Photo illustration by Raymond Link ’20 | Brophy ties have been required for Mass since 1993.

By Alex Cannella

THE ROUNDUP 

Brophy went through a rebranding year when Father Edward Reese S.J. took over as president in 1993. This idea of rebranding the school’s insignia would spark the creation of the Brophy tie.

Before 1993, Brophy students were free to choose any tie they wanted on mass days. There was no requiem of what student must or must not wear. 

“I remember the idea of the tie being popular,” said Mr. Mike Welty ’83. “It indicates a corporate attitude.”

As Fr. Freese took over, he and former principal Ed Helms played with the idea of switching over to full uniforms. This would included wearing dress shoes, slacks, buttoned down shirt, a tie, and a blazer during the winter season.

Although this idea of uniformity of student clothing on daily basis was never put into action, the tradition of mass dress as we know it today was born. 

While the regulations on mass dress have fluctuated a little bit, one piece of clothing has been consistent: the Brophy tie. 

“The idea of a uniform was on the table for quite awhile,” Brophy Principal said Mr. Bob Ryan. “That’s where the tie came from, it was a way for the school to be unified on special days of the year.” 

The bookstore, now the Varsity Shop, was put in charge of the coming up with the design. At the time, the bookstore was run by a group of volunteer mothers that came up with a few prototypes. 

The tie has underwent a few style changes since its creation. The Varsity Shop comes up with new designs every couple years. The most recent redesign was introduced in early 2015 as the class of 2019 transitioned into Brophy. 

The Bow Tie style was introduced in the 2000s as a fundraiser. Some are still floating amongst current students and alumni.