Loyola School Jamshedpur hosts global scholars for academic exchange

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, Nov 7: Loyola School, Jamshedpur, had the distinct honour of welcoming two eminent international educators — Dr. Maura Mast and Jack Reynolds — as part of their visit to leading Jesuit higher education institutions around the world to explore and exchange best academic practices.

Their visit to Loyola School marked an important milestone in this educational journey, underscoring a shared commitment to Ignatian ideals of excellence, reflection, and service to humanity.

Dr. Maura Mast, an accomplished mathematician and anthropologist with a PhD in Mathematics, previously served as the Dean of Fordham College at Rose Hill, New York.

In 2015, she made history as the first woman and mathematician to assume that position.

Having stepped down from her administrative role, she continues to engage in global dialogues that bridge mathematics, ethics, and social justice — using mathematical reasoning as a tool to confront inequality and empower communities through education.

She was accompanied by her husband, Jack Reynolds, a distinguished scholar whose academic pursuits span architecture, psychology, and education.

Reynolds has worked at Boston’s largest men’s homeless shelter and contributed extensively to peace, human rights, and labour union movements.

Together, the couple represents a powerful blend of intellectual depth and humanitarian purpose.

Addressing students of Std XI, Dr. Mast and Reynolds delivered an inspiring session on the integration of mathematics with cognitive neuroscience, economics, science, and education — highlighting its transformative potential for human advancement.

Reynolds urged students to embody the spirit of the Good Samaritan, advocating a balanced life enriched by both material success and spiritual growth.

The interactive session encouraged students to engage with thoughtful questions on the couple’s philosophy of service, their commitment to a contemplative life despite professional achievements, and the harmony they share as partners in both life and intellectual exploration.

In his concluding remarks, Rev. Fr. Vinod Fernandes, Principal of Loyola School, emphasized the enduring significance of Ignatian principles in education — nurturing students to be intellectually competent, morally grounded, and socially conscious.

He praised the visiting scholars for exemplifying lives devoted to truth, compassion, and the betterment of humanity.

The visit left a profound impact on the Loyola community, reaffirming the school’s mission to form “men and women for others” through faith, wisdom, and service.