The life of Fr. Edward A. Reese, S.J., also known as Eddie, who transformed Brophy College Preparatory during his 20-year presidency, was celebrated at the Brophy Chapel on Friday, August 22nd. Fr. Reese died on August 2nd, at age 82, following a brief battle with cancer. 

During his time at Brophy, from 1996-2016, Fr. Reese helped transform Brophy into one of the finest Jesuit schools in the country by investing over 100 million dollars into the school, establishing a 1:1 laptop instruction program, founding the Loyola Academy, a tuition-free middle school for underserved students, all while doubling the size of Brophy’s campus.

“He loved and derived a lot of joy from being in high school.” said President Bob Ryan “He thought younger people were capable of great things.” Fr. Reese won’t just be remembered for what he built, but for the vision behind it. Each addition to campus reflected his belief that a good education impacts every part of the person intellectually, artistically, physically, and spiritually. From the Eller to the BSC, he set out to create a campus that promoted growth in every aspect of a student’s life and fostered joy and enthusiasm.

Fr. Reese made sure to stay personally active within the student body, regularly attending their events and walking around campus to talk and connect with them.

Equally important was his commitment to access. Under his leadership, Brophy dramatically expanded its financial aid program, ensuring that qualified students from every background could attend. Loyola Academy, founded in 2011, has since become a model for Jesuit middle schools everywhere.

President Ryan said that “He always reminded us that school is for kids and that we should prioritize students. He wanted schools to be places of joy.”