A twist of fate brought Stephen Girard to Philadelphia in 1776, when damage to his ship prevented him from sailing to New York. What began as an unintended detour would shape the future of the city—and the lives of generations of young people.
Girard made Philadelphia his permanent home and built a life defined by business success, civic leadership, and extraordinary generosity. By the time he died in 1831, he was the wealthiest man in America and a pioneering American philanthropist, leaving most of his fortune to establish Girard College for orphaned boys.
As our nation commemorates its 250th anniversary this year, plans are under way for the Girard community to celebrate the legacy of Stephen Girard at a gala event on October 8 in Founder’s Hall. Be sure to mark your calendars and keep an eye out for more details in the coming months.
Legacy is the thread woven throughout this edition of Steel & Garnet, beginning with our cover story spotlighting nine Girardians who returned home to build their own legacies as residential advisors, paying it forward and making a lasting impact on the lives of our scholars.
We’re also pleased the share the story of Khalid Dennis ’97 who recently came back to Girard to inspire our younger students through his colorful Dare to Dream mural in the Elementary and Middle School.
Legacy at Girard also takes the form of generosity, exemplified by the daughters of Bill Seibert ’Jan 48, who are honoring their father’s lifelong commitment to the school by giving back in meaningful ways. We greatly appreciate their generous financial support, and we hope others are inspired to follow their example.
We look forward to welcoming Girardians back home May 15–17 for Founder’s Day weekend, three unforgettable days of connection, celebration, and Girard pride. This year’s theme is “Honoring Legacy, Inspiring Vision,” so plan on joining fellow alumni, families, and friends as we honor our shared legacy, and celebrate the generations who make our community extraordinary.
As we reflect on the remarkable foresight of Stephen Girard and the generations who have carried his vision forward, we are reminded that legacy is something we actively build. Each gift of time, talent, or treasure strengthens the foundation laid nearly 180 years ago. Together, we are stewards of a living legacy that continues to transform young lives and shape a brighter future for our scholars. I invite you to celebrate with us, invest in our mission, and help ensure that Girard’s bold vision endures for generations to come.
Hail Girard!
David P. Hardy President
DAVID
TUMAR
JENAYE
2101 S COLLEGE AVE
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19121
JALYN MARTIN Director, Strategy and Governance
DWAYNE
EDITOR
ELENA PERRI Director, Marketing & Brand Communications eperri@girardcollege.edu
WRITERS
ELENA PERRI Director, Marketing & Brand Communications
GABRIEL
HON.
HON.
ALBERT
4 SCHOOL NEWS Alzar School Experience
6 SCHOOL NEWS Garnet Goes Green
DOMINIC A. SABATINI
BERNARD W. SMALLEY, ESQ. President Emeritus
HON. MARK F. SQUILLA
EX OFFICIO
HON. CHERELLE L. PARKER Mayor of Philadelphia
HON. JEFFERY YOUNG, JR. (For President of City Council of Philadelphia)
* Girard College Committee
8 FEATURE Full Circle: Girardians Who Returned Home
20 AROUND CAMPUS Colorful Mural Adorns High School Hallway
22 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Girard Alumnus Dares Students to Dream Big
OUR MISSION Girard College is a full-scholarship boarding school that fosters intellectual curiosity, social development, and emotional growth in academically focused students from underserved communities. We ensure every student the opportunity and the means to achieve excellence and preparation for advanced education through purposeful academic and residential programs.
About the Alzar School: Alzar School is a high school semester program that helps 10th and 11th grade students develop leadership skills and gain confidence to create meaningful change through engaging academics, cultural exchange and outdoor adventure.
Iwent to the Alzar School because I really needed to get out of the bubble I was in. Girard College felt like home, maybe a bit too much. I needed something new. I really wanted to find a group of people who were all about discipline, curiosity, and ambition—a place where folks encouraged one another to keep growing and getting better. At Alzar, I was with people who strongly believed that being a leader wasn’t about waiting for someone to give you permission to lead; it was about just doing it.
Getting to travel internationally by myself and earn my first passport stamp was an exciting moment for me. It felt like freedom, like I could really trust myself. I really wanted to find out how my leadership would hold up once it was put to the test, instead of just talking about it.
One experience that will stay with me forever happened in Chile. After a whole day in Patagonia, my friends and I just stood there hugging one another, and as if on cue, a rainbow stretched all the way across the sky behind us. Before Alzar came along, I wasn’t the kind of person who went around giving hugs or tossing out “I love you” all that much. When I was around people I really cared about, I felt totally open, happy, and truly
in the moment. That experience changed me in a really positive way.
Those weeklong outdoor trips were some of the most meaningful times I had at Alzar. Spending time in the wild, just living, moving around, and figuring things out together, really helped us truly bond. Without anything to pull my attention elsewhere, I got to connect with the other students, and honestly, a lot of my favorite memories came from those long days filled with lots of laughter while working together on different tasks.
The wilderness really taught me a lot. As a Boy Scout, I’ve always loved big adventures, and nothing makes me feel more alive than finding my way through places I’ve never been before, no matter what surprises the weather brings. While I was out in nature, it really made me think for myself, trust my gut instincts, and just go for it. I discovered that you really grow when you do things outside your comfort zone or spend a week outdoors even if you’re not sure how things will turn out.
Alzar really changed how I think about what it means to be a leader. Being a leader isn’t just about being in charge; it’s
about taking on responsibility. The program had rotating leadership roles, and through them I really learned how to lead people, speak clearly even when things were tough, and connect with folks right where they were, even on days I just didn’t feel up to it.
I came back home feeling more sure of myself, thinking things through more, and ready to get things done. Alzar helped me think that changing the world isn’t about getting permission from others; it’s something that truly comes from inside you.
I encourage any student looking for an opportunity to grow personally to apply to the Alzar School. Who knows? Maybe one day you’ll be standing under a rainbow with the very people who changed your life for the better.
Girard College Launches New Website
Girard College introduced its newly redesigned website this past December. The new site has an attractive design and layout, improved navigation, and a more comprehensive overview of Girard College, including admissions, careers, venue rentals, and Founder’s Hall Museum. The website also includes calendars for athletics, academics, and school activities that are easier to access.
NEW HIRES
Shatia Lucas, Residential Advisor Weekend Overnight Part Time
Sharonda Johnson, Laundry Worker
Annike Sprow, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Residential Life
Marvin Lazenbury, Out of School Time Program Coordinator
Amiracle McDonald, Kitchen Worker
Jenaye Moore, Chief of Staff to the President
Mark Bass, Coordinator of Culture & Compliance High School
Junae Carmichael from Human Resources Generalist to Human Resources Professional
Jason Rodgers from Lead General Repair Maintenance Foreman to Facilities Supervisor
Brandon Davis from Maintenance Mechanic with Heat, Light and Power to Working Foreperson with Repairs & Maintenance
Celebrating 90 Years of Impact
Girard College is fortunate to have many dedicated staff members who have served our school community for decades. In our Residential Life Division, Dan Garrett, Michael Pinkney, and Rich Perdomo represent a remarkable 90 years of combined service. Their impact on our scholars is immeasurable, and their commitment to mentoring, guiding, and supporting students has helped shape generations of Girardians. Thank you for your service!
Dan Garrett 40 years
Richard Perdomo 28 years
Michael Pinkney 22 years
Garnet Goes Green: Students Lead Sustainable Gardening Initiative to Serve the Community
A student-led initiative at Girard College is turning green ideas into real-world impact. Garnet Goes Green, spearheaded by the high school executive team of Student Council, is a sustainability and service project focused on hydroponic gardening, food access, and long-term community engagement.
The project was launched in November after students pitched their idea for the Philly Service Awards earning $1,000 in seed funding to bring their vision to life. With support from Girard College’s STEM program and community partners, Garnet Goes Green is designed to be both environmentally sustainable and socially impactful.
Central to the initiative is the revival of a hydroponic gardening system located in the greenhouse behind the Elementary and Middle School building. Though the system had been unused for several years, it is now ready for year-round production. Students will grow microgreens, herbs, arugula, and spring mix lettuces, with microgreens reaching harvest in as little as three weeks. In that time, the system can produce up to 50 pounds of fresh greens per cycle, according to STEM Director Marquita Lewis.
“We’ll start the hydroponic gardening as soon as we return from winter break, and it will run all year,” Lewis said. “The outdoor gardens will be used for flowering produce and larger vegetables during the growing seasons.”
Students are partnering with Trellis for Tomorrow, a nonprofit organization that supports communities in building and sustaining gardens. Through this partnership, students will learn best practices for maintaining healthy gardens across three planting seasons— early spring, summer, and fall—and ensure the project continues long after
the current student leaders graduate. Plans are also underway to fence the outdoor gardens to protect crops from local wildlife, a challenge encountered during earlier gardening efforts.
Community service is a key pillar of Garnet Goes Green. Students plan to distribute harvested produce both inside and outside the Girard College campus, setting up weekly Friday tents where families and neighbors can access fresh food. In addition, the project will donate produce to Gift of Life Howie’s House, which provides lodging and support for families of patients awaiting organ transplants. Fresh produce will be delivered to support patients and their loved ones during a critical time.
While students do not have a specific goal for how many people they hope to serve, their focus is clear: meaningful and sustainable service to others. “They just know they want to serve the community and make sure it lasts after they leave,” Lewis said.
To ensure continuity, upperclassmen involved in Garnet Goes Green will train younger students to manage the hydroponic system. Students and parents will also receive training in hydroponic gardening, reinforcing the project’s educational and intergenerational impact.
As Garnet Goes Green continues to grow, it reflects Girard College students’ commitment to environmental stewardship, leadership, and service beyond the school’s walls. Winners of the Philly Service Awards will be announced this spring, but for these students, the true reward is cultivating change, one harvest at a time.
Middle school students Ianna Young, Ashya Price, Malaysia Smith and Taliya Banks help put the tubing in the trays where produce will be grown with the hydroponic system in the greenhouse.
STEM Director Marquita Lewis and Alaiyah Madison ’28 place a grow tray on top of a water reservoir in the greenhouse on Girard’s campus.
Students Explore STEM Career Paths
Through a partnership with the Philadelphia Education Fund, seven Girard high school students have participated in the Ignite STEM program this school year.
The nine-week program helps increase students’ awareness of postsecondary and STEM career pathways through visits to colleges and STEM workforce job sites. Students attend one online session and one in-person gathering every week. The spring session included a STEM field experience where they visited Fox Chase Cancer Center and interacted with faculty, performed data analysis, and learned scientific research methods while seeing how research contributes to real-world cancer discoveries.
Girard senior Amadu Mansaray, who is attending his second Ignite STEM session, plans to major in mechanical engineering in college. For Amadu, a highlight of the program was visiting Princeton University last fall and talking with graduate students majoring in mechanical engineering.
“I learned that with that major I could get into a lot of different fields of
work,” he said. “The students I spoke with all do very different stuff.”
While Amadu has already selected his major, he decided to participate in the program to expand his STEM knowledge and learn skills that will help him in the future.
The virtual sessions cover topics such as engineering concepts, artificial intelligence, materials science, and real-world math applications. During the in-person sessions, students work together on hands-on engineering projects where they design, build, test, and improve solutions using project-based learning.
Amadu explained that the program is helpful for students who may not have considered pursuing a career in the STEM field. “It could introduce them to something they might like,” he added.
Amadu and sophomores Katie Harris, Symphanee Patterson and Alaiyah Madison attended the fall and spring sessions. Juniors Tristin StarkieBozeman and Makai Smith went through the program last fall, and senior Dammon Harding-Rogers is participating this spring.
Symphanee Patterson ’28 uses a popsicle stick to pull a gummy substance out of a cup.
Girard high school students learned how to create different types of viscous substances while attending a recent Ignite STEM class.
Top: Amadu Mansaray ’26 draws water out of a bottle to create a viscous substance in a class where students learned about natural and synthetic polymers. Bottom: Dammon Harding-Rogers ’26 stretches out the material he produced during an Ignite STEM class.
Full Circle: Girardians Who Returned Home
The story of Girard College is written not only by those who pass through its gates, but also by those who return. This feature highlights nine Girardians who have come full circle and stepped back onto campus as residential advisors to mentor, lead, and inspire today’s students.
Rooted in gratitude and a strong sense of community, their return speaks to the powerful role Girard College played in their lives and the responsibility they feel to pay that forward. Serving as residential advisors also underscores the importance of alumni giving back in ways that extend beyond philanthropy. Through mentorship and daily presence, these Girardians are helping to shape a supportive, empowering environment for the next generation.
Ambria Reaves
Class of 2013, started at Girard in second grade
Students: Fourth grade girls
Years Employed at Girard: 1.5
What inspired you to return to Girard College as a Residential Advisor?
Honestly, it’s a spiritual connection that I have with the school because I came here in second grade and went all the way through to 12th, so I basically did life at this school. Because my home life wasn’t always the best, I did (ESF) Dream Camp here for about three years, and I also did the weekend program. I used to volunteer to stay the weekend, so I literally did life here. This school is very special to me, and I feel like in a way it saved me because I don’t know where I would have been without it.
How did your experience as a Girard student influence your decision to return as an RA?
What I tell people is that as a result of me doing so much at the school and being here so long, I figured out who I was here. I utilized every resource they gave us—all the clubs and extracurricular activities,
athletics, trips. I tried everything that I could - softball, basketball, kickball, cheer, track, arts and crafts, yearbook committee, prom committee, activities committee, student council.
I feel as though by eighth grade I knew who I was, so when it was
time to go to college, I knew what I wanted to do. Even now, prior to coming back into working full time, I was an entrepreneur because I figured out what I wanted to do here. I’m a freelance graphic designer, but I discovered my passion for art by being an artist here and taking advantage of the things I did within the art program. Ms. Enedy and I have a great relationship, and she saw the fire in me and she fueled it. She put me in the sketch club at the (Philadelphia) Art Museum. Ms. (H.K.) Kim and Mr. (Scott) Sowers were the moderators of the yearbook committee. I basically designed our
Residential Advisor Ambria Reaves ’13 with her fourth grade students.
entire (senior) yearbook. Ms. Kim told me, “You’re really good at this. When you go to college, you should look into graphic design.” I was like, “What’s graphic design?” She was like, “You just designed the whole yearbook, and you don’t know what graphic design is?”
I went to Indiana University of Pennsylvania for graphic design, and then when I left there, I started a graphic design business.
Was there a particular RA, teacher or staff member who made a positive impact on you when you were a student here?
Definitely Ms. Enedy and Ms. Kim because they led me in the direction of pursuing art. As far as RAs, I would say my elementary school RAs. Growing up, our RAs were older women, like grandmoms, so they definitely had the biggest impact because at home I was going back and forth between my mom and my grandma because my mom worked so much. I was always with my grandmom, and then when I got here, I was under the wings of older women, so I felt like I was home here because they took care of me like my grandma would.
What was it like coming back to campus as a staff member?
Oh my goodness, it was so nostalgic. The other classmates I have who work here, most of them live in Constitution, the Hum or Navigator, so we have to drive all the way down the road and come all the way into campus to get to where we need to go. It was a very nostalgic feeling riding past the Tuttle Pavilion or riding past the track which was one of the places I spent a lot of my time because I was an athlete.
We used to walk around with digital cameras and take pictures of every
moment that we had together. I still have some of those pictures to this day. Riding through campus, I’m remembering all the places that I would record and take pictures of us creating our memories together.
What does it mean to you to be part of the Girard legacy as both an alum and an employee?
It means everything to me because it’s so special, and we have the power to make or break these children. I’m very honored and grateful to have the fourth grade girls, which I was told is one of the best groups in the building. My girls are very energetic, and they’re very outgoing. I just love it because I really feel like I’m a mom. I don’t have children of my own, so it really feels like I have children.
What part of your RA role do you find most rewarding?
It’s definitely the reactions that I get from the girls, their parents and the deans. Coming into the role, I was transitioning from the weekend program which is way different. Last year, I predominantly worked with the eighth graders because they had the biggest class enrolled in the weekend program. I struggled with the teenagers because they’re not as enthusiastic about doing activities. I’m grateful that I was put with the elementary school kids because I’m a very energetic person, and I like to
plan interactive activities for them.
What do you hope students take away from their time with you?
I want them to understand that we don’t know how the things we’re learning are going to impact us because we’re not utilizing them in those moments. When we’re trying to teach the girls about having routines or getting better with hygiene or time management, practicing good habits, practicing sportsmanship, they don’t care about it because they’re not always utilizing those tools right now.
I’m trying to make them understand they’re going to create a spiritual connection with this school, and they’re going to appreciate it when they get older because depending on how long they stay here, they’re going to realize that this school has had the biggest impact on them out of anything in their life. Whatever they do here, they’re going to take that with them.
Ambria Reaves makes bracelets with her students after school.
Amber Burton-Brooks
A member of the Class of 2013, started at Girard in fourth grade
Students: Sixth grade girls
Years Employed at Girard: Four
What inspired you to return to Girard College as a Residential Advisor?
I saw the need was there for residential advisors at the time, and it was the middle of the pandemic, and I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do next. I was working in management, and I wasn’t really feeling fulfilled there. When I saw that Girard was looking for RAs, I thought about my time here and I said, “That would be a great way to give back and give other kids the experience that I had as far as the residential portion.” That was my main reason for applying. Then when I got the job, I was like, “Oh, this is real.”
How did your experience as a Girard student influence your decision to return as an RA?
Honestly, the relationships I built here is one of the most important things I cherish in my adult life now. A lot of my classmates, we are still very close, and I wanted to get a front row opportunity to see those relationships form with current students. I hope that they can have some semblance of relationships with their classmates that I had with mine. It was just trying to give kids the same experience, if not better, if I could.
Was there a particular RA, teacher or staff member who made a positive impact on you when you were a student here?
There were a bunch, but if I had to name just a few, it would be Ms. (Tanisha) Carelock, Madame (Lolita) Gilliard. The most influential RA that I
had would be my seventh grade RA, Ms. (Roberta) Calhoun.
What was it like coming back to campus as a staff member?
It was a little jarring at first because I hadn’t been here since I left. The first
time I came on campus was to pick up my keys for my apartment. It was weird driving on campus and coming into the dorm building and seeing where I literally grew up. Seeing the apartment for the first time, I was like, “Oh, this is how my RAs lived.” It was
bigger than I thought. I expected just a room for some reason. It was really nostalgic coming down the campus, seeing the mural outside the EMS building. It felt like home after I got over the initial shock of it.
What does it mean to you to be part of the Girard legacy as both an alum and an employee?
It means everything to me because Girard made me a good 45% of who I am. I say only 45% because there’s so many different factors that contribute to who I am. But being here, coming from being an only child to all of a sudden having 42 sisters in my class, it just made me who I am. I really wanted to give back, and I felt like I was led to be here. It’s been an
amazing experience so far. I feel like I’ve grown a lot because I think I was 25 when I started here. I’m almost 30 now. I feel like I’ve matured and become a full-grown adult in my time being here as an RA.
What part of your RA role do you find most rewarding?
When I teach the girls different things, whether it’s a life skill or a craft or when we have different learning experiences, like my first year with the girls, I taught them how to fly kites and they still remember it. I’ve taught them basic table setting skills, basic etiquette, problem solving skills. It’s to the point now where if they’re having conflicts within each other, they don’t bring it to me first. They try to
solve it themselves. If they can’t solve it themselves, then they bring it to me. Whereas a few years ago, they would’ve come to me for every single thing. I feel like watching them grow and mature and knowing that I had a hand in that has been really rewarding.
What do you hope students take away from their time with you?
I hope they have fun with me because I’m having fun with them. I hope they just remember that I care and that it’s not just because I work here that I care about them. I genuinely care about them and their wellbeing, and I can’t wait to see all the amazing things they’ll do when they get older. I just hope they take the love from me with them.
Residential Advisor Amber Burton-Brooks talks with sixth grade students about off-campus activities they want to do.
Markel Booker
Class of 2013 (Lifer, attended Girard from 1st12th grades)
Students: First and second grade
Years Employed at Girard: 3.5
What inspired you to return to Girard College as a Residential Advisor?
A few of my classmates were here at the time, and the opportunity came at the perfect time because I wanted to leave my last job. I thought I would give it a try for a year or two, but then I started to realize coming back, there was a lot of nostalgia for me, seeing the kids. I started with first grade, and when I got first and second grades, I’m doing my best to give them the same experience that I had. I enjoy that when they walk away from me, they don’t forget me.
I also ended up working alongside Ms. (Donna) Slocum, who was my second grade teacher. We’ve been working together and giving the kids the Girard experience that I know.
How did your experience as a Girard student influence your decision to return as an RA?
I remember all the RAs that I had, and all the experiences that I had. When I came in first grade, a lot of the guys that I was here with, we all stuck together for life. I still talk to them to
this day. I wasn’t sold immediately (when I started working here), but I gave it some time, and I started to fall in love with it.
I’m happy to see the kids, especially because the ones I work with are so young. I could be having a bad morning, and they turn that right around. It’s been nice to come back.
Was there a particular RA, teacher or staff member who made a positive impact on you when you were a student here?
Ms. Slocum was my most impactful person, and then we had a residential dean for high school, Ms. (Kymelle) Clark. She played a prominent role in my high school years. There were times being a high school student, you don’t know it all, but you think you know it all, and she helped guide me. She helped me even when I was in trouble, and I spent so many days in her office. She put me in the right situations to learn from whatever happened and to be a better person. To be honest, without her and Ms. Slocum, I don’t know how far I would’ve made it through Girard.
What was it like coming back to campus as a staff member?
When I came back, it was different, and things had changed. I had to be accepting of some of the changes
and understand it’s a new time. Now I get to see some of the things that I may have been going through as a student, and now I’m watching it with other students, and it makes me want to help them.
What does it mean to you to be part of the Girard legacy as both an alum and an employee?
It’s something that I always take with me, especially being an alumnus. I take it very seriously, and I’m one of those Girard pride type people. I even tell the kids, there are certain things you have to take more seriously. I tell the kids no matter where you go, it’s like you’re always representing Girard College.
I tell them that you may not realize it, but people are watching because this school, when people look at it, some people don’t know what it is. We have to tell the stories inside the wall that people don’t know about.
What part of your RA role do you find most rewarding?
For me, it’s when the year is coming to an end. Because I have the youngest kids, they’re mostly new, and the parents thank me and they tell me how the kids talk about me all the time.
I’m like that father figure in a sense so when the kids are going through something, I tell them to just come to me. I don’t mind helping. It’s just part of who I am because we’re all Girard family now.
What do you hope students take away from their time with you?
I hope when they leave, they can say that they enjoyed their experience at Girard College. I had fun here and enjoyed it. I felt like I got the education I needed. It put me on the right path, and I made some great friends who are like brothers and sisters to me.
Cincere Love-Watson
Class of 2018, started at Girard in 11th grade
Students: 11th and 12th grade boys
Years Employed at Girard: Less than a year
What inspired you to return to Girard College as a Residential Advisor?
After I graduated, I never came back to the school for Founder’s Day or other events, but I stayed connected with people in the school. I’m happy I returned because as soon as I started, I loved being around the children, the familiarity of being on campus, and seeing a lot of the faculty I knew who still work here.
I think when you’re a child and you go to Girard, you don’t know what you have when you’re younger, and I instantly knew how much I missed out on at Girard from being stubborn at a young age. I feel like coming back gives me the opportunity to help the kids, and it also gives me an opportunity to make sure the kids don’t make the same mistakes.
Kris Minners ’18 was a friend of mine, and when he died, I feel like this is a way that I could pay my respects to him as well.
How did your experience as a Girard student influence your decision to return as an RA?
I feel so safe here, and I’m familiar with the grounds and the people. I’m focusing on doing my part to help Girard. This school meant everything to me after going to public schools and charter schools. I understand the opportunity that I had to go to Girard.
Was there a particular RA, teacher or staff member who made a positive
impact on you when you were a student here?
Mr. Mike (Wood)—he’s a custodian. He meant a lot to me. I love Mr. Mike. He doesn’t know how many days where I was having a bad day and his smile would brighten me up. I helped him with (removing) the trash, and he would walk me to class if I was late to tell my teachers that I was where I was supposed to be. Mr. Steve (Lee) on the housekeeping crew took me under his wing, and now he has a son he wants me to mentor. We had more of a relationship once I got older, playing basketball together outside of Girard and just talking. I love Ms. (Annamarie) McMonigle. She was my math teacher. I still talk to her and reach out to her on her birthday and Mother’s Day. I felt like she understood me, and that meant the world to me.
What does it mean to you to be part of the Girard legacy as both an alum and an employee?
It’s huge because I really see what this school has to offer. Knowing other schools like Girard—IMG Academy or the Phelps Prep School—I believe this school offers the same thing and more. Inside these walls, these kids live a totally different life from other people. These grounds make so many kids feel comfortable and safe.
What part of your RA role do you find most rewarding?
Reconnecting with the alumni is the most important thing. That wasn’t something that I took advantage of as a student—just soaking up the knowledge they have to pass on to the students.
What do you hope students take away from their time with you?
I really hope they pay attention to the things I teach them or the knowledge that I’m passing along, and they learn from my experiences versus going through them themselves and making the same mistakes I might’ve made in school.
What was it like coming back to campus as a staff member?
It wasn’t awkward. It was familiar. I wasn’t uncomfortable; it was just like I was on the other side now. A lot of the current students were here when I went here, so they remembered me. That made me feel even more comfortable than I already was. That meant a lot to me.
I tell the seniors when you get to college nobody is going to be checking your grades, making sure you’re up for class. The last thing I want is any of the kids to drown, because in this world is about sinking or swimming, and I don’t want any of the kids to sink. I feel like right now a lot of the kids still have their floaties on, and I want to make sure that when they leave the school, they can swim without their floaties.
Anya Johnson
Class of 2018, started at Girard in sixth grade Students: 1-12 in the Weekend Residential Program
Years Employed at Girard: Four
What inspired you to return to Girard College as a Residential Advisor?
Oh my goodness, I never wanted to leave Girard. I always admired my residential advisors and the closeknit community we have, and it was a dream of mine to be an RA. I started looking into it almost immediately after I graduated and saw that I was too young. Of course, I continued on my career path, but I always wanted to continue my role in the Girard community, whatever it could be. Since I was no longer a student, I wanted to find a place where I could provide support. It wasn’t until Naleyah Gray applied and told me she was able to go through the (hiring) process. Then I wanted to give it a try so that I could come back. I was really excited to see how Girard has grown since I left and what Girard was working toward.
How did your experience as a Girard student influence your decision to return as an RA?
That experience alone is what keeps me tied to the community. I just thought it was very important for
every student to be able to have what I had from the Girard community as far as the support that I got from my residential advisors. I’m still in close communication with some of my residential advisors that I had when I first started in sixth grade. Longtime staff at Girard like Ms. Michael Pinkney, Mr. (Rich) Pedomo, Mr. (Dan) Garrett, Tanisha Carelock, Ms. (Donna) Slocum were all part of my community as a Girard student, and I’m able to go to them for support. They’ve helped me during my time at Girard and still help me to this day.
Was there a particular RA, teacher or staff member who made a positive impact on you when you were a student here?
I would say Shante Thompson, my first residential advisor. Ms. Thompson always kept a close eye on me. She always checked on my academics, my extracurriculars. She was more than supportive with attending activities I participated in, like my mock trial competitions, which sometimes would occur during the weekends. She was always there to support me. She got
I know a few of my students are used to Girard and they treat it so casually. I’m always reminding them of how beautiful the campus is.
me interested in college life, and she was always right there with me, kind of holding my hand through the school process and teaching me a lot of independence.
What was it like coming back to campus as a staff member?
It was amazing. I immediately wanted to see who was still here and what was different about the students, what was different about the programs, what was still the same from when I was a student here. I kind of felt like a kid in the candy shop. I did feel like I was coming home, and I wanted to go everywhere. I was just like, “Oh my gosh, is Allen Hall still open? What about the Mechanical Building?” I wanted to see the science labs. I was just so excited to be in the same spaces I was in as a child, and I wanted to see how the students felt about them too. I know a few of my students are used to Girard and they treat it so casually. I’m always reminding them of how beautiful the campus is.
When you’re away for a certain amount of time, everything just seems so fresh and so new. I’m telling the students here, this campus was so huge to me when I was a kid. Now I can drive through it instead of having to walk like I did as a kid, but it’s still just so mesmerizing.
Anya Johnson with second grader Sanai Smith, one of the weekend program participants.
What does it mean to you to be part of the Girard legacy as both an alum and an employee?
It definitely means the world to me. There was a residential advisor named Ms. Johnson who worked here for a very long time. She had a daughter who worked here as well, and everybody knew the Johnsons. A lot of parents ask, “Are you Ms. Johnson, like Dorothy Johnson?” I say, “No, I’m not that Ms. Johnson, but I am familiar with her.”
She’s another residential advisor that I can use as a role model and follow in her footsteps, but I have the opportunity to be my own Ms. Johnson. I can stand apart from everyone else and start to create my own legacy where some parents remember when I was a residential advisor and they come to me and say, “Oh, you’re the weekend program
coordinator now.” I tell them I’m the person they reach out to for any support they may need during the weekend.” Parents show their appreciation for how much I do in the school and how available I am for them. I do love that that kind of goes to my name and my legacy. That’s important for what I want to do here at Girard, so it feels amazing.
What part of your RA role do you find most rewarding?
It’s between the effect of the program that I see in the students and the gratitude that comes from the parents. As a student, I know how it felt to be bored, stuck on campus, not having much to do. I really take time and put thought into what my students’ interests are, what they like to do, what programs they need or what could support what they’re working on at this time. It’s rewarding to know that
my students appreciate everything that’s being done for them.
What do you hope students take away from their time with you?
I hope the students take away what I took away from all my residential advisors, teachers and my time at Girard of a vision of how Girard’s community is and to know that that’s something you can keep internally and then you should spread it externally. I want my students to see me showing integrity, showing responsibility, showing compassion, and I want them to take away, this is how Ms. Johnson does things, this is how Girard works, and this is how I should be, and this is how I can be an effective member of any community they are a part of. I just want that to be something that goes with them everywhere.
Students participating in the Girard College weekend program gather with Anya Johnson ’18, weekend program coordinator, before having dinner together.
Khadeja Harris
A member of the Class of 2013, started at Girard in second grade Students: 10th grade girls
Years Employed at Girard: Three
What inspired you to return to Girard College as a Residential Advisor?
Ms. (Naleyah) Gray said they were hiring (RAs). At first, I was a little concerned, but then I thought it would be great to come back so I could be a part of the community that raised me. I had a great time here. Being a student, I didn’t always want to be here only because I was away from my family, but once I started forming my bonds with my RAs, it was worthwhile.
How did your experience as a Girard student influence your decision to return as an RA?
Angel Strong was one of my RAs, and I wanted to be the kind of RA she was. She was so amazing. She was the best role model to me, like a second mom, and I hope I can be that for other students.
The most rewarding part of being an RA is creating a safe space for the girls... I like being part of that dynamic.
—KHADEJA
Was there a particular RA, teacher or staff member who made a positive impact on you when you were a student here?
Ms. (Resee) Starkes showed me guidance and taught me how to be a young lady. She put me in my place, but she also showed me genuine love and support. Until this day she claps for me and shows up for me. She taught me to live in the moment. I will forever love Ms. Starkes.
What was it like coming back to campus as a staff member?
The only thing I would say that was different was just seeing all the new faces. Some teachers and RAs are still here, but there are a lot of new faces. I feel like this was like a home away from home, and I’m trying to get back
to that feeling. It has its moments, but it’s a work in progress.
What does it mean to you to be part of the Girard legacy as both an alum and an employee?
I never really got in trouble when I was a student, but especially being a teenager, you do things you’re not supposed to do. I sometimes feel like I’m getting my karma because some of these girls act like how I acted, and I feel like I’m getting my karma. Every day is a learning process. I’m still learning things as I go along.
What part of your RA role do you find most rewarding?
The most rewarding part of being an RA is creating a safe space for the girls and just being an outlet for them, especially for those who don’t have any outlet when they go home. This is their safe space, and I like being a part of that dynamic.
What do you hope students take away from their time with you?
I just want them to be able to use their voice. I know when I was here, I didn’t use my voice as much as I should have, and I just let them know that it is okay to be themselves.
Naleyah Gray
Class of 2013, started at Girard in third grade Students: Ninth grade girls
Years Employed at Girard: Four
What inspired you to return to Girard College as a Residential Advisor?
It was the community, keeping in touch with other alumni and just knowing that a fellow classmate was already working here. Reaching out to ask her about the experience inspired me to want to come back. I’ve always been a community-based person, and I really enjoyed my time here, so I wanted to pay it forward to Girard students.
How did your experience as a Girard student influence your decision to return as an RA?
My experience heavily influenced me to come back because I learned so much, and I grew so many connections with the staff and the students here. At the time I was going here, it was a big community that I was so excited to be a part of. I just remembered my experience and I was like, “This would be a cool job. I would love to come back and be a part of that community again.”
Was there a particular RA, teacher or staff member who made a positive impact on you when you were a student here?
There were a few, but my first RA was Mrs. (Tanya) Brown. I remember her vividly because she taught us the fundamentals of getting older and keeping up with yourself and just looking your best and speaking your best. She definitely left an impression on me, and I remember the things she taught me throughout my whole life, even after Girard.
What was it like coming back to campus as a staff member?
It was so nostalgic. I was so excited. As I was driving through campus, I remembered all my memories from just being around campus in high school. I definitely felt excitement about coming back.
What does it mean to you to be part of the Girard legacy as both an alum and an employee?
It means a lot to me because Girard was such a big part of my life. To me, Girard was family, so it means everything to me that I’m able to help other students feel that way and feel like Girard is a family and a community that will support them. Even throughout college, we still got support from staff members and people we knew. It really is important to me because it gives certain people
the sense of family when they may not feel like they have it.
What part of your RA role do you find most rewarding?
The most rewarding part is when my students come to me and say, “I tried this today” or when they do something differently. If RAs point something out and then they try to accomplish a goal or they even set goals and they come and talk to us about it, I think that’s the most rewarding because we can feel that they want to change and get better and grow and learn. We like that they’re trying new things, trying a new sport, trying something new in class, taking our advice and trying different things. You’re excited when they come back and tell you about their good grade or they tell you, “I made the team,” or “I started this project,” and they’re passionate about it. Seeing that type of passion is very rewarding to me.
What do you hope students take away from their time with you?
I hope students take away that they can do anything they set their mind to. I hope they take away that you don’t have to go through things in life alone and that you can always seek support. I also hope they take away that it’s always good to pay it forward to someone else.
Siddiq Rivera-Sabir
Class of 2017, started at Girard in second grade Students: First to fourth grade boys
Years Employed at Girard: Less than a year
What inspired you to return to Girard College as a Residential Advisor?
I got invited to an Eagles tailgate by a former classmate (Kevin Minners), and his mom (Rebecca) showed up. While we were cleaning up, she was asking me, “Did you ever try applying at Girard to be an RA?” I said, “I did, but I never got an interview.” She said, “You should try again.” I gave it a shot and applied, and I came in the next week.
How did your experience as a Girard student influence your decision to return as an RA?
It influenced my decision because as I’m getting older and have a daughter now, I look back on everything that brought me to this point. I see being an RA as an opportunity to fulfill a second part of my Girard experience. The first part was learning the core values and becoming a stand-up person. The second part is giving back to the kids and giving them the same opportunities I had.
Was there a particular RA, teacher or staff member who made a positive impact on you when you were a student here?
Everybody pretty much had a positive impact, but the person who stood out the most was Madame (Lola) Galliard, my first teacher. French is not the typical language of everybody around me. People usually take Spanish (in high school). She was the first teacher who took me out of the country when we went to Costa Rica. She was the
staff member who really helped me throughout the years and that I’m still very close with.
What was it like coming back to campus as a staff member?
It was a weird experience since I’ve been here almost 20 years now. I went to Camp Girard in 2006, and then I became a student in 2008, and I’ve seen so many changes at Girard. I see myself in a lot of these students, so there was a lot of emotion knowing that I’m the one who is guiding them now.
What does it mean to you to be part of the Girard legacy as both an alum and an employee?
It means a lot. Being an alum is one thing, but now being an employee, it’s a twopart thing because I know Girard’s mission because it’s embedded in me. Now that I’m employee, I get to implement it to the other kids and keep passing the baton. It’s like I’m now part of the race, like the marathon of keeping Girard’s mission alive. I’m a hands-on part of it.
What part of your RA role do you find most rewarding?
What’s most rewarding is when I could see a change or I understand the students better. When I first started
the kids don’t give new people a hard time, but they try to see what they tolerate and what can they get away with. I have conversations with the students to get to understand what they are doing good in, what they did wrong, what they need to improve, and seeing them change. One student didn’t really eat much, and now he tries everything at dinner. He even says, “Oh, I tried this. I like this.” When you actually see the change in real life, that’s the best part.
What do you hope students take away from their time with you?
I hope they take away an appreciation of what they have—the programs and the opportunities—because it may not register at the time, but even if it hits them later on, I just hope they really appreciate what they have at Girard and understand the opportunity they were given.
Shahid Jackson-Murphy
Class of 2017, started at Girard in fourth grade Students: High school
Years Employed at Girard: 2.5 years
What inspired you to return to Girard College as a Residential Advisor?
I was working with high school kids at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge and helping them get urban conservation jobs. I enjoyed working with the youth. It was a really cool job, and I felt like this was something I wanted to continue doing. Then I thought, “You know what? Let me create that full circle moment and go back to my old school.”
How did your experience as a Girard student influence your decision to return as an RA?
Sometimes as a kid while you’re at Girard, you don’t know how to appreciate it as much, and then you get older, then you realize some of the tools you have other people don’t have. I thought I would do a really good job helping kids have some tools going into the world.
I wanted a chance to be on the other side of what was helpful to me (as a student) like mental health and self-awareness. I think being super aware of who you are and how you are and how it can affect others is really important. You want to make sure that you’re impacting the people around you in a positive way.
Was there a particular RA, teacher or staff member who made a positive impact on you when you were a student here?
In retrospect, everybody served a different role for me, but one RA
I remember was Mr. (Bill) Marsee, my seventh and eighth grade residential advisor. He was an older guy, but he was always super silly. Now I work in the building where he was my RA. That kind of feeds into the full circle moment. That’s something I think about, “Dang, I was in this room, and now I’m opening up this door to wake up the kids.”
What was it like coming back to campus as a staff member?
It was confusing at first because you don’t know what you’re walking into, especially since I was a kid the last time I was here. When we have (staff) meetings during the day, I meet so many people. Everybody’s nice, but I had to adjust to not being here during the day.
What part of your RA role do you find most rewarding?
I think the reward is just getting the chance to interact with the students and figure out the kids you’re working with. What I’ve come to realize is every kid isn’t going to be super excited to interact with you or look at you as a role model, which is fine. You still have to do the groundwork, but when you do find the kids who are intrigued by the information or guidance you give them, they’re eager to hear you out.
There are kids who started playing instruments when I started working there, and I’ll come in early to just to chill with them while they practice because they’re excited to show me
that they’re getting better. It’s stuff like that that means the most to me.
What do you hope students take away from their time with you?
Whatever information or advice I give them about life or their experiences, I hope they’ll take some of that advice into their everyday life. I’m aware that someday they might think, “I remember I was 14 and this guy who worked at the school I went to said this.” I just hope the information or advice I give them lands by their doorstep at the very moment they need it.
The main thing I tell them is to have patience, humility and empathy. You never know what’s going on with the person on the other side of you, and I think everybody deserves that patience. There’s a lot of value in being intentional about how you treat people. I think we get too wrapped up in our own world, and we forget that people have their own worlds as well.
Shahid Jackson-Murphy, in bucket hat, is pictured here with friends from the Class of 2017, residential advisor Siddiq RiveraSabir, left, Regina Jones, right, and Rashae Benbow, front center.
Colorful Mural Adorns High School Hallway
Anew eye-catching mural now brightens the wall space above the lockers in a high school hallway.
The “Voyage of Becoming” Mural, painted by Philadelphia artist Andre Chaney, reflects the spirit of Girard College which is shaped by strong relationships, shared traditions, and everyday moments of connection. The mural was commissioned by the school and completed in partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia.
Drawing from school pride, friendly competition, music, and community gatherings, it highlights core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, courage and compassion as guiding forces in students’ lives. Through bold color and movement, the mural sends a simple message to students and outsiders alike to honor where you come from, look beyond the walls, follow your own path, and be yourself.
New Bleachers Transform Gym, Boost School Spirit
Out with the old, in with the new is a fitting phrase for the recent installation of new bleachers in the gymnasium in the Armory.
When Girard College students returned from winter break, they got their first look at a major upgrade to the bleachers in the gymnasium. The installation of two new sets of bleachers was completed by the Degler-Whiting company in late December.
At a basketball game in the Armory, Girard senior Khadija Sesay was pleased with how the new bleachers looked.
“I think the bleachers add a nice finishing touch to the Armory,” Sesay said. “Students feel excited because the old bleachers were dull and bland, and a new pop of color adds excitement.”
She noted how the garnet colors on the gym walls and floor match the colors on the bleachers. “It’s aesthetically pleasing,” Sesay added.
According to Guy Moore, Director of Athletics at Girard, the bleacher project was a priority for the school
for health and safety reasons.
Moore said the bleachers had to be pulled out manually by Girard staff, and food and debris often got stuck underneath the bleachers.
“Pulling the bleachers out that way was a big struggle for our maintenance and facilities crews,” Moore said. “Climbing under the bleachers to clean was difficult for the housekeeping crew.”
He noted that the new bleachers have a closed decking design, so food or beverages won’t fall underneath.
Upgrading the bleachers also gave the school the opportunity to enhance school pride with Girard and Cavs being inscribed on them.
“I thought we had an opportunity to make something special and give our school an identity,” Moore said. “We’re also going to have designated student and cheerleader sections on the bleachers.”
Both sides of the bleachers operate electrically and can be adjusted, depending on how much seating is needed, he explained.
Girard students and staff attend a basketball game in the gym in the Armory.
Moore said the new bleachers are wider and increase the seating capacity on the bleachers to up to 700 people.
Girard senior Randi Walls had a positive first impression of the new branding on the bleachers.
“I think it’s pretty cool and a great representation of Girard sports,” Walls said. “The branding encourages school pride a lot and gives more energy to Girard athletics.”
“The new bleachers highlight our commitment to providing a safe and engaging environment for our scholars,” said David Hardy, President of Girard College. “We’re grateful to Charles Gibbs, Chairman of the Girard College Committee, and the Board of Directors of City Trusts for their support in funding this project. This investment will enhance school pride and create a welcoming space where our school community can come together to celebrate Girard athletics.”
Girard Alumnus Dares Students to
DREAM BIG
BY ELISA HEISMAN
It took graphic artist and Girard College alumnus Khalid Dennis ’97 just one week to complete the beautiful new mural that graces the halls of the Elementary Middle School building. Inspired by the memories and the impact Girard College had on him as a student, he gave back to his community in the best way he knew how.
“I wanted to create something positive for the students to be inspired by,” Khalid said.
He hopes students will realize that their current state as a person and as a student is not who they will be 20 years from now. “So, dream (about) whatever you love as a career, a hobby, a profession, and pursue it. You never know where it can take you.”
Khalid entered Girard College in 1984 with his twin brother, Khalif Dennis ’96, and his sister Mercedes Dennis. After their mother passed away, their grandmothers determined that Girard College would be the best place for them.
In middle school, Khalid realized he was interested in art after seeing the graffiti featured near the Philadelphia Zoo. From that point on, he drew in all his notebooks during class and fell in love with art. He also credits his Girard art teacher, Mr. (Bob) Behr, for lighting a flame inside of him and offering him a place to pursue his work.
“I struggled with academics but loved art and found comfort being in his class,” Khalid explained.
After graduation, he stepped back from his artwork to pursue a career as an Applied Behavior Analysis Therapist. Khalid currently works at the Delaware County Intermediate Unit in Morton, Pennsylvania, and helps people with autism and other developmental delays.
He returned to his craft about 10 years ago when he moved in with Khalif, who was diagnosed with brain cancer. While there, Khalid prayed to God about what else he could do besides caring for his brother.
“God told me to go get some art supplies… and I hadn’t touched a paintbrush or a sketchbook in 20 years!” After a quick trip to Walmart,
Khalid Dennis ’97
the dining room table was filled with cheap canvases and paint, and Khalid got to work.
His brother also encouraged him to take his art seriously. “Run with your art, he said. That’s your gift. And I haven’t stopped since.” Khalid also credits his wife, Felicia Dennis, for being his support system throughout his entire journey as an artist.
Sadly, Khalif passed away in 2015. A memorial service during Founder’s Day at Girard College was the last time Khalid was on campus. That is, until he was chosen to come back and paint the mural.
“It felt surreal coming back to campus and contributing in this way,” he said. “I was talking to my brother the whole time.”
Khalid’s advice to current Girard students is to embrace what the school offers. “It’s
truly a blessing to be safe, to get the best education money can’t buy, and to have people that truly, genuinely care about you and love you. Take full advantage because this opportunity will never present itself again.”
He also said that if art is something you do, learn it, and then use your gift to help change the world for the better.
Khalid has other mural projects coming up, including a North Philadelphia community center and a bodybuilding gym.
Still, he is truly grateful for the opportunity to give back to Girard College. “It is one of the best experiences I’ve had as a mural artist.”
Dare to dream is a positive message to get students into that mindset. As soon as they come into the building, whether they’re already in a good mood or if their day is going bad, it just puts them in that positive mindset that allows them to persevere, do whatever they’re going through, and to have a great day.
KRISTOPHER THOMAS, EIGHTH GRADER
Thankful for Girard: One Family’s Commitment to Giving Back
A Life Changed by Girard, a Legacy Sustained Through Giving
It’s safe to say the late William (Bill) Seibert Jan ’48 had a profound love for Girard College. He cared deeply about the school that helped him become a successful nuclear power plant engineer, draftsman, and architect.
Girard was not only the place where he learned the technical skills he used
during his career, it’s where the love story with his wife Joan began.
Jackie Fessler, Bill’s oldest daughter, recalled how her parents met.
“My mom saw him at a dance, and she asked one of her friends, ‘Who’s that guy over there?’” Jackie said.
Bill and Joan began dating and fell
in love. Shortly after Bill’s graduation from Girard, he and Joan got married. The couple eventually moved to New Jersey where they raised their eight daughters, Jackie, Kathy, Joanie, Susie, Darlene, Francine, Marcy, and Eileen.
Bill never kept his love for Girard to himself. He often shared with his daughters what it meant to have the opportunity to attend Girard College and his deep appreciation for the school and the positive impact it had on his life.
“My dad used to say, ‘If I stayed where I lived, I would have been a street kid,’” Jackie said. “He probably would have been in a gang and never would have gotten an education.”
Bill’s father, a World War I veteran, passed away when he was only six years old. Faced with heartbreaking circumstances, Bill’s mother Martha made the difficult decision to enroll him at Girard College.
During his time at the school, Bill found a second family among his classmates, whom he fondly called his “brothers.” Bill, who excelled academically and graduated second in his class, participated in various activities, including playing on the soccer team and serving as editor of the Corinthian Yearbook.
The annual Founder’s Day celebration became a beloved family tradition, and Bill and Joan brought their daughters along to enjoy the festivities and walk around campus.
“The highlight was going to Founder’s Hall,” said Eileen Wambach, Bill’s youngest daughter. “We always loved to see the little beds he would sleep
My parents never missed Founder’s Day. They would go into Founder’s Hall and bring us with them. After Founder’s Day, all his classmates got together and had a party every year.
—JACKIE FESSLER
in and the big room where everybody ate together. You really got a feel for how he was raised.”
“My parents never missed Founder’s Day,” Jackie added. “They would go into Founder’s Hall and bring us with them. After Founder’s Day, all his classmates got together and had a party every year.”
Their father’s passion for his alma mater seeped through the Seibert sisters, so much so that some of them have been inspired to make financial contributions to the school.
In honor of her father, Jackie and her late husband Michael Fessler established the William Seibert Stewardship Award in 2021. This award is given annually to a Girard senior who has shown a passion to serve others for the betterment of Girard College, their fellow students, and the community.
For Jackie, her desire to give to Girard is rooted in the love her father had for the school.
“When I told him I was going to give the money, I said I did that because I
IN MEMORIAM
knew how devoted he was,” she said.
In 2024, Bill decided to fund an iWall visual display that would tell the story of Stephen Girard, the impact of his philanthropy, and the history of Girard College. The iWall was installed in the lobby of Founder’s Hall and dedicated in the fall of that year.
“He was so happy to be able to do that,” Jackie said. “He was so proud that he could give back.”
Eileen added: “He wanted everyone to know Stephen Girard and to visually see the history of the school.”
The generous support of the Seibert family also has expanded to Kathleen Quigley, Bill’s second oldest daughter, who has established a five-year term scholarship for seniors pursuing postsecondary education. The first scholarship will be awarded to a member of the Class of 2026 in June.
The daughters also are donating a bench in memory of their parents which will be placed near Founder’s Hall this spring.
Throughout their lives, the Seibert
Till Our Hearts Be Still
Dennis Gries ’60
Vincent Cavacini ’65
John Lockard ’66
Andrew Fioca ’70
James “Jim” Yondura Jr. ’71
Donald McFadden—former student
Samuel Weiner, Jan. ’49
Simon Koumjian, Jan. ’49
George William Davis, former student who would have graduated in the mid-1950s
Anthony Warka ’50
Michael Grace ’70
sisters witnessed the strong bond their father had with his Girard brothers.
“My parents had all the parties,” Jackie said. “I remember the fun feelings of joy, laughter, and being around the Girardians and their families. My sisters and I witnessed firsthand the love and loyalty that was shared all their lives because my father had these brothers with him all his life.”
“I remember the joy I felt just being able to hear them from the other room,” Eileen added. “They would be together, and all of them were laughing. It was truly like a band of brothers. That was our family.”
Sharing their father’s deep connection to the school and their place in the Girard family is a defining thread among the Siebert sisters who are committed to honoring his legacy through their support of the school he dearly loved.
“We’re proud to pass on this love and be a part of the family of Girard,” Jackie said.
Arthur Christopher Martin ’57
Robert Costello ’58
Meet
The student ambassadors are a group of 18 juniors and seniors dedicated to helping Girard College’s advancement department. During this school year the ambassadors have attended town halls, created promotional material for fundraising appeals, and they are planning a day of service to help the local community.
Pictured from left to right are Solai BrownGilliam ’27, Sanna Ward ’27, Jayden McCutcheon ’27, Skye Brandon ’27, Shuiab Conteh ’26, Jade Moore-Greene ’27, and Gabriel Grant ’27. Not present for photo: Juniors Hamza Logan, Ndeye Mbaye, Celise Purnell, Channing Scott and Mekhi Smith, and seniors Asiyah Alston, Jaden BetheaMclean, Samirah Jackson, Charisma Johnson, Caleb Kporlor and I’yan Robinson.
OCTOBER 8th 2026
Robert Esposito
As I reflect on the stories in this issue of Steel & Garnet, I’m reminded that Girard College is more than a community—it is a family. Like any family, we are not perfect. There are moments of disagreement or difficulty, but what defines us is our commitment to one another and the deeper connection we share.
In this issue, you’ll read a powerful story about one alumnus and his eight daughters, who reflect on how their father’s educational experience at Girard shaped not only his life, but theirs as well. Their story reinforces what we know to be true: The impact of Girard College extends far beyond our graduates. It touches spouses, children, siblings, and entire families who carry forward the lessons, values and pride that come from this place.
As Founder’s Day approaches, we celebrate the legacy of Stephen Girard, who arrived in America 250 years ago with a vision that continues to transform lives. This occasion offers a meaningful opportunity to return home to reconnect with fellow alumni, meet current students, and reflect on how Girard has shaped your own family’s story.
The Girard family extends well beyond alumni. It includes caregivers, faculty, staff, children of our alumni, and all those connected to our mission.
We invite you to join us for Founder’s Day Weekend, support the celebration, or share your own family’s Girard story. Together, each generation continues the legacy that began with Stephen Girard and continues today.
Hail Girard!
Robert Esposito, Chief Advancement Officer resposito@girardcollege.edu
Effecting Change…Transforming Scholars
With your support, we will continue to provide every student with the opportunity and the means to achieve excellence.
By investing in our scholars’ academic, residential, social and emotional development, you ensure that they acquire the skills and practices to become lifelong learners and leave a lasting impact in our communities.
With your gift, you honor Girard’s commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity, social growth, and emotional intelligence in talented students from underserved communities.
There are multiple ways to support the Students of Girard College:
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Give securely and easily online: www.girardcollege.edu/support
Give by check
Checks can be made to The Fund for Girard College and mailed to:
The Fund for Girard College
Attn: Advancement Office P.O. Box 15050 Philadelphia, PA 19130
GIFTS OF STOCK
If you are interested in donating stock, please reach out to the Advancement Office to obtain a Stock Transfer Request Form to begin this process.
GIFTS THROUGH YOUR IRA
As a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) this is an easy way to support our students.
EITC & OSTC PROGRAMS
The Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs allow businesses and individuals to receive significant tax credits while supporting educational initiatives. By participating you can direct your PA tax dollars to Girard College, helping us support our students, their innovative programs and essential resources, while receiving a PA state tax liability credit!
Stephen Girard’s legacy has made possible a life-changing education for over 22,000 students. Your legacy can, too! Consider making a planned legacy gift to Girard College, just as our founder did.
Learn more about Legacy Giving options: www.legacy.girardcollege.edu
Have questions? Want to discuss these options for giving further?
Reach out to the members of the Office of Advancement at 215-787-4436 or via email: advancement@girardcollege.edu
Celebrate the legacy of Stephen Girard at Founder’s Day Weekend, when Girardians from every generation gather on campus for cherished traditions, reunions, and community festivities.
We look forward to welcoming alumni, families, and friends back to Girard College! SCAN
