Adria Renke, the first woman and layperson to serve as president of Brophy College Preparatory, has retired this year after a remarkable 26-year tenure of leadership and dedication.
Renke’s impact on the private institution — the Southwest’s only Jesuit high school since 1928 and whose student body is all male — and her unwavering commitment to fostering Jesuit education is certain to leave an enduring mark on the school and its community.
Renke’s upbringing was in a Jesuit backdrop, shaped by her father’s belief in providing equal opportunities for education. Her professional experiences as a private tutor, Arizona Republic columnist, author, lecturer and TV host helped pave the way for her first connection to the Jesuit education system at St. Francis Xavier Parish in 1970. In 1997, Renke became vice president at Brophy, then interim president in 2016 before taking the helm in 2017 as the 11th president in Brophy’s history.
“I have always been privileged to be involved in educational issues,” says Renke. “I am one of those people who often says, ‘I have never worked a day in my life!’”
She did face the challenge of navigating a role traditionally held by Jesuit priests until the 21st century, however having spent 19 years as vice president at the school she was already accustomed to being the only layperson in the room. Renke embraced the Jesuit charism, where her expertise, balanced budgeting and holistic approach were respected and valued.
“Adria’s energy and passion breathe life and growth wherever she goes,” says Aaron Klusman, owner of AZ Foothills and a Brophy graduate. “I love her heart for Brophy and the character of the young men it brings into the world.”
Leading by the Jesuit mission of faith, justice and solidarity, surrounding oneself with professional expertise, being open to growth, approaching each student individually, and, above all, prayer, Renke says, were lessons learned during her time as president that she hopes will prove valuable for the school’s future leadership.
“Other than the joy of raising my three children, becoming the president of Brophy exceeded all of my personal expectations,” says Renke, who would often bring her dog to school to help break the ice with students.
Renke implemented initiatives that have had a long-lasting impact, including helping to found the Loyola Academy, a tuition-free middle school for boys who demonstrate substantial academic promise and financial need, with the goal to prepare them for Brophy and, ultimately, college. Additionally, Renke played a pivotal role in significantly increasing Brophy’s financial aid endowment, which has allowed socio-economic diversity to thrive.
“Six years ago, Brophy’s financial aid endowment was $8 million; the lowest of all schools on the west coast. In these six years, we have raised $50 million, all restricted for the financial aid endowment,” she says. “It is an opportunity for all students, regardless of socioeconomics, race, or religion. This is uniquely Jesuit.”
When asked what she hopes will be her lasting legacy, Renke emphasizes accessible education.
“The knowledge that I have left something behind that gives all young men the opportunity to enjoy a Jesuit education, regardless of their ability to pay … that is what it’s all about,”she says.
“I respect how Adria has been able to manage expanding Brophy’s endowment while staying focused on broadening educational access for others through the Loyola Academy,” says Klusman. “When I think of community stakeholders positively shaping the future of our city, the Brophy community and Adria Renke are powerful forces of good in the world.”
Bob Ryan, previously Brophy’s principal, will succeed Renke as president, commencing in the 2023–2024 school year.
“Brophy would not be the school it is today were it not for Adria’s tireless commitment, boundless energy and bold leadership,” says Ryan. “She pioneered the complete redevelopment and expansion of our physical plant, the introduction of Loyola Academy, our tuition-free middle school and the growth of our financial aid endowment. At the center of each of these efforts, and Adria’s entire tenure at Brophy, has been her love for our students. Adria sees each and every young person as a beloved child of God and says that it is Brophy’s mission to help each young person become the child of God they were created to be. Adria sees this as her mission as well, and it was a privilege to witness the impact she had on countless students and their families.”
For Renke, life at Brophy has come full circle. Her only son graduated from Brophy while she was vice president, and her grandson received his diploma this past June during her last commencement as president.
Even though she’s about to embark on a new chapter, Renke’s commitment to service remains at the forefront, and she doesn’t plan to slow down anytime soon.
“I think it is so amusing that everyone congratulates me on my retirement, but alas, I cannot sit still,” says Renke. “I am excited to be working with a like-minded foundation whose mission is to serve the underserved in homelessness, education, food scarcity, etc. I can’t wait for my next adventure.”
This story appeared in the AZ Foothills Home & Design, Best Places to Live issue. Read the full issue here.
