Saint Mary's School | 175th Anniversary Gala Program

May 12, 2017 Raleigh, North Carolina

SAINT MARY’S SCHOOL one hundred seventy–fifth anniversary

2017 The Hannah Smith ’12 Quad

The Rev. Aldert Smedes opened Saint Mary’s School, a school for young women in Raleigh, on the 12th day of May in 1842. The school promised to furnish a thorough and excellent education, equal to the best that can be obtained in the city of New York, or in any Northern school. Eighteen forty-two proved to be the best of years for beginning a new school for girls, for the doors of Saint Mary’s have remained open ever since. And, Aldert Smedes’s conviction that an educated woman can make a difference in the world remains as relevant in the 21st century as it was in 1842.

Aldert Smedes, 1810-1887

Table of Contents 6 7 8 9 10-11 12 13 14 15 17 19 20 22-31 35 36-45 47

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A Note From the Gala Chairs ..............................

A Note From the Board Chair ..............................

A Tribute to the Honorary Chair ..............................

Special Thanks to the Honorary Committee ..............................

175 Years and Counting ..............................

175th Anniversary Volunteers ..............................

Committees and Chairs ..............................

A Welcome From Monica M. Gillespie, Ph.D. ..............................

A Note From Brendan J. O’Shea ..............................

Evening Festivities .............................. Menu ..............................

Saint Mary’s School Song ..............................

With Gratitude ..............................

Rectors, Presidents, Heads of Saint Mary’s .............................. Milestones ..............................

Artist Narrative

A Note From the Gala Chairs

W

elcome to Saint Mary’s School’s 175th Anniversary Gala! We are delighted you are here and hope you have a wonderful evening celebrating our beloved alma mater, Raleigh’s oldest school, while rekindling old friendships and making new connections. Harry S. Truman once said, “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit,” and tonight you bear witness to the collective efforts of so many Saint Mary’s alumnae, parents, faculty, staff, and friends in our community who have worked tirelessly to create a night to remember. Thank you to our dedicated committee chairs and all the volunteers who have given their time and shared their talents. We are honored to have served as chairs for this momentous occasion as we remember our proud heritage of 175 years of educating young women and the accomplishments of Saint Mary’s yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Joan Comer Johnston ’87C & Laura Norris Raynor ’69HS ’71C

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A Note From the Board Chair

1842–2017

I

am proud that Saint Mary’s, a school that means so much to so many, continues to thrive in its 175th year of setting the bar for excellence in young women’s education. On this storied, historic campus, Saint Mary’s flourishes thanks to a dedicated community of alumnae, faculty, staff, families, and friends, many of whom have volunteered on the committees that made this evening possible. I extend my sincere gratitude particularly to our co-chairs, Laura and Joan. The uniqueness of this school lies in the women and men across generations who have remained as devoted to Saint Mary’s as its progressive founders. Today is a celebration of a cherished past, and of the extraordinary legacy that propels us into the future.

Ted Bratton, Board Chair

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A Tribute to the Honorary Chair

B

Blanche Robertson Bacon ’53HS ’55C and granddaughter Pell Williamson ’18 at the Blanche’s Scholars announcement, 2001.

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lanche “Blanny” Robertson Bacon ’53 HS ’55C is known by the Saint Mary’s community for her love of our school. Her tireless devotion and generosity knows no bounds. As a student “Blanny” was the Assembly Chairman; as an adult she served multiple terms on the Board of Trustees, the Alumnae Council, and has shared her time and talents as a volunteer on countless committees and projects. Saint Mary’s Blanche Scholars program has helped to keep academic excellence at the forefront thanks to a generous donation from her brother Julian Robertson. Her early involvement with our fundraising auctions helped lay the groundwork for great gatherings filled with fun and fellowship.

Blanche is often seen around campus cheering on our Saints or attending special events like the annual concert by UNC’s a capella group The Clef Hangers—a gift her children give to Saint Mary’s in honor of Blanche. One of her proudest moments as an alumna was her induction into the Granddaughters Club when granddaughter Pell Williamson ’18 enrolled. Pell was recently elected by her classmates as next year’s Senior Class President.

Special Thanks to the Honorary Committee

1842–2017

The support and dedication these special women bestow on their alma mater makes it clear that they will forever be in the heart of Saint Mary’s.

Olive Camp Johnson ’44HS Kitty Sigmon Hunter ’40C Eve Hargrave Smith ’53HS Aurelia Fulton Stafford ’48HS ’50C Margaret Cheatham Williams ’50HS ’52C

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175 Years and Counting

F

ounded in 1842 by The Rev. Aldert Smedes, an Episcopal priest, Saint Mary’s School has operated continuously on the same site for 175 years.

With the support of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, Smedes founded Saint Mary’s as a school for young ladies “designed to furnish a thorough and excellent education equal to the best that can be obtained in the city of New York, or in any Northern school.” The school was founded on the site of the Episcopal School of North Carolina, a school for boys which failed in the 1830s. Three of the present school buildings – East Rock, West Rock, and Smedes Hall – formed the original campus.

operation throughout the war. In 1865, General Tecumseh Sherman’s Union troops camped on the school’s front lawn, and Sherman visited Smedes in the main building.

History tells us that 13 girls, “The Original 13,” arrived on the first day, May 12, 1842. A total of 21 students enrolled for the first session.

During the Civil War, Saint Mary’s became a safe haven for relatives of both Union and Confederate generals, including Robert E. Lee’s daughter and the family of Jefferson Davis. Smedes kept the school in continuous

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Chapel, 1857

1842–2017

With a 175-year history of resilience, resolve, and a strong sense of purpose, Saint Mary's School has stood the test of time as Raleigh's oldest continually operating school and remains true to its original mission of educating young women. The 175th school year finds Saint Mary's

School thriving with growing enrollment, consistently increasing fundraising, sound finances, devoted alumnae, dedicated faculty, supportive and engaged parents, bright students, outstanding leadership, a beautiful campus, a new strategic plan, and a distinguished history.

Today, Saint Mary's School is an independent, Episcopal, college-preparatory, boarding and day school dedicated to academic excellence and personal achievement for young women in grades 9-12.

Saint Mary’s enrolled 270 students for 2016-2017 from around the region, the state, the nation and the world.

Fifty-three percent of students reside in dormitories on campus as boarding students, with 47 percent day students from around Raleigh and the Triangle region.

The school’s front campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the North Carolina Civil War Trails. The Saint Mary’s Chapel is a National Historic Site, and five of the school’s buildings are Raleigh Historic Properties.

Historic marker, 2016

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175th Anniversary Volunteers Ashley Williamson Anderson ’86C Anne Allen Mary Martha Beecy Audrey Wall Black ’65C Katherine Hunter Bratton ’69C Claire Bristow Ann Beland Brooks ’73C Kelly Burkhardt Stephanie Carrea ‘16 Lou Whitmire Catania ’77C Betsy Church ’09 Emory Rogers Church ’74C Kim Norfleet Collie ’88C Laura Lewallen Dickinson ‘89HS ‘91C Elizabeth Patteson Dixon ’80HS Rena Harris Earnhardt ’82HS Steve Esthimer Rose Finley Melrose Whitfield Fisher ’72HS ’74C Caroline Fountain ’16 Lucy Fountain Beth A. Gaddis

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Allison Glenn Tina Glover Darden Grubb ’16 Christina K. Hamlin ’95C Katherine Anne Hamlin Ellen Rodman Hathaway ’79HS ’81C Nancy Haywood ’68HS Catherine Joyner Hoft ’76C Elizabeth Hardy Hogan ’81C Libby Holding ’78C Ellen Zollicoffer Jackson ’84HS Hannah Jones ’16 Sydney Kepley Kempson ’83HS Paige Langston Leigh Lawrence SuSu Lilly Clare Garden Maddison ’64C Molly Mahoney Margaret McGlohon ’81C Katie Zevenhuizen Medlin ’78HS ’80C Gina Ellis Minton ’82C Cathy Monaghan

Sue Battle Moore ’63C Lane Turner Nash ’72HS ’74C Beth Ellington Owen ’72HS ’74C Rebecca Pace ’85HS Ann Permar Shawn Purdie Debbie Robbins Laura Lewis Rogers ’75HS ’77C Molly Rohde Ingrid Schneider Kimberley Sherman Melissa Williamson Simpson ’69HS Margie Johnson Springer ’79HS Cheryl Lee Taft ’68C Heather Moore Thompson ’88HS ’90C Colleen Ueland Heather Clark Warren ’89HS ’91C Ashlyn Whitford Beth Williamson Sally Maddison Wooten ’85HS Smedes York

Committees and Chairs

1842–2017

Gala Chairs

Laura Norris Raynor ’69HS ’71C & Joan Comer Johnston ’87C

Honorary Chair & Honorary Committee

Blanche Robertson Bacon ’53HS ’55C, Chair Olive Camp Johnson ’44HS, Kitty Sigmon Hunter ’40C Eve Hargrave Smith ’53HS, Aurelia Fulton Stafford ’48HS ’50C Margaret Cheatham Williams ’50HS ’52C

Board of Trustees Sallie Harris Glover ’81HS ’83C Alumnae Council Libby Holding ’78C Parent Association Heather Moore Thompson ’88HS ’90C

Logistics Claire Bryant Heather Clark Warren ’89HS ’91C Attendance and Sponsors Josie Rawl Hall ’74C Lyn Maness Wes Ragland Program and Historic Video Ruth E. Perry Holding ’81C Mary Hannah Wyman Jones ’84HS ’86C Blanche Spencer Williamson ’76HS

Decorations Nancy Church Coles Hines Jones ’79HS ’81C Paige Marsh Communications Liza Roberts Anna Zevenhuizen ’07 175 Boutique Millicent P. Mooring ’94HS

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A Welcome From Monica M. Gillespie, Ph.D.

S

aint Mary’s alumnae are at the heart of our school; and our school lives in the hearts of our alumnae.

The strength, grace, and generosity of Saint Mary’s alumnae have been unmatched for 175 years. No institution has a more devoted and connected body of alumnae than Saint Mary’s School.

This evening is a testament to the thousands of women who love their alma mater and all it has meant, and continues to mean in their lives. On behalf of the students, faculty, and staff, we welcome you home and thank you and your Saint Mary’s sisters all over the world who have made not only tonight possible, but have been dedicated to help ensure Saint Mary’s future as a place where girls can learn, grow, and thrive.

Dr. Monica Gillespie

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A Note From Brendan J. O’Shea

1842–2017

H

appy birthday, Saint Mary’s School! Today marks an incredible milestone in Saint Mary’s history and an opportunity to renew our commitment to a mission and vision that has endured and grown over 175 years.

One can only imagine what The Rev. Aldert Smedes would be thinking if he were here with us tonight. I believe he would be exhilarated to find his torch for girls’ education proudly carried forward today. I am honored to pick up that torch, as Dr. Gillespie and others before me have done, and carry it into an exciting future for Saint Mary’s School. Congratulations to everyone involved in this evening’s celebration. It is a wonderful tribute to an amazing institution.

Brendan J. O’Shea

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Evening Festivities

1842–2017

Welcome Blessing Proclamation Unveiling Happy Birthday Toast Dance the Night Away with

The Black and Blue Experience 17

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Menu

1842–2017

Fresh Crab and Mango Salad in Belgian Endive Leaves Tuna and Caper Tartare in Spicy Wasabi Edible Spoons Shaved Country Ham Rolls with Brown Sugar Butter Layered Five Cheese Mac & Cheese & Pulled Pork BBQ, Garnished with Herbed Cracker Crumbles Roasted Grape and Ricotta Bruschetta with Olive Oil and Sea Salt Fresh Chilled Summer Gazpacho Shooters Smoked Turkey Breast with Farmer’s Fruit Chutney 12 Hour Oak Smoked Blue Cheese Beef Brisket with Marinated Asian Slaw Fried Shrimp Burgers with Homemade Slaw and Spicy Cocktail Sauce Pork Tenderloin with Bacon Honey Brussels Sprouts and Mango Chutney Fried Soft Shell Crabs over Summer Corn relish Parmesan Penne Pesto Chef’s Selection Southern Antipasta Display Assorted Petite Tartlets (Chocolate, Lemon, Pecan and Cheesecake) with Fruit Garnish Assorted Macaroons | Saint “Cakes”

irresistible delicacies made possible by Ladyfingers Caterers | The Eure Family | Long Beverage | The Pour Bar Services

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Hail, Saint Mary’s Adapted from Margaret Mason Young, 1899.

VERSE: In a grove of stately oak trees, Where the sunlight lies, Stands Saint Mary’s true and noble ‘Neath the Southern Skies.

CHORUS: Far and wide, Oh sound her praises, Chorus full and free Hail, Saint Mary’s Alma Mater Hail, all hail to thee!

VERSE: Well, we love the little Chapel Ever hold it dear, Hear the echoes of the music Rising soft and clear CHORUS

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1842–2017

VERSE: There the ivy and the roses Climb the old stone wall; There the sweet enticing bird notes Sound their magic call.

CHORUS VERSE: There the bonds of friendship strengthen As her beauties charm; We draw close to Alma Mater, Trust her guiding arm.

CHORUS

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With Deep Appreciation

1842–2017

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ith grateful hearts we express our sincere thanks to the thousands of Saint Mary’s families of yesterday and today who have continued to create opportunities for our girls, secure our financial future, and lead a legacy for another 175 years.

Thank you to our alumnae, students, faculty, staff, parents, grandparents, friends, Giving Circles, leadership, and our incredible community of sponsors for your unmatched loyalty and ongoing tremendous support for making 175 years possible!

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Dodransbicentenial Circle

Blanche Robertson Bacon ’53HS ’55C First Citizens Bank

Heritage Video Production Celebration Event Photography, Marquee Entrance & Gala Table

Ralph & Linda Kerr Moore ’69C Gala Anniversary Big Tent & Gala Table

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Dodransbicentenial Circle

1842–2017

Julian H. Robertson, Jr.

in honor of Blanche Robertson Bacon ’53HS ’55C

Steve & Ashley Richardson Allen ’81C

Commemorative Anniversary Program Printing & Gala Table Honorary Trees in honor of the Class of ’81C in honor of the Class of ’07 in honor of Theo Wilkes Coonrod in honor of the Granddaughter’s Club in memory of Henry McIlwaine Read in memory of Georgia Lee Kinsey ’81C 25

Smedes Benefactor

Zack Hampton Bacon, Jr.

Wake Stone Corporation

in honor of Blanche Robertson Bacon ’53HS ’55C

175th Anniversary Event Décor

Richard L. & Maureen Chilton, Jr.

Blanche Spencer Williamson ’76HS

in honor of Blanche Robertson Bacon ’53HS ’55C

in honor of Blanche Robertson Bacon ’53HS ’55C Heritage Video Production

Tracy Woolard Mayo ’88C Gala Stage & Dance Floor

Russell & Sally Dalton Robinson ’51HS Sherwood & Eve Hargrave Smith ’53HS Grand Gala Entrance & Gala Table & Honorary Tree

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Caroline, Caroline, Rob & Wyndham Williamson in honor of Blanche Robertson Bacon ’53HS ’55C Dance the Night Away Gala Band

Julian & Beth, Pell ’18, Blanche ’21 & Elizabeth Williamson in honor of Blanche Robertson Bacon ’53HS ’55C Dance the Night Away Gala Band

Saint Society Mike & Gloria Taft Becker ’92HS Gala Parlors Under the Big Tent

1842–2017 W. Trent Ragland Family

Ted & Margaret Bratton

Risher & Fairfax Crow Randall ’56C Gala Table

Doug & Mary Jane Bryant, Richard & Claire Bryant Gala Table

Buddy & Sue Warburton Redd ’56C Gala Table

John & Mary Louise Bizzell Burress ’56C Gala Table

Lauren Sessoms Rivers ’90C

Mary Clara Capel ’76HS ’78C

Alex & Alexandra Robertson in honor of Blanche Robertson Bacon ’53HS ’55C

The Eure Family, Van Eure ’73HS ’75C & Shelley Eure Belk ’77HS Glenwood Real Estate Agency

The Rivers Agency

Wyndham Robertson in honor of Blanche Robertson Bacon ’53HS ’55C

Jim & Mary Flagg Nimocks Haugh ’76C Gala Table

Tommy & Gray Clark Stoughton ’78HS ’80C Honorary Tree & Gala Table

Leigh A. Lawrence & Ann-Cabell Baum ’87C Gala Table

Cassie Warrington ’93HS ’95C in honor of my sweet mama, Cathy Leggett Warrington ’69HS Gala Table

Ann Penton Longley ’52C Gala Table John & Lane Turner Nash ’72HS ’74C Gala Table

The Margaret Cheatham Williams ’50HS ’52C Family Gala Table & Student Night Out 27

1842 Friend

Balentine Joe & Mary Catherine Benson Grew ’01 Rob & Linda Grew Ellen Rodman Hathaway ’79HS ’81C

Henry & Tracey Fodor Smith in honor of Hannah Lilly Smith ’12

Hubert & Emmett Haywood

Robbie & Jennifer Jones Stallings ’90C Light the Night Chandeliers

Ken & Martha Howard

Jeff & Wende Szyperski

Jim & Kee Hood Marshall ’75HS Light the Night Chandeliers

Smedes & Rosemary Adair York ’62C Light the Night Chandeliers

Rodney & Elizabeth Rasberry Pitts ’79C

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Bill & Melanie Hood Rankin ’77HS Light the Night Chandeliers

Stately Oaks Patron

1842–2017

Anonymous in honor of Georgette Campbell, Professor Emerita of Biology, from a former student

Scott & Molly Mahoney in honor of their daughters Alex Mahoney ’13, Mary Kate Mahoney ’18, & Megan Mahoney ’20

Pat Baryenbruch & Laura Ford

Lyn Maness Honorary Tree, in honor of the Saint Mary’s Development Office

Vic & Mary Grady Koonce Bell ’81HS Honorary Tree, in honor of my mother, Mary Grady Burnette Koonce '54 C Martin & Mary Boney Cameron Smith Callaway ’80HS, Evie Smith Davis & Marlin Smith Dohlman ’77HS in honor of Sherwood H. & Eve Hargrave Smith ’53HS with love and thanks from their daughters: Marlin, Cameron, & Evie Mac & Kim Norfleet Collie ’88C Fleur

Marsh & McLennan Agency Laura, Hurley, Markus & grandson Robert in honor of our mother Laura Norris Raynor ’69HS ’71C William & Aurelia Stafford Monk Ben & Sue Battle Moore ’63C Newcomb & Company Larry & Debbie Robbins Thomas Dittmer & Frances M. Schultz ’76HS ’78C

Philip & Carter Warren Franke ’75HS ’77C

Aurelia Fulton Stafford ’48HS ’50C Honorary Tree

Betty Debnam Hunt ’47HS ’49C

William & Lee Archibald Taylor ’78C

Olive Camp Johnson ’44HS Honorary Tree Ran and Joan Comer Johnston ’87C in honor of their daughters Margaret Ivy Johnston ’20 & Martha Luck Johnston ’20 Stephen F. Later

Mark & Nancy Kerr Thomason ’73HS ’75C Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry Tim & Laura Ward Lee & Margaret Longley White ’79C Witherspoon Rose Culture

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A Special Thank You Thank you for your extraordinary time and energy!

1842–2017 Jordan Atwater Brian Biddle Roger Black The Office of Governor Roy Cooper SarahLewis Peele ’09 Ian C. Dunne Steven Esthimer The Eure Family, Van Eure ’73HS ’75C & Shelley Eure Belk ’77HS Beth A. Gaddis John Griffin The Hamlin Family Ellen Rodman Hathaway ’79HS ’81C Heath Hilliker Tudi Martin Jackson ’91HS Ran Johnston Carol Klenke Kirsten Monroe Eric Poss Julie Ricciardi Mary Virginia Swain ’77C Lynn Johnson Titchener ’73C Blanche Spencer Williamson ’76HS

The Board of Trustees Calligraphy Plus Char-Grill DeCoupage et Plus Dupor Design, Inc. Fleur Institutional Leadership Team Ladyfingers Caterers Lassiter Mill Gardens Letter5 Print & Design Long Beverage McLaurin Parking Party Reflections Pour Bar Services Office of Development Office of the Head of School Office of Marketing & Communications The Rivers Agency Themeworks

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1842–2017

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Rectors, Presidents, Heads of Saint Mary’s

1842–2017

T he Re v. A ld e r t S m e d e s , D. D. ( Rect o r) | 1 842- 1 877 T he Re v. B e n n e t t S m e d e s , D. D. (R ect o r) | 1 877- 1 899 T he Re v. T h e o d ore D u B os e B r at t o n , D.D. (R ect o r) | 1 899- 1 903 T he Re v. M c N e e ly D u B os e . D. D. (R ect o r) | 1 903 - 1 907 T he Re v. Ge org e Wi lli am L ay, D.D. (R ect o r) | 1 907- 1 91 8 T he Re v. War re n Wad e Way, D. D. (R ect o r) | 1 91 8- 1 93 2 M a rga re t J on e s Cru i k s h an k 1 8 96 (Presi dent ) | 1 93 2- 1 946 Ri c ha rd Gab r i e l S t on e , P h . D. ( P resi dent ) | 1 946- 1 969 T he Re v. Fr an k War re n P i s an i , D.D. (Presi dent ) | 1 969- 1 976 Jo hn T h om as R i c e ( P re s i d e n t ) | 1 976- 1 987 C l a u st on J e n k i n s , J r. , P h . D. ( Presi dent ) | 1 986- 1 999 T he o W i lk e s C o on ro d ( H e a d of Scho o l ) | 2000- 201 2 M o ni c a M . Gi lle s p i e , P h . D. ( H ea d o f Scho o l ) | 201 2- 201 7 Bre ndan J. O ’S h e a ( H e a d of S c ho o l ) | 201 7-

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Milestones On May 12, at the direction of North Carolina Bishop Levi Silliman Ives, The Rev. Aldert Smedes, an Episcopal priest, opens the doors of Saint Mary’s School and welcomes the “Original 13” students.

East Rock and West Rock are constructed for the Episcopal School for Boys with leftover stones from the construction of the state capitol.

Construction completed on the impressive main building, now Smedes Hall.

1834-1835 36

1837

1842

Robert E. Lee enrolls his daughter, Mildred, at Saint Mary’s, where he believes she will be safe during the Civil War. Saint Mary’s is one of the few schools to remain open throughout the war and is a safe haven for the relatives of both Union and Confederate generals and the family of Jefferson Davis.

Gen. Tecumseh Sherman’s Union troops camp on Saint Mary’s front lawn as the Civil War nears an end. Gen. Oliver Otis Howard tells Aldert Smedes that “nothing was to be feared from his troops.”

Saint Mary’s Chapel, a board and batten Gothic Revival chapel, is completed from a design by renowned church architect Richard Upjohn, who also designed Trinity Church Wall Street in New York City and Christ Church in Raleigh.

1856

1862

1865 37

Kate McKimmon organizes the Granddaughters Club for students who are direct descendants of Saint Mary’s alumnae.

Saint Mary’s holds its first commencement exercises.

A kindergarten is opened for children of ages four to seven.

• The first fund-raising campaign is led by Bishop Cheshire, who sets out to raise $100,000.

1879 38

1897

1909

The Order of the Circle honorary leadership society of the college is founded by President Margaret Cruikshank.

Saint Mary’s celebrates its centennial year, marking a century of excellence in women’s education.

Alumna Margaret Jones Cruikshank 1896 is elected the first female president of Saint Mary’s (1932-1946).

1932

1938

1942 39

Sarah Graham Kenan Library is completed and dedicated.

The Beacon honorary leadership society is established for the high school.

Saint Mary’s own combo, the Cold Cuts, became a recognized campus organization. The group performed for campus events, assemblies, civic groups, and fraternity parties, until it ended in 1998 when the final college class graduated. Today, Echo serves as a revival of the Cold Cuts sharing school spirit throughout the year.

1948 40

1959-60

1966

Ragland Classroom Building is built and dedicated.

The Lighting O’ the Green was first held in 1981 as a gift from Saint Mary’s to the Raleigh community founded by the 1981-1982 Student Government Association (SGA) officers and Henry Read, Saint Mary’s director of development from 1977-1996. • The high school tennis team, coached by Mary Lou Jones, captures the NCISAA state championship title.

Saint Mary’s celebrates its Sesquicentennial with the 150th birthday Aldert Smedes Ball in the spring and a birthday party in the fall with fireworks over Smedes Hall.

1971

1981

1992 41

Mazie Strickland Froelich ’51C is elected first female chair of the Board of Trustees. • Bacon Gym is named with a gift from son Louis Moore Bacon and dedicated in memory of Ann Kidder Moore Bacon ’49C. • Nimocks Field is built with a gift from trustee David Nimocks and dedicated in honor of his wife, Elisabeth Burns Nimocks ’48C.

The Board of Trustees votes unanimously to phase out the college program to focus all the school’s efforts on excellence in education for girls at the high school level. The name reverts to the school’s original name, Saint Mary’s School. • The dining hall is named and dedicated Chan-Poyner Hall by the James M. Poyner family. • The arts building is named and dedicated Bratton Hall by the Bratton family in memory of Saint Mary’s third rector, the Rt. Rev. Theodore DuBose Bratton.

The final college class graduates.

The Class of 1998 closes the Circle and the Cold Cuts in grand style with alumnae on reunion weekend.

1994

1997

1998

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The Blanche Robertson Bacon Honors Scholarship program is created with a $3 million gift from Josie and Julian Robertson of New York City to honor Mr. Robertson’s sister, Blanche Robertson Bacon ’53HS ’55C. The program is designed to attract the best and brightest students from around the nation. • The varsity soccer team wins the TISAC conference and NCISAA state championships.

East Park Science Building is purchased and renovated as a state of the art science facility.

• The varsity swim team finishes undefeated at 19-0 and sweeps the TISAC conference and NCISAA state championship meets.

1999

The Sigma-Mu societies are successfully revived with a 21st century twist after a 25-year hiatus.

2001

2002 43

With support of the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust, Sarah Graham Kenan Library undergoes its first major update since it was built in 1966, creating a fresh, functional, welcoming 21st-century learning hub for students.

The Annual Fund exceeds $1 million for the first time.

Smedes Hall reopens with a ribbon cutting in August after major renovation in time for the opening of school with boarding students moving in for the first time in 10 years.

2006 44

2007

2014

Saint Mary’s launches its Athletics Hall of Fame in April with the induction of the inaugural class including tennis coach, professor, chair of physical education and dean of students emerita Mary Lou Jones and her undefeated college tennis teams of 1975-1976 and 1976-1977.

Saint Mary’s marks its 175th anniversary, May 12, celebrating 175 years of continuous operation true to the founder’s original mission and vision.

The North Carolina Highway Historical Marker Program bestows and dedicates a new historical marker upon Saint Mary’s.

2016

2017

2017 45

Ellen Rodman Hathaway ’79HS ’81C Faith, Hope, and Love, 2017 Acrylic mixed-media on raw canvas mounted on birch 36 x 36 x 3 inches

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Artist’s Narrative

1842–2017

T

he handkerchief drops each spring beckoning the future.

Much like the seed planted within the soil, it gestates and blooms at the appointed time. In 1842, The Rev. Aldert Smedes set out to “furnish a thorough and elegant education” and named the school Saint Mary’s, hoping that the faith and strength of Mary, the mother of Jesus, would be an example to its students. This is the foundation for flourish in the 175 years since, and the nurture for each graduate moving onward. As well, it is the inspiration for this painting.

The faith and strength of Mary is fully realized by the love of her son on the cross, the cross gazing upon our school from atop Smedes. It is set against the blue and dappled greens “grove of stately oak trees ‘neath the southern skies.”

The scholar carries the iris that blooms on the campus as she graduates, symbolizing the gestation promise is now full bloom and living within the world. This artwork is painted on raw canvas to recall the handkerchief. Texture created with coarse pumice gel signifies not only brick and stone, but also the passage of time. Marks and gestures of acrylic paint and dry media create the garden of women who have lived, learned, and loved within the walls of Saint Mary’s.

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Happy Birthday!

1842-2017