Tony Miranda '93 Visits with Ignatian Scholars

By Michael P. Batten '10

At the beginning of the 2014-15 academic year, the Ignatian Scholars Program was revamped to include greater opportunities for co-curricular learning. Patrick Mahon ’04, Director of the Ignatian Scholars Program, has stressed this renewed focus by encompassing more compulsory field trips and alumni presentations within the Scholars' curriculum. These presentations have offered valuable insight into finding meaning and success in their four years at Xavier and beyond. This successful streak continued on April 14, when the Ignatian Scholars welcomed back for a presentation Antonio “Tony” Miranda ’93, a partner and managing director at Littlejohn & Co., a private equity investment firm that specializes in improving middle market companies.

In his presentation to the more than 40 Ignatian Scholars in attendance, Mr. Miranda explained how the lessons he learned at Xavier proved invaluable for his personal and professional growth. He stressed the importance of determination in overcoming diversity, saying, “Xavier made me realize that if I wanted something, I really had to earn it myself.” Additionally, Mr. Miranda urged students to take manageable risks, surround themselves with friends and mentors committed to personal growth, and make the most out of every opportunity they have.

Mr. Miranda relayed these lessons by telling stories about his time on 16th Street. Some of his memories will prove familiar to Sons of Xavier past and present, from running cross country for longtime coaches and teachers Jim Scott and Patrick Dormer, to the importance placed upon community service and being a “man for others.” These experiences propelled Mr. Miranda to a successful undergraduate career at Harvard University, to the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and finally to fulfilling employment at Littlejohn. He concluded his presentation by fielding questions from the Ignatian Scholars, who had much to ask and much to learn from his visit.  

Mr. Mahon believes the presentation went very well. “Mr. Miranda really connected with the Ignatian Scholars," he said. "His discussion of overcoming adversity at Xavier between his freshmen and sophomore years spoke to the students on a personal level, who will undergo a similar transition in the coming months.” Before that happens, however, the Ignatian Scholars have one field trip left for the year. On May 29, they will visit the 9/11 Museum in downtown Manhattan, which will offer another powerful experience for reflection and learning.