Turning Doubts Into Dreams at Jesuit

As middle schoolers exit their bus during Strake Jesuit campus visits, one of the first people they meet is Mr. Tom Beverick ’07. As Director of Admissions, Mr. Beverick admits that school visits are one of his favorite parts of the job.

“Over the course of a visit, I see a transformation take place,” Mr. Beverick shared. “While some already want to apply, others arrive thinking Strake Jesuit is not the right school for them. Perhaps they are worried that their grades or test scores aren’t high enough. Maybe they don’t think they can afford the tuition or that they do not match what a typical ‘Strake Jesuit student’ looks like. During their visit, many students who didn’t think they were interested or didn’t think Jesuit was an option for them begin to change their minds. When the Admissions Committee reviews an applicant, they aren’t just focusing on one grade or one test score. Above all else, they are looking for young men who show that they’re eager to embrace our mission of forming young men into well-rounded men of God and Men for Others.”

While this message will resonate with many eighth graders, some will worry whether they can afford to attend Strake Jesuit. Anticipating this concern, Mr. Beverick discusses this, “It is our mission to offer a Jesuit education to any qualified student who seeks it. No accepted student has to say no to Strake Jesuit for financial reasons.” For instance, this year, more than one in five students attending Strake Jesuit received financial assistance from a budget of $4.8 million. “The first Jesuit schools were offered free of charge and were open to all, regardless of their family’s socioeconomic status,” he says. “We want to embrace the spirit of that tradition.”

This mission-focused approach to admissions resonates with Mr. Beverick deeply. “It is an honor to introduce students to a school I believe in. Jesuit made a huge impact on me while I was a student here, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to help the next group of young men seek the special formation that Jesuit offers.” Others see Mr. Beverick as a great model for the school’s values. “Tom truly is a Man for Others,” adds Admissions Coordinator Mrs. Patti McNeil. “After graduating from Texas A&M, Tom served Strake Jesuit for a year through the Alumni Service Corps (ASC) program. During his ASC year, he expressed a deep interest in remaining at Jesuit because he believed in the work that was being done here. When he applied for the Admissions position, it made total sense, and he has been a wonderful partner to work with as we continue to find new ways to advance the Admissions department.” Mr. Beverick’s commitment to Strake Jesuit’s values and principles is as evident today as it was when he served as an ASC member years ago.

A student’s initial impression of a school is precious because it can potentially shape a young man’s entire high school experience. I offer a prayer of thanks that Strake Jesuit has Mr. Tom Beverick and Mrs. Patti McNeil in the Admissions Office, welcoming prospective students for their first experience at our school and helping turn dreams into reality.