Alumni Brick Walkway
Hundreds of alumni across six decades have literally etched their names permanently in Austin Prep’s history with an engraved brick in our Alumni Walkway.
Located from the main entrance doors down to Richard J. Meelia '67 Hall, the walkway connects Austin Prep’s past to its future. Engraved bricks are grouped by class year and are a great way to mark a senior’s graduation as they enter the ranks as Austin Prep alumni.
Bricks are $500 and all gifts support the Austin Prep Fund. Read below for more information about ordering, engraving, payment, installation, and deadlines.
Bricks are installed annually during the summer months and we will send you a photo once your brick is installed. We welcome and encourage you to also stop by to visit to see it in person.
To make your gift by check, please make checks payable to Austin Prep, marked "Alumni Brick" on the memo line, and mail to Austin Prep 101 Willow Street, Reading, MA 01867.
Divider Logo
How It Works
Hundreds of alumni across six decades have etched their names permanently into Austin Prep’s history with an engraved brick in the Alumni Walkway. Below are answers to the questions we hear most often.
Who can have a brick in the Alumni Walkway?
The Alumni Walkway honors Austin Prep alumni. Most bricks are purchased in one of three ways:
- An alum purchasing a brick for themselves.
- A parent purchasing a brick in honor of their son or daughter, an Austin Prep graduate.
- An alum purchasing a brick for a classmate, sibling, or friend who also graduated from Austin Prep.
If you are unsure whether the person you have in mind is eligible, please contact the Development Office and we will be glad to help.
Can I purchase a brick for a graduating senior?
Yes. It is one of the most popular reasons families order a brick. An Alumni Walkway brick is a meaningful way to mark commencement as your student joins the ranks of Austin Prep alumni.
Can I purchase a brick for a current student, faculty member, or someone who did not attend Austin Prep?
The Alumni Walkway is reserved for alumni, so bricks are engraved for Austin Prep graduates. If you would like to honor a teacher, coach, or another member of the Austin Prep community, please contact the Development Office. Other recognition opportunities are available, and we would be glad to discuss them with you.
What can I have engraved on my brick?
Each brick is engraved with one name, the Austin Prep alum being honored. We are not able to engrave multiple names on a single brick. If you would like to recognize more than one person, you are welcome to order a brick for each alum.
Can I review the inscription before it is engraved?
Yes. We confirm every inscription with you in writing before the order goes to our engraver, so please review the confirmation carefully. Once a brick is engraved, changes cannot be made.
How much does a brick cost?
Alumni Walkway bricks are $500.
What does my gift support?
All Alumni Walkway brick gifts support the Austin Prep Fund, which provides flexible annual support for programs and priorities across the school, including financial aid, faculty support, academics, athletics, and campus ministry.
Is my gift tax deductible?
Austin Preparatory School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your gift may be tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. Your acknowledgment letter will confirm the gift amount for your records. Please consult your tax advisor regarding your individual circumstances.
How do I pay?
You can order online through the Alumni Walkway brick order form on our website. If you prefer to give by check, please make it payable to Austin Prep, write “Alumni Brick” on the memo line, and mail it to:
Austin Prep
Attn: Office of Development and Alumni Engagement and Giving
101 Willow Street
Reading, MA 01867
Austin Prep also welcomes gifts of stock and distributions from donor-advised funds. Please contact the Development Office at development@austinprep.org for assistance.
Can I order more than one brick?
Yes. You may order as many bricks as you would like. Please note that bricks are grouped by class year in the Alumni Walkway, so bricks honoring graduates from different years will not be installed side by side.
Is there a deadline to order an Alumni Walkway brick?
Yes. Bricks are installed once a year during the summer. Orders placed by June 30 are scheduled for installation that summer. Orders received after June 30 will be engraved and installed the following summer.
When will my brick be installed?
Installation takes place during the summer months after the school year ends. We will let you know once your brick is in place.
Where is the Alumni Walkway?
The Alumni Walkway runs from Austin Prep’s main entrance doors down to Richard J. Meelia ’67 Hall. Bricks are grouped by class year, so alumni will find their bricks among those of their classmates.
Will I be able to see my brick?
Yes, and we hope you will. We send you a photo once your brick has been installed, and we encourage you to visit campus and see it in person. Please call ahead at 781-944-4900 so we know to expect you and can help you find your brick.
How long will my brick last?
Alumni Walkway bricks are designed for long-term outdoor display and to withstand New England weather. If the walkway is ever reconfigured as the campus grows, the bricks will be preserved and relocated with it.
Why Families Choose an Alumni Brick
An engraved brick is more than a name in stone. It is a permanent legacy and a lasting place in the Austin Prep story. Families and alumni choose to honor a student’s journey, celebrate the values that shaped them, and become a permanent part of the Austin Prep community.
The testimonials below share why leaving a legacy along the Alumni Walkway mattered to them—and why their connection to Austin Prep will endure for generations.
Luke Brezner '25
Hear from Judy & Howard Brezner – Luke Brezner’s parents...
Austin Prep played a huge role in shaping who Luke is today. While he gained lifelong friendships and a strong work ethic, it is his commitment to his faith and the priceless values instilled in him that truly stand out for us. This is why we were inspired to donate a brick in his honor.
Alex Malley '25
Hear from Chris & Jen Malley – Alex Malley’s parents...
Due to our belief in Austin Prep’s Mission, focus on Veritas, Unitas, Caritas and Inclusive Culture, we are always happy to support Austin Prep.
Reagan Mercier '25
Hear from Helen Massaro, Reagan Mercier’s grandmother...
We chose to donate a brick to honor Reagan’s time at Austin Prep because of the foundational impact the school had on her educational journey and to celebrate how hard she worked throughout her years there. Reagan has always loved learning, and when searching for a Middle and High School, it was important to find a place that would challenge her and prepare her for college and beyond. Austin Prep was the perfect fit.
Reagan truly thrived at Austin Prep. She joined in 7th grade and I remember after the welcome barbecue, she told us what a kind and welcoming group of students and teachers she had met. Over the years, she built wonderful friendships and benefitted from the caring and supportive faculty and staff. She embraced the academic challenges and discovered interests that she continues to pursue today as a student in the Honors Program at High Point University.
Colin Walsh '25
Hear from Alicia & Chris Walsh, Colin Walsh’s parents...
Colin attending Austin Prep in the 6th grade was one of the best decisions we ever made as a family. Thanks to the school's visionary leadership, dedicated educators, and unwavering commitment to excellence, Colin flourished over the years. He was academically challenged (which prepared him well for college), socially enriched by the AP community (in particular, being a part of the baseball program for 7 years cemented his belonging on Willow Street. He learned many important life lessons thanks to Coach Pollard), and he really internalized the Augustinian values as he matured (a path which he continues to follow now at Villanova). We wanted to leave a permanent imprint of gratitude for all that the school bestowed upon Colin over his 7 years and we will forever be grateful for the foundation he was provided. I am reluctant to single-out individuals because it's the AP community as a whole that is so special, but I would also be remiss if I didn't note that in particular, Dr. Hickey, Mr. Mclaughlin, and JP were pivotal to Colin's positive experience and growth.
Please contact the Development Office at development@austinprep.org for additional information about the Alumni Brick Walkway, ordering a brick, or other ways to support Austin Prep. We are glad to help.
