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The Pride | Fall 2013

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PRIDE THE

Fall 2013 Volume 19, Issue 2 St. Mark’s School of Texas Alumni Magazine

Meeting the Challenge The Campaign Concludes


St. Mark’s Alumni Association CALENDAR OF EVENTS

2013 August 6 October 1 October 4 October 10 October 18 October 19 November 22 November 27 December 12 December 17 December 19

Senior Send-Off Austin Alumni Gathering Homecoming Kick-Off Party Alumni Breakfast with Visiting Scholar Dr. Robert Sapolsky Boston Breakfast The Farewell Tour, New York City Hanover Alumni Gathering Young Alumni Holiday Party Alumni Holiday Luncheon A Festival of Lessons & Carols College-Age Alumni Holiday Lunch

2014 January 4 Alumni Soccer & Basketball Games January 24 The Farewell Tour, Los Angeles January 25 The Farewell Tour, San Francisco February 15 The Farewell Tour, Houston February 16 The Farewell Tour, Austin February 22 Celebrate St. Mark’s April 24–26 Alumni Weekend 2014 Classes ending in 4’s & 9’s celebrate Reunions May 23 Commencement Senior/Alumni Luncheon

See the full Calendar of Events at www.smtexas.org/AlumniEvents


Contents

THE

PRIDE St. Mark’s School of Texas Alumni Magazine Volume 19, Issue 2 • Fall 2013

ON CAMPUS

8

17

2 | In Retrospect 3 | Letter From the Editor 4 | College Matriculation 6 | Sports News 8 | International Pride 10 | End-of-Year Tradition 11 | Student Accolades 16 | A Modern Indiana Jones 17 | Baccalaureate and Commencement 20 | Special Senior Awards 22 | Retiring Faculty 24 | Retiring Trustees

ALUMNI NEWS 26 | Alumni Board Report 30 | Summer Alumni Luncheon 32 | Alumni in the News 34 | Alumni Network Task Force 35 | Alumni Weekend 42 | Alumni Association Awards

35

SPOTLIGHT ON PHILANTHROPY 44 | Campaign Leadership

FEATURES

44

46 | The Centennial Challenge Final Report 52 | Shaping a Legacy

NOTES AND REMARKS 56 | Class Notes 67 | Faculty Notes 69 | In Memoriam 72 | End Notes

52 ABOUT OUR COVER Campaign Co-Chairs Casey McManemin ’79, Kathy Crow, and Wallace Hall ’80 at the Campaign Launch Dinner in 2009.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2013 | Contents

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On Campus

in retrospect Intellectual Atmosphere These Marksmen are hard at work in a photo from the 1964 Marksmen yearbook. The caption under the photo reads “Intellectual Atmosphere.” If you can help identify or have a good story about this group of students, please let us know. Send information to Katy Rubarth, St. Mark’s School of Texas, 10600 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75230–4047 or email her at rubarthk@smtexas.org.

In the Last Issue The photo was taken in October 1983 at a parade to honor the School’s anniversary. We’ve had some differing opinions as to who the mischievous Marksmen in this golf cart may be. We believe that the Marksman on the far left is Tim Glass ’71. Standing next to him is either Harden Wiedemann ’71 or Tom Cushing III ’72. Harrison Williams ’71 sits in the back wearing sunglasses. Finally, we’ve received a number of possibilities for the two up front, including Rick Stanley ’71, David Stanley ’72, or Brett Campbell ’74 for the one on the left, and Steve Skelton ’71 or Brock Compton ’73 for the driver. If you have more insight into this photo, please email rubarthk@smtexas.org. Thanks to all who helped us identify the participants, including David Faith ’72, Hal Jayson ’74, Bill Graue ’84, and Phil Montgomery ’72. Sadly, Phil passed away in early October 2013.

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On Campus | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas


Letters

from the editor

If I were to sum up this issue with a single word it would be “celebration.” There’s so much to celebrate here at 10600 Preston Road, and this issue reflects the St. Mark’s spirit at its best. We celebrate our traditions and our rich history on which our future is built even as we look forward to new possibilities with optimism. That takes character, courage, and community. After more than seven years of hard work by hundreds of volunteers, The Centennial Challenge successfully concluded this summer, cementing the foundation for excellence at St. Mark’s for the next 100 years. Our extraordinary Headmaster celebrated his twentieth and penultimate year leading the School, having successfully steered St. Mark’s through one (above) The editor celebrating with Campaign Co-Chairs Casey McManemin ’79, Wallace Hall ’80, and Kathy Crow.

of the most ambitious campaigns of any day school in the nation. Earlier this fall, Arnie and Jan visited New York City for the first stop on their Farewell Tour, and it is clear that their legacy resonates not just with the alumni from Arnie’s tenure but with Marksmen of all ages. In this issue, held back expressly for this purpose, we feature the final report of The Centennial Challenge. The School has also launched a website dedicated to sharing the story of this incredible fundraising effort: TheCentennialChallengeFinalReport.org. I see the results of the Campaign all over campus,

Correction from the Last Issue Page 8 ~ Stuart Montgomery ’15 (far right) was misidentified as Peter Montgomery ’12. We sincerely apologize for the mistake.

from state-of-the-art learning facilities to worldclass instructors, from the ever-broadening slate of programs to the rich diversity of our community. I can honestly say the results speak for themselves. ~ Katy B. Rubarth Director of Communications

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2013 | On Campus

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On Campus

2009–2013 college matriculation FOUR: Brown University Georgetown University Texas Christian University Texas Tech University University of Michigan THREE: Carnegie Mellon University Claremont McKenna College

TEN OR MORE: Dartmouth College Northwestern University Princeton University Rice University Southern Methodist University Texas A&M University University of Pennsylvania University of Southern California University of Texas at Austin Vanderbilt University FIVE TO NINE: Boston University Columbia University Duke University Harvard University Massachusetts Institute of Technology New York University Rhodes College Stanford University United States Naval Academy University of Chicago University of Miami University of Missouri—Columbia University of Texas at Austin—Plan II University of Texas at Dallas University of Virginia Washington University in St. Louis Yale University

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On Campus | THE PRIDE

Colgate University Davidson College Emory University Georgia Institute of Technology Northeastern University Purdue University Trinity University United States Military Academy University of Notre Dame TWO: Baylor University California Institute of Technology Colorado School of Mines Cornell University Harvey Mudd College Haverford College Hendrix College Indiana University Pomona College Tulane University University of Alabama University of Colorado at Boulder University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of Oklahoma University of Texas at Arlington Wake Forest University Washington and Lee University Williams College ONE: Amherst College Arizona State University Bates College Boston College Bowdoin College

Bowling Green State University Bucknell University Chapman University Clemson University Colby College College of William and Mary Colorado State University Franklin & Marshall College Franklin Olin College of Engineering Furman University George Washington University Gettysburg College Hampshire College Houston Baptist University Howard University Johns Hopkins University Lehigh University Loyola Marymount University Marion Military Institute Middlebury College Oberlin Conservatory of Music Occidental College Pepperdine University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rhode Island School of Design Rollins College Schreiner University Southwestern University St. Edward’s University St. John’s University Swarthmore College Trinity College United States Air Force Academy University of California—Berkeley University of California—Santa Barbara University of Georgia University of Illinois at Urbana-tChampaign University of Kansas University of Minnesota University of North Texas University of Pittsburgh University of Richmond University of Rochester University of South Carolina University of Texas at San Antonio University of Wisconsin Virginia Military Institute Virginia Polytechnic Institute

St. Mark’s School of Texas


On Campus

class of 2013 college matriculation University of Texas. . . . . . . . . . Hunter J. Book at Austin Evan M. Chang-Tung Alexander Hyun Choy Otto Henry Clark-Martinek Carl Lewis Dickson Michael J. Doorey III Matthew J. Genecov Daniel E. Koudelka Hansen Kuo Rajat Kumar Mittal Robert Matthew Orth Umang P. Shah Mihir Srivastava Alexander Charles Tassopoulos Reid J. Thompson Brian Edward Vodicka Dartmouth College . . . . . . . . . John F. Gilmore III Paul A. Gudmundsson Justin Patrick Harvey Samuel C. Libby Henry C. Woram Southern Methodist . . . . . . . . Omer Ahmed University Jorge Alfredo Hinojosa Niccolo S. Lazzara Deshawon G. Nembhard Roscoe Charles Thompson New York University . . . . . . . . Bryceson Ahart Holcomb Joshua S. Jang Brendan J. Pak James E. Papin, Jr. University of Southern. . . . . . Dominic Larkin Garcia California Michael McAllister Gohlke James Taubert Nadalini, Jr. Max Asa Naseck Vanderbilt University . . . . . . . Brendan Daniel Freeman Michael Gage Gilliland Stephen Neil Rambin Brandon K. Stetler Princeton University. . . . . . . . Aarav D. Chavda Sierra Moon Goldstein Steven Da-Chuan Tsai Davidson College. . . . . . . . . . . Carlton Elder III George Harden Law Duke University. . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Joseph Eichenwald Mitchell Harrison Lee Northwestern University . . . . William Burr Altabef Daniel J. Hersh Purdue University . . . . . . . . . . Travis Jeffrey Garza Rafael Luis Salcedo Texas A&M University. . . . . . . Harrison Lee Hewitt Ryan Heathcote Miller

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Texas Tech University . . . . . . . . . . . . Jevon Nehemiah Oliver Kendrick Trevon Spraglin University of Texas at Dallas . . . . . . Pramukh Sai Atluri Padmaditya Sureddi University of Pennsylvania . . . . . . . Andrew Joseph Graffy Milan Rashmin Savani University of Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . Conner Dalton Lynch John Parker Matthews Baylor University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cameron Bradford Mendoza Brown University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Warren Henry Smith Carnegie Mellon University. . . . . . . Noah Sanger Goetz Clemson University . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oliver William de la Croix-Vaubois Colby College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cameron J. Hillier Columbia University. . . . . . . . . . . . . Rachit Mohan Georgetown University. . . . . . . . . . . Zachary Alton Burdette George Washington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew R.C. Goodman University Georgia Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shivum Agrawal of Technology Harvard University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Noah Gold Yonack Haverford College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zacharia M.J. Alden Lehigh University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Samuel Elliot Cassell Marion Military Institute. . . . . . . . . Cole Alan Labhart Massachusetts Institute . . . . . . . . . . Kareem Ryan Itani of Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Jerry Rowan Rhodes College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William Budner Rice University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chandler Joseph Burke St John’s University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert Lee Walton Stanford University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kevin E. Bass Swarthmore College . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meyer A. Thalheimer Texas Christian University . . . . . . . Mark Seymour Senter, Jr. Trinity College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harrison W. Quarls University of Alabama . . . . . . . . . . . Christopher K. Roach University of Texas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christopher D. Hicks at Arlington University of Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jun H. Park at Urbana-Champaign University of Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . Alan U. Rosenthal University of Missouri— . . . . . . . . . Homer Angelov Gaidarski Columbia University of Notre Dame. . . . . . . . . Andres Giovanni Lincon Wake Forest University. . . . . . . . . . . William C. Moor, III Washington and Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew McClendon Hall University Washington University . . . . . . . . . . Adam Scott Rawot in St. Louis College of William & Mary. . . . . . . . Samuel Dylan Kirksey Yale University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William M. Chang

Fall 2013 | On Campus

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On Campus

sports news

Lacrosse (above) The varsity lacrosse, swim, soccer, and volleyball teams celebrate their championship wins.

In its 20th season as a varsity sport, the lacrosse

team from the south zone, for the title.

team won its first ever Texas High School

After a tense first half, the Lions shut down the

Lacrosse League Division I State Championship.

Falcons, winning the game and SPC title, 3-1.

Down 6-1 to ESD in the second quarter, the

All-SPC members include Evan Chang-Tung ’13,

Lions stormed back to tie the game at 7-7 on

Daniel Hersh ’13, Kareem Itani ’13, Danny

a goal by Evan Chang-Tung ’13 with less than

Koudelka ’13, and Parker Matthews ’13.

a minute left in regulation. Chang-Tung then went on to secure the 8-7 victory for the Lions

Swimming

by scoring another goal in overtime. This

During the SPC Championship meet, the Lions

victory comes after the team secured the SPC

won all three relay events with new SPC records.

Championship for the ninth time in the past ten

The 200 Medley Relay and 200 Free Relay teams

years. Justin Harvey ’13 was awarded Defensive

also set new School records with their winning

MVP in the game, while Chang-Tung took home

times. At the end of the meet, St. Mark’s finished

Overall MVP.

with 180 points, a full 100 points ahead of the second-place team.

Soccer The varsity soccer team successfully defended

All-SPC members include: Caleb Crowe ’16,

its crown, winning the SPC Championship for

Otto Clark-Martinek ’13, Richard Jiang ’15,

the second year in a row. Kareem Itani ’13 led

Johnathan Kim ’16, Eric Li ’16, Rajat Mittal ’13,

the Lions past John Cooper in the quarterfinals,

Jack Pigott ’14, and Warren Smith ’13.

1-0, and ESD in the semifinals, 1-0, scoring both goals. St. Mark’s faced Kinkaid, the #1 seeded

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On Campus | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas


College Signing Bear Goldstein Lacrosse | Princeton University Paul Gudmundsson Football | Dartmouth College Justin Harvey Lacrosse | Dartmouth College

Volleyball

Cameron Hillier Tennis | Colby College

The St. Mark’s varsity volleyball team won the SPC Championship at Trinity Valley School after

Kareem Itani Soccer | Massachusetts Institute of Technology

an incredible season of unprecedented success. The team entered the tournament as first seed from the north zone. The Lions didn’t drop a

Dylan Kirksey Cross Country/Track & Field | The College of William and Mary

single game as they made their way through the bracket, shutting down Trinity Valley and Episcopal High School before going up against

George Law Football | Davidson College

two-time defending champion Greenhill. Without missing a beat, the Lions swept the Hornets

Harrison Quarls Crew | Trinity College (CT)

in the championship game, 3-0.

Warren Smith Water Polo | Brown University

Overall SPC Rankings Crew 1st Lacrosse 1st (SPC & State) Soccer 1st Swimming 1st Volleyball 1st Cross Country 3rd Football 3rd

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Kendrick Spraglin Track & Field | Texas Tech University

Golf 3rd Track & Field 3rd Tennis 3rd Water Polo (State) 3rd Wrestling 3rd Baseball 6th Basketball 6th

Fallt2013 | On Campus

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On Campus

international pride

(above) Warren Smith ’13, Jack Mallick ’14, and Nathan Ondracek ’15 hike through Romania. (right) A Spanish student zip-lines through the rain forests of Costa Rica.

Whether it’s faculty members on research grants

Peru

or students in foreign language programs, the

Much like its Costa Rican counterpart, the

St. Mark’s brand continues to spread across the

St. Mark’s delegation to Peru, led by Spanish

globe each summer as the School seeks to

teacher Martin Pulido, spent its first week in

widen its perspective. From the pool to the

the classrooms and homes of the natives. While

cathedral, and from classrooms to historical

in Cusco, Peru, the Marksmen went horseback

sites, Marksmen stepped out of their comfort

riding and whitewater rafting. During the second

zones to experience the broader world and to

week, they made the famous ascent up the Andes

better understand their own place in it.

Mountains to Machu Picchu, where the boys studied this ancient Incan city before visiting

Costa Rica

Lake Titicaca. After Machu Picchu, the trip

Led by Spanish teacher Consuelo Puerto, a

concluded with a tour of the nation’s capital, Lima.

group of Marksmen traveled to Costa Rica for

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On Campus | THE PRIDE

two weeks, spending a week in two distinct

Spain

regions: Heredia and Monteverde. While

Spending an entire month abroad, Foreign

attending Spanish classes at the local schools,

Language Department Chair Nancy Marmion

each boy stayed with a different family to help

and Community Service Director Jorge Correa

further their communication skills as well as

led students in an intense cultural-immersion

gain a better understanding of the culture. The

experience in Spain. Salamanca was home to

Marksmen also enjoyed rappelling, a visit to the

these Marksmen for three weeks, where they

Poás volcano, a tour of a coffee plantation,

lived with the locals and practiced their Spanish

a visit to a butterfly farm, and zip-line canopy

skills while going horseback riding, going on

tours during their time in Costa Rica.

a tapas outing, and taking cooking classes. St. Mark’s School of Texas


On Campus

While in Salamanca, the group visited Toledo,

Romania

Ávila, Segovia, El Escorial, and the Valle de los

Taking their talents to the other side of the

Caídos before spending their final week touring

world, water polo players Warren Smith ’13,

southern Spain and the cities of Córdoba,

Jack Mallick ’14, and Nathan Ondracek ’15

Sevilla, Granada, and Madrid.

joined Head Coach Mihai Oprea in returning

(left and top left) The Choir tours historic sites during its trip to England. (above) Spanish students explore Costa Rica.

to his native Romania June 17 through July 2.

England

The trio of Marksmen trained with some of

On July 5, 2013, the 23 boys of the Upper and

the world’s top water polo athletes. The local

Middle School Choir, led by Choirmaster

Apuseni and Carpathian mountains and towns

Tinsley Silcox and Assistant Choirmaster Glenn

provided a host of opportunities for hiking,

Stroh, left for a 17-day trip to England. The

swimming, caving, and more as the boys did

St. Mark’s Choir spent time listening to other

their best to experience all that Romania

choirs, performing extensively in schools and

had to offer.

cathedrals, and sightseeing. The group toured London upon arriving and went on to perform daily Evensongs in Wells (where they visited Stonehenge) and Ely. This is the Choir’s 14th biennial international tour. In 2011 the Choir toured South Africa.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2013 | On Campus

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On Campus

end-of-year tradition Seniors Swap With Their Buddies

First-graders don their senior buddies’ blue shirts during the senior prank.

On the morning of May 10, 2013, students and

After a few brief announcements, during which

teachers arrived at 10600 Preston Road to find a

the Class of 2024 could barely sit still, came the

few surprises on campus. A Christmas tree had

familiar announcement, “seniors, dismissed.”

been erected in the lobby of Centennial Hall,

Hesitantly, the first-graders stood and exited

dozens of chairs were stacked artfully in the

the hall, and were met at the door by the Head-

Commons and atop Harkness tables, and rubber

master, who offered each boy a high-five. As the

duckies floated in the Grandparents’ Courtyard

blue-shirted boys returned to the Lower School,

pond. Most telling of all, though, was the giant

the seniors lined the hallway, dressed in college

Roman numeral XIII that decorated the front

sweatshirts, and applauded their little buddies.

of Centennial Hall, a testament to the Class of 2013’s adherence to one of St. Mark’s unofficial

While the Class of 2013 kept the tradition of all

traditions: the senior prank.

of the necessary disruptions in their prank, their inclusion of the first-grade class is a testament

While this year’s prank caused appropriate

to the St. Mark’s spirit.

disruption, the seniors had one more surprise in store for the School. As the Upper School

“The older boys embraced their responsibility

gathered for one of its final assemblies, the

as role models and stewards of fostering a

Class of 2013 was absent from the front rows

community ethos,” said Head of Upper School

of Decherd Hall. In their place, feet barely

Wortie Ferrell, who had to approve the seniors’

touching the ground, was the noticeably excited

plans. “The seniors should be commended

first-grade Class of 2024. To complete the swap,

for having an eye on the impact of any action

each of the first-graders wore a senior blue shirt,

instead of focusing on disruption.”

which draped past their knees and fit more like a lab coat than an Oxford.

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On Campus | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas


On Campus

student accolades Marksmen Making Campus News

Award-winning photography by Max Wolens ’14, Riley Graham ’14, and Blake Robins ’14.

St. Mark’s Named Top Photography Program

award from the Columbia Scholastic Press

On Saturday, May 4, 2013, the Association of

ReMarker newspaper, and the Marque literary

Texas Photography Instructors awarded

magazine were named as winners of the Gold

St. Mark’s the distinction of “Top Program” for

Crown, the highest award given by the

the seventh consecutive year. The decision was

prestigious organization. The winners were

based on student portfolios submitted under

announced at the CSPA’s annual convention at

several categories, including Portrait/People,

Columbia University on March 22, 2013.

Landscape, Still-Life, and a Thematic category

The ReMarker newspaper extended its Gold

entitled “Surrealism.”

Crown streak to ten consecutive years — the

Association. The Marksmen yearbook, The

longest successive streak by a secondary school St. Mark’s was represented by photographers

in the 88-year history of the organization.

Arno Goetz ’16, Graham Kirstein ’16, Alden

For the Marksmen, this is the yearbook’s fifth

James ’16, Mason Smith ’15, Riley Graham ’14,

straight Gold Crown designation and sixth in

Max Wolens ’14, Halbert Bai ’14, Blake

the past eight years. The Marque, the School’s

Robins ’14, Nick Brodsky ’14, Reid Stein ’14,

literary magazine, was named as a Gold Crown

Richard Eiseman ’14, Otto Clark-Martinek ’13,

recipient for the first time since the magazine

Michael Gilliland ’13, and Charles Thompson ’13.

began in 2007.

Additionally, four St. Mark’s photography students were named to the Texas Image Maker

Twelve journalism students and Gene and Alice

Team that recognizes the top ten high school

Oltrogge Master Teacher Ray Westbrook, advisor

photography students in Texas. They are: Riley

to the The ReMarker and Marksmen, attended

Graham ’14, Max Wolens ’14, Halbert Bai ’14,

CSPA’s annual convention in New York, where

and Blake Robins ’14.

the awards were accepted by Dylan Clark ’14 (The ReMarker), Matt Mahowald ’14 (Marksmen),

Three Publications Sweep Top Award

and Zuyva Sevilla ’15 (Marque). The Marque is

For the first time in the School’s history, three of

overseen by Lynne Weber, Trustee Master Teacher.

its Upper School publications received the top St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2013 | On Campus

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On Campus

(top left) Texas Journalist of the Year Daniel Hersh ’13. (top right) Lower Schoolers show off final totals from the Goodwill Drive.

Student Named Journalist of the Year

Cum Laude Members Inducted

Daniel Hersh ’13, editor-in-chief of the student

On Wednesday, April 24, 2013, St. Mark’s

newspaper, The ReMarker, was ranked third

inducted nine members from the Class of 2013

in the nation for the Journalism Education

and nine members from the Class of 2014 into

Association’s Journalist of the Year competition.

the Cum Laude Society. With the motto Areté,

Daniel advanced to the national level after being

Diké, Timé (Excellence, Justice, Honor), the Cum

named the top journalist in Texas. He is the first

Laude Society honors scholastic achievement

Marksman to receive this honor. While Daniel is

among secondary institutions. The Society

proud of this well-earned achievement, he was

allows schools to induct only up to one-fifth of

also quick to point out that the newspaper is a

its graduating senior class and one-tenth of its

collaborative effort and his award is as much a

junior class.

testament to the efforts of his classmates as it is to his own.

Eugene McDermott Headmaster Arnie Holtberg was chosen to deliver the address to the new

The JEA is the largest scholastic journalism

members. “I hope that we do not simply play

organization for teachers and advisors, made

to our strengths,” Mr. Holtberg told the boys,

up of more than 2,500 educators and

“Because if we do, we will never take those

media professionals.

important risks that will take us to new places and even greater accomplishments than we

Goodwill Drive Sets Record

could have ever imagined.” This year’s Cum

Thanks to an outpouring of generosity from

Laude Society inductees from the Class of

the St. Mark’s community, the Lower School

2013 are: Kevin Bass, Zachary Burdette, Bear

Goodwill Drive was a huge success, collecting

Goldstein, Kareem Itani, Rachit Mohan, Max

nearly 50 percent more items than last year.

Naseck, Milan Savani, Henry Woram, and

From March 18–22, 2013, Lower School students

Noah Yonack.

collected 9,250 pounds of clothing for families in the Dallas area.

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On Campus | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas


On Campus

(above) The Class of 2013 and 2014 Cum Laude Society inductees.

This year’s inductees from the Class of 2014

Killian Green ’17, Alden James ’16, Kevin

are: Dylan Altschuler, Halbert Bai, Dylan Clark,

Kim ’16, and Nabeel Muscatwalla ’14 won

Vishal Gokani, Charles Golden, Jonathan Ng,

second place honors; and Aidan Maurstad ’16,

Ryan O’Meara, Lucas Williams, and Victor Zhou.

Johnathan Kim ’14, Phillip Osborn ’14, and Kevin Wu ’16 won third-place ribbons.

Latin Team Claims “Victoria!” A small legion of Marksmen achieved mighty

Eighth-Grader Wins Science Competition

results at the Texas State Junior Classical League

Gopal Raman ’17 and his team of students from

Area C Competition. Once again, St. Mark’s fared

other area schools have been named regional

extremely well in the Certamina (Latin for quiz

winners in the 2013 ExploraVision science

bowl), winning two of the possible three coveted

competition. A representative from Toshiba

first-place trophies.

visited St. Mark’s to present Gopal and his teammates with special awards for their work.

Kudos go to Darwin Yang ’15, Kevin Wu ’16, Alden James ’16, Aidan Maurstad ’16, and

The team’s project, BlindVision, hopes to give

alternates Kevin Kim ’16 and Joshua Choe ’16,

sight back to the blind through a special pair of

who won the Intermediate Level first-place

glasses with a camera synced to a computer chip

trophy. The team of Keith Kadesky ’17, Shailen

embedded in the subject’s brain. As the camera

Parmar ’17, and Killian Green ’17 won the trophy

captures the video in front of the subject, the

at the Novice Level. Both teams qualified for

signal is sent to the chip, which translates the

the State Championship in Flower Mound,

image into cortical signals that the visual cortex

April 12–13, 2013.

can comprehend.

The Marksmen also distinguished themselves

Not long after hearing about his ExploraVision

in individual categories. Darwin Yang ’15, Victor

honor, Gopal received awards at another science

Zhou ’14, Shailen Parmar ’17, Keith Kadesky ’17,

competition, for a project researching galvanic

Joshue Choe ’16, and Drew Baxley ’16 won first

skin response and glucose levels in the blood.

place ribbons; Ali Ahmed ’14, Cameron Baxley ’14, St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2013 | On Campus

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On Campus

(above right) Gopal Raman ’17 and his team accepting awards for their science project with sponsor Warren Foxworth ’66 and mentor Ram Laksnarian.

Gopal placed first in both the State and the

academics and community service. An Eagle

Regional levels.

Scout and National Merit Finalist, Chandler

The team was sponsored by Head of Middle School Warren Foxworth ’66. The team’s mentor was Ram Laksnarain. The ExploraVision Competition is presented by the National Science Teachers Association and Toshiba.

Students Advance in Physics Olympiad St. Mark’s seniors Victor Zhou and Vincent Shia moved forward as semifinalists for the 2013 U.S. Physics Team. Victor and Vincent joined about

of the Dallas Chapter of the National Society of Children of the American Revolution and was selected to star in the national television show “Scouting for Adventure.” Chandler is a passionate outdoorsman and has spearheaded conservation projects to preserve the Blackland Prairie, an endangered ecosystem unique to North Texas. The Nestlé Very Best in Youth award honors

the country.

young people for their academic excellence and

“Determine the kinetic energy of a newly discovered subatomic particle which, at rest, lives for exactly r= 3 x 10^-8 seconds before decaying into two identical particles.”

Prestigious Recognition for Senior Chandler Burke ’13 was awarded the prestigious Nestlé Very Best in Youth award from Nestlé USA on April 2, 2013. The award recognizes Chandler for his many achievements in both

On Campus | THE PRIDE

Cain Scholarship at UNC. He is the President

400 other semifinalists from high schools across

Typical questions on the semifinal exam include:

14

was also offered the prestigious Morehead-

proven dedication to improving communities and creating a better tomorrow. Chandler is one of only 18 students nationwide to receive the award.

Photo Exhibition for Tornado Victims A group of St. Mark’s photography students organized a one-day exhibition of their best work to raise money for victims of the recent Granbury, Texas tornado. Proceeds from the sale went directly to Habitat for Humanity of Hood County.

St. Mark’s School of Texas


On Campus

(above) St. Mark’s celebrates its first-ever TEAMS championship.

“It’s wonderful that the youth in our community

TEAMS National Best-in-Nation trophy for the

are willing to step up and take an interest in

junior/senior division.

providing for those who are in need,” said Susan

In February, the A-Team took top honors at the

Meche, accountant for Habitat for Humanity of

local competition held at the University of Texas

Hood County, which has an all-volunteer staff,

at Dallas and earned the highest score at both

allowing virtually all donations to go directly to

the state and national levels. The sophomore

building efforts. “We have great gratitude and a

B-Team also took top honors at the state level

big heart for the boys of St. Mark’s.”

for the best overall score at the freshman/

The students’ efforts drew the attention of

sophomore level of competition, while the

several news outlets in DFW, including an

sophomore A-Team won the local competition.

appearance on “Good Morning Texas.” The

St. Mark’s boys have participated in the TEAMS

exhibition was held on June 13 at Banks Fine

competition for more than 20 years. This

Art Gallery and sold more than 70 photos,

competition, originally sponsored by the Junior

raising hundreds of dollars for Habitat for

Engineering and Technical Society (JETS), pits

Humanity of Hood County.

groups of up to eight students against each other to solve college-level engineering problems.

St. Mark’s Wins Its First TEAMS National Competition

The members of the A-Team are Chandler

Over the summer, St. Mark’s students took home

Burke ’13, Will Chang ’13, Aarav Chavda ’13,

top honors at the national Tests of Engineering

Rachit Mohan ’13, Alexander Munoz ’14,

Aptitude, Mathematics and Science competition.

James Rowan ’13, Milan Savani ’13, and team

In front of 5,000 students, sponsors, staff,

captain Victor Zhou ’14. The TEAMS sponsor is

and industry professionals at the Technology

Kenneth R. Owens ’89.

Student Association national conference, the St. Mark’s A-Team was awarded its first-ever

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2013 | On Campus

15


On Campus

visiting scholar: A Modern Indiana Jones

This year’s Willard E. Walker, Jr. ’66 Visiting

mean to be human and alive? He explained that

Scholar returned to St. Mark’s nine years

“every culture deserves a seat at the council of

after his first visit to 10600 Preston Road.

human knowledge.”

Ethnobotanist, anthropologist, explorer, writer, photographer, and filmmaker Dr. Wade Davis

His concluding conversation, one he shared

arrived on campus immediately after leading

with the members of the Environmental Club

a National Geographic Expedition in honor

and the St. Mark’s Chapter of Dallas Area

of 125 Years of Exploration with National

Diversity Youth Organization, focused on

Geographic to the United Kingdom, Oman,

the question: “How in a multicultural,

Bhutan, Palau, Laos, Maldives, Botswana,

pluralistic world do we make culture what

Rwanda, and Spain.

we want it to be?” Students and faculty alike lingered after the session to ask questions.

He delighted Lower School students with his exciting and educational explorations, and

Dr. Davis has published more than 15 books

conducted small group sessions with sixth-

with several more in progress. Most recently,

graders, advanced photography students,

he wrote Into the Silence: The Great War,

AP Environmental Science students, and AP

Mallory, and the Conquest of Everest. His

Biology students, who learned about field

photographs appear in more than 20 books,

research, photography, and more. Speaking in

80 periodicals, and several museum exhibits.

large-group sessions with Middle School and

16

On Campus | THE PRIDE

Upper School students, Dr. Davis shared why

Dr. Davis is one of only 20 Honorary Members

ancient wisdom matters in the modern world.

of The Explorers Club, and he received its

Using examples from the peoples of Polynesia,

highest award, The Explorers Club Medal.

the Amazon, the Anaconda, and more, he

Dr. Davis holds degrees in anthropology and

explained that every culture exists as a unique

biology and a Ph.D. in ethnobotany, all from

answer to a fundamental question: What does it

Harvard University.

St. Mark’s School of Texas


Baccalaureate And Commencement

17

On Campus | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas


On Campus

At the conclusion of their respective speeches, Brown and Altabef received standing ovations from the audience. After the room had cleared, the members of the Class of 2013 processed out to shake hands with Mr. Holtberg and to receive their copies of the St. Mark’s Worship Book. As they turned the corner, the seniors were greeted by the faculty, who had lined the walkway, cheering them on as they walked to the reception. Three nights later, donning the iconic white dinner jackets, the Class of 2013 marched onto the graduation stage in the Cecil (above) Coach Dwight Phillips with Hansen Kuo ’13.

Delivering the student address on behalf of his

& Ida Green Commencement Theater. After the

class, Will Altabef ’13 spoke on the many ways

student speeches — by Class President Dylan

the St. Mark’s community has shaped him as

Kirksey ’13 and Valedictorian James Rowan ’13 —

a man, expressing gratitude for the parents,

and the presentation of the major awards, Dallas

faculty, and his fellow classmates. Drawing on

Mayor Mike Rawlings took the stage for the

his experience as a cornerstone of the school’s

Commencement address.

theater program, Altabef captured the crowd with his humor and insight.

Midway through Mayor Rawlings’ speech, the ceremony was paused and moved to the

David Brown, Victor F. White Master Teacher

Thomas O. Hicks Family Gymnasium as rain

in English, followed Altabef at the podium and

poured down on the attendees. The grandeur

delivered the response of the faculty. Chosen by

and significance of the ceremony was not lost in

the Class of 2013 and Eugene McDermott

the rain, but the unpredictable weather helped

Headmaster Arnie Holtberg, Brown urged his

make the 2013 Commencement ceremony

former students to be quick to listen, slow to

one of the most exciting in recent memory. In

speak, and to love their neighbors even when

the gym, Mayor Rawlings finished his speech,

they seem unlovely.

encouraging the graduates to use their rare opportunities to serve those who weren’t

“My hope for you, as you leave here and enter

afforded the same.

new worlds that more than likely will not be counting your community service hours

“In closing, all I can do is wish wonderful things

or reminding you of an honor code, is that you

for your lives” Rawlings said. “I wish for you to

ask these two questions,” Brown said, “What

go away from Dallas, and then come back and

does it mean to be human? And how, then,

make it a better place for us to live.”

should I live?”

18

On Campus | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas


On Campus

response of the class of 2013 Will Altabef ’13 Addresses Baccalaureate

The following is an excerpt from

be more. You showed us that we

the Address of the Class given by

could achieve more and reach the

Will Altabef ’13 at Baccalaureate on

goals of our dreams. This class has

May 21, 2013.

helped put a few more years on the championship banners and it’s

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the people who have made my eight years here incredibly special.

because of your inspiration. Friends, we are leaving. We can always visit 10600 Preston Road, but to St. Mark’s, we can never return.

realizing the nature of our journey until the end.

Parents, you were the first people

We will walk across that stage and

This school has meant so much to

to meet the Class of 2013, so I’ll

then be sent out from here. This is

me; I’ve experienced so much joy

talk to you first. Considering all the

the tragedy of life: Time never stops.

here. I am glad I could say a few

wear and tear we put you through, I’m impressed you haven’t gone mad. You fed us, clothed us, and you pushed us. That last one is the reason we are here tonight. These boys are all bright and talented, but without that nudge you gave us to reach further, we wouldn’t be graduating from St. Mark’s in a few days.

So let’s take this time and just for a moment, let’s look back: look back at our odyssey; look back at the beauty of St. Mark’s. I remember on my first day of school I walked around with a map torn out of the directory, hugging it to have a hope of finding everything. Cameron Hillier took that map, ripped it up and told me to just “figure it out as I went.” I don’t

Faculty, you are a stunning bunch.

know if either of us realized that I

You are unstoppable, energetic, and

would stick with those words for

insatiable in your efforts to make

nearly a decade.

us better scholars and better men.

words to express my thanks to the people who raised us at home and to those who raised us here. Your impact on our lives is immeasurable. But there is no sufficient way to express my gratitude to St. Mark’s. For eight years, this place has been the principal force in my story; it has been my home. I’ll come back to St. Mark’s next year, but it won’t be the same. We must all leave this place in a few days. I don’t know if I am ready to say goodbye, but no one ever wants to leave the warmth of a

I haven’t found a map to really guide

friend. Our parting gift is that eternal

me through this journey yet; good

label “Marksman.” Each of us has

thing, too. I thought I was lost like

our own idea of what it truly means

Livingston in Africa, but I think this

to be a man, but it all started here,

scrambling has been the Path to

where we sweated through grueling

Manhood embodied by that statue

games of Turekball, where we

out there. We walk by the statue

learned to face our fears and dance

every day and don’t really think too

with girls, and where we found our

Coaches, I doubt I can be labeled

much about it. In the end, the idea

brothers. The process is done and

a huge success story for you, but

behind that sculpture is the gift of

we are being sent out into a new

you are important to the story of

St. Mark’s. For years, we trekked

phase of life as men. All that remains

this class. You pushed us to the

along the path to become true

is to say “thank you.” Thank you,

brink and showed us that we could

Marksmen, perhaps not even

St. Mark’s. Thank you for everything.

You have stayed long after the day should be done and you are willing to help every individual student find the tools to succeed. We are deeply grateful for the math review pajama parties, the office hours, and the support you have given us.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2013 | On Campus

19


On Campus

special senior awards A Time-Honored Tradition Then And Now

20

On May 24, 92 Marksmen sat in their shining,

the field was a competitive one, with so many

white tuxedo jackets, filled with great

of their classmates going above and beyond

anticipation, on the stage of the Cecil & Ida

during their careers as Marksmen. As the

Green Commencement Theater. As with any

Headmaster introduced the recipients and read

new graduate, they were filled with reflections

their accomplishments, the humbled graduates

on their times at 10600 Preston Road and

gleamed with pride as they discovered which

wonder for the memories to come. They were

classmate, teammate, or friend had received

also considering their own classmates, and who

each award. Described as an exemplar of virtue

might receive the three most decorated student

and exhibiting concern for others, this year’s

awards of the School: the Citizenship Cup and

Citizenship Cup recipient was Noah Yonack ’13.

the School Flag, chosen and presented by the

The School Flag recipient, Cameron Hillier ’13,

faculty, and the Headmaster’s Cup presented

was described as a team player by definition.

by Eugene McDermott Headmaster Arnie

Mr. Holtberg decided to break tradition this

Holtberg. For weeks, the men of the Class of

year and award two Marksmen the honor of the

2013 had contemplated who would receive these

Headmaster’s Cup. The recipients were superior

special honors. They knew one thing for sure:

scholars James Rowan ’13 and Chandler Burke ’13.

On Campus | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas


On Campus

St. Mark’s has a tradition of bestowing recognition

this day.” Decherd recently retired from his job as

of excellence when it is deserved. A custom that

the Chairman of the Board/CEO of the A. H. Belo

began in the 1950s, generations of Marksmen

Corporation based in Dallas and currently serves

have received “The Big Three,” which serve as a

as vice chairman of the Board.

reminder to students to strive for excellence and serve one’s community. While the awards are

Headmaster’s Cup recipient David McAtee ’87

in place to honor deserving students, they also

recalls his graduation experience: “For any

make an impact in the lives of the recipients.

Marksman, Commencement brings a sense of both gratitude and melancholy—gratitude

Recipient of the Citizenship Cup, Calvin

for the time spent in pursuit of excellence and

Glenn ’88, currently the Marketing Manager for

melancholy in the realization that his days

Oracle Insurance, said what St. Mark’s means

on campus have come to an end. For me,

to him: “One reason that St. Mark’s is important

winning the Headmaster’s Cup underscored

to me is that the School and community took

both of these emotions.” McAtee currently

a chance on a poor but gifted young man,

serves as the Senior Vice President and Assistant

nurtured me and set me on the path to find

General Counsel for AT&T.

my own way—equipped with the essential tools I needed to take care of myself, but with

Since their inception, the Citizenship Cup, the

motivation to change the world as well. For that,

School Flag, and the Headmasters Cup have

I will always be grateful.”

inspired students to strive for excellence. The awards continue to celebrate well-deserved

Robert Decherd ’69 received the School Flag,

achievement and showcase the characteristics

which he says “…is a daily reminder to me of

that make a Marksman. To this day, former

the values and principles that were reinforced so

recipients continue to strive to make their

strongly while I was at St. Mark’s and which have

communities better and look to their award as

guided my life ever since. Except when I was

one of their crowning achievements.

away at college, I’ve had the Flag prominently displayed either at home or at my office—still to

(left to right) Calvin Glenn ’88, Robert Decherd ’69, and David McAtee ’87.

Fall 2013 | On Campus

21


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.

22

On Campus | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas


On Campus

(above left) Cindy Ferguson with Arnie Holtberg. (above middle) Alice Oltrogge with Japanese teacher Mariko Jinbo Kline. (above right) Stephanie Barta receives a parting gift from Arnie Holtberg.

Cindy Ferguson | 23 years

Stephanie Barta | 34 years

A staple of the Middle School humanities

Mrs. Barta never stopped looking out for her

department, Cindy Ferguson has taught the

Marksmen. After Stephanie Barta first stepped

scholarly study of literature and history to

on campus in 1974, what motivated her to invest

generations of eighth-graders. From Romeo

herself in the St. Mark’s community was the

and Juliet to World War II to weekly vocabulary

student body. Mrs. Barta quickly rose to a place

quizzes, Mrs. Ferguson covered all branches of

of prominence on campus: Stephen M. Seay ’68

humanities, ensuring her boys would be ready

Science Department Chair, Student Council

for Upper School.

Sponsor, Summer Camp Director, and a loving advisor.

Mrs. Ferguson enlightened her students’ minds by uncovering meaning in famous works such as

Like the Pecos Wilderness Trip, Biology with

Huckleberry Finn, Animal Farm, and Lord of the

Mrs. Barta was an integral rite-of-passage for

Flies. With her guidance, many students learned

freshmen. While her classes were legendary,

to write analytical papers for the first time.

most students remember her interactions outside of the classroom. Whether passing her

First setting foot on campus in 1990, Mrs. Fer-

in the hallway or sitting in her serene office,

guson was hired as a librarian before moving

every student has a personal connection

on to the humanities department. In addition,

with Mrs. Barta.

Mrs. Ferguson supervised the Middle School ReMarks-A-Lot news bulletin. She looks forward

During retirement, Mrs. Barta hopes to spend

to spending more quality time with her two

more time with her husband, children (Alan ’99

children and three grandchildren, as well as

and Eric ’99), and grandchildren. Not able to

pursuing hobbies in travel, gardening, studying

stay away from 10600 Preston Road, Mrs. Barta

Spanish, and ceramics.

returns occasionally to help serve lunches in the cafeteria, and to walk the track.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2013 | On Campus

23


On Campus

retiring trustees

Jennifer Brower

Harry Quarls

Scott Kimple ’84

Richard Ramirez

Jennifer Brower

Scott Kimple ’84

The mother of Marksman Nick Brower ’12,

Scott Kimple ’84 retired from the Board after

Jennifer Brower joined the Board in 2010 as

six years of dedicated service. Scott has been

President-elect of the Parents’ Association.

an active volunteer and supporter of St. Mark’s

During her tenure on the Board, Jennifer was

since his graduation, and his service on the

a very active member on both the

Board included involvement on both the

Development Committee and Education

Finance and Investment Committees. With a

Committee. Jennifer served as Chair of Celebrate

strong background in these fields, he was able

St. Mark’s when the theme was “Dancing

to contribute to a wide variety of financial and

with the St. Mark’s Stars,” an event where she

operational challenges.

even convinced the Headmaster to dance! As President of the Parents’ Association, she

Richard Ramirez

streamlined positions on that Board, making for

The father of two Marksmen, Sam ’06 and Eli ’09,

more efficient use of the parent volunteers.

Richard Ramirez joined the Board in 2004. During his nine-year tenure, he faithfully

Harry Quarls

served in many capacities. He was an active

Retiring after three years on the Board of

member of the Facilities Committee, serving as

Trustees, Harry Quarls, father of Harrison ’13,

Chairman for five years. He also participated

has been an important asset to the Board. He

on the Finance, Long Range Planning, and

has served on both the Long Range Planning

Executive Committees. His level of enthusiasm,

Committee and the Finance Committee. Harry

commitment, and passion inspired others to be

always brought his expertise in the investment

their very best for St. Mark’s.

world to play in his thoughtful contributions to the financial decisions made by the Board.

24

On Campus | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas


On Campus

Kevin Wiggins

Helene Rudberg

Charles Nearburg ’68

Kevin Wiggins

Charles Nearburg ’68

Kevin Wiggins, father of three Marksmen—

Charles Nearburg ’68 retired after 20 years on

Kyle ’04, Paul ’07, and K.J. ’10—retired from the

the Board of Trustees, providing exceptional

Board after 12 years of dedicated service.

leadership and critical insight in all of his Board

His service on the Board included involvement

involvements. During his tenure on the Board,

on the Education Committee, where he served

Charles served on nearly every Committee, most

as Chair, as well as the Committee on Trustees,

recently the Investment Committee. He also

Investment, Development, and Executive

served on the Executive Committee for seven

Committees. Throughout his service as a Trustee

years, and played a critical role as the Facilities

and as a parent volunteer, he has contributed

Advisor, spearheading a complete facilities audit

in a wide variety of ways, always bringing

before the Board developed a full-time Facilities

thoughtful and deliberate counsel to his role

Committee. Charles was one of three co-chairs

as a Trustee.

of The Campaign for St. Mark’s between 1996 and 2001, which raised more than $52 million

Helene Rudberg

for the School, the largest campaign up to that

Helene Rudberg, mother of Sloan Rudberg ’10,

time. In 2005, he was awarded the Alumni

joined the Board in 2001. During her 12-year

Service Medal by the Alumni Association for his

tenure, she faithfully served in just about every

dedicated service to the School.

imaginable capacity. She was an active member of the Development, Education, Trustees, Long Range Planning, and Executive Committees, having served as the Chair of both the Development and Education Committees. Her multi-year project to sort through and update all of the Board’s resolutions, minutes, and policies was truly heroic. St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2013 | On Campus

25


Alumni News st. mark’s alumni association Board Report from Jeffrey S. Hillier ’76

(top left) Alumni Board President Jeff Hillier ’76 welcomes guests to Spring Alumni Dinner. (top right) Walker Visiting Scholar Dr. Wade Davis talks to alumni about his research on Mt. Everest. (right) Alumni gather in Austin.

With the close of another school year, I am pleased to provide a final report on the activities of your Alumni Board for 2012-2013. As we plan our programs each year, we strive to provide a broad variety of events to appeal to the many and varied interests of our alumni community, and as always, our actions are guided by our stated vision of being “recognized nationally as

a cocktail reception, a panel discussion on the

the best independent school Alumni Association

state of science education, and private tours of

as demonstrated by superior alumni engage-

the museum. This popular event proved to be

ment and support.” So how did we measure up

the largest-ever Alumni Association gathering

against our aspirations in 2012–2013?

outside of Alumni Weekend. In April, Willard E. Walker Jr., ’66 Visiting Scholar Dr. Wade Davis

Dallas Area Programming

led alumni in a fascinating breakfast discussion

Under the direction of the Activities Committee

about his work and travels as an anthropologist

of the Alumni Board, the Alumni Leadership

and ethnobotanist.

Speaker Series offered three terrific programs

26

Alumni News | THE PRIDE

this year. In December, Headmaster Arnie

The Alumni Association and Office of

Holtberg provided a State of the School update

Development and Alumni Relations continue

to a sellout crowd at the annual Alumni

to sponsor events specifically for young alumni.

Holiday Luncheon, held this year in Arlington

The Young Alumni Thanksgiving Party and

Hall at Lee Park. In February, your Alumni

the College Age Holiday Lunch were held over

Association hosted a St. Mark’s Evening at the

Thanksgiving break and winter break,

Perot Museum of Nature & Science, where

respectively. In June, young alumni gathered

more than 250 alumni and guests joined the

for a community service project to serve meals

entire St. Mark’s science department faculty for

at Austin Street Center in Dallas. St. Mark’s School of Texas


(top and immediate left) Alumni and guests enjoy a guided tour of the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. led by Ford Peatross, Curator of Architecture, Design, and Engineering.

Alumni Weekend continues to be the Alumni Association’s signature event. From April 18–20, more than 1,000 alumni and guests participated

(top left) Young alumni return for the College Age Alumni Holiday Luncheon.

in the annual golf tournament, classes on campus, alumni speaker panels, the Spring Alumni Dinner, the Saturday family barbecue, and class reunions. My thanks go out to Weekend Chair Carl Sewell ’02 and his committee for

St. Mark’s Fund Participation

planning a great weekend for all of us.

One hundred percent Alumni Board participation. Fifty six percent alumni participation over-

Regional Events

all. What else can I say, except that as a group we

The Alumni Board recognizes that we cannot

contributed a record $1.63 million to the

achieve our vision without engaging our many

St. Mark’s Fund in 2012–2013, fully 55 percent

alumni who live outside of North Texas. To

of the record total of $2.97 million committed.

that end, representatives of the faculty, Alumni

Our participation rate exceeded 50% for the fifth

Office, and the Alumni Board hosted 15 events

straight year and tied our all-time best. If there

around the country in the course of the year

is a more committed, engaged, and generous

ranging from Boston to Los Angeles, Austin to

group of alumni in the independent day school

Philadelphia, and many points in between.

community in this country, the Office of Devel-

I must recognize our robust regional clubs in

opment cannot find them, and, having met with

New York and San Francisco. Under the leader-

representatives from other independent schools

ship of Craig Meyers ’94 and Michael Merrill ’72,

around the country, I know for a fact that we are

respectively, these clubs hosted numerous local

the envy of many. My heartiest congratulations

alumni events, and they continue to serve as

and warmest thanks for your amazing support

models for our entire Alumni Association.

of our alma mater!

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2013 | Alumni News

27


Alumni News

(top left) Marksmen celebrate at the Alumni Holiday Luncheon. (top right) Alumni gather in Nashville. (above left) Alumni gather in New York City. (above right) Young alumni participate in community service.

Network Task Force

As my two-year term comes to a close, I want to

Over the past year the Alumni Board has

thank all of you for the opportunity I have had

focused on steps we can take to leverage the

to serve as your Alumni Association President.

strength of the alumni network to benefit the

It has been an honor to serve our alma mater

entire St. Mark’s community. To that end, we

in this capacity. For their dedication, their

commissioned an Alumni Network Task Force to

enthusiasm, and their friendship, I want to

study what best-in-class alumni associations at

thank my 34 fellow Alumni Board members, and

the university levels are doing to provide value

especially our Executive Committee: David

to their alumni. The Task Force also interviewed

Campbell ’86, Jesse Diaz ’04, Jeff Genecov ’77,

Upper School students and faculty members to

Perch Nelson ’79, Alan Schoellkopf ’91,

solicit their views on how the alumni network

Gregory Sudbury ’94, Greg Sutton ’99, and

can bring value to current students. At the end

Carl Sewell ’02. Finally, I want to recognize the

of the process, the Task Force recommended a

wonderful staff in the Office of Development

series of concrete steps the Alumni Association

and Alumni Relations. As I have remarked on

can take to provide more professional

many occasions over the past two years, these

networking opportunities to alumni and to

folks do much of the heavy lifting around

educate students and young alumni about

everything we do while graciously allowing the

the value and benefits of the St. Mark’s alumni

Alumni Board to receive much of the credit.

network. Implementation of these steps will

Thank you, my friends!

begin in the year ahead. Jeffrey S. Hillier ’76 Alumni Board President 28

Alumni News | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas


Thank You! Thank You from the students, faculty, and staff of St. Mark’s School of Texas for making a gift to the 2012–2013 St. Mark’s Fund. Together with more than 3,000 alumni, parents, and friends of the School, you helped us raise a record $2.97 million for current Marksmen and their teachers. These gifts are critical in providing our faculty and students with the necessary support to sustain excellence at 10600 Preston Road.

of alumni contributed a record $1.63 million to the St. Mark’s Fund, exceeding 50% participation for the fifth consecutive year. The 10 Reunion classes raised more than $680,000 of the total and broke six Reunion giving records.

90%

of current parents contributed $1.45 million to the Fund, setting new records for both participation and giving.

56%

100% of the Class of 2013 participated in their Legacy Gift to support the St. Mark’s Fund, the Jan and Arnold Holtberg Family Scholarship Fund, and the Senior Expense Fund for Auxiliary Support.

Thank you for being part of an extraordinary year of support at St. Mark’s.

The Centennial Challenge

Lead | Inspire | Be Counted


Alumni News

summer alumni luncheon

(above) Greg Sutton ’99, Ben Vig ’89, Ashish Monga ’89, Bud Brooks ’79, and Perch Nelson ’79. (top right) Austin Taylor ’10, Stephen Rambin ’13, Kevin Bass ’13, and Dustin Hesseltine ’07. (immediate right) Francis Donald ’03, Scott Gonzalez, and Andrew Sutton ’03. (center right) Jim Bob Womack ’98 and Palmer Johnson ’92. (bottom right) Robby Goodman ’87 and Mike Warnecke ’87.

In June 2013, alumni of all generations convened in Centennial Hall for the annual summer luncheon hosted by the Office of Development

30

Alumni News | THE PRIDE

and Alumni Relations. Held on June 20 in

Development Office summer interns Kevin

the second-floor Reading Room of Centennial

Bass ’13, Stephen Rambin ’13, and Henry

Hall, the luncheon provided a chance for

Woram ’13 also spoke, entertaining the crowd

Marksmen to catch up with one another and

with their reflections on their time as Marksmen.

the School. Director of Alumni Relations

Each new graduate discussed the experiences

Jim Bob Womack ’98 updated the crowd on

that made St. Mark’s home for them, and they

the 2012–2013 school year and the continued

emphasized their enthusiasm for engaging with

success of the St. Mark’s Alumni Association.

the School as alumni.

St. Mark’s School of Texas


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Alumni News

alumni in the news Marksmen Making National And International News

Photo by Garry Miller. Originally appeared in The Austin Chronicle.

(above left) Steve Miller ’61 at the Texas Medal of Arts awards ceremony. (above right) Curtis Burch ’72 working on his first major film, Words and Pictures.

Steve Miller ’61 On Thursday, March 5, 2013, Steve Miller ’61

creative executive for James Cameron and Rob

was honored as a recipient of the Texas Medal

Reiner. “Tony Vintcent had, and still does have,

of Arts. At the star-studded ceremony, Miller

a huge influence over me,” Curtis said. “Any-

also rocked the house, performing hit tunes “Fly

body with any kind of artistic impulse who was

Like an Eagle” and “Abracadabra.” Miller joins

at St. Mark’s at that time will say they were most

fellow Marksmen Tommy Lee Jones ’65 and

impacted by him.” Words and Pictures recently

Robert Edsel ’75 as Texas Medal of Arts

wrapped production in Vancouver and screened

recipients. St. Mark’s has also honored all

at the Toronto International Film Festival in

three as Distinguished Alumni.

September 2013. Curtis is already hard at work producing his next film, the comedy Life Itself,

Curtis Burch ’72

starring Morgan Freeman and Diane Keaton.

After more than three decades in the film industry, Curtis Burch ’72 is producing his first

Alan Stern ’75

major film, Words and Pictures, starring Clive

As the New Horizons spacecraft flies through

Owen (Children of Men) and Academy Award

the solar system on its way to Pluto, principal

winner Juliette Binoche (The English Patient).

investigator Alan Stern ’75 is busy defending the

The culmination of six years of work, Words and

controversial ninth planet. He was quoted in

Pictures tells the story of an English teacher and

the February 2013 issue of National Geographic,

an art instructor who challenge their students

rejecting Pluto’s 2006 demotion from planet to

at a New England prep school to decide which

dwarf planet. “We’ve been blown away every

is more important: words or pictures. Curtis

time we’ve been to a new planet,” Stern said.

acquired the script in 2007 on behalf of his

He hopes that Pluto will earn more respect once

Dallas-funded company, Latitude Productions.

the spacecraft reaches its destination in July 2015.

He credits one St. Mark’s teacher for much of his success in a career that found him working as a

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Alumni News | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas


Alumni News

Craig Zisk ’83

Ben Kusin ’97 and Eric Kusin ’00

With more than 20 years of experience in the

Brothers and Marksmen Ben Kusin ’97 and Eric

television industry under his belt, Craig Zisk ’83

Kusin ’00 form a perfect business duo. Older

is making the jump to the big screen, directing

brother Ben is the self-described extrovert and

his first feature film, The English Teacher,

visionary with the confidence to take blind risks,

starring Julianne Moore, Greg Kinnear, and

while Eric is process-driven, analytical, and

Nathan Lane. The offbeat comedy about an

strategic. The two recently combined their

English teacher in small-town Pennsylvania

business skills in creating the product Reviver,

premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on April

which received a front-page story in The Dallas

26, 2013. During his press tour for the film, Craig

Morning News business section and a feature

received numerous questions about the teacher

in Forbes magazine. Reviver is Ben’s brainchild.

who most impacted him, which always led him

Standing in line at a convenience store, a patron

back to St. Mark’s. “J.J. Connolly saw the potential

behind him remarked on the smell of his shirt.

in me when I was less than committed to my

Self-conscious, Ben decided to create a product

studies,” Craig said. “He really pushed me, in

that could deodorize clothing and hair.

the right way, to work harder. I often think back

“I realized I needed something that didn’t

to those times and how it continues to affect my

exist — a method that would simply, discreetly,

work today.” While this is Craig’s first feature

and immediately wipe away unwanted odors,”

film, he’s already well established in television,

Ben wrote in a testimonial on the Reviver

having directed more than 50 episodes for series

website, “whether they came from the airplane,

that include The Office, Alias, Smash, Nip/Tuck,

the gym, the nightclub, or that bustling barbecue

and Entourage. He was also nominated several

joint.” After years of research and development,

times for a Golden Globe Award as an executive

Ben devised the Reviver Wipe, what he calls

producer of Weeds.

“a breath mint for clothes.” As CEO of the com-

(above) Craig Zisk ’83 working on his first feature film, The English Teacher.

pany, Ben recruited his younger brother Eric to run day-to-day operations as President. Eric is headquartered in Dallas while Ben splits his time between Dallas and Los Angeles. St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2013 | Alumni News

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Alumni News

alumni network task force Recommendations for Growth

For decades, St. Mark’s has been known to have one of the strongest Alumni Associations and alumni networks in the country. Generations of Marksmen have always remained connected professionally and answered the call of fellow alumni in search of career connections. Recognizing the potential for more strategic networking and mentoring opportunities, the Alumni Board partnered with the Office of

While the interests of each group differ slightly,

Development and Alumni Relations to form

the Task Force hopes to create a “culture of

the Alumni Network Task Force. Chaired by

networking” by educating students, hosting

Mike Weinstein ’88, this group of dedicated

strategic events, implementing tools for all

alumni, faculty, and students made it their

alumni, and creating networking opportunities,

mission to investigate ways to promote

all of which allow for natural connections within

stronger relationships within the St. Mark’s

the Alumni Association.

community. The Task Force met throughout the school year, focusing on two key areas:

The formal recommendations of the Task Force

networking as it pertains to all alumni, and

were presented and accepted at the final Alumni

mentoring as it pertains to current students

Board meeting of the school year. Throughout

and younger alumni.

the coming year, some of the expected highlights include: a stronger partnership with the Student

After countless hours of peer school research,

Alumni Association, which will help focus on

discussion of best practices as they pertain to

student education; the development of more

St. Mark’s, and analysis over areas of greatest

online resources for alumni; and messaging that

need, the Task Force made their recommen-

will help create awareness around the potential

dations, which they hope will strengthen one

use of the alumni network.

of the greatest resources alumni have at their disposal: connections.

Thank you to the Alumni Network Task Force members for the countless hours they invested

The Task Force identified three key constituent

in ensuring the continued growth of the

groups to focus on: current students, recent

St. Mark’s Alumni Association for years to come.

alumni, and the overall membership of the

34

Alumni Association. After assessing the needs

The Task Force is led by Chair Mike Weinstein ’88,

of these groups and the School, and conducting

Mark Butler ’08, Seth Collins ’02, B.A. Cullum ’99,

interviews with faculty and student leaders,

George Diamond ’83, Paul Genender ’87, Arish

the Task Force quickly saw the desire for more

Gupta ’03, Jeff Hillier ’76, Jon Morgan ’90, Michael

opportunities to connect with other Marksmen.

Prentiss ’02, Ben Vig ’89, and Preston Zapffe ’99.

Alumni News | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas


Alumni Weekend

Alumni News

Alumni Weekend 2013 was another resounding success, breaking previous records with more than 1,000 alumni back on campus. The three-day weekend, hosted April 18–20, provided alumni and guests a wonderful opportunity for reconnecting with the School, their former faculty, and Marksmen of all ages.

golf tournament The three days of festivities began on Thursday with the annual Alumni Golf Tournament. More than 100 people competed in the tournament, hosted at The Tribute in The Colony. Following the afternoon on the course, the day concluded with a celebration dinner and an awards ceremony in the clubhouse.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2013 | Alumni News

35


Alumni News

back in school Alumni met the next day for a look into present student life

After chapel, other Alumni Classes included “The Modern

at St. Mark’s. After registration and refreshments, Eugene

Classroom” with math teachers Paul Mlakar and John

McDermott Headmaster Arnie Holtberg and Alumni

Stutsman and “Spies in the Middle East” with Nancy and

Association President Jeff Hillier ’76 welcomed the crowd back

Jeffrey Marcus Master Teaching Chair Dr. Bruce Westrate.

to campus. Former faculty member Tom Adams then delivered

Wrapping up the day, alumni and students had the

a presentation on American art history before the Alumni

opportunity to listen to the Alumni Panel discussions.

Chapel, where alumni joined current juniors and seniors to

Moderated by members of the Student Alumni Association,

listen to a homily from Robert Musslewhite ’88.

the panels focused on entrepreneurship, the entertainment industry, finance, and service.

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Alumni News | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas


Alumni News

spring alumni dinner Friday’s evening activities featured the Spring Alumni Dinner, where more than 400 alumni and guests gathered in the Great Hall. It was a night of recognition and honor for several special alumni and faculty. Bobbi Mailer, John Stutsman, and Alice Oltrogge were each recognized for their 40 years of service to the School. Mihai Oprea, Dwight Phillips, and Dr. Martin Stegemoeller were named as finalists for the Ralph B. Rogers Alumni Award. The Young Alumni Service Citation was awarded to Michael Perrin ’05, and the Alumni Service Medal honored Drew Clancy ’84. Finally, Kurt Eichenwald ’79 was honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2013 | Alumni News

37


Alumni News

family cookout As the weekend continued, alumni and their families gathered Saturday on the Cecil & Ida Green Commencement Theater for the family cookout, following an open Alumni Board meeting earlier that morning. Guests enjoyed barbecue and ice cream sandwiches while listening to the Upper School jazz band. Games and activities included dodgeball and kickball with Doc Browning, planetarium shows with Cecil H. and Ida Green Master Teaching Chair in Science Dr. Steve Balog, and a chemistry show with faculty member Ken Owens ’89, filled with flames, explosions, and more.

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Alumni News | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas


Alumni News

class reunions

(above) Class of 1963 50-year Reunion. (right) Class of 1968 45-year Reunion. (below) Class of 1973 40-year Reunion.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2013 | Alumni News

39


Alumni News

(above) Class of 1978 35-year Reunion. (right) Class of 1983 30-year Reunion. (below) Class of 1988 25-year Reunion.

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Alumni News | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas


Alumni News

(top) Class of 1993 20-year Reunion. (above left) Class of 1998 15-year Reunion. (above) Class of 2008 5-year Reunion. (below) Class of 2003 10-year Reunion.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2013 | Alumni News

41


Alumni News

alumni association awards

(above left) Drew Clancy ’84 receives the Alumni Service Medal. (above center) Michael Perrin ’05 receives the Young Alumni Service Citation. (above right) Dr. Martin Stegemoeller receives the Ralph B. Rogers Alumni Award at Upper School Final Assembly.

Alumni Service Medal

Michael Perrin ’05 has been leading the way

The Alumni Service Medal is St. Mark’s highest

since he stepped off the commencement stage.

volunteer service award, and it is presented to an

His tireless efforts as a long-serving Class Agent

alumnus who has distinguished himself through

continue to ensure that his class achieves one

sustained and outstanding service to the School.

of the highest participation rates among our alumni. As the 5th Reunion Chair, Michael and

Drew Clancy ’84 has certainly made his mark

his classmates set the tone for future generations

on the St. Mark’s Alumni Association. His close

of Marksmen by emphasizing participation in

affiliation began long ago as a Class Agent, Class

the Reunion Gift. He has also served for several

Ambassador, and Reunion Volunteer. During his

years on various Alumni Board Committees and

nine years of service on the Alumni Board, he

would surely be serving as an official member

was a member of every committee imaginable

today if he weren’t in business school this fall.

and eventually served as the Alumni Association

A key member of The Centennial Challenge

President. Drew provided the vision and the

Campaign Steering Committee since 2009, he

voice for the push towards 50 percent alumni

has spent countless hours making sure young

participation in the St. Mark’s Fund. His work

alumni are well represented and remain engaged

continues today as a member of the Board

with the School.

of Trustees. He has served as an Alumni CoChair of the St. Mark’s Fund since 2007 and on

Ralph B. Rogers Alumni Award

The Centennial Challenge Campaign Steering

The Ralph B. Rogers Alumni Award honors the

Committee since 2009. Without his vision and

legacy of Ralph B. Rogers, the Rogers family,

strong leadership, our Alumni Association might

and the St. Mark’s faculty by honoring a teacher

look far different than it does today.

or staff member who supports the School’s mission by extending him or herself beyond the

Young Alumni Service Citation

confines of the job description. Three faculty or

The Young Alumni Service Citation recognizes

staff members are honored as finalists for the

young alumni prior to their 15th reunion for

award each year. Dr. Martin Stegemoeller was

outstanding service to the School.

presented with the Rogers Award at the Upper School Final Assembly.

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Alumni News | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas


Alumni News

2013 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS Kurt Eichenwald ’79 Distinguished Alumnus Award The Distinguished Alumnus Award is conferred by the Board of Trustees on the recommendation of the Alumni Association and recognizes achievement of exceptional nature in any field, vocation, or voluntary career. On Friday, April 19, 2013, the Alumni Association presented its Distinguished Alumnus Award to Kurt Eichenwald ’79. In his acceptance of the award, Kurt noted how his experience at the School has stayed with him throughout his career: “I will always know that everything I have been and accomplished is because of St. Mark’s.” Kurt is a contributing editor at Vanity Fair and a New York Times best-selling author. As a senior writer and investigative reporter for the Times for almost two decades, Kurt has written about a range of topics from corporate fraud to Osama bin Laden’s financial network. He served as the lead reporter for the Times on virtually every major scandal to emerge from the world of business, including Enron, WorldCom, and Drexel Burnham. His book The Informant was even adapted into a major motion picture starring Matt Damon. Kurt’s latest book, 500 Days, was dedicated to his third-grade St. Mark’s teacher Frank Jordan. Kurt is a two-time winner of the George Polk Award for his reporting and is also a two-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. He has received numerous other honors for his work, including the Payne Award for Journalistic Ethics and the SABEW Award for business enterprise reporting. Kurt served for six years on the St. Mark’s Board of Trustees, and he and his wife Theresa are the parents of three Marksmen: Adam ’10, Ryan ’13, and Sam ’16. Throughout his personal and professional life, Kurt has embodied the ideals of St. Mark’s while passionately searching out the truth to bring important stories to light.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2013 | Alumni News

43


Philanthropy

spotlight on philanthropy The Centennial Challenge Co-Chairs

It was a privilege to go out into the community — with parents, alumni, faculty, and even students — and have a discourse about the achievements of the School and about what we can be doing better. There is always room for improvement, and I learned a lot over these eight years as we heard the voices of a diverse group of constituents. I have to say that the highlight, for me personally, of the last eight years has focused on relationships with the people in this community. Making visits with donors was great fun and reaffirmed why we all feel so great about St. Mark’s. The St. Mark’s (above) Robert Sinclair ’74, Ross Perot, Jr. ’77, Allen Cullum ’64, Arnie Holtberg, Leonard Riggs, Jr., M.D., Casey McManemin ’79, Ken Hersh ’81, Wallace Hall ’80, Kathy Crow, David Dini, and Randall Fojtasek ’81. (bottom right) Kathy Crow.

Based on observations from the past seven years,

alumni are the most supportive, enthusiastic, and

it takes a village to complete a comprehensive

energetic alliance. They inspired all of us with how

campaign. Throughout the Centennial Challenge,

much they give of themselves to this school that

parents, alumni, and friends of St. Mark’s have

they love.

volunteered thousands of hours of their time to ensure that this Campaign ended successfully.

Wallace Hall ’80: I was honored to be included on the team. To

The School was immeasurably fortunate to

build on the numerous successes of the past

have three tireless Campaign Co-Chairs, whose

while meeting the lofty goals set by Arnie, the

commitment to the success of The Centennial

faculty, and our community was inspiring to me.

Challenge went above and beyond the call of

And while the commitment was significant, we

duty: Kathy Crow, Wallace Hall ’81, and Casey

all knew that the Development Office team, led

McManemin ’79. We asked Kathy, Casey, and

by David Dini, was extremely experienced and

Wallace to share their recollections from the

dedicated. It was and continues to be a team effort

Campaign and the meaning that The Centennial

in every sense of the word.

Challenge had in their lives.

Kathy Crow: I am honored to be a part of the St. Mark’s community, and I am grateful for the vocation the faculty and administration have devoted to our boys. I am also so proud of each and every boy that is here. It’s a commitment and takes dedication and resolve to be here engaged each and every day.

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Philanthropy | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas


Philanthropy

There are many highlights for me, but one stands apart from the rest. When retired Master Teacher Tom Adams made his gift to the Campaign, it was very emotional for many of us and on many levels. It was powerful, deeply personal,

(above) Randall Fojtasek ’81 and his wife Ola, Ross Perot, Jr. ’77, and Kristi and Wallace Hall ’80

and spoke volumes about the love that Tom has for St. Mark’s, his students, his colleagues, the leadership, and our mission. His gift was a visible manifestation of the deep respect that flows from

(left) Arnie Holtberg reveals the outcome of The Centennial Challenge.

the faculty to the students and back to the faculty. At the end of the day, if our graduates are not pleased with the breadth of experiences they are exposed to at St. Mark’s, we will ultimately fail. For our alumni participation to stand at an eye-popping 70 percent for the Campaign demonstrates a strong vote of confidence in what has been taking place at 10600 Preston Road.

The idea of a comprehensive Campaign was first announced in an early morning faculty/staff meeting almost six years ago. We stated that this would be a “people” campaign, emphasizing faculty and student support. Moments later, the men and women exited Decherd Performance

Casey McManemin ’79: We are not a school of individuals; we are individuals that come together as a school. While we seek to instill self-reliance, resourcefulness, and creative thinking, we value most our deliberate, collaborative endeavors, recognizing that independence at the expense of interdependence is ultimately unfulfilling. The Campaign reflected this principle from its earliest

Hall to teach, coach, and advise the boys with passion and dedication. It was particularly meaningful to me that, as faculty and trustees assembled just prior to Commencement this past May, we were able to reveal that The Centennial Challenge had surpassed its overall goal. Moments later, we processed into the quad together, to recognize and celebrate the boys, with sincerity and sentiment.

inception; we advocated for a comprehensive, integrated response to the opportunity to shape the next 100 years. Also reflective of this principle, were the more than 700 volunteers with diverse

I am proud of my involvement with The Centennial Challenge — a campaign by, for, and about the people of St. Mark’s.

perspectives but a common purpose, individuals who collaborated with staff members to develop and deliver a fundraising initiative whose success speaks for itself. Thousands of friends, families, and institutions responded, providing support for all Campaign priorities.

Kathy, Casey, and Wallace each served as a steadying force, a source of enthusiasm, and a tireless proponent for the School. The School is deeply grateful for these three remarkable individuals, as their efforts were instrumental in ensuring that the Campaign achieved its goals.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2013 | Philanthropy

45


Together, We Met the Challenge. On October 4, 2013, St. Mark’s School of Texas publicly announced the successful completion of The Centennial Challenge, with gifts and pledges totaling $112,210,369, well above the original goal of $110 million. This seven-year comprehensive campaign was among the most ambitious independent school fundraising campaigns in the United States. A truly historic effort led by more than 700 volunteers, the Campaign addressed core priorities that impact students and teachers across the campus.

46

Features| THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas


Campaign Conclusion

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2013 | Features

47


Campaign Conclusion

48

Features | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas


Campaign Conclusion

Facts & Figures GIFTS & PLEDGES

Donors

$ 112,210,369

Unique Gifts

5,761 23,831

$84,043,620 gifts collected as of November 7, 2013

Campaign Volunteers

New Endowed Teaching Positions

New Endowed Funds

700+ 80

Growth in St. Mark’s Fund Giving

42% Gifts of $1,000,000 or More

11

Peak Parent Participation in St. Mark’s Fund

90% Gifts of $10,000 or More

514

32 Campaign Priority Expanding Student Accessibility

Campaign Priority Improving Our Campus

31

Peak Alumni Participation in St. Mark’s Fund

56% Total of Gifts Under $10,000

5.25M

$

Campaign Priority Supporting the Whole Boy

$18m

$17.3m

$42.9m

$43.68m

$4.5m

$4.76m

Goal

Actual

Goal

Actual

Goal

Actual

St. Mark’s School of Texas

New State-of-the-Art Classrooms

Investment in Campus Technology

3M

$

Campaign Priority Supporting Our Teachers $20m

$21.46m

Goal

Actual

Campaign Priority Today’s Needs: St. Mark’s Fund $15m

Goal

$18.55m

Actual

Fall 2013 | Features

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Campaign Conclusion

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Features | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas


Campaign Conclusion

Reflections

To view the full Final Report, please visit TheCentennialChallengeFinalReport.org

“The Centennial Challenge

“The Centennial Challenge is

“Bottom line, this Campaign is

has been made possible by the

about much more than money.

about making sure we have the

foresight, vision, commitment,

It’s about people. It’s about

finest teachers in America and

and generosity of those who

our students and our faculty.

ensuring that the most talented

have preceded us. We now have

It’s about the strength of the

boys in Dallas have access to

the opportunity to ensure that

St. Mark’s community, which

St. Mark’s regardless of their

tomorrow at 10600 Preston

stretches to virtually every

family’s financial circumstance.

Road will be greater than today.

continent on the globe. In the

The Campaign is certainly

Together, we will make the

St. Mark’s tradition, it calls on

comprehensive and has other

future brighter as we provide our

us to be our best. To get involved.

goals, but at the end of the day,

boys with superior educational

To be engaged. And to give back

our focus is on increasing

opportunities and the confidence

to the School that has given us

support for the teachers and

to make the most of them.”

all so much.”

the boys.”

– Arnie Holtberg Eugene McDermott Headmaster

St. Mark’s School of Texas

– David Sammons ’76 East Coast Host Committee Trustee

– George Bayoud, Jr. ’73 Campaign Steering Committee Past President, Board of Trustees

Fall 2013 | Features

51


Shaping a Legacy Headmaster Arnie Holtberg celebrates 20 years of educating the whole boy.


Shaping A Legacy

For the past two decades, a single force has stood at the helm of 10600 Preston Road, leading the School in its mission of educating the whole boy.

To many students, teachers, alumni, and parents, he is

In his time at St. Mark’s, Arnie has earned a reputation for

synonymous with St. Mark’s. During his tenure as the

fiscal responsibility, both for the institution and in his own

longest-serving headmaster, Arnie has honored and

role as an administrator. In recognition of his enduring

preserved the School’s history and traditions while

frugality, the Board forewent the traditional gold watch to

transforming St. Mark’s into an institution prepared for the

commemorate his 20th anniversary, instead presenting Jan

21st century and ready to carry forward his greatest legacy:

and Arnie with silver watches.

St. Mark’s commitment to educating the whole boy. “Thank you for paving the way for Jan and me to have this At the annual Trustees Dinner on May 7, 2013, Board President

great opportunity,” Arnie said in his remarks. “Our business

Randall Fojtasek ’81 honored Arnie and Jan Holtberg for their

is very simple, but it’s only simple because you all have made

dedication to the School and its community. “Regardless of

sure that we have the resources to get this important work

whatever metric you use to measure Arnie, it’s an A+ in every

of ours done.”

category,” Fojtasek said. “He’s a winner, he’s a leader, and he’s an example to all of us.” Fojtasek went on to note the impressive numbers surrounding Holtberg’s tenure, from the unprecedented winning streak of SPC Athletic Director’s Cups and CSPA Gold Crown journalism awards, to the incredible advancements in philanthropy and volunteerism. An announcement was also made at the dinner that a group of longtime supporters had banded together to significantly expand the Jan and Arnold Holtberg Family Scholarship Fund, an initiative started by the Holtbergs to support Financial Aid. St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2013 | Features

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Shaping a Legacy

The Farewell Tour Honoring JAN & ARNIE HOLTBERG for 21 years of dedication to St. Marks’

54

Features | THE PRIDE

New York

Houston

Saturday, October 19

Saturday, February 15

Los Angeles

Austin

Friday, January 24

Sunday, February 16

San Francisco

Alumni Weekend

Saturday, January 25

Friday, April 25

St. Mark’s School of Texas


Shaping A Legacy

One Last Lap As the School prepares to say goodbye, the Holtbergs have embarked on a nationwide tour allowing alumni and friends to wish them farewell. On Saturday, October 19, 2013, Danielle and Tom Walker ’73 hosted the inaugural event on The Farewell Tour for Arnie and Jan in New York City. More than 70 alumni and friends gathered together to celebrate the Holtbergs’ dedication and service to our School. Wortie Ferrell, Head of Upper School, joined community members in honoring the couple. The evening began with an intimate conversation with Arnie about his tenure, followed by a reception that included a special musical tribute by pianist Roderick Demmings ’12, a sophomore at Johns Hopkins University. The Farewell Tour will make its next stops in 2014 in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, and Austin, and will culminate at Spring Alumni Dinner in April. Don’t miss out on the chance to congratulate Arnie and Jan. Go to smtexas.org/farewelltour for more dates and information. St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2013 | Features

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Remarks 1962 CLAY MCCORD ’62 released a CD album entitled Return of the Ballad in May 2013. The CD features 16 original songs ranging from soft rock to semiclassical, and containing vocals and music that have been professionally recorded by Clay. Clay and his wife Lisa live in Klamath Falls, Oregon, where he practices medicine.

1965

J.C. Snead ’68, Bart Wade ’68, Louis Ebner ’68, Rick Arnett ’68, and Jenny Inge (Hockaday ’68) enjoying breakfast in Colorado.

MICHAEL WINSOR ’65 recently joined the Visiting Nurse Association Hospice as an on-call hospice nurse. Michael resides in Dallas, where he is also a registered massage therapist and the owner of Sacred Path Myotherapy.

1966 ERIC NYE ’66 received the Advanced Communicator Bronze award from Toastmasters International, a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations. Eric and his wife Erlinda live in Covington, Louisiana.

1967 RICH BARRETT ’67 plans to retire as Vicar of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, a role he has performed for the past eight years. He will continue to work for the United States Army until his projected retirement next year. Rich and his wife Meg live in Copperas Cove, Texas.

1968 | 45-year Reunion The Class of 1968 continued the celebration of its 45th Reunion in Colorado in June 2013. CLASSMATES RICK ARNETT ’68, LOUIS EBNER ’68, J.C. SNEAD ’68, and BART WADE ’68 stayed at the late STEVE SEAY’S ’68 Cochetopa

Dining at Glenmora Lodge at Broadacres Ranch is Louis Ebner ’68, J.C. Snead ’68, Bart Wade ’68, Jenny Inge (Hockaday ’68), and Mike Frank ‘68.

CHARLIE NEARBURG ’68 participated in the annual Tour Auto, a five-day vintage Italian car race and rally in France, in April 2013.

1974 ROBERT STOKES ’74 shares that he became a grandfather to Noah Wayne Parker on January 31, 2013, and to Jaxon Jennings on May 14, 2013. Both families report that they are doing well. Robert also shares that he began a new role as a sales trainer at Time Warner. Robert and his wife Susan live in Dallas.

Ranch. Joined by MIKE FRANK ’68, the group also visited CHARLIE NEARBURG’S ’68 Broadacres Ranch in Creede, Colorado, where they enjoyed delicious food and great trout fishing.

Robert Stokes ’74 and his grandchildren with their St. Mark’s onesies.

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Class Notes | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas


Class Notes

1975

was the driving force behind the creation of the PBS NOVA

JESSE BRIN ’75 is President of LANimation Consulting Corporation, which was honored as a 2013 Computerworld Honors Laureate for its work in developing REOMatch.com. The Computerworld Honors Program recognizes organizations that use information technology to promote and advance the

documentary “Who Killed Lindbergh’s Baby?” that aired in January 2013. Cemetery John was one of five nominees in the nonfiction category for a 2013 Audie Award for distinction in audiobooks.

public welfare. Jesse and his wife Beverly reside in Dallas. DAVID LUTKEN ’75 was the recipient of a Helen Hayes Award, one of the country’s most prestigious cultural honors. David was recognized by Theatre Washington as the 2013 Outstanding Lead Actor of a Non-Resident Production for his role in the musical Woody Sez: The Life & Music of Woody Guthrie. MARC STANLEY ’75 received the Tikkun Olam Award from the Jewish Council for Public Affairs at its annual Plenum in Washington, D.C., in March 2013. The award is a tribute to

The cover of Bob’s book, Cemetery John.

his devotion, leadership, and impact in shaping the national dialogue and the action of the Jewish community. Marc and his wife Wendy live in Dallas, where Marc is a trial lawyer.

1977 BRYAN COLLINS ’77 and his wife Stephanie adopted a daughter, Catherine Joie Collins, from China in May 2013. Cate was born on January 15, 2009. Bryan reports that she is adapting remarkably well and already has an impressive vocabulary. The family lives in Dallas, where Bryan is a lawyer at Clouse Dunn LLP.

Mark Stanley ’75.

TOM WOODRUFF, PH.D. ’75 was named the 2012-2013 Outstanding Professor of the Year at St. Martin’s University by the student body. Tom is a visiting assistant professor in the Department of Psychology. Tom and his wife Cindy live in Olympia, Washington.

Catherine Joie Collins.

BOB ZORN ’75 was one of five authors to be invited by former First Lady Barbara Bush to speak at her 2012 Celebration of Reading event at the Meyerson Symphony Center. His book that reveals his father’s former Bronx neighbor as the mastermind of the Lindbergh kidnapping, Cemetery John, St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2013 | Class Notes

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Class Notes

1977 Continued

1988 | 25-Year Reunion

JAY HOUREN ’77 was recently named Best Private Client

After spending 10 years in Las Vegas, Nevada, STEWART

Lawyer in North America for 2013 by the Family Office Review.

STEWART ’88 is relocating to London. Stewart will be

The award was presented at the Family Office Review awards

expanding his waste-to-fuels business to European markets,

banquet in Chicago, Illinois on June 5, 2013. Jay and his wife

while his wife Samanta heads Investor Relations for the

Lisie and their three daughters live in Houston, where Jay is a

English football club Manchester United.

partner at the law firm of Crady, Jewett & McCulley, LLP.

1989

LEE KLEINMAN ’77 was recently elected to represent District

CHARLES LANSING ’89, his wife Amy and son Alexander

11 on the Dallas City Council. Lee is the Chief Operating

proudly announce the birth of Henry Harrison Lansing in

Officer and Principal for Bridge Metrics, a leading provider of

New Haven on June 10, 2013. Charles is an associate

marketing and sales enablement solutions for the information

professor of history at the University of Connecticut, where

technology market.

he teaches a variety of courses on European history. He is working on his second book, a history of West German

1981

Nazi hunters.

Emily and TOBY ROOSEVELT ’81 were blessed with a healthy baby boy, Elliott Roosevelt IV, on May 11, 2013. Elliott weighed

JON LASSER ’89 recently published School Psychologist as

7 lbs., 12 oz. and was 20.5 inches long. Toby and his family live

Counselor: A Practitioner’s Handbook, the first book to address

in Dallas.

how counseling can be integrated with academic and behavioral interventions. Jon was also recently promoted to the rank of Full Professor in the School Psychology Program at Texas State University. Jon and his wife Illysa reside in Austin.

Elliott Roosevelt IV.

1987 ANDREW SRULEVITCH ’87 testified in Congress on February 27, 2013 at a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing about anti-Semitism in Europe. His remarks focused on Golden Dawn and Jobbik, the neo-Nazi political parties in the Greek and Hungarian parliaments, respectively. Andrew lives in New York City and is the Anti-Defamation League’s Director of European Affairs.

Jon’s book, School Psychologist as Counselor: A Practitioner’s Handbook.

Sarah and JOEY NEUHOFF ’89 were blessed with the birth of their second child, Jack Stanley Neuhoff, on January 18, 2013. Jack weighed 7 lbs., 5 oz. and was 20 inches long. Big brother Joseph (2 ½) will soon be teaching him everything that he knows. The family resides in Morristown, New Jersey.

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Class Notes | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas


Class Notes

Josh Einsohn ’90 shares his experiences with St. Mark’s students. Jack Stanley Neuhoff.

1992

JACQUES “BUNKY” VROOM ’89 married Anne Clayton Ware

MARCOS HAZAN-COHEN ’92 was promoted in May 2013 to

on March 16, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Classmates HUGH FAGAN

Shareholder of Cozen O’Connor, where he is a member of the

’88 and JOEY NEUHOFF ’89 were in attendance, with Reverend

firm’s Subrogation & Recovery Practice Group. Marcos and his

KEVEN MCALESTER ’88 officiating. The couple and their

wife Karen live in Dallas with their three boys Jaime (9),

daughter Ellie Parra live in Dallas, where Bunky is President of

Alex (5), and Michael (5).

the Vroom Group. JOE ZOPOLSKY ’92 and his wife Erin are excited to announce the newest addition to their family, Harriet Ann Zopolsky, born on May 9, 2013. Harriet weighed 8 lbs., 2 oz. and was 19 inches long. She joins big brother Jay, who turned 3 years old in April. The family resides in Dallas, where Erin owns and operates Z Events, a wedding and event planning company, and Joe is an attorney at Glast, Phillips & Murray, a law firm which includes seven partners who are St. Mark’s alumni and parents of alumni.

Ellie Parra Vroom, Anne Clayton Vroom, Keven McAlester ’88, and Bunky Vroom ’89.

1990 JOSH EINSOHN ’90 returned to 10600 Preston Road in May 2013 to speak to Jen Gilbert’s advanced film studies class about his career in the television and film industry. Most recently, he worked on the fourth season of NBC’s Community, and served as Casting Director on the independent feature A Friggin’ Christmas Miracle starring Robin Williams and Joel

Harriet Ann Zopolsky.

McHale. Josh currently lives in Los Angeles.

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Fall 2013 | Class Notes

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Class Notes

1993 | 20-Year reunion MATT ELLIS ’93 was married to Emily Keast on March 30, 2013, in Austin, Texas at Green Pastures Victorian Estate. Fellow Marksmen in the wedding party included ALEX FOX ’93, JON ROSENTHAL ’92, and SCOTT TOLAND ’93. ALEX ANDRADE ’89, ROBERT BEHRENDT ’86, MATTHEW FARWELL ’93, and JON OSBORNE ’93 were also in attendance. Emily and Matt live in Austin, where Emily is the owner of Gallery D, a women’s clothing boutique, and Matt is a special counsel at Miller & Chevalier Chartered, a Washington law firm.

(Front Row) Jodi Ann Stokol and Josh Music ’94. (Back Row, left to right) Jason Connally ’94, Fry Wernick ’95, Gregory Sudbury ’94, James Myhre ’94, Michael Parham ’94, and Scott Ginsburg ’94.

ALEC STEWART ’94 and his wife Lauren traveled to New Zealand’s North Island in the Wanganui Region in May 2013, where Alec had the opportunity to hunt a trophy Red Stag. The couple and their three daughters Saller, Leah, and Vivienne, live in Dallas, where Alec is a Principal at Davidson Stewart Morelock Independent Insurance Group.

Emily and Matt Ellis ’93 celebrate their wedding day with close friends.

1994 JOSH MUSIC ’94 married Jodi Ann Stokol (Hockaday ’00) on June 16, 2013, in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Fellow Marksmen JASON CONNALLY ’94, SCOTT GINSBURG ’94, JAMES MYHRE ’94, MICHAEL PARHAM ’94, GREGORY SUDBURY ’94, and FRY WERNICK ’95 were there to celebrate with the couple. Josh and Jodi live in Dallas, where Josh is Managing Director and Partner at USW Material Co. and Jodi is a third-year medical student at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

Alec Stewart ’94 in New Zealand with a trophy Red Stag.

1996 CRISTIAN HINOJOSA ’96 was married to Sara Nicole Carpeaux on January 12, 2013, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Dallas. Marksmen in attendance included Cristian’s brother and best man JASON HINOJOSA ’99, and Cristian’s stepbrothers TYLER TASSIN ’01, DAVID TASSIN ’06, and THOMAS TASSIN ’12, and classmate CHRIS ASSOUAD ’96. Cristian and Sara spent their honeymoon in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Sara is a senior art director at Fossil and

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Class Notes | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas


Class Notes Cristian serves as a firefighter and paramedic. The couple

Gary and his brother ERIC KUSIN ’00, who recently joined the

lives near White Rock Lake in Dallas.

company as president and chief operating officer. Ben divides his time between Dallas and Los Angeles. Priya and VEERAL RATHOD ’97 are pleased to announce the arrival of their baby girl Aira Veeral Rathod, born July 10, 2013. Aria weighed 5 lbs., 2 oz., and was 19 inches long. The family lives in Dallas, where Veeral is co-founder of the men’s clothing brand J. Hilburn.

Mr. and Mrs. Cristian Hinojosa ’96.

1997 DAVID K. COHEN ’97 joined the law firm Proskauer Rose LLP in April 2013 as a Senior Counsel in the Corporate Department. His practice focuses primarily on mergers and acquisitions Priya and Veeral Rathod ’97 with Aira.

and private equity investment. David lives in Los Angeles. RANDAL JOHNSON ’97 married Alicia Carter (Hockaday ’97) on March 23, 2013 at the Dallas Museum of Art. The couple lives in New York City, where Randal is a director at Deutsche Bank and Alicia is a faculty member at Horace Mann School.

JEREMY STEWART ’97 was featured on WFAA News for his flip-flop company Hari Mari which donates part of its sales to children battling cancer. Jeremy and his wife Lila started Hari Mari in 2012, after spending time in Indonesia helping poverty-stricken children. Jeremy returned to 10600 Preston Road in June 2013 as a guest speaker for the St. Mark’s Leadership Institute. Jeremy, Lila, and their daughter Aiden live in Dallas.

1999 JUSTIN KANOFF ’99 completed his residency in ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, and stayed for an additional year to serve as chief resident. He is in his second year of a fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Justin lives in Boston, Massachusetts with his

Mr. and Mrs. Randal Johnson ’97.

wife Jocelyn, son Asher (2), and BEN KUSIN ’97 was featured in The Dallas Morning News

new baby daughter Violet, born

for his newly launched product Reviver, an odor-eliminating

on May 12, 2013.

wipe for clothes and hair. Ben is the CEO of Kusin & Kusin Ltd., a consumer packaged goods company and the parent of Reviver. Ben shares that he enjoys working with his father Violet Kanoff. St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2013 | Class Notes

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Class Notes

1999 Continued GREG SUTTON ’99 and his wife Marlo are pleased to

Amanda and MAX KLEIN ’00 are excited to announce the

announce the arrival of their second daughter, Leah Viviana

birth of their first child, Parker Campbell Klein, born March

Sutton, on March 19, 2013. Leah weighed 7 lbs., 9 oz. and

18, 2013. He weighed 7 lbs., 5 oz. and was 20¼ inches long.

measured 19¾ inches long. Big sister Rachel (2) was very

Max, Amanda, and Parker live in Scottsdale, Arizona, where

happy, and says that she loves her little sister and best friend.

Max works at the science and technology consulting firm,

The family lives in Dallas, where Greg recently started his own

Exponent, developing defense systems.

business in wireless antenna management.

Rachel and Leah Sutton. Amanda and Max Klein ’00 with Parker.

2000 JUSTIN GINSBERG ’00 displayed his art in a solo exhibition,

Irene and ERIC KUSIN ’00 welcomed their first child, Stella

Mesophase, at Ro2 Art in Dallas in May 2013. Justin was

Margueritte Kusin, on April 23, 2013. Stella weighed 8 lbs. and

featured in a performance and panel discussion at the Dallas

was 20 inches long, and has been growing like a weed since

Museum of Art in August, and will be curating an exhibition in

birth. Eric reports that Stella’s favorite hobby is sneaking an

Berlin this December. Justin shows his work nationally at

arm out of his swaddle attempts, while laying stiff as a board

galleries and museums, and has been included in publications

for her mom. Eric and his family live in Dallas, where Eric is

such as Architectural Digest, Modern Luxury, and D Magazine.

President and Chief Operating Officer for Kusin & Kusin Ltd.

Justin lives in Arlington, where he is a faculty member in the Department of Art and Art History at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Justin Ginsberg ’00.

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Class Notes | THE PRIDE

Stella Margueritte Kusin.

St. Mark’s School of Texas


Class Notes NANCY AND DAVID OWEN ’00 are excited to announce the newest addition to their family, Anne Marguerite Owen, born

2002 D.J. BROOKS ’02 recently completed his first semester

on March 11, 2013. Annie weighed 8 lbs., 10 oz. and measured

studying Artistic Production and Research at the Universitat

20 inches long. David reports that Nancy and Annie are doing

de Barcelona in Spain. D.J. will receive his Master of Fine Arts

great, and that older siblings Grace and Doug love having a

degree next spring.

new baby sister. The family lives in Dallas, where David is Vice President at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

DJ Brooks’ ’02 photograph, “Un Descanso.”

2003 | 10-Year Reunion AKKSHAY CHUGH ’03 recently launched StudyPal.co, the Nancy and David Owen ’00 with their new daughter, Anne Marguerite Owen.

world’s fastest-growing way to find a study partner online

2001

for students studying for the GMAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT,

JAMIE HELWIG ’01 will marry Tara Geesaman in May 2014 in

revolutionizing the tutor space by empowering students who

New York City. The couple will live in New York, where Tara is

have already taken the test and scored over 90%, to teach

a Broadway Production Accountant and Jamie is a Managing

and foster collaboration rather than competition. Prior to

Director at Glenview Capital.

founding StudyPal, Akkshay graduated from the University of

and CFA. StudyPal also offers teachers and mentors, and is

Pennsylvania and worked as an investment banker at Jefferies. Akkshay divides his time between his offices in Newport Beach, California and Mumbai, India. TAYLOR JENKINS ’03 was named assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA, in July 2013. Last year, Taylor served as head coach of the Austin Toros, the NBA Development League team for the San Antonio Spurs. Taylor spent the previous four years as assistant coach Jamie Helwig ’01 with fiancée, Tara.

for the Toros.

Joni and Scott Palmer ’01 are thrilled to announce the birth of their daughter Renee Carolyn Palmer on September 5, 2013. See page 68 for more details.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2013 | Class Notes

63


Class Notes

2004

2005

MAX DOWNING ’04 was a featured artist in the Dallas RAW:

CHIP FOWLER ’05 married Dr. Allison Fields on June 15, 2013

Natural Born Artists Showcase in May 2013. Max paints in

at Highland Park United Methodist Church. Classmates

the abstract expressionist style, and showcases his work at

present for the celebration included GRANT FRANKFURT ’05,

monthly art walks in Dallas Midtown. Classmates JEFF

NICK LYBRAND ’05, and CHASE SANDERS ’05. Many

DICKASON ’04 and CHRIS IRWIN ’04 have purchased one

teachers from Chip’s 12 years at St. Mark’s were also in

of Max’s paintings, and FOSTER HAYS ’04 and JORDAN

attendance. Allison is a dentist in Plano with the Gerlach

WOLF ’04 have commissioned him for a custom painting.

Dental Group, and Chip is an associate attorney with Robert

Max lives in Dallas, and plans to travel abroad and continue

D. Lybrand, P.C. in Coppell. The couple lives in Lewisville.

to paint.

Mr. and Mrs. Chip Fowler ’05. Max Downing ’04.

JULIAN NACOL ’05 was married to Hanna Otto on June 1, STEVEN LOLOI ’04 and Aline Jacques were married on April

2013 in Waco, Texas. Julian graduated from the University of

6, 2013 at Robert E. Lee Park in Dallas, followed by a reception

Texas at Austin in May 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in

at Arlington Hall. Marksmen in attendance included JESUS

philosophy and will attend law school in the fall. Julian and

DIAZ ’04, RYAN HARRIS ’03, RONALD KEISER ’03, ETHAN

Hanna live in Fort Worth, Texas.

WHIDDON ’04, and MICHAL ZAPENDOWSKI ’03. The couple will spend their honeymoon in New Zealand this December.

HILL PEROT ’05 became a rated pilot in the United States Air

Steven and Aline live in Dallas.

Force in August 2013, pinning on his wings at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. Hill will begin F-16 training in January at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix. MONTGOMERY SUTTON ’05 starred in WaterTower Theatre’s own production for its 2013 Out of the Loop Fringe Festival, The Ugly One, in March 2013 in Addison before opening Circle Theatre’s A Bright New Boise in March and April in Fort Worth. Montgomery is based in New York City, where he will appear in The Shakespeare Forum’s Loves Labours Lost this June. In addition to acting, Montgomery is a produced playwright. His play Your Colonel, the first in a series of nine plays following the life and times of Aaron Burr, had a sold-out workshop run

Mr. and Mrs. Steven Loloi ’04.

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Class Notes | THE PRIDE

at the Metropolitan Playhouse in January 2013.

St. Mark’s School of Texas


Class Notes

2007 ROSS GRANOWSKI ’07 graduated from Georgia Tech University in May 2013 with a B.S. in applied mathematics. In the fall, Ross will begin the Ph.D. program in pure mathematics at Princeton University.

2008 | 5-Year Reunion After graduating from Northwestern University, CODY DUNLAP ’08 accepted a job as Assistant Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations for the Daytona Cubs, an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, for the 2013 season. Montgomery Sutton ’05 as Edmund in American Bard Theater Company’s 2012 production of King Lear.

Cody lives in Daytona Beach, Florida. FINLEY EWING ’08 shot a par 70 in the 2013 NCAA Men’s

2006

Golf Championship, and placed 14th with the Texas Tech Golf

JOHN FRENCH ’06 married Emily Quinn on December 29,

Team. Finley graduated from Texas Tech University in May

2012 in Austin, Texas. John’s brothers DAVID FRENCH ’09

2013 with a degree in business management and a minor in

and William French were the best men. Fellow Marksman

Spanish. Finley plans to continue his golf career and turn

SHAWN SCHMIDT ’06 was also present for the celebration.

professional.

Emily and John live in Austin, where John is attending

2009

The University of Texas School of Law.

JACK GANNON ’09 graduated in May 2013 from the United States Naval Academy with a B.S. in Arabic and economics, and will be entering the fleet as a submarine officer. He will attend Naval Nuclear Power School in Charleston, South Carolina for one year and then will report to his first submarine. ADAM GENECOV ’09 was honored to receive the Frederick Emmons Terman Engineering Scholastic Award for his distinguished academic performance at Stanford University. Terman Awards are presented to only the top 5 percent of each year’s senior engineering class. Adam was given the opportunity to invite the secondary-school teacher who has Mr. and Mrs. John French ’06.

most influenced his academic career to attend the award ceremony. Adam selected Cecil H. and Ida Green Master

SPENCER ORENSTEIN ’06 and Maggie Darver (Hockaday

Teaching Chair in Science Steve Balog, who joined him for the

’08) were married on May 25, 2013 at the Dallas Museum of

ceremony in Palo Alto, California. Adam graduated in May

Art. Spencer’s brother NICK ORENSTEIN ’01 was the best

2013, and plans to pursue a master’s degree in mechanical

man, and fellow Marksman HARRIS DARVER ’04 was also

engineering at Stanford.

in attendance. Following the celebration, the couple spent their honeymoon at Lake Austin Spa and Resort. Maggie and Spencer live in Dallas.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2013 | Class Notes

65


Class Notes academic, and leadership qualities. Whit graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in May 2013 with a B.A. in English with a concentration on cinema.

2010 KARAN SAWLA ’10 spent the spring semester of his junior year studying abroad at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. Karan completed a summer internship at Capital One in Plano, and will graduate from The Kelley Mark Stevens ’05, Cecil H. and Ida Green Master Teaching Chair in Science Steve Balog, and Adam Genecov ’09.

2009 Continued

School of Business at Indiana University in May 2014.

2012 RODNEY CHEN ’12 placed 15th in the nation in NCAA men’s

CHARLIE GOODMAN ’09 graduated from the United States

fencing, and helped Princeton win its first-ever combined

Naval Academy in May 2013. Brothers PETER GOODMAN ’02

NCAA fencing title in March 2013. Rodney is a sophomore at

and ANDREW GOODMAN ’13 and the entire Goodman family

Princeton University and is studying molecular biology.

were present for the ceremony. That evening, the family returned to Dallas for Andrew’s graduation from St. Mark’s. Upon Charlie’s commissioning, he will move to Pensacola, Florida to begin initial flight training in his efforts to become a winged Navy pilot. MICHAEL MCPHERSON ’09 graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in May 2013 from the United States Naval Academy. He will be commissioned as an Officer in the U.S. Navy. Following graduation, Michael will relocate to Charleston, South Carolina, to begin training at

Rodney Chen ’12 and fencing Princeton fencing teammates.

the Nuclear Power School, where he will begin service in the Submarine Warfare Community.

ARDIS GRAHAM ’12 was featured in the National YoungArts Foundation Invitational Exhibition in New York City in June

MARK O’MEARA ’09 started the company Paperchain with

2013. Ardis developed his passion for creating furniture and

a classmate at Stanford University. Paperchain develops

art with wood in John Frost’s industrial arts class, which he

software that facilitates every stage of a term paper, short

recommends to students. Ardis is a sophomore and studying

story, and novel writing. Mark plans to complete a fifth year

architecture at Howard University.

at Stanford to receive his Master’s degree and continue developing Paperchain with his peers. WHIT SHAW ’09 received the Academic All-Ivy Award for his success both on the University of Pennsylvania Sprint Football Team and in the classroom. During his career, Whit was a two-time team captain and earned a total of seven All-CSFL selections, voted on by coaches of teams in the Collegiate Sprint Football League. Whit has also been nominated for the University of Pennsylvania Athletics’ Class of 1915 Award. Given annually since 1931, this award is presented to a senior male student-athlete who shows outstanding athletic, 66

Class Notes | THE PRIDE

2013 THE CLASS OF 2013 dedicated its yearbook to long-time staff member and campus icon, Maxine Cantley. The caption reads: “For more than 40 years, Maxine Cantley was a staple of daily life at 10600 Preston Road. Stern and honest, but always loving and supportive, she reminded us to stay humble as she chided us to clean our trays and tuck our shirttails in. When alums from the 80s and 90s came back to campus, she remembered their names, their jobs, their families. She knew us all by name, as she gently pushed us forward, making every last one of us feel right at home.” St. Mark’s School of Texas


Faculty Notes

FACULTY NOTES Computer Science Department Chair Dean Baird

Lower School Fine Arts teacher Marion Glorioso and

welcomed his grandson Bennett Thomas Young into the

Nathan Kirby were married on June 8, 2013 in Shreveport,

world on June 11, 2013. Dean’s daughter Catherine and her

Louisiana. The ceremony took place at the Cathedral of

husband Tyler are doing well and enjoying time with their

St. John Berchmans and was presided over by the bride’s

new baby boy.

uncle, Rev. Charles Glorioso.

Lower School teacher SHERRI DARVER is thrilled to announce the arrival of her first grandchild, Elliot Kathleen Leak, born on May 5, 2013. Ellie weighed 6 lbs., 6 oz. and was 19 inches long. HARRIS DARVER ’04 also celebrates her arrival and becoming an uncle for the first time.

Nathan and Marion Kirby.

History teacher and varsity baseball coach JOHNNY HUNTER Elizabeth Darver Leak, Sherri Darver, Ellie Leak, and Harris Darver ’04.

and his wife Amanda welcomed Blake Edward Hunter into the world on March 15, 2013 at 2:46 p.m. Blake weighed 7 lbs.,

Alli and Matt Eagan welcomed their first child, Elton

9 oz. and was 20¼ inches long. Blake was also welcomed by

Thomas Eagan, on September 30, 2013. Elton weighed 7 lbs.,

big sister Emma, now 3 years old.

1 oz. and measured 20¼ inches long. Elton and his parents are doing well and enjoying life as a family of three. Alli is the

ELLEN JURGENS joyfully welcomed her first granddaughter,

Assistant Director of Alumni Relations.

Blakeley Linh Jurgens, on May 17, 2013. Blakeley weighed 7 lbs., 10 oz. and measured 19 inches long. Ellen’s son Chris and his wife Vikki are doing well and enjoying time with their new baby girl. Ellen is the Administrative Assistant in the Upper School Office.

Elton Thomas Eagan

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2013 | Faculty Notes

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Faculty Notes

KENNETH KLENK, former physical education teacher and

Joni and Scott Palmer ’01 are thrilled to announce the

volleyball coach, accomplished his lifelong dream of reaching

birth of their daughter Renee Carolyn Palmer on September

base camp of Mt. Everest in December 2012. Ken and his wife

5, 2013. Renee weighed 6 lbs., 6 oz. and measured 20 inches

Betsy live in York, Pennsylvania and their son Andy ’12 is a

long. Scott is the Director of Advancement Operations

sophomore at James Madison University.

in the St. Mark’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations, and Joni teaches Upper School economics and history at Hockaday.

Kenneth at Mt. Everest Base Camp.

Jeanie’s Place Early Head Start Center at Jubilee Park in Dallas

Renee Carolyn Palmer.

was named after former faculty member JEANIE LAUBE. The new school will provide education and resources for expectant mothers and 48 infants and toddlers in southeast Dallas. Jeanie has been a tireless advocate for Jubilee Park, and was the Community Service Director at Hockaday and St. Mark’s for more than 20 years. JOHN MEAD, Eugene McDermott Master Teaching Chair in

DREW AND ANDI WETHINGTON were blessed with a baby boy, Elijah Duke Wethington, on March 18, 2013. Eli weighed 7 lbs., 1 oz. and measured 20 inches long. Andi, former Assistant Director of Communications, and her family now live in Missouri.

Science, was featured as the April 2013 cover story for Allen Image Magazine. The article focuses on John’s use of photography as a teaching tool in the classroom.

Elijah Duke Wethington.


Remarks

in memoriam Wilhelmina B. Ackerman, September 28, 2013, wife of Edward M. Ackerman, Emeritus Trustee, mother of David B. Ackerman ’89, Edward W. Ackerman ’93, and former faculty member Paula A. Menendez, grandmother of Owen D. Ackerman ’25, Samuel H. Menendez ’23, and Phillip E. Simons ’18.

Dan Murchison Craddock, Jr., June 20, 2013, father of Thomas W. Craddock ’64. Sherry Knopf Crasilneck, October 7, 2013, mother of Jonathan C. Knopf ’73.

Frederick M. Addington, Jr. ’62, September 17, 2013.

Gerald Anthony Dade ’08, July 30, 2013, son of Julia Dade, former staff member.

Winston L. Adkins, August 14, 2013, father of Lamar K. Adkins ’83.

Beverley F. Donald, May 4, 2013, mother of Francis S. J. Donald ’03.

JAMES E. ANDERSON, July 26, 2012, father of James E. Anderson, Jr. ’65 and Craig L. Anderson ’71. (Reprint)

Rubye Pearl Wade Drinkwater, April 9, 2013, wife of Robert B. Drinkwater, Jr. ’46 (deceased).

RACHEL NANCY AURINGER, June 8, 2013, former Head of Lower School.

Michael P. Duffy, March 7, 2013, father of Thomas R. Duffy ’10.

Stephen N. Balog, August 23, 2013, father of faculty member Stephen N. Balog and grandfather of Andrew J. Balog ’14.

Paul W. Eggers, June 21, 2013, Emeritus Trustee, father of Steven P. Eggers ’76

CYNTHIA BLANCKE BARTHOLOW, March 3, 2013, grandmother of Peter B. Bartholow, Jr. ’96 and David S. Bartholow ’98.

Thomas O. Evrard, January 8, 2013, grandfather of Jackson F. Cole ’16.

ELIZABETH BLESSING, June 10, 2013, grandmother of Gus Blessing ’11. WILLIAM H. BONCHER ’59, November 17, 2012. JUNE CONFER BURDETTE, May 20, 2013, mother of Bradford K. Burdette ’83, grandmother of Jack B. Burdette ’22 and Zachary A. K. Burdette ’13.

Boyce F. Farrar, Jr., August 25, 2013, grandfather of P. Lyle McDonald ’10. David Lee Frankfurt, February 2, 2013, father of Alan I. Frankfurt ’72 and Eric S. Frankfurt ’78, grandfather of Grant K. Frankfurt ’05 and Ross C. Frankfurt ’07, and father-in-law of Gary L. Kahn ’72. Donald M. Fox, July 13, 2013, father of Alexander J. Fox ’93 and Graham M. Fox ’91.

William McClester Campbell, February 27, 2013, grandfather of Garrett D. Murphree ’98.

Thomas W. Gay ’56, March 7, 2013.

John P. Cheek, Jr., M.D., September 19, 2013, father of John T. Cheek ’86

Harry Gendason, February 13, 2013, grandfather of Casey Gendason, Associate Director of College Counseling.

Christopher Y. Choi ’91, August 4, 2013.

Martha Gilchrist, February 8, 2013, mother of John R. Gilchrist, Jr. ’80.

Bruce Judson Cleveland ’55, August 13, 2013, son of Judson C. Cleveland ’27. Marguerite Naamah Hutchison Cox, August 4, 2013, mother of faculty member David K. Cox and grandmother of Jordan D. Cox ’18.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Regine S. Ginsberg, June 9, 2013, mother of Michael D. Ginsberg ’66, grandmother of Jeremy J. Ginsberg ’96, Joshua A. Ginsberg ’98, and Justin E. Ginsberg ’00.

Fall 2013 | Remarks

69


Remarks

G. Kennison Gordon, June 8, 2013, father of Scott K. Gordon ’75 and stepfather of Paul B. Geilich ’75.

Gertrude “Trudy” Garrett Kennedy, June 11, 2013, mother of John S. Kennedy ’78 and Franklin M. Kennedy ’83.

Charles Wesley Goyer, Jr., June 1, 2013, father of Charles W. Goyer III ’68.

Christopher G. C. Kershaw ’67, April 28, 2013.

Thomas P. Grier ’86, January 31, 2013, brother of John P. Grier ’76, uncle of Joseph G. Vettoretti ’19 and Charles P. Vettoretti ’20. Arden R. Grover, October 18, 2012, grandfather of Arden Kapps Killingstad ’06. Z. Bruce Hall, September 13, 2013, father of Donald R. Hall ’81. John Martin Hargrove, January 26, 2013, brother of Brian H. Hargrove ’88. Howard G. Hendricks, February 20, 2013, father of William D. Hendricks ’72. Robert J. Herbert, June 22, 2013, father of Douglas T. Herbert ’92 and John C. Herbert ’87. Josephine A. Herz, January 28, 2013, grandmother of Seth H. Mazow ’99. William H. Hicks ’60, July 16, 2013. Janet B. Hill, September 1, 2013, mother of Richard W. Brown ’77, grandmother of Austin B. Linburg ’04, Barrett N. Linburg ’00, Cole A. Linburg ’03, and William W. Terry ’00. Jean Houston, June 14, 2013, grandmother of John T. Houston ’93 and Ryan R. Houston ’96.

Neal T. Lacey, Jr., Emeritus Trustee, father of John A. Lacey ’83 and Nelson K. Lacey ’79. Jerome H. Lane, July 7, 2013, grandfather of Justin C. Utay ’09. John F. Lehman, Jr., August 26, 2013, father of Jeffrey H. Lehman ’94. Harry B. Lucas, August 1, 2013, father of Harry B. Lucas, Jr. ’67 and Jay R. Lucas ’75. Billie Abbott Mathews, May 2, 2013, grandmother of Benjamin B. Mathews ’99. Gus Mihalopoulos, September 27, 2013, father of Emeritus Trustee Frank Mihalopoulos, father-in-law of Emeritus Trustee Maryann Mihalopoulos, grandfather of Arthur T. Brousseau ’08. Joseph John Mlakar, DDS, March 18, 2013, father of Paul Mlakar, mathematics teacher and father-in-law of Kristin Mlakar, Business Office Administrative Assistant. Philip O. Montgomery III ’72, October 9, 2013, son of Emeritus Trustee P. O’B. Montgomery, Jr. ’38, brother of Carter R. Montgomery ’74, Harold H. Montgomery ’78, and Will S. Montgomery ’76, uncle of Blake O. Montgomery ’10, John C. Montgomery ’10, Peter S. Montgomery ’12, Philip G. Montgomery ’16, and Stuart J. Montgomery ’15. Sarah K. Munves, June 20, 2013, mother of Paul I. Munves ’65 and Sol D. Munves ’67.

Alan A. “Bud” Hulsey ’43, April 24, 2013. Ben R. Murphy, April 9, 2013, father of B. Rob Murphy, Jr. ’85. Mark E. Hundahl ’69, December 27, 2012. Annette Golman Jayson, July 31, 2013, mother of Hal T. Jayson ’74. Alan J. Katz, August 22, 2013, father of Blair D. Katz ’94. Janeen Coleman Kelminson, April 22, 2013, aunt of Brendan I. Goldaber ’20 and Justin C. Utay ’09.

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Remarks | THE PRIDE

Philip Meneese Orr, Jr., April 17, 2013, father of Clayton P. Orr ’89. Hilda H. Nancarrow, August 4, 2013, mother of Mark H. Nancarrow ’73 and grandmother of Jason L. Nancarrow ’02. Thomas R. Newman, Jr. ’42, June 23, 2013.

St. Mark’s School of Texas


Remarks

Marlis Wicker Perlis, February 11, 2013, grandmother of J. Michael Patison ’12 and Andrew C. Patison ’15.

William R. Weston, Jr. ’38, August 19, 2013.

Patricia Elaine Porter, October 8, 2013, mother of Trustee B.G. Porter ’83, grandmother of Wilton J. Porter ’12 and Lucas T. Porter ’16.

Dr. John Truett Whitley, Sr., May 31, 2013, father of John T. Whitley, Jr. ’83 and Mark E. Whitley ’88, father-in-law of David A. Wood ’82, grandfather of J. Landon Wood ’18 and R. Gray Wood ’17.

Philip R. Rader, Sr., February 28, 2013, father of Philip R. Rader, II ’63.

Jean Elizabeth Woodward, April 22, 2013, mother of Philip L. Woodward ’80 and David Woodward ’82.

Steve Raihall, March 20, 2013, father of Sherri Darver, fourth-grade teacher.

Cynthia P. Yandell, September 13, 2012, mother of Pitts Yandell, head crew coach.

John A. Reeder ’59, July 23, 2013. Nancy S. Ritter, June 19, 2013, mother of Jeffrey D. Ritter ’88. Robert “Bob” David Rogers ’54, June 11, 2013, Emeritus Trustee, son of Ralph B. Rogers, brother of Richard G. Rogers ’58 and William E. Rogers ’65, father of David G. Rogers ’77 and James B. Rogers ’85, stepfather of Eric Charlton ’85, grandfather of Christopher B. Rhoades ’09, and James E. Rogers ’19 step-grandfather of Michael B. Cole ’08, uncle of Michael L. Rogers ’85 and Mike Rogers ’74. Patti Carol Rowlett, February 26, 2013, mother of John R. Rowlett ’82 and William D. Rowlett ’79. John R. Royall ’50, January 25, 2013. Ted S. Schlossman, January 20, 2013, stepfather of Daniel C. Adams ’88 and Scott B. Adams ’78. Thelma Mae Scott, July 27, 2013, mother of Matthew T. Scott ’81. James M. Spellings, March 26, 2013, father of James M. Spellings, Jr. ’80. Shirley Jean “Ann” Samuelsen Smith, July 20, 2013, mother of Philip A. Smith ’75. Sarah Lee Stout, April 10, 2013, sister of Stephen M. Seay ’68 (deceased). Mary Catherine Curotto Stull, January 20, 2013, mother of John F. Stull ’67. Jason A. Villarreal ’98, April 7, 2013. H. Dunlap Weichsel ’51, August 7, 2013.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2013 | Remarks

71


Endnotes ONLINE GIVING The St. Mark’s Fund is the School’s most important, ongoing fundraising priority, providing more than 10% of its annual operating budget. You may give online through our secure server at www.smtexas.org/smfund. Every gift is appreciated.

ARCHIVE From the Terrill School, all the way to St. Mark’s School of Texas, ours is

THE

PRIDE St. Mark’s School of Texas Alumni Magazine

Editor Katy B. Rubarth

a school with a long and rich history. If you have something that you

Communications Coordinators

would like to donate to St. Mark’s to be preserved in our archives, please

David Carden Alexandra George

contact the Office of Development & Alumni Relations at 214.346.8800.

SUBMISSIONS Do you have a great story you’d like to share with your fellow alumni? Have you made any changes in your life such as a new job, new degree,

Editorial Contributors Kevin Bass ’13 Marjorie Morrison Stephen Rambin ’13 Henry Woram ’13

Photographic Contributors

along with any photos, to the Office of Development & Alumni Relations

Michael Doorey ’13 Alden James ’16 Conner Olson ’15

so we can include them in our next issue. Submissions may be made

Director of Alumni Relations

marriage, children, or other announcement? Please send your stories,

in any of three ways:

Jim Bob Womack ’98

• www.smtexas.org Use our online form to send in your “Remarks.” • Email | womackj@smtexas.org Send your information and high-resolution photos to Jim Bob Womack at womackj@smtexas.org. • U.S. Mail Send to St. Mark’s School of Texas, Attn. Jim Bob Womack, 10600 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75230-4047 Submissions received after July 1, 2013, will appear in the next issue of The Pride.

Printed on paper containing 10% Post-Consumer Waste.

THE PRIDE is published twice annually by St. Mark’s School of Texas, Office of Development & Alumni Relations, 10600 Preston Road, Dallas, Texas 75230-4047, and is distributed to alumni, parents, and friends of the School. In producing this magazine, every effort has been made to ensure that it is accurate. Please report any errors, or receipt of multiple copies, to the Office of Development & Alumni Relations, and accept our sincerest apologies. St. Mark’s School of Texas does not discriminate in the administration of its admission and education policies on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. © 2013 St. Mark’s School of Texas An Office of Development & Alumni Relations Publication

72

End Notes | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas


Young Alumnus Plans Ahead: Menter B. Terrill Society David Cohen ’97 considers his connection to St. Mark’s to be a lifelong one. David began his journey at St. Mark’s in the first grade and has seen the lasting impact of his experiences at 10600 Preston Road. “St. Mark’s does critical work. This is a premier, first-rate school, and it has had a significant and lasting impact on my life, on my family, on many of my close friends, and on the community. When I began to think about estate planning, joining the Terrill Society was simply a no-brainer.” Cohen graduated from St. Mark’s in 1997 and earned his BA from Middlebury College before heading to the University of Virginia for Law School. After several years in New York City, Cohen has relocated to Los Angeles where he is a practicing attorney. “When I run into fellow Marksmen and I hear what these people are doing, it reinforces the idea that what we took from St. Mark’s created a lifelong commitment to excellence and service. As our boys turn into men and move to the next stages of their lives, they continue to personify the principles that St. Mark’s instilled in their lives, and it has real impact. I joined the Terrill Society because I want that to continue in perpetuity.” Cohen sees his inclusion of St. Mark’s in his estate plans as a way to ensure continued support for the philanthropic area that he values most: support for financial aid. “I think that private education offers unique and special access to set the best and the brightest up to have community impact, but the problem is that excellence is expensive. You have to do a tremendous amount of planning to make sure that the deserving boys have access to a St. Mark’s education. Great financial aid support from the School is necessary in order to ensure that you truly have an egalitarian and meritorious environment. I want to see the School’s scholarship efforts, which are strong, continue to grow and be stronger. “The decision to support St. Mark’s year in and year out with the annual fund is a nobrainer, and I view this as a simple extension of that. I want my impact on St. Mark’s to last far beyond me.” Having made this important commitment, which will benefit the School for the longterm, David Cohen ’97 has become a proud Charter Member of the Menter B. Terrill Society. If you have included St. Mark’s in your estate plans or would like more information about the Menter B. Terrill Society, please contact Scott Jolly in the Office of Development at 214.346.8132 or jollys@smtexas.org.


St. Mark’s School of Texas 10600 Preston Road Dallas, Texas 75230-4047 214.346.8000 • www.smtexas.org

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