The University remembers two former administrators who helped shape the course of Fordham throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
John (Jack) Healey, S.T.D., was the former director of the Archbishop Hughes Institute on Religion and Culture at Fordham. He died on June 21.
He was the former dean of the College of General Studies (now Fordham College of Liberal Studies), and also served as vice president for planning and budget. In addition, Healy was an adjunct professor of theology.
He was a member of the Society of Jesus who left the order and later married Ann Conyers, who survives him.
Healey was instrumental in his role as director of the Archbishop Hughes Institute for facilitating the annual Nostra Aetate lecture series, which fosters Catholic-Jewish dialogue.
Patrick J Ryan, S.J., the Laurence J. McGinley Professor of Religion and Society at Fordham, said that while still a Jesuit, Healey introduced him to the theological thought of the first Protestants and of the agents of Catholic reform in the 16th century.
“His interest in ecumenical dialogue expanded to interreligious dialogue, especially with Jews and Muslims,” Father Ryan said. “He and his wife, Ann, were great hosts and joyful people. He will be sorely missed by me and all his friends in many faith communities.”
Brian J. Byrne, Ph.D., vice president for the Lincoln Center campus, worked closely with Healey when he was in the planning department and remembered Healey as a splendid colleague.
“He uniquely combined impish good humor, surpassing politeness and conspicuously controlled rage as he wrestled with the many nuances of our budget,” Byrne said.
“He understood Fordham’s academic mission and had a deep appreciation of the often-conflicted enterprise of higher education in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition. He was above all, a warm and caring person. We shall miss him.”
Joseph Muriana, associate vice president for government relations, called Healey lively and intellectually challenging and noted that he was a driving force behind a self-study conducted by the University in preparation for its Middle States accreditation process in February 1985.
“He as a great listener; he gave you plenty of opportunity to present your ideas and position, and then he would respond to that in a really friendly way—but challenge people to think beyond what they were thinking,” Muriana said.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Jesuit Community at Fordham University or the Sisters of Charity at Mount Saint Vincent.
Edward G. Zogby, S.J., was the associate vice president for Lincoln Center for 10 years during the 1980s. He died on June 16.
From 1980 to 1983, while residing at the Jesuit community at East 83rd Street, Father Zogby served as campus minister.
He continued this work with various ministries in New York City until 2001, when he was appointed associate pastor at Saint Elizabeth Seton Shrine/Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Lower Manhattan. He served there until his death.
As teacher, preacher and chaplain, with his great love for literature and the Bible, Father Zogby ably and generously exercised the ministry of the word and shared the treasure of the Spiritual Exercises in parishes, retreat centers and educational institutions.
