Dean of Student Formation Selected for Leadership Program
Dr. Brian Johnson, Brophy's dean of student formation, was selected for the prestigious 100 Black Men of America Leadership Institute and completed the six-month program earlier this year. On June 16, Brian and his cohort group were recognized at the organization's 37th annual conference and black-tie gala in Las Vegas.
Elected by his local chapter, Dr. Johnson has spent a Saturday each month in full-day programming that includes guest speakers who lead in their industries. The speakers have addressed technology-forward planning, succession planning, mentorship and other topics at the forefront of today's conversations.
He joined the local chapter of 100 Black Men of America in 2018 and has been nominated to be on the group's Health and Wellness Committee at the national level. The organization focuses on youth mentorship with the motto "What they see is what they'll be." The Phoenix chapter sponsors outings with 12-18-year-old youths and regularly participates in events such as the MLK Day March and Brophy's Black History Month Festival.
Nationally, 100 Black Men of America is engaged in establishing a Collegiate 100 group, as well as a Junior 100 group for middle schoolers. And the nonprofit is going global with its first international chapter established in London.
Dr. Johnson notes that he is looking toward partnerships with Brophy as the school continues to emphasize "Journeying with Youth," one of the Universal Apostolic Preferences established by the Society of Jesus in 2019.
Brophy is grateful to Dean Johnson for this important community work.
This morning, Brophy College Preparatory proudly hosted its New Student Convocation, a cherished tradition that prayerfully welcomes new students and their families into the Brophy community. This year’s convocation was particularly special, as it marked the arrival of the Class of 2028, coinciding with the school’s centennial year, as well as the Loyola Academy Scholar Class of 2031.
The ceremony included a prayerful reflection, highlighting the school’s commitment to faith and the Jesuit tradition. The event concluded with a blessing for the new students and their families, setting a positive and hopeful tone for the years to come. As the Class of 2028 begins its journey at Brophy, and the Loyola Academy Scholars continue their academic path, they do so with the full support of the Brophy community.
Brophy College Preparatory marked the beginning of the school year with the annual Back to School Bash, a signature event designed to foster connections between the incoming Class of 2028 and their Big Brothers. The event was a tremendous success, offering a day filled with activities aimed at building camaraderie and community.
Students participated in a variety of water-themed activities, with the highlight being the giant water slides set up on Brophy’s baseball field. The pool area was also a popular spot, providing a refreshing way to celebrate the start of the new academic year. Lively music, engaging games and a festive atmosphere contributed to a day of smiles and new friendships.
It’s clear that the students are ready for an exciting year ahead
Brophy College Preparatory celebrated its 76th commencement on the morning of Saturday, May 18, in Robson Gymnasium. This graduation was significant for the Class of 2024, who began their high school journey at the height of the pandemic.
The Class of 2024 demonstrated resilience and connection despite the challenges of starting their education online. Their unity and adaptability were evident throughout their time at Brophy, embodying their class theme: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
Valedictorian Doer Leo He delivered a memorable speech, drawing parallels to the movie "Finding Nemo" and encouraging his classmates to persevere with the phrase, "Just keep swimming." President Bob Ryan and Principal Jim Bopp also spoke, highlighting the graduates' close bonds and urging them to be agents of positive change.
The ceremony concluded with a strong sense of pride and accomplishment, celebrating the Class of 2024's journey and the ties that bind.