Jeff Scharfen came to Cardinal Newman in 2001. He is the co-chair of the English Department, Junior Class Moderator and the Assistant Swimming Coach. He is also a Puppy Raiser with Guide Dogs For The Blind. Jeff generously agreed to take some time from his busy schedule to talk with Henry Trione.

Q: What was your career before you began teaching
at Cardinal Newman?
A: I was a corporate fraud litigator as well as the executive director for the Catholic Community Foundation.

Q: Where did you learn how to flip people?
A: I studied martial arts. I learned Judo when I was twelve, and I wrestled in high school as my sport.
I studied various forms of martial arts when I was
older.

Q: Tell me about the monastery you lived in, and
how long did you live there?
A: I was in the monastery as a retreatant for about eleven months from 1972 to 1973. I only wear the habit on Halloween!

Q: What do you enjoy the most about teaching?
A: Teaching feels the most meaningful when my students experience an epiphany. That’s when
teaching feels the most gratifying.

Q: What was the last book you read?
A: Greatness, a comparative biography of Ronald Reagan and Winston Churchill.

Q: What changes would you like to see at Cardinal Newman in the near future?
A: I see a fifty meter swimming pool. When more of our students become swimmers, they will improve academically.