About ARHS :: President's Message
Marianist
(The Society of Mary) Education began in San Francisco in 1906 with the
establishment of St. James High School for Boys and continued with the
establishment of Archbishop Riordan High School in 1949, marking ARHS as the
oldest all-male school in the City of San Francisco and the oldest member of the
West Catholic Athletic League among the City's Catholic High Schools.
The school is named in honor of San Francisco's second Archbishop Patrick
William Riordan. During the Archbishop's 30-year administration, he built the
original St. Mary's Cathedral and St. Patrick's Seminary in Menlo Park. His
faith, strength and devotion to Christ and the people of San Francisco was
evident in the passionate speech he gave to the people of San Francisco after
the 1906 earthquake.
"We shall rebuild. I am a citizen of no mean city,' although it is in ashes.
Almighty God has fixed this as the location of a great city. The past is gone,
and there is no lamenting over it. Let us look to the future and without regard
to creed or place of birth, work together in harmony for the up building of a
greater San Francisco."
The characteristics of Archbishop Riordan and the Marianist are as evident today
on our campus as it was after San Francisco's largest natural disaster.
The formation and development of character, faith, intellect, and service are
the cornerstones of Archbishop Riordan. Educating young men in today's society
may be perceived by some as a challenge; we believe it is an honor. As a product
of twelve years of Roman Catholic education and a graduate of an all male high
school, I have fond memories and experiences that I would not trade for anything
in the world. The devotion of the Marianist priests and brothers over the past
century to the young men of our City is to be commended and appreciated. The
number of scholars, professionals, religious and priests, and professional
athletes are humbling and it is an honor to serve as president of this
incredible school.
ARHS molds and forms young men into leaders, scholars, actors, musicians, and
athletes through the mentoring of our faculty, coaches, religious and priests.
The intellectual, spiritual and physical maturity of a young man is formed in a
way that is structured, engaging, and focused on the individual learning
abilities of each student and the gifts they bring to ARHS.
The development of leadership skills is essential to the Riordan experience and
ARHS proudly provides our young men the opportunity to lead in student
government, clubs, sports, Campus Ministry, and the performing and visual arts.
The opportunity for leadership may not be afforded at a co-educational school or
be as encouraged as it is on the campus of Archbishop Riordan.
The Five Characteristics of educating young men in the Marianist and Archbishop
Riordan tradition is to:
1. Educate for the Formation of Faith
2. Provide an Integral, Quality Education
3. Educate in the Family Spirit
4. Educate in Service, Justice and Peace
5. Educate for Adaption and Change
Centrally and conveniently located in the heart of San Francisco, ARHS will
develop students of varying intellect to ensure they are prepared to enter a
four-year university or profession in order to be ethical leaders in our global
economy. It is with honor and pride that we have been entrusted with the
education of a young man, Tradition, honor and pride are part of the Crusader
Brotherhood and it is these characteristics instilled in our students that help
them "Enter as boys - graduate as Men."
In August 2011 Archbishop Riordan will dedicate the new residential "Boarding"
program and establish ourselves as the only urban boarding school in the Western
United States. For more information please contact my office and I would be
honored to discuss this new program.
We are excited about the future of the Archbishop Riordan and the promise it
holds. I welcome you to our campus and I would encourage you to enroll your son
in San Francisco's oldest all-male Catholic high school.
Sincerely,
Patrick William Daly,
President