Where are they now? Alumni Spotlight - Jeff Skinner, '95

​      Jeff Skinner, from Kearny, N.J., quarterbacked Prep to the 1994 NJSIAA championship, a 26-24 victory over Bergen Catholic, which was ranked #5 in the U.S. at the time. The victory gave the Marauders their 14th state title and they ended the season ranked #6 in the country.

            After graduation, Jeff was a student-athlete at Wagner College, where he played quarterback and graduated in 1999 with a degree in Business Management. He is now a compliance professional in the financial services industry and is an omnipresent figure at Prep, attending games and leading fundraising and other alumni activities as a founding board member of The Bubba Fund, the charity honoring Bill “Bubba” O’Donnell ‘95, a Prep football star who tragically passed away in 2016. ​

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1. What made you go to Prep?
   
   It was kind of predestined. I grew up right down the road in Kearny, both my parents were from Jersey City, and my older brother went to Prep. There was never a doubt.
   
   
   
2. What's your most lasting memory of Prep?
   
   Beating Bergen in Giants Stadium to win the 1994 championship. We had a great group of players and coaches, and it was an amazing ride.
   
   
   
3. How important was football to your prep experience?
   
   Football was paramount to my Prep experience. Being the starting QB for the #1 team in the state was my identity and I loved every minute of it. Of course, attending Prep was more than just football, and the entire experience has played a huge role in helping me become the man I am today.
   
   Equally as important, I made lifelong friendships during my time at Prep. A transformative experience for me.
   
   
   
4. What are you doing now? 

         
          For my day job, I am a compliance professional in the financial services industry but I’m most passionate               about coaching my sons and other young men. I have two boys, and both are very active in youth sports. I             also coach football for Bergen Stars, a travel team, and on the 7v7 football circuit. 
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1. What can you tell us about the Bubba Fund? 
   
   It’s a scholarship fund vested at St Peter’s Prep in loving memory of my friend and teammate Bill “Bubba” O’Donnell. The Foundation has been active since 2017, and we continue to host a few events a year to raise tuition assistance funds for student-athletes associated with Prep football. It’s a great way to keep Bill’s memory alive. He was a great friend and teammate.
   
   
   
2. How has your Prep experience helped you in the real world?
   
   I’ll often leverage my Prep network to help navigate real life situations. The brotherhood is a real thing, and guys are always willing to help one another.
   
   I’ve also seen my Prep background benefit me beyond my Prep network because once people hear you’re associated with St. Peter’s, they assume they’re dealing with someone who has integrity. That really matters. ​

This blog was written by Randy Williams, P'27 who also conducted the interview.