The Fine Point: A Legacy That Lasts | July 2025
A Monthly Message from President Robert J. Fine, Jr. Featuring Guest Contributor: Greg Prospero, Alumni Director
During our first-ever Alumni Weekend this past May, I took a moment to appreciate the history of the parade field and all those who marched upon it, generations of SJNA graduates side by side, sharing stories, shaking hands, walking the grounds they once called home. A weekend just for alumni, created to engage, educate, and foster the entire community. We have now created a memorable weekend not only for them but for the whole community, allowing all to engage side by side, sharing stories and connecting, a real opportunity for the alumni to associate with faculty and meet cadets.
It was more than a reunion. It was a homecoming that reaffirmed just how much our alumni matter, not only to our history but to our future.
The alumni carry forward the outcomes of what this Academy instills: leadership, self-discipline, courage, and the confidence to forge a path in life. Many of our alumni have served in the armed forces, have degrees from prestigious universities, founded successful businesses, and have been very productive members of our society. Their presence back on campus was a full-circle moment, a visible reminder that the values built here last a lifetime.
What struck me most was how many of them weren’t just here for the celebration; they were here because they still feel a connection. Throughout the weekend, we honored traditions, but like any institution that grows, we added new experiences, campus tours, drone demonstrations, Lancer Fest, and a flight simulator in our ERA program. Whether alumni were reconnecting with classmates from 50 years ago or meeting current students for the first time, their shared sense of pride was unmistakable. A few weeks after Alumni Weekend, several alumni returned to stand proudly on the parade field with our Class of 2025. They showed up in solidarity with the graduates and as living proof of what is possible beyond these walls.
Moments like these send a clear message to our current students: You are part of something lasting. At SJNA, we often speak about discipline and leadership. But we also talk about legacy, and that is where our alumni shine brightest. Their presence on campus is more than symbolic. It is essential. Their stories are proof that this place changes lives, and their continued involvement ensures it will continue to do so for generations to come.
We are grateful for every alumnus and are pleased to see those who attended our first-ever Alumni Weekend. Let us keep the positive momentum going and help us continue to push forward, building foundations for life. I can’t wait to see what the second annual Alumni Weekend will bring, which we’re planning for May 1-3, 2026. Until then, keep in touch with the Academy and the community, and don’t forget: alumni are always welcome.
About SJNA:
St. John’s Northwestern Academies is a safe, structured environment that provides each student a foundation for life with specialized programs that are built with future aspirations in mind. Learn more at www.stjohnsnorthwestern.org