The president of Xavier College Preparatory, Sister Joan Fitzgerald, has dedicated over 60 years to the school community and has shown her commitment through her work and her love. Fitzgerald believes that not only Xavier but all of Catholic education has evolved tremendously from what it used to be.
“Throughout my years working here, I’ve learned the importance of having a great foundation for all young women,” Fitzgerald said. She describes the joy she has felt watching the hallways grow from small and humble settings into a place full of cherished moments for those who have attended and for those who have yet to attend.
In the coming years Fitzgerald plans on expanding Xavier’s spirit, education and campus.
“I hope for more young women to attend this school, where they are coming and leaving with confidence. For that reason, our spirit and love for this school will continue to grow,” she said.
Since the retirement of Sister Lynn Winsor ‘61, Fitzgerald explains how she cherishes and misses her. Since Winsor’s departure, they have stayed in contact. Fitzgerald notes the impact Winsor has made.
Both Coach Tui Selvaratnam, athletic director, and Dean Denise Macrina expressed that Winsor’s spirit still roams the hallways, and it is a spirit that cannot be replaced.
Selvaratnam said, “I see her in the students- with the chants, games and fighting spirit that Sister Lynn has encouraged throughout the years.” One of the main foundations Winsor built was young women supporting one another, which is embraced by many students at Xavier.
“The spirit of Sister Lynn has always been here. It’s a legacy. You see it through the awards displayed in Hornaday, and especially through our girls,” Macrina said.
All Xavier alumnae, faculty and students will always remember and appreciate the “Sista way,” said Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald also expressed that faith plays a major part in her life.
“My life has always been involved with God. Catholic education is constantly changing, but it’s faith that drives people to do good. Evolving from a smaller community and growing to what it is now should not be taken for granted, as I have seen many women here who pursue faith and excel.”
To continue developing Xavier’s Catholic education, Selvaratnam said that faith is an important aspect to practice in daily life.
“Faith teaches many about themselves, especially when it comes to the good and bad. It’s important that Catholic education continues to apply religious values into teaching. Faith grounds people and allows them to respect, guide and love others.”
Macrina added, “To me, faith is my relationship with God. It’s important inside Xavier and outside of Xavier that we are educated through our academics and our knowledge of who we are and what we are capable of. Here, faith has always been impeccable. Xavier is unique, and our girls know what is expected here.”
After 60-plus years of experience, the one thing Fitzgerald advises to those who come and go is to remain truthful to who they are and remember where they come from.
“Be true to yourself. There are so many things that make people feel insecure, incompetent or not appreciated, and that should not be the case. God has created all with love and talent. The world is meant for all to express differences through creativity in order to better the community and ourselves. We are not all in competition. Instead, we need to support each other. Our faith is what drives Catholic education to evolve in the world,” Fitzgerald said.
