnorthwestern.org.