Our mission at Girard College is clear: to provide a transformative education that empowers scholars to excel and lead with purpose. As we begin a new academic year, we are proud to build on our legacy of innovation and excellence while fostering a community where every student can thrive.
This fall edition highlights how Girard has expanded summer enrichment opportunities that deepen our scholars’ learning and prepare them for future success. In our School News section, you’ll read about three exciting new programs that gave students meaningful educational experiences and invaluable life lessons. Our scholars are truly going and growing! Be sure to check out the inspiring Space Camp story, which illustrates the incredible dedication of one of our Girard parents.
Speaking of dedication, our cover story shines a light on the Olivastri family’s more than 50-year legacy at Girard College, showcasing how Otello, Rich, and Marc have carried forward a proud tradition of service in our school’s Heat, Light and Power department.
In that same spirit of dedication, we pause to remember the passing of Gilbert “Gil” Bunker ’53, a beloved member of our community. A Stephen Girard Award recipient and an active member of the Girard College Alumni Association, Gil served as a volunteer archivist at Girard for more than 20 years.
This issue also includes an alumni spotlight, introductions to our new high school leaders, and welcoming new members of our staff.
As you explore this edition, I hope you are inspired by the stories of dedication, innovation, and community that define Girard College. The strength of our mission lies in the people — our scholars, families, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends — who help to sustain and advance our school.
Together, with your ongoing support, we will carry our proud legacy forward and keep Girard College a place where every scholar is empowered to learn, grow, and lead with purpose.
David P. Hardy President
GIRARD COLLEGE
DAVID P. HARDY President
TUMAR ALEXANDER Vice President, Operations
DOREEN HIESTER Controller
ROBERT ESPOSITO Chief Advancement Officer
JESSICA HEINTZ Principal, Elementary & Middle School
DR. REGINALD JOHNSON Principal, High School
JALYN MARTIN Director, Strategy and Governance
DWAYNE KEYS Dean, Residential Life
EDITOR
ELENA PERRI Director, Marketing & Brand Communications eperri@girardcollege.edu
WRITERS
ELENA PERRI Director, Marketing & Brand Communications
AMANI LAWS Manager, Alumni & Donor Relations
PHOTOGRAPHY
ELENA PERRI
PAOLA NOGUERAS CHELSEA COX C2 Consulting
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CITY TRUSTS
HON.
HON.
HON. DONNA BULLOCK*
ALBERT S. DANDRIDGE III, ESQ.
CHARLES M. GIBBS, ESQ.*
HON.
HON. CHERELLE L. PARKER Mayor of Philadelphia
OUR MISSION
AROUND CAMPUS Diner en Blanc at Girard
HON. JEFFERY YOUNG, JR. (For President of City Council of Philadelphia) * Girard College Committee 2101 S COLLEGE AVE PHILADELPHIA, PA 19121 4 SCHOOL NEWS Money Matters: Girard Students Gain Real-World Finance Lessons 7 SCHOOL NEWS Girard Welcomes New High School Administrators 10 FEATURE Keeping the Lights on at Girard for 90 Years
ALUMNI NOTES Gil McDonald ’59: A Life of Service and Strength
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.
Money Matters: Girard Students Gain Real-World Finance Lessons
Fourteen rising Girard College sophomores, juniors and seniors attended a weeklong Wall Street Bound Camp at Girard College this summer where they expanded their financial education by learning about economics, stock market investing, and personal wealth management.
The Wall Street 101 experience gave the high school scholars the opportunity to visit Nasdaq Philadelphia, Susquehanna International Group and Vanguard. They also learned from a panel of financial experts from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.
Girard College President David Hardy selected the students who were invited to attend the camp.
President Hardy wanted to offer this summer enrichment program so that our scholars could enhance their finance knowledge, add it to their academic resumes and increase their chances of getting into more selective colleges.
Launched in 2019, Wall Street Bound’s goal is to recruit and train 10,000 underrepresented youth for careers in finance by 2030. The nonprofit organization offers free programs to help prepare youth for careers in finance with a curriculum that includes technical skills development, industry-specific knowledge and certification preparation.
Gigs Taylor-Stephenson, Chief Learning Officer for Wall Street Bound,
taught the financial classes during the camp. She also works as director of the faculty for financial services for Kaplan, a global provider of educational programs. Kaplan sponsors a portion of the Wall Street Bound program.
Taylor-Stephenson facilitated an exercise where the students built a stock portfolio and determined the percentage of stock they wanted to have of each company in their portfolios.
“I gave them five companies, and they had to figure out what the return was,” she said.
One of the groups had 60 percent of a company whose stock went down, Taylor-Stephenson explained.
“If they had switched the 60 percent to another company, they would’ve made double digit returns instead of a very low single digit return,” she said.
Hamza Logan ’27, opted to skip a week of the STEM Scholars program he was enrolled in at the Franklin Institute so that he could attend the Wall Street Bound Camp.
Girard high school students visited the Nasdaq office in Philadelphia during the Wall Street Bound Camp. They also visited Susquehanna International Group and Vanguard.
Finance professionals share advice with Girard high school students about the business world and being successful in their future careers.
Although Hamza was initially concerned about missing out on his STEM education, he soon discovered that he enjoyed learning about finance.
“I’ve never done a finance class before, but I fell in love with a whole new world of finance,” he said. “Learning about mathematics and economics was a cool experience.”
Aryn Clark ’26, was grateful for the opportunity to learn about finance and the importance of not only saving money but also investing it wisely.
“I never thought Girard would have that type of program for us,” she said. “I appreciated that they offered it because it was really enjoyable.”
Both students found the classes to be helpful in enhancing their financial knowledge.
“We learned so much information about stock trading, bonds, and the economy of the world,” Hamza said. “I’m really happy that I decided to attend the finance education classes.”
“Ms. Gigs was very informative, and she made it fun to learn about finance and ways to invest and what to use my stocks for,” Aryn added.
Both students shared that they are looking forward to using the
knowledge they gained during the camp.
“The camp helped me to be more responsible instead of feverishly spending my money on things,” Aryn said. “I can save and invest in stocks that could skyrocket two years from now.”
Hamza added: “I’m saving my money now so by the end of this year I can start investing.”
Meeting finance professionals and listening to their advice gave the students valuable life lessons.
“I learned that wherever you go, make your first impression your best impression,” Hamza said. “I enjoyed making connections with people in the business world who I would never have met if I hadn’t done the program.”
For Aryn, the most important lesson she learned was that “your network is your net worth.”
“Networking is going to get you a bunch of connections and you can lean on those connections throughout your life,” she said. “Those connections will help me go far in my career.”
Gigs TaylorStephenson teaches a class during the Wall Street Bound Camp.
Michael Blackson, associate vice president of floor surveillance at Nasdaq, speaks with Girard high school students during their visit to the company’s Philadelphia office.
Hamza Logan ’27 takes notes during a Wall Street Bound class.
Gigs Taylor-Stephenson, Chief Learning Officer for Wall Street Bound, asks students for their answers during a group exercise.
High School Musicians Hone Skills at Summer Jazz Program
Six Girard high school students participated for the first time in the annual Summer Jazz Program hosted by the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts.
Paul Eaton, high school music and choir and band director at Girard College, encouraged students to attend this camp so they would have the opportunity to learn from professional jazz musicians.
The student musicians who went to the camp were Brandon Outlaw ’28 (drums), Malachi Rose ’26 (tenor sax), Nyire Davis Brown ’27 (guitar), Maria Bedford ’26 (piano/organ), Dammon Harding-Rogers ’26 (bass and alto), and Amadu Mansarey ’26 (trumpet).
The students performed in a concert at the Clef Club at the end of the jazz program and played during Girard’s summer jazz concerts in August.
They also were invited to open the Clef Club’s Love Supreme: A Celebration of John Coltrane Festival in September.
from the University of Pennsylvania,
Harding-Rogers ’26 received music lessons from bassist John Toney at the Clef Club’s Summer Jazz Program.
Davis-Brown, a member of Girard’s jazz band, was included in an article about the Clef Club that was published on the WHYY website: bit.ly/ClefClubJazzEducation
Students Gain STEM Experience During Summer Enrichment Camp
This summer a group of rising fifth, sixth and seventh graders engaged in hands-on activities during a weeklong STEM Enrichment Camp at Girard College.
Organized by Marquita Lewis, Girard’s STEM director, the students learned about coding, how to maintain a garden, and ways to generate energy with the sun and wind. They also went on a nature walk and identified the cherry, pear and peach fruit trees on Girard’s campus. Another activity challenged the students to use their critical thinking skills to build airplanes using cardstock, paper clips, sticks, propellors and rubber bands.
Students from the University of Pennsylvania’s College of Engineering taught our scholars how to code using the Scratch software program.
The camp ended with a trip to Crystal Cave in Kutztown where the students enjoyed exploring underground caves and panning for gemstones.
Lewis plans to offer a two-week camp next summer to give younger students more opportunities to develop their STEM skills.
Malachi Rose ’26 plays the saxophone with pianist James Santangelo, bassist Nimrod Speaks, and drummer Mekhi Boone.
Dammon
Nyire Davis Brown ’27 plays guitar during a jam session with other student musicians.
Nithasree Somanathan, a graduate student
teaches seventh grader Kayley Sillah-Buddhow how to use Scratch software to code.
Students blew bubbles to see how far they would travel during an experiment at the STEM Enrichment Camp for middle school students.
Girard Welcomes New High School Administrators
Girard College has appointed Dr. Reginald Johnson, a seasoned educator with extensive experience in teaching and school leadership, as principal of the high school.
In this role, Johnson is responsible for leading the high school, including overseeing the development and implementation of curriculum, supervising faculty and staff, and creating a positive learning environment for students to thrive academically. He also ensures that Girard’s core values are instilled in our students and that they are prepared for future success in life.
Johnson most recently served as president of The Charter School of Wilmington in Delaware, where he oversaw the refinement of faculty and staff learning and development which led to innovative ways to support excellence in teaching and learning and student outcomes.
Prior to joining The Charter School of Wilmington, Johnson worked at Phi Delta Kappa International (PDK), a national nonprofit organization that provides support to teachers and school leaders throughout their careers.
During his 25-year career, Johnson has served as a teacher, principal, executive leadership coach, psychotherapist and athletic trainer. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in health sciences from Bloomsburg University, a Master of Arts degree in clinical psychology from La Salle University, and a Master of Science degree in curriculum development from Wilkes University.
Additionally, he earned a Doctorate of Education Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a School Leadership Certificate from the University of Pennsylvania.
“I am very excited to join the Girard College community,” Johnson said. “I look forward to working with the faculty and staff at Girard College to help prepare our young men and women for success and happiness in life.”
Ryan Robbins joined the Girard College community as assistant principal of the high school, working alongside Reggie Johnson, who was appointed as principal in July.
With 13 years of experience in education, Robbins brings a strong background in instruction and leadership having previously served as a teacher, dean, supervisor, athletic director, and assistant principal. He holds a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from West Chester University and a master’s degree from Seton Hall University in educational leadership.
Throughout his career, Robbins has been dedicated to supporting student achievement, cultivating inclusive school cultures, and empowering teachers through professional collaboration. He believes that strong relationships and high expectations are key to student success. Robbins is particularly passionate about equity, collaboration, and instructional leadership.
He is excited to serve the students, staff, and families of Girard College, and looks forward to making a positive impact on the Girard College community.
Outside of school, Robbins enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters and supporting all the Philadelphia sports teams.
New HR Team Members Join Girard Staff
Girard College is pleased to announce the newest additions to our Human Resources team: Michael Zaccagni, Director of Human Resources, and Junae Carmichael, HR Generalist. With their arrival, the team is now fully staffed and well-positioned to continue advancing our mission of supporting and empowering our dedicated staff.
They join Debbie Kohler, Associate Director of Human Resources, who has played a key role in maintaining and strengthening our HR efforts. Together, this dynamic team is committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture.
Ready for a change? We invite Girard alumni and friends of the College to explore our current job openings by clicking this link: bit.ly/GirardCareers
Your next great opportunity might be right here with us!
Michael Zaccagni
Dr. Reginald Johnson Junae Carmichael Ryan Robbins
Motivated Mom Makes Space Camp Experience Possible
Mothers sometimes need to do extraordinary things to help their children navigate challenging situations.
This summer Chenika Glenn faced an unexpected mission: figuring out how to get her daughter Serenity, a senior at Girard, and fellow senior Jeremiah Price to Huntsville, Alabama, for the five-day Advanced Space Academy at the U.S. Space and Science Center.
Serenity and Jeremiah were selected to go to this camp thanks to the Girard College Alumni Association (GCAA) providing full scholarships to two outstanding scholars every year. The late Charles Hicks ’74 initiated this program in 2018, and it has continued with the help of his fellow Girardians, including Charles’s classmate Jeff Hero.
The seniors were scheduled to fly from Philadelphia to Atlanta and then to Huntsville on June 29, however, stormy weather that afternoon caused their flight to be delayed in Atlanta. Taking a different flight wasn’t an option because the students would not arrive in time for the start of camp the following morning.
Given the time constraints, Glenn made the impromptu decision to drive Serenity and Jeremiah to Huntsville.
Although they stopped for a few bathroom breaks along the way, the rest of the time Glenn was behind the wheel focused on her mission of getting Serenity and Jeremiah to the camp in time.
Driving such a long distance would be challenging for most people to do by themselves, but Glenn happens to have experience driving tractor trailers.
“Because I used to do truck driving, it wasn’t bad for me,” she said. “In my head I’m like, I have to get them there in time.”
Glenn was motivated to “go the extra mile” because she did not want her daughter and Jeremiah to miss out on this unique educational experience the alumni association provided for them.
“When I was in school, I didn’t have those opportunities,” she said. “My daughter being at Girard is a big deal to me, so whatever opportunities the school gives her, I always appreciate it.”
“I literally had to make the decision right away because it took me 13 hours to get there,” Glenn said. “I had to just up and go.”
Glenn also had to bring another family member along on this nearly 850-mile adventure: her 19-month-old son Akand.
“He did very well,” she said. “I was really shocked about that.”
Glenn, who now works remotely, said she wouldn’t want any student to miss an opportunity like this, and she was willing to take more students with her.
“They would’ve been in the car with me,” she added. “If I was the only mom who could take them, it was going to get done.”
While Glenn worried a bit about her car making this long trip without having any mechanical problems, she was grateful that she had a tune up and oil change done on the car three weeks before.
Jeremiah Price ’26 conducts an experiment during Space Academy in Huntsville, Alabama.
Right: Serenity Glenn ’26 takes a spin on the multi-axis machine during Space Academy.
Chenika Glenn and daughter Serenity
After the camp ended, bad weather once again affected the flight that Serenity and Jeremiah were supposed to take, so they ended up getting back in the car to head home.
“I definitely wasn’t going to leave them there not knowing what’s going on [with the flight],” Glenn said. “I told them, ‘Y’all just got to ride back home.’”
Despite having to make such a long trek, Glenn said she would do it again for her daughter or any other young person.
“I would do anything for my kids, and I’m the same with way with any kids around me,” she said. “I treat them as if they’re my kids.”
Hero, who has been actively involved with the space camp program, made sure Glenn had money for gas, tolls or other expenses during the road trip.
He also covered the cost of the flight suits for the students, which is not included in the camp tuition.
For Hero, it is important to keep his friend’s memory alive through the space camp program he started.
“When Charles was alive, he enlisted me to help,” Hero said. “After he passed, I said, ‘This program is not going to die because he died.’ That’s why I’m dedicated to it.”
To support the Space Program in Charles’s memory, visit: bit.ly/GCAASpaceCampFund
Girard College’s Class of 2025 Commencement
Girard College’s Class of 2025 commencement ceremony was nothing short of amazing! Twenty-three seniors completed their high school careers in a packed Chapel surrounded by their family, friends and faculty members. Among the distinguished leaders, alumni and guest speakers, a powerful voice emerged to remind our graduates that their futures are already written. That voice belonged to Dr. Steven Spencer ’94, MD, MPH, MBA, a fellow Girardian who is an accomplished medical professional, public health leader, and author.
Dr. Spencer delivered a heartfelt, engaging, and deeply personal address that chronicled his journey from a curious seven-year-old in South Philadelphia to Chief Medical Officer of Fidelis Care in New Jersey. Drawing on his own experience as a Girard scholar, Dr. Spencer shared the “4 Ps” that shaped his life: Projection, Provision, Production, and Payback: a framework he urged graduates to adopt in crafting their own futures. With references to both hip-hop icons and historical figures, his speech celebrated perseverance, service, and self-belief.
He reminded students that Girard College is not just a school, but a launchpad, encouraging them to embrace leadership and leave a legacy of excellence. In a stirring conclusion, he echoed a challenge from his grandfather: “Don’t let us down.” With these words, he passed the torch of purpose and progress to the Class of 2025, an accomplished group of Girardians heading to colleges across the nation, ready to shape their futures.
Congratulations, Class of 2025!
Stephen Spencer ’94 gives the commencement speech for the Class of 2025.
Serenity Glenn ’26 and her teammates prepare to launch a rocket.
Jeremiah Price ’26 works on a project at Space Academy.
Serenity Glenn ’26 learns how to operate flight controls at the Space Academy.
My dad was working here at the time, and I just liked it here. I like being around the kids and feeling like I’m accomplishing something for them.
—RICH OLIVASTRI
DECADES OF DEDICATION: Keeping the Lights on at Girard for 90 Years
April 8, 1974. That’s the day Otello Olivastri began working in the Heat, Light and Power Department at Girard College.
Little did Otello know that was the day he lit the flame of a legacy that is still glowing more than a half century later.
For the past 51 years, the behind-the-scenes work of Otello, his son Rich, and grandson Marc have kept the lights on, the water heated, and the systems humming on Girard’s campus.
Combined, the Olivastris have generated an amazing 90-year dynasty of dedicated service to the school.
Duo Times Two
Rich, chief engineer in Heat, Light and Power, began working at Girard in 1981, and he worked alongside his father for almost 10 years. The current Olivastri father-son duo have worked together approximately 26 years. Marc, certified energy manager, started out as a grounds crew member at Girard in 1998 before transferring to Heat, Light and Power about a year later.
After graduating from Philadelphia Wireless Technical Institute with a certification in HVACR service, Marc earned an associate’s degree in liberal arts and behavioral sciences at Community College of Philadelphia, then attended Temple University to take part in classes from their engineering technology program, before pursuing a bachelor of science degree in information technology from the University of Phoenix.
Rich Olivastri, left, and his father Otello on the main floor of Girard’s power plant.
Together they are responsible for ensuring that the water, electrical, heating and air conditioning systems, fire suppression, and elevators are running across the campus, overseeing routine maintenance that needs to be performed, working with outside contractors on projects, and troubleshooting any problems that occur. The Olivastris also maintain commercial kitchen and laundry equipment and make recommendations when equipment needs to be replaced.
Music, then Mechanics
Rich Olivastri started playing the drums when he was 12 and later went to the Combs College of Music in Philadelphia for a few years. While attending the college, he was required to do a musical performance where he was a student teacher. He ended up at Girard teaching percussion to students in a second-floor classroom in the Armory.
Before Rich started working at Girard, he already had been a drummer in professional dance bands that toured around the country.
“One time they asked my band to perform,” Rich said. “We played for the kids in the Chapel.”
After several years of traveling and performing, Rich shifted gears and became an auto mechanic. In 1983, he enrolled at Philadelphia Wireless Technical Institute and graduated in 1984 with a certification in HVACR Service, specializing in air conditioning repair work.
During his time in the program, Otello approached his son about an opportunity to work in his department at Girard.
“He said to me, ‘There’s an opening at Girard; do you think you’d be interested?” Rich recalled. “I didn’t know anything about the plant operations at the school, but I came here, and I learned about all the mechanical systems across the campus.”
Forty-four years later, his expertise is invaluable during major renovation projects like when Founder’s Hall underwent a $12 million makeover in 2023. He and Marc met with the architects and construction team and made sure they knew important details about the building.
“When people come in here and do a major project, they have long discussions with us,” Rich said. “Then they do their engineering, and their
architects come in.”
He explained that some issues were resolved after these discussions.
“It could have been bad, but we were involved with it to give them the information,” Rich said.
“First time, the right time”
Rich and Marc are diligent about ensuring that any work handled by outside contractors is done correctly.
“Contractors come to the HLP department, and we give them all the information they need,” Rich said. “It’s important to make sure they don’t do something foolish, and then they keep charging the college for change orders. First time, the right time.”
Rich emphasized the importance of communication when outside companies are needed to do repair projects.
“The company needs to send the people who have the experience with what we’re telling them what needs to be fixed,” he said.
Rich and Marc are also involved with making decisions about commercial equipment at the school, including dryers and washing machines in the laundry department.
“Everything that goes on here, whether it’s equipment, whatever, we
continued on page 12
Rich Olivastri works with Quamir Crenshaw, maintenance mechanic, to fix a belt on the exhaust fan on the roof of Banker Hall.
Rich helps Marc with removing and replacing air conditioning filters on the roof of Banker Hall.
continued from page 11
have a hand in that to try to give as much help as we can to the school,” Rich said. “When there’s a challenge, that’s good because then we can come up with an answer.”
Pair of Problem Solvers
During this past summer, they oversaw dozens of major capital projects happening across campus, including the replacement of water backflow devices, known as Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) valves, which the Philadelphia Water Department now requires to ensure the safety of the city’s water supply.
“It’s a massive job because we have 12-inch water lines which are really big,” Rich said. “These lines have to be moved outside into enclosed houses to operate properly.”
The valve replacement project is expected to be completed during this fiscal year, Marc said.
Other projects included upgrading the Trane building automation system on devices in the power plant, making major mechanical upgrades to the high school swimming pool, repairing an underground fire line in the Chapel parking lot, working with the grounds department on the installation of a new automated irrigation system, and continuing to upgrade lighting fixtures with LED lights across the campus.
Experience Matters
Their decades of experience at Girard give them many opportunities to help school leaders avoid potential problems before they occur, including logistical issues.
Marc shared that about 10 years ago someone proposed closing the kitchen in Manley Hall and having all students eat their meals in Banker Hall.
He explained that in 2001 everything was engineered so that students in
Everything that goes on here, whether it’s equipment, whatever, we have a hand in that to try to give as much help as we can to the school.
When there’s a challenge, that’s good because then we can come up with an answer.
—RICH OLIVASTRI
the four EMS dorm buildings would go to the cafeteria in Manley.
“They thought at the time it would save all this money, and it just didn’t work out that way,” Marc said. “We said, ‘This is going to be a nightmare when it’s 20 degrees outside. Once the weather got bad with the snow and ice, getting the kids in and out of jackets, logistically it was a nightmare.”
When this idea resurfaced again, Marc and Rich advised school leaders not to proceed with making that change.
“They listened, and it didn’t happen,” Marc said. “There are things you can’t look up, but through experience, we can say, ‘We don’t recommend this. Here’s the data supporting it. Now make your decision.’”
24-7 Operation
Even when the Olivastris are off duty, they are ready to spring into action to handle emergencies on campus.
“The scariest thing is when the fire pump goes off because you don’t know why it happened,” Marc said.
Rich Olivastri speaks with contractors from Capital Valve Service about a boiler repair project.
“If that fire pump goes off, say two o’clock in the morning, it’s going to call us,” Rich added. “We’re on the phone immediately, and I’m already getting dressed. My clothes are by my bed every night.”
When Rich received Girard’s Distinguished Service Award in 2009, his wife jokingly said that she deserved one too because the calls wake her up in the middle of the night.
“She told the president at the time, ‘Everything that goes on with this college, I’m right there with him,’” Rich said.
With advances in computer technology, Rich and Marc can remotely monitor the buildings, alarm points and fire pumps.
“There’s no leaving here at four,” Rich said. “I’m on call, and he’s on call.”
He added that they receive more calls during the winter months.
“While the kids are sleeping in bed, we’re making sure that the heat doesn’t go off,” Rich said. “In the wintertime, this is a 24-hour operation.”
The Olivastris also have a cadre of outside contractors they work with who can come to campus if a problem occurs.
Olivastri Legacy at Girard
Otello passed away in 2002, but his love for the school never waned.
“My father wanted to know what was going on here,” Rich said. “Even
when he had cancer and was in bed, he would tell me to come over. He wanted to know everything about what was going on here up to his death.”
Knowing that his son and grandson are carrying on the Olivastri legacy at Girard would make Otello “very proud,” Rich said.
“He’d be excited,” Marc added. “When I started working here, he was still alive, and he would stop down to visit.”
Despite being offered jobs elsewhere, Rich has remained at Girard for more than 40 years.
“My dad was working here at the time, and I just liked it here,” he said. “I like being around the kids and feeling like I’m accomplishing something for them.”
The students at Girard are a big part of why Rich and Marc have remained at the school for decades.
“We’re not here for us,” Rich said. “We’re here for them. If you don’t have that mindset, then you shouldn’t work here.”
Retirement?
Unprompted, Rich addressed the question that people often ask him: How long are you going to stay at Girard?
“I don’t even think about it,” Rich said. “I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it, but I’m not there yet. I like working with Marc, and I’m enjoying my life, doing everything I want to do.”
Although retirement isn’t on Rich’s radar, he knows the Olivastri legacy could live on –Marc’s sons, now 10 and eight, might one day follow in their footsteps.
“Maybe one of them will work here,” Marc said. “Who knows? Anything’s possible.”
Marc Olivastri logs into a software system connected to the air handler unit on the roof of Banker Hall to check for any operational issues.
Rich Olivastri stands in front of a tank that feeds water to the steam boilers in the Girard power plant.
Rich Olivastri checks the water lines in the west tunnel.
Diner en Blanc Event Hosted at Girard
Girard College served as the venue for the annual Diner en Blanc Philadelphia event on August 21. The theme was “100 Years of Gatsby.” Girard’s historic campus looked exceptional, and the beautiful weather helped make this year’s Diner en Blanc a memorable experience for everyone who attended the dinner.
Interested in hosting an event at Girard College?
Send a message to events@girardcollege.edu.
Diner en Blanc, which has been held at various pop-up locations in Philadelphia for the past 13 years, is a cultural tradition that gives friends the opportunity to celebrate their shared passions for life, food, fashion, and community – with a pinch of mystery and a large serving of spontaneity. The venue is not revealed until the day of the event, and attendees dress up all in white for a chic outdoor picnic. Guests gather en masse to enjoy a meal, music, dancing, and experience the beauty of the city.
Summertime Refresh: Girard Upgrades Campus
Field Irrigation Project
Improving the irrigation of the main field next to the Armory was initiated this summer in response to dry weather conditions that frequently cause the grass to go dormant, which in turn results in the field being damaged. A new flow control management system was installed, and it includes a sensor that measures the moisture level in the soil and a sensor that detects rainfall and signals the system to temporarily shut off the watering cycle. The new system can be controlled via computer or a handheld remote control.
Renovations Underway in High School and Gymnasium
The high school auditorium received a fresh coat of paint and new LED lights this summer. New stage curtains and chairs are scheduled to be installed this fall.
The gym floor in the Armory was cleaned, and new top coatings were applied. New bleachers will be installed later this year.
Founder’s Hall Museum Receives Desegregation Era Print
Robert F. Houston, a local resident who was involved in the desegregation protests outside Girard College in 1965, recently donated to Founder’s Hall Museum a print of a painting that was made from a photo he took of Cecil B. Moore and Frank Rizzo talking outside the front gate of the school. He contributed this donation to mark the 60th anniversary of the protests.
At the time Houston took this photo, Rizzo was Deputy Police Commissioner of Philadelphia, and Moore, a civil rights leader and attorney, was president of the Philadelphia NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). Moore organized the monthslong protests in 1965 outside Girard College. The first students of color entered Girard on Sept. 11, 1968.
In 2018, on the 50th anniversary of the school’s desegregation, Houston donated copies of several photos he took of the protests, which are now part of the museum’s desegregation collection.
NEW
HIRES
Anzar Anwar, Systems Administrator
Joseph Barber, Cleaning Aide I
Danielle Boddie, Kitchen Worker
Andrea Byrd, Cleaning Aide I
As part of the school’s focus on campus improvements, visual artist Rasheeda Johnson was hired to design new murals at the entrances of Banker Hall. She is a multidisciplinary artist based in Brooklyn, New York, and her paintings have been featured in several group exhibitions in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Maryland and New York City.
Gianna Pinto, Admissions Manager
Janna Reeves, Language Arts Teacher, Elementary
Andrew Russell, Humanities Teacher
Ramyr Sawyer, Security Guard
William Thomas, Maintenance Mechanic
Jiarui Chen, Teaching Assistant Grades 1-3
Andrea Childs, Residential Advisor, High School
Michael Collas, Grounds Person
Ky-Le Drummond, Maintenance Mechanic
Robert Esposito, Chief Advancement Officer
Cedar Fleming, Library Science Teacher
Matthew Frye, Boiler Room Operator
Aaron Jackson, Math Teacher, Elementary
Wendy Lam, Residential Advisor, High School
Shakia Lattimore, Security Guard
Zakiyya Muhammed, Assistant Dean of Residential Life
Tiara Thompkins, Residential Advisor, High School
Emmanuel Tresilus, Residential Advisor, High School
Larry Waples, College & Career Advisor
Ahmid Wheeler, Kitchen Worker
Jaylen Williams, Science Teacher, High School
PROMOTIONS
Genevieve Kelly, Assistant Principal, EMS
Jalyn Martin, Director of Strategy & Governance
Khalimah Rouse, Procurement Coordinator
New Murals in Banker Hall
Gil McDonald ’59: A Life of Service and Strength
WhenGil McDonald walked through the gates of Girard College as a second grader on February 10, 1949, he entered a world that would shape his character, discipline and future service to his country. Decades later, Gil reflected on the lessons that carried him from West End dormitories to military intelligence, always with the Girard spirit.
Early Days at Girard
Gil remembers arriving at Miss Piatt’s Section C, then moving into Section 6 under Miss Helen Boyd, whose famous finger fudge treats left a lasting impression. He quickly adjusted to life away from home, finding comfort in structure that stayed with him for life.
While many struggled with homesickness, Gil accepted Girard with open arms. “I never had the ‘midnight tears,’” he recalled. “I just thought, ‘This is where I am. Go with it.’”
Foundation in Discipline and Values
Girard’s culture of discipline meshed naturally with Gil’s upbringing. “Discipline was never a problem for me,” he said, crediting both his mother’s stern but loving parenting and the school’s high expectations. This respect for order helped him thrive in the U.S. Army, where he served over 20 years in military intelligence.
Caswell MacGregor, a no-nonsense Harvard man who taught English and served as a principal at Girard, demanded academic precision, especially in writing. “He constantly reminded us that we were competing with boys from ‘real’ schools,” Gil said. Those high standards gave him the confidence to brief Army generals later in life.
He also credits Pop Lander’s French class for preparing him to become a French linguist in France and Vietnam.
A Decorated Military Career
After graduating from Girard in 1959, Gil pursued an English Writing degree at the University of Pittsburgh before entering the military through ROTC. He retired as a major after 20 years of service, earning numerous prestigious awards, including the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Joint Service Commendation Medals, three Army Meritorious Service Medals and an Army Commendation Medal, along with the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Vietnam Service Medal.
Throughout Gil’s career, he served as a counterintelligence and intelligence officer and took part in high-stakes military operations in France, Vietnam and Korea.
connected. Together, their class contributed 300+ years of military service, a testament to their shared values of leadership and sacrifice.
For the past several years, he has volunteered in the Girard archives with Kathy Haas, assisting with genealogical inquiries and improving the master student database. He also has maintained the memorial brickyard across from the Chapel.
From briefing generals during the Cold War to advising Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in Vietnam peace talks, Gil’s work had global impact. He uncovered espionage operations, escorted the Viet Cong Commander during withdrawal negotiations, and led intelligence analysis shaping national estimates.
Post-Military Service & Commitment to Girard
After retiring, Gil supported defense operations in the private sector. He directed deployment teams for advanced communications and later helped deploy thousands of linguists post-9/11 to support U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Despite his travels, Gil remained committed to Girard. As Class Secretary for the Class of 1959, he has spent decades keeping classmates
“The Class of ’59 was a good class,” Gil said. “We had doctors, leaders and men of service. Girard gave us the foundation, and we just carried it forward.”
Gil also proudly serves as Adjutant of the Stephen Girard American Legion Post 320. A passionate advocate for veterans, he welcomes alumni recruits from all military branches. With $40 annual dues, joining Post 320 opens the door to community, service opportunities and valuable benefits. If you’re a veteran looking to stay connected and give back, Gil encourages you to join the ranks. If you are a Girardian, you BELONG in Post 320. Visit mylegion. org/personifyebusiness and click on the red “JOIN” button.
IN MEMORIAM
Gilbert “Gil” Bunker ’53
The Girard College community mourns the passing of Gilbert “Gil” Bunker, Class of 1953, who died on July 12, 2025, at the age of 90.
A proud Girard alumnus, Gil dedicated his life to service—first in the U.S. Army, then in law enforcement with the Philadelphia Police Department and Port Authority Transit Corporation. In retirement, he served as a volunteer archivist at Founder’s Hall, helping preserve the school’s history.
Gil remained deeply connected to Girard, earning the Stephen Girard Award, contributing to the Alumni Association, and editing the “7B Buzz” newsletter. He also led the Bunker Family Association, served as president of the International Police Association, and
IN MEMORIAM
Till Our Hearts Be Still
Doug Burleigh ’66
Albert Lee Barnes ’78
Gil Bunker ’53
George Hutchins III ’72
FORMER STAFF:
Charlsie Biard, middle school teacher, reading specialist, elementary school principal and director of education for the entire school.
was active in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War, and other organizations.
In 2015, Gil published his memoir, Living Legacy, capturing the humility, service, and community spirit that defined his life.
He was predeceased by his beloved wives, Louise (Tompkins) and Carole (Hunter) Bunker, and his son, Michael. He is survived by his three children, seven grandchildren, and many relatives and friends.
In honor of his legacy, memorial contributions may be made to the Girard College Alumni Association, 2101 S. College Ave #605, Philadelphia, PA 19121.
Senior U.S. District Judge
William H. Stafford, Jr., resident housemaster
Robert Esposito
From the moment I arrived at Girard College last fall, one thing has stood out above all else: the extraordinary devotion of our alumni. Girardians not only carry their school pride with them for life; they also show a remarkable commitment to lifting up the students who follow in their footsteps.
This spirit of giving back is woven through the generations. I recently had the privilege of meeting the greatgranddaughter of C. Stanley Mackey, the Girardian who composed the music for “Hail Girard”—the alma mater song that has been sung with passion and pride since 1911. His contribution reminds us how deeply alumni shape the life of the College, leaving lasting legacies for future Girardians.
In this issue of S&G, you’ll read about alumni such as Gil McDonald ’59, Dr. Steven Spencer ’94, and Jeff Hero ’74, whose dedication continues to enrich Girard today. They are just a few of many who have given their time, expertise, and resources to ensure that current students have the same transformative opportunities they once enjoyed.
Everywhere I turn on campus, I am inspired by how Girardians support one another—with encouragement, mentorship, and generosity. It is this close-knit spirit that makes the Girard community so special.
I look forward to meeting even more alumni—on campus or wherever our paths may cross. When we see one another, don’t be surprised if I ask you: How will your legacy live on at Girard College?
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:
GIFTS OF CASH
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 2101 S College Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19121
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
