THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Jamshedpur, Nov 7: Loyola School, Jamshedpur, witnessed an inspiring academic interaction on Friday as two eminent international educators — Dr. Maura Mast and Jack Reynolds — visited the campus as part of their global educational outreach to Jesuit institutions.
The duo’s visit aimed to promote dialogue on innovative academic practices rooted in Ignatian values of excellence, reflection, and service to humanity.
Dr. Maura Mast, a noted mathematician and anthropologist with a PhD in Mathematics, earlier served as the Dean of Fordham College at Rose Hill, New York, becoming the first woman and mathematician to hold that position in 2015. She now focuses on integrating mathematics with social ethics, using the discipline as a tool to confront inequality and empower communities through education.
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Accompanying her was her husband, Jack Reynolds, an interdisciplinary scholar with expertise in architecture, psychology, and education. Reynolds has dedicated much of his career to peace, human rights, and labour movements and has worked extensively in Boston’s largest men’s homeless shelter. Together, they embody the rare blend of intellectual pursuit and humanitarian commitment.
Addressing students of Standard XI, Dr. Mast and Reynolds conducted a thought-provoking session on the intersection of mathematics with cognitive neuroscience, economics, and education. They highlighted how academic learning, when grounded in empathy and purpose, can contribute to human progress. Reynolds urged students to emulate the spirit of the Good Samaritan — to pursue success without losing sight of compassion and moral responsibility.
Students actively participated in the interactive session, raising questions about the couple’s philosophy of service, their approach to balancing professional excellence with personal reflection, and their shared journey as educators and life partners.
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Principal Rev. Fr. Vinod Fernandes, in his concluding address, thanked the visiting scholars for their insightful engagement and reaffirmed Loyola’s mission to nurture students who are intellectually sharp, ethically strong, and socially conscious. He lauded Dr. Mast and Reynolds for embodying the Ignatian spirit of lifelong learning and service to others.
