With a busy schedule like Mr. Ward’s, many students don’t have the opportunity to have a friendly conversation with him. Some students go their whole Brophy careers only ever conversing through a fistbump, leaving many students questioning if Mr. Ward is more than the salesman persona he wears.

Constantly, Mr. Ward is roaming around campus showing families and potential students that every day is a great day to be a Bronco. 

Through this comes student interactions. Mrs. Delia Ortega-Nowakowski, who has worked closely with Mr. Ward in the admissions department, said, “What’s absolutely unique is that he really connects with people”.  

Mr. Ward crosses paths with thousands of students, yet he is still able to ask them how they’re doing with their respective athletics and hobbies. 

From the tours that he gives to each family, to the fist bumps that don’t seem to mean anything, Mr. Ward puts his passion into each and every one of those interactions.

. 

Though Mr. Ward never attended Brophy, “You’d think he is an alum”, said Mrs. Nowakowski. 

The enthusiasm and passion Mr. Ward has for Brophy’s community makes it seem like he’s been a part of it since his high school years.

It’s true, Mr. Ward’s is to persuade other families and students to invest in Brophy. However, throughout his time as the admissions director, he’s ventured far past the role and has become a joy to have on campus.

He loves to pop into classrooms to observe what Broncos are doing, even when he’s not giving tours or helping manage the Red and White club. 

The fist bump is far from fake, but a symbol of true passion that Mr. Ward has put into Brophy.