Dr. Robert M. Sapolsky
As a boy in New York City, Robert M. Sapolsky dreamed of living inside the African dioramas in the Museum of Natural History. By the age of 21, he made it to Africa and joined a troop of baboons. Although the life of a naturalist appealed to him because it was a chance to “get the hell out of Brooklyn,” he never really left people behind. In fact, he chose to live with the baboons because they are perfect for learning about stress and stressrelated diseases in humans. His gift for storytelling led The New York Times to suggest, “If you crossed Jane Goodall with a borscht-belt comedian, she might have written a book like A Primate’s Memoir,” Dr. Sapolsky’s account of his early years as a field biologist. For more than 30 years, Sapolsky has divided his time between fieldwork with baboons and highly technical neurological research in the laboratory. As a result, he can effortlessly move from a discussion of pecking orders in primate societies (human and baboon) to an explanation of how neurotransmitters work during stress—and get laughs doing it. Dr. Sapolsky is a MacArthur Genius Fellow, a professor of biology and neurology at Stanford University, and a research associate with the Institute of Primate Research at the National Museum of Kenya.
Musical Ensemble PHOTO BY STANFORD NEWS AGENCY
Biologist, Neuroscientist, Writer, and Stress Expert
The Celebration Jazz Orchestra
Founded in 1985 to provide a musical venue for former high school and college musicians, The Celebration Jazz Orchestra plays simply for the love of music, especially big band jazz. Since its inception, the group has attracted top-level musicians, both professionals and music educators, resulting in outstanding musical quality combined with a passion for performing great music. Now in its 29th year and comprised of 17 members, the band’s repertoire ranges from jazz, swing and Latin standards, to the “modern” Big Band era of the 1950s and 1960s, to avant-garde compositions representing the 21st century evolution of big band music. Entertaining at weddings, private parties, corporate functions, and clubs over the past 28 years, the band has also performed at the Wichita Jazz Festival, the Richardson Wildflower Festival, the Toyland Ball, and the Dance with Me studio in Plano. During their visit to St. Mark’s, members of The Celebration Jazz Orchestra will work intensively with St. Mark’s Studio Band members for two days, culminating in a joint concert open to the community at 7:00 p.m. on February 27, 2014, in Decherd Performance Hall.
Wednesday & Thursday, October 9–10, 2013
Wednesday & Thursday, February 26–27, 2014
Robert E. Dennard Visiting Scholar
Willard E. Walker, Jr. ’66 Visiting Scholar
Visiting Scholars Programs
Visiting Scholars Programs The Robert E. Dennard Visiting Scholars Program is supported by the Robert E. Dennard Memorial Fund, the D. Gordon Rupe Foundation, and the Margaret McDermott and Ida Green Lectureship Fund. The Program brings to campus noted professionals who share their knowledge and experience with the School community. Robert E. Dennard served on the St. Mark’s Board of Trustees from 1964 to 1982. The Willard E. Walker, Jr. ’66 Visiting Scholars Program was created by the St. Mark’s Board of Trustees to honor Bill Walker ’66. Endowed and supported by his friends and family, the Program provides special opportunities for students in geology, music, and Spanish language and culture. Willard E. Walker, Jr. ’66 served on the St. Mark’s Board of Trustees from 1979 to 1985.
Roberta L. Mailer, Director 214-346-8130 • mailer@smtexas.org Marjorie M. Morrison, Associate Director 214-346-8165 • morrisonm@smtexas.org St. Mark’s School of Texas 10600 Preston Road Dallas, TX 75230- 4047 214 -346-8000 • www.smtexas.org
2013 – 2014