Parkes, a founder of Cristo Rey New York High School and chairman of the Cristo Rey Network board, visits Elon University on May 24 for the Commencement week program.
Parkes has served as president of the school in East Harlem, N.Y., since 2004. The Catholic, coed, college-preparatory school serves students of all faiths who have demonstrated the potential and motivation to achieve success, even though they don’t have the educational background or financial means to attend another institution.
Parkes is chairman of the New York City Campaign Finance Board. He also sits on the boards of St.Peter’s College in Jersey City, N.J., St. Aloysius School in Central Harlem and St. Ann’s School in East Harlem, N.Y. He was president of the Fordham Preparatory School and has served in a variety of posts within the New York Province of the Society of Jesus.
Elon’s 123rd Commencement exercises are scheduled for 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, May 25, Under the Oaks in front of West Residence Hall on the Elon campus.