When Rory J. Sweeney first became involved in the selection process for the next president of Camden Catholic High School, he was struck by a number of things about the school community.
“I was overwhelmingly impressed by the extreme dedication of the Camden Catholic faculty, staff, administration, benefactors, friends and board of trustees to their school,” he said. “As the process moved forward, I began to realize that this passion for CCHS is an authentic manifestation of the culture of generosity and collaboration that exists at Camden Catholic High School.”
Sweeney was selected to lead the school, located in Cherry Hill, and officially took the helm as president July 1 after being appointed by Bishop Dennis Sullivan. He succeeds Mary Whipkey, who announced last November that she would be stepping down after a 10-year-tenure as president at the end of the school year.
Sweeney has held various positions in Catholic education, including at Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti Catholic High School in Philadelphia, where he served most recently as interim president. He also has prior teaching and administrative experience at Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School in Philadelphia. A graduate of Saint Joseph’s University with a bachelor of arts degree in history and international relations, Mr. Sweeney also earned a master of science degree in Church management from Villanova University and a master of science in education with certification in secondary citizenship from Saint Joseph’s University.
Sweeney said he has already been struck by the “breadth and depth of learning opportunities” that the school’s students experience on campus.
“Camden Catholic students have countless opportunities to nourish their mind, body and spirit in the classroom, on the stage, on the field, court [and] pitch, in the pool, and in the community through first-rate spiritual retreats, service and immersion experiences,” he said. “Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to developing 21st century learning opportunities for students that connect spiritual development, academic learning, and experiential learning to ensure the education of the whole child. Camden Catholic is similarly dedicated to educating the whole child, so it is a natural fit for me.”
Sweeney said he is committed to being a good listener – receiving feedback, building relationships and collaborating – as well as working hard and dedicating his best to the school’s mission.
“Most importantly,” he said, “as school president, I will ensure that the transformative values of the Gospel, care for the whole student, and an appreciation for God’s presence in all things continue to permeate throughout the school and greater community.”
Sweeney also hopes that “the ideas of access, partnership and inspiration” will define his time as president. In the area of promoting access, he shared his hopes that the school can continue to make high-quality Catholic education accessible for more students and families with various income levels, and to find more ways to invite prospective students to experience the Camden Catholic community for themselves.
He also sees the school – and other Catholic schools – as playing a key role in supporting youth amidst the challenges and distractions facing younger generations today.
“There are many distractions these days that interfere with young people engaging in authentic encounters that reveal the good, the true and the beautiful,” he said. “Institutions like Camden Catholic High School are essential for ensuring future generations of students have the opportunity to grow in faith and build relationships with one another and Christ through authentic encounter.”
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