The Thomas A. Reynolds Jr. '48 Scholarship Fund

Few individuals have left as lasting an imprint on Seton Hall Preparatory School as the late Thomas A. Reynolds, Jr. ’48. For anyone connected to The Prep in the late 1960s or 1970s, Tom’s presence was unmistakable, whether cheering from the sidelines at his sons’ games, leading the Fathers Club into a new era of fundraising, or championing student activities and athletics with tireless dedication.

 

Yet, Tom’s most profound impact was often unseen. After his passing in 1979, it was quietly revealed that he had been personally covering the tuition of a student who had lost his father, ensuring that young man could remain at The Prep and on the football team without needing to take on an after-school job.

 

Tom had long envisioned a fund that could serve as a “guardian angel” for students facing severe family hardship, especially the loss of a parent. In 1976, he shared this dream with the Fathers Club. After his death, a group of close friends brought that vision to life, establishing the Thomas A. Reynolds Scholarship Fund with an initial $20,000 in contributions.

 

Over the past four decades, more than $1,000,000 has been donated in Tom’s name, and the fund has grown to over $2,000,000 at its peak. Thanks to this generosity, over 200 students have graduated from The Prep with support from the fund.

 

The founding trustees, Lawrence P. Sweeney, Gordon J. Ruffing, John L. McDermott, Esq. ’48, and Elinor Reynolds, have now passed the torch to a new generation: Richard C. Reynolds ’84, John L. McDermott, Jr., Esq. ’75 and the late John L. Sweeney, Esq. ’80 (1962-2025). 

 

As we mark the 40th anniversary of the fund, the annual presentation of the Thomas A. Reynolds Award at the Fathers Club Communion Breakfast launches a renewed campaign to restore the fund’s assets to over $1,000,000, ensuring continued support for students in need.

 

In a powerful gesture of support, the Sweeney family has pledged a $20,000 matched gift, doubling the impact of every donation made toward this campaign.

 

We invite you to join us in honoring Tom Reynolds’ legacy and helping the next generation of young men who have lost a parent continue their journey at Seton Hall Prep. Your gift will make a lasting difference.