FAIRFIELD, Conn. Fairfield Prep announced last week that it will honor graduate Dr. Jim Roach with its second annual St. Ignatius of Loyola Alumni Award. Roach, a member of the private high schools class of 1950, will receive the award in a ceremony in September.
It is very humbling, Roach said when the school told him hed receive this years honor. Im not sure I deserve this there are many others who are so worthy.
Fairfield Prep established the St. Ignatius of Loyola Alumni Award in 2010 to honor graduates who exemplify the characteristics that Prep seeks to instill: Open to Growth, Intellectually Competent, Religious, Loving and Committed to Justice.
Roach, a physician for 40 years, once served as president of the medical staff at St. Vincents Hospital and continued his work at St. Josephs Manor in Trumbull. He has also served as a board member at St. Vincents Hospital, St. Vincents College and St. Vincents Special Needs. He has also done extensive work with Bridgeports Cardinal Sheehan Center, an athletic and after-school program for the citys youth, and with the Mercy Learning Center, which helps disadvantaged women.
But perhaps no act of Roachs life shows his compassion more than what he did in 2004. That year Roach donated a kidney to a teacher who would have died without the transplant.
Roach will receive his award at Preps Mass of the Holy Spirit on Sept. 9. The school said in its announcement, The Prep Community is very proud to recognize Jim for this important honor.
Know of any other people in the Fairfield community who do great things? Tell us about them! Send information and photos to gcanuel@thedailyfairfield.com.
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