On Campus
retiring faculty
John Stutsman | 40 years
Alice Oltrogge | 40 years
(above left) John Stutsman celebrates his retirement.
A man who has invested himself in just
Nestled in the nook of the Lower School Arts
about every facet of the St. Mark’s experience,
Wing, Alice Oltrogge guided her students
John Stutsman leaves St. Mark’s after teaching
through clay sculpting, wax painting, drawing,
(above middle) Alice Oltrogge with her husband, Gene, son Holme ’86 and daughter-in-law Nicole.
countless students in all areas of math,
papier-mâché construction, linoleum carving,
directing the department of computer services,
and almost every other mode of visual art at
participating in more than 30 Pecos Wilderness
her disposal for four decades.
(above right) Stephanie Barta with fellow science teachers Lukas Rahlson and John Mead.
of sports, including two state championship
“What has been affirmed at my time here is that
water polo teams.
every human is so unique,” Oltrogge said.
Trips, and coaching students in a wide variety
“And when every student creates art, you see Throughout his tenure in the math department,
that uniqueness.”
Mr. Stutsman gained a reputation as one of the best and toughest teachers that St. Mark’s had
In 1989, Mrs. Oltrogge received the John H.
to offer. One student said Mr. Stutsman “helped
Murrell Excellence in Teaching Award from
open my eyes to the wide reach of applications
St. Mark’s. She was further recognized with the
of higher-level mathematics. I’m extremely glad
Teacher Appreciation Award from the City of
to have been in his final class, and I hope he
Dallas and Ackerman Family Master Teaching
enjoyed it as much as we did.”
Chair in Lower School in 2010.
Mr. Stutsman’s legacy will partly be remembered
Beyond her warmth, Mrs. Oltrogge made it her
in the School’s annual water polo tournament,
personal mission to awaken the artistic spirit
named The Stutsman Cup in honor of his
in each of her pupils. She spent her time trying
commitment to the program.
to, as she said, get “the lights to go on” in the boys she taught. Mrs. Oltrogge looks forward to trekking across the country with her husband Gene during retirement.
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On Campus | THE PRIDE
St. Mark’s School of Texas