McQuaid Jesuit

Knights of the Round Table

Established in 2003, the purpose of the McQuaid Jesuit Knights of the Round Table is to recognize individuals, living or deceased, who have distinguished themselves in their personal lives and careers, thereby reflecting credit upon McQuaid Jesuit's educational efforts, moral principles and philosophical tenets. Candidates for the Knights of the Round Table include alumni, members of the McQuaid Jesuit faculty, administration and staff, coaches and non-alumni.

Inductees

2017 Inductees

Gerard "Jerry" Farrell

Induction Video

Jerry's Wife, Jackie, Accepts the Award on his Behalf

Gerard "Jerry" Farrell had the unique ability to connect with everyone he met. Students trusted him because he was genuinely interested in them and valued them. He never wavered in his ability even when he was sick, ultimately passing away in 2003.

Students and faculty alike had a special fondness for Jerry, who was director from 1988-2003. His office was welcoming and his presence conveyed caring and genuineness. He was a sensitive listener and his understated but astute manner was enlivened by a wry sense of humor that calmed anxiety, dissipated anger, and encouraged meaningful relationships between him and the students he cared so deeply about.

Jerry lived "cura personalis" through the many ways he worked with students in counseling. His familiarity with postsecondary institutions and especially their admissions procedures and personnel gave him a wealth of knowledge that he enthusiastically shared with students as he advised them on their post-high school options.

From his prior teaching experience at Bishop Kearney High School, Jerry also had a firm understanding of classroom dynamics and especially adolescent development. His pleasant approach and his interest in serving students, faculty, staff, and parents were always directed by his faith and by his strong sense of social justice, which manifested itself through his dedication to both his neighborhood and his parish. Jerry's faith was clearly evident as he encountered and accepted several difficult challenges to his health. None of those challenges, however, ever diminished his cheerful and caring demeanor and he remained a source of insight and practical wisdom for countless students lucky enough to have met and been counseled by him.

Peter Rodgers

Induction Video

Acceptance Speech

Jesuit education has played an important role in the life of Peter Rodgers for more than 50 years. Rooted firmly in his parents' desire for and commitment to a quality education for their children, Peter entered Buffalo's Canisius High School in 1967. Like so many young men who through the years have experienced the challenges of Latin, the companionship of friends, the deepening of faith, and the correction of JUG, Peter emerged prepared for success in college and in life. After his high school years, he continued his Jesuit education at Fordham University.

Peter's relationship with Jesuit education began again when he and his wife, Pam, chose McQuaid Jesuit for their two sons, Stephen, '98, and John, '03. For more than a decade, Peter and Pam threw themselves into their sons' experiences by supporting athletic events, homework sessions, Kairos retreats, and other social events, including BASH, which they co-chaired in 1999.

In 2003, Peter joined the McQuaid Jesuit Board of Trustees and became its chairman in 2010. His tenure on the board revealed steady leadership as the school went through the expansion of a sixth grade, renovation of the school cafeteria, and the transition of two presidents.

Peter's latest, but probably not last, relationship with Jesuit education occurred when he was awarded a McQuaid Jesuit diploma and made an Honorary Member of the Class of 2016 at Commencement last year.

The value of a quality education was instilled in Peter as a young man. Through his own experiences and by his commitment to his sons and their classmates, Peter has ensured the mission of Jesuit education has remained strong in the Rodgers family.