The Pride | Summer 2018

PRIDE THE

Remembering Margaret McDermott “One of the Great Titans of Our School”

The Class of 2018 Seniors reflect on some of their favorite memories at St. Mark’s

Summer 2018 Volume 23, Issue 2 St. Mark’s School of Texas Alumni Magazine

2018

August 9 Graduate Send-Off Party September 24 Austin Alumni Event September 25 Houston Alumni Event, College Station Alumni Event & San Antonio Alumni Event September 28 Homecoming October 9 Denver Alumni Event October 14 Boston Alumni Event October 15 Hanover Alumni Event October 16 New York City Alumni Event

November 21 Young Alumni Holiday Party December 13 Alumni Holiday Luncheon December 20 College-Age Marksmen Day December 29 Alumni Games

2019

February 25 Los Angeles Alumni Event February 26 Bay Area Alumni Event February 27 Palo Alto Alumni Event April 25–27 Alumni Weekend May 24 Commencement & Graduate Luncheon

October 17 Philadelphia Alumni Event & Washington, D.C. Alumni Event

See the full calendar of events at www.smtexas.org/AlumniEvents

Contents

THE

PRIDE St. Mark’s School of Texas Alumni Magazine Volume 23, Issue 2 • Summer 2018

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ON CAMPUS

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2 | Letter from the Editor 4 | Student Art 8 | The Next Level 12 | Sports News 15 | Student Accolades 16 | Making a Difference 18 | Celebrate St. Mark’s 20 | Retiring Faculty 22 | Retiring Trustees 24 | Mr. J’s Legacy 26 | Margaret McDermott

ALUMNI NEWS

28 | Alumni Board Report 30 | Alumni Weekend

SPOTLIGHT ON PHILANTHROPY

40 | Master Teaching Chairs 44 | Reunion Giving

FEATURES

46 | Expanding the Marksman Worldview

60 | The Science Center Project

62 | Class of 2018

64 | Baccalaureate & Commencement

70 | College Matriculation

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NOTES AND REMARKS

72 | Class Notes 77 | Faculty Notes 78 | In Memoriam 80 | Endnotes

ABOUT OUR COVER Seniors from the Class of 2015 help Mrs. McDermott into the Headmaster’s Residence. Photo by Mason Smith ’15.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Summer 2018 | Contents

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from the editor

here are special people in this world whose names are synonymous with generosity and making the world a better place.

If you are lucky enough to meet them, you know you are in the presence of greatness, and you are forever changed.

Frank Jordan is one of those special people. I have had the great fortune to accompany two of my sons on Frank’s Wyoming trip, and each trip was unforgettable. Waking before dawn, Frank would lead the excursion with high hopes of catching

at the end of the evening and said goodnight, she

sight of a grizzly, black bear, bull moose, or elk.

filled my heart with gratitude, admiration, and

Later in the morning, he’d be raring to lead the

a strong desire to be better, do more, and serve

group on a 10-mile hike with the energy and

graciously. She changed me forever.

enthusiasm of a 20-year-old. I’m certainly not alone in my admiration; Frank has inspired generations

Mrs. McDermott has forever changed the lives of

of Marksmen and their parents, many of whom

generations of Marksmen, past, present, and future.

honored him by establishing a special fund in his

The thoughtful care and generous support that

honor, which was announced at Alumni Weekend

she and her husband Eugene gave to St. Mark’s for

during a celebration of his 50 years of teaching at

nearly eight decades have allowed the School to

St. Mark’s. With no signs of slowing down, Frank

grow from strength to strength, to set and realize

continues to bring his passion for teaching, his

the highest aspirations like those outlined in

kindness, and his generous spirit to the third-grade

Goals for St. Mark’s IV. She is indeed responsible

classroom and to our St. Mark’s community.

in large part for all of it—for every good thing we have the pleasure of presenting to you in this issue.

I also had the rare privilege to know another one of

Mrs. McDermott will be missed, but her legacy will

those special people. Several years ago, I was seated

never be forgotten.

next to the incomparable Margaret McDermott at our annual Trustee dinner. Ninety minutes flew

Best Wishes,

by in an instant, but it was an instant I’ll cherish forever. She asked about what I did at St. Mark’s and all the wonderful things the boys were doing.

As we listened to a program highlighting the latest things that were happening on campus, it wasn’t

Katy Rubarth

lost on me that she was in large part responsible

Director of Communications

for all of it. When she put her tiny hand over mine

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

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campus snapshot This spring, the senior class committed to spending its free periods engaging with younger Marksmen.

A Spike Ball set appeared in the Senior Lounge for anyone to use when they had the time.

The four-player cross between volleyball and four square became a staple of post-lunch and free-period activity, and, soon, teams of younger Marksmen lined up to challenge seniors in intense two-on-two matches.

“The underclassmen started joining in our games, and we were happy to be able to play with them,” said Jimmy Rodriguez ’18. “And since then it’s become more and more regular, and the students have become even more connected.”

St. Mark’s School of Texas

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A Collection of Student Photography & Drawing

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

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(clockwise from left) Matthew Coleman ’19 Jack Katz ’19 Obaid Akbar ’20 Kabeer Singh ’18

St. Mark’s School of Texas

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(above) Eric Lai ’20 (right) Pablo Arroyo ’20

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

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(clockwise from far left) Christopher McElhaney ’18 Riley Sanders ’18 Tucker Ribman ‘18

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sports news (left) The varsity volleyball team circles up during a game (opposite) Coach Jason Leneau teaches wrestling ankle picks

F

or most students, athletics at St. Mark’s begins with lessons in teamwork and perseverance. Lower Schoolers

encourage one another to finish their laps and learn the value of sportsmanship. Later, in the Middle and Upper School, boys find more structure and discipline when they don their

Lions athletic gear. Intense competition in daily practices, travel to away games, and the support of fellow classmates provide a healthy environment for boys to learn about themselves and feed their love of competition.

The Next Level

“Marksmen athletes take time beyond the School’s requirements to learn and master the skills necessary to play at the highest of levels, and they have done so while maintaining a rigorous

Hard work. Dedication. Sacrifice.

academic load,” said Mark Sullivan, St. Mark’s Athletic Director. “Throughout this process they

Throughout their careers at St. Mark’s, boys learn these lessons alongside math, English, and history. They are

have learned to manage their time to balance the demands of both. Our students work extremely hard toward something they have developed a

lessons taught not only by classroom teachers but also by

passion for, and as such, regularly achieve at the

athletic coaches. Under the bright lights of Norma and

highest of levels.”

Lamar Hunt Family Stadium or in the waters of the Ralph

For some students, St. Mark’s represents the

B. Rogers Natatorium, Marksmen are challenged to become

beginning of their larger athletic careers. While

better athletes and better men.

the talent has often already been identified, the skills are now developed. Challenged by their

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

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sports news

(top) Alden James ’16 (third from left) with his teammates on the MIT Men’s Lightweight Crew (above) Tim Simenc ’15 (left of the trophy) and the UC Berkeley Men’s Water Polo Team celebrate their NCAA National Championship

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teammates and coaches and supported by their

level. Some find incredible success leading their

families, those with a desire to play in college

teams to national victories. Others find the act of

quickly understand the hours of hard work and

playing to be its own reward.

preparation required to succeed. In a world driven by immediate results, this lesson is more

In his freshman year playing water polo at the

important than ever. At St. Mark’s, teachers

University of California, Berkeley, Tim Simenc ’15

and students together embrace the principle of

scored nine goals and helped the Golden Bears

delayed gratification.

secure their 14th National Championship. Riley Graham ’14 and his lacrosse teammates at the

Over the past four years, more than 30 Lion

University of North Carolina overcame heavy

athletes have pursued their sport at the collegiate

odds to win the 2016 NCAA Lacrosse National

St. Mark’s School of Texas

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Championship. Alden James ’16 continued rowing crew upon entering MIT and is now beginning his junior year as Team Captain.

“Rowing at St. Mark’s gave me a wonderful group of friends, a healthy outlet for stress, and a newfound confidence,” said Alden, who is pursuing a double major in Ancient and Medieval Studies and mechanical engineering with a concentration in robotics. “The MIT Men’s Lightweight Crew accepted me with open arms and gave me an immediate group of friends. My

Class of 2018 Collegiate Athletes Seun Omonije – Football, Yale University Reece Rabin – Baseball, Princeton University Zach Landry – Baseball, Haverford College Garrett Mize – Lacrosse, Washington & Lee University Tucker Ribman – Wrestling, Harvard University John Gunnin – Lacrosse, Colgate University Houston Engleman – Soccer, Claremont McKenna Nick Malvezzi– Soccer, Boston University

performance has blossomed, and the team has grown into another family. No matter how hard the times get with classes or busy schedules, rowing is always there to help me refocus my energy and reclaim balance.”

“As Marksmen go on to play in college, their

(above left) Strength and conditioning coach Kevin Dilworth works with student athletes in the weight room

time management skills will be tested, and the While their individual paths through college

academic pressures will increase,” said Coach

sports may vary, St. Mark’s athletes are more than

Sullivan. “What they gain, they will carry with

simply participants when they arrive on their

them forever. As they transition beyond collegiate

college campuses. Routinely, Lions are servant

athletics, their work ethic will continue into their

leaders who continue to embody the values they

future professional endeavors. The connections

lived out while at St. Mark’s. They perform at a

they will make through sports will offer them

high level, inspire and challenge their teammates

a support group throughout their lives. They

and coaches to be better, and represent their

will forever be a member of a larger community

respective institutions on and off the field with

connected through their athletic experience.”

great sportsmanship.

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sports news

(above) Mason Rareshide ’20 hits a line drive to left field

Baseball

Crew

Rain cancelled many games and practices as the

The varsity crew entered the spring season with

varsity baseball team, led by coach Johnny Hunter,

determination and patience that paid dividends.

(above right) The varsity quad rows at USRowing Youth National Championships

faced challenges early in the season. They played

Led by coach Pitts Yandell and captains Eduardo

well through the SPC season, going 5-2 overall. The

Ludwig Bernardo ’18 and Riley Sanders ’18, the

Lions entered the SPC tournament as the third seed

young squad continued to get stronger following

in the North Zone and won their first game against

each regatta. At the Central Youth Championship

St. Andrew’s from Austin. In the quarterfinals, the

in Oklahoma City, the Lions varsity quad of Ludwig

team faced a challenging opponent in Kinkaid. Led

Bernardo, Sanders, Christian Duessel ’20, and Billy

by a strong senior class, the Lions jumped out to an

Lockhart ’20 placed second and earned a trip to

early lead but ultimately lost 4–2.

the USRowing Youth National Championships in Rancho Cordova, California. At Nationals, the quad placed 16th overall.

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

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Lacrosse

(left) Anthony Andrews ’20 hands the baton to Seun Omonije ’18

The varsity lacrosse team went 5-1 in district play earning wins against McKinney, Rockwall, Frisco, Allen, and Plano West. In SPC play, the team advanced to the Championship, but lost 10–2 to ESD. In the opening round of the Texas High School Lacrosse League (THSLL) playoffs, a talented group

(above) The Lions celebrate their victory at THSLL State Semifinals

of seniors played their last home game at St. Mark’s

Track & Field

Norma and Lamar Hunt Family Stadium, defeating Southlake Carroll 10–3. Wins over St. John’s and

A consistent varsity track and field team featured

Lake Travis propelled the Lions to the Final Four

a blend of experienced seniors and a handful of

in the State Playoffs, their first appearance since

underclassmen who were eager to make their

2013. In the semifinal game, the team beat ESD to

mark. The team finished in the top three in six

advance to the State Final. There, they faced The

of their eight meets, winning four. At the SPC

Woodlands High School and competed hard, but

Championship meet, the Lions earned 16 personal

ultimately fell short by a score of 10–6. A season

records and two of the three relay teams ran season

full of accolades saw nine different Lions earn

bests. Coached by John Turek, the Lions competed

recognition at the THSLL or SPC level for their

hard across the board in all events throughout the

play. Coach Hayward Lee was honored with the

season, ultimately fielding one of their best teams

2018 THSLL Coach Earl Bill Award for Lifetime

in recent years and finished third overall in SPC.

Achievement.

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sports news

Water Polo Mihai Oprea coached one of the youngest varsity water polo teams in recent memory and guided them through a season full of learning opportunities. Comprising underclassmen, the team finished 21–7 overall and was led by junior captains Chase Honaker ’19, Joe Lofgren ’19, Robert Newman ’19, and Mark Weisberg ’19.

Challenged by their youth, the Lions rose to the occasion and, with their third-place finish at the Texas State Championship, extended their podium streak to 10 straight years.

Golf (top) Davis Bailey ’18 hits a backhand slice

Tennis

(above) Jack Palmer ’21 fires off a shot on an opposing goalie

regular season undefeated with a 7–0 record and

(above right) Ben Clayman ’18 attempts to chip in from the fairway

The varsity tennis team’s deep lineup in 2018 proved to be the recipe for success as it finished the secured the #1 seed in the SPC North Zone.

Led by coach Sana Cortas, the Lions faced Greenhill in the SPC semifinal match after defeating Kinkaid 3-0 in the quarterfinals. The Lions were defeated as Greenhill advanced to the championship round. Later that afternoon, the team bounced back and defeated Casady, securing third place in the SPC Tournament.

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Throughout the season, the varsity golf team, coached by Greg Guiler, showed a willingness to focus on the process and let the outcomes take care of themselves. Senior captains Rett Daugbjerg ’18 and Mike Mahowald ’18 demonstrated extraordinary leadership and served as mentors for younger players. Entering the SPC Tournament, the team felt confident it could attack the course, score well, and surprise some of the favorites. Ultimately, the Lions fell short, but their body of competitive work over the course of the season has set the foundation for 2019.

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student accolades by the numbers Facts and Figures from Across Campus

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Scholar Semifinalists

Cum Laude Society in April 2018

Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s

Seniors named Presidential

Student publications honored by the

New members inducted into the

Crown Awards

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Marksmen earned All-SPC honors in the spring championships

Award ribbons earned by the Upper

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Consecutive years the Association of

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School Latin Team at the State Junior

Texas Photography Instructors named

their achievement on the National

Classical League’s North Central Texas

St. Mark’s photography a “Top Program”

Spanish Examination

4,800

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collected during the Lower School

committed to play collegiate sports

grade class has placed first in its

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Marksmen received scholarships for

Competition

Pounds of donated items

Marksmen from the Class of 2018

Consecutive years St. Mark’s fourthdivision of the national WordMasters

Goodwill Drive

vocabulary competition (pictured)

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your support makes these moments possible Making a Difference Each year, the St. Mark’s Fund supports campus life at 10600 Preston Road.

Accounting for more than 10 percent of the overall budget, the St. Mark’s Fund helps create an extraordinary environment in which our Marksmen thrive.

(clockwise from top left) The first grade performs a dress rehearsal of its musical Squirm Ms. Wood gives creative guidance to students painting scenes from around campus Students in Mrs. Windham’s science class take turns practicing fire safety hands-on

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

THANK YOU! for another outstanding year

Thank you from the students, faculty, and staff of St. Mark’s School of Texas for making a gift to the 2017–2018 St. Mark’s Fund. You helped us surpass our goal and raise more than $4 million for the second time in the School’s history.

These gifts provide our students and faculty with the necessary support to sustain excellence at 10600 Preston Road.

4

$ M CONTRIBUTED TO THE 2017-2018 ST. MARK’S FUND

89%

PARENT PARTICIPATION IN THE ST. MARK’S FUND IN 2017-2018

56%

ALUMNI PARTICIPATION IN THE ST. MARK’S FUND IN 2017-2018

On Campus

For a quarter-century, St. Mark’s parents have come together for a night dedicated to supporting their boys. This year, the Parents’ Association continued this tradition, hosting the

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“What an amazing night!” said Lea. “Parents and friends ate delicious food, supported their boys, and danced the night away. Thank you to the parents and staff who put in so many hours to

25th annual Celebrate St. Mark’s. For its theme, the parents

make this Timeless Tradition a night we won’t

aptly chose A Timeless Tradition.

soon forget!”

On Saturday, February 24, 2018, more than 600 parents, faculty, staff, and

In addition to providing the community with an

guests entered the Thomas O. Hicks Family Athletic Center, as black-and-white

evening to celebrate, proceeds from this year’s

photos from the School’s 111-year history played on the monitors.

Celebrate St. Mark’s will benefit outdoor learning

The event was the result of thousands of hours invested by dozens of parent

spaces surrounding the Science Center Project,

volunteers and supporters, led by Celebrate St. Mark’s Co-Chairs Lea Guiler

including the construction and renovation of

and Zoe Bonnette.

teaching and recreation areas.

On Campus | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas

On Campus

(opposite and above) Parents dance the night away at Celebrate St. Mark’s (bottom left) Celebrate St. Mark’s Co-Chairs Lea Guiler and Zoe Bonnette

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retiring faculty

“I want to express my sincere thanks to the retiring and departing members of the faculty and staff who have contributed so much to the fabric of our School. We

Paula Cham Paula Cham retired after 17 years of teaching Middle School mathematics at St. Mark’s. In the words of Joe Milliet, Thomas B. Walker III ’73

are fortunate to have such a devoted team of teachers,

Mathematics Department Chair, “Paula always

administrators, and professional staff who invested

found a practical application to illustrate the math

themselves so fully in our boys. Congratulations and many

concept she was teaching, even though sometimes

thanks to Paula, Jon, and Karan for all they’ve done to advance our mission of helping boys develop into good men.”

math is just math!” Beyond mathematics, Paula taught her students empathy and compassion for others as sponsor of the Free the Children chapter on campus, now known as WE Charity. Under her

—David W. Dini Eugene McDermott Headmaster

leadership, this program raised nearly $100,000 for the benefit of children all over the world. During her years at St. Mark’s, she coached a number of Middle School sports, including volleyball, basketball, and track & field teams.

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

On Campus

Jon Valasek

Karan Windham

After a 20-year career in the U.S. Air Force, Jon

Karan Windham taught science and math at the

Valasek went on to establish a career in teaching.

high school level and chemistry at the college

He came to St. Mark’s in 2003 to hold the Leonard

level before coming to St. Mark’s in 2007. For the

N. “Doc” Nelson Alumni Master Teaching Chair

past 12 years, she taught fifth-graders the joys of

and taught Chemistry and AP Chemistry for 15

science. Outside of the science lab, Karan advised,

years. At Jon’s retirement celebration, Fletch

sponsored clubs, and supported the St. Mark’s

Carron, Stephen M. Seay ’68 Science Department

Choir on their biennial international tours. Her

Chair, praised the impact Jon had on his

longtime colleague Marietta Johnson said of Karan:

students. “He taught some of the most abstract and challenging topics in science, yet his students

“She is an incredible Middle School teacher who understands that fifth-grade age. She begins classes

have learned the subject and have loved learning

with one-minute exercises to get the ‘wiggles’ out

it. He injected his unique sense of humor into

and uses short labs to reinforce the concepts and

courses and enriched them with fascinating

help boys to retain what they are learning. The boys

demonstrations and labs. He has been a caring

from her classes have an amazing advantage going

teacher, advisor, and colleague.”

into subsequent levels of science.”

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retiring trustees

(left to right) Mary Beth Duffy, Wayne Placide, Craig Budner ’83, and Bill Graue ’84

Mary Beth Duffy Mary Beth Duffy became a member of the St. Mark’s community as a fifth-grade parent in 2011.

She served as a Grade Representative and Middle School Coordinator and, in 2015, joined the Board of Trustees as President-Elect of the Parents’ Association. Since then, Mary Beth served for three years on the Education Committee and led the Parents’ Association as President for the 2016–2017 school year. She and her husband Sean are the parents of Cole ’19 and Conor ’22.

Wayne Placide Wayne Placide joined the St. Mark’s community as a sixth-grade parent in 2009. After joining the Board in 2012, Wayne brought his professional expertise to the Finance Committee. Over the past six years, that Committee and the Board relied on his finance background to help guide the School during several important decisions, including the payment and refinancing of the School’s debt and the ongoing construction of the Science Center Project. Wayne and his wife Gayle are the parents

Craig Budner ’83 Craig Budner ’83 returned to St. Mark’s as a parent in 2004 and, by 2005, both of his sons were Marksmen.

In 2012, Craig earned a seat on the Board of Trustees and, during his six years of service, he was an active member of the Education Committee and the Development Committee. Additionally, Craig is a leader in the Class of 1983, chairing and hosting multiple Reunions. He and his wife Dawn are the parents of Will ’13 and Ben ’17.

Bill Graue ’84 Bill Graue ’84 joined the St. Mark’s community as a first-grader in 1971. After graduating, he served on the Alumni Board from 1996 to 2002 and set a strong example of leadership in his Class Reunions and in the Alumni Association. Bill’s work on The Centennial Challenge benefited students, faculty, and the entire community. He joined the Board of Trustees in 2009 and during his three terms has been an important member of the Audit, Education, and Finance Committees. He and his wife Mona are the parents of August ’17.

of Matthew ’16.

Please help us welcome and thank our newest Trustees: Kasim Alfalahi, Mason King ’94, Leigh Koch, and Cindy McClain

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

Homecoming 2018 Friday, September 28 Homecoming Kick-off Party In the W. W. Browning, Jr., Great Hall at 6:00 p.m.

Varsity Football Game In the Norma & Lamar Hunt Family Stadium at 7:00 p.m.

On Campus

Mr. Jordan chats with his Marksmen

A

half-century later, Frank Jordan has become a constant fixture in the Lower School and the first classroom teacher

to reach 50 years of service to St. Mark’s. While he has taught more than 1,800 students, “Mr. J”

finds ways to connect personally with each boy, forming bonds of friendship that last for decades.

“Frank Jordan is the ultimate Renaissance man.

He’s passionate about inspiring young boys and his love of learning is simply infectious,” said David W. Dini, Eugene McDermott Headmaster.

MR. J’S LEGACY

It’s common to find some of Mr. J’s former students returning to Lower School as fathers, dropping off their sons in his third-grade class.

By Frank’s own count, he has taught more than 30 sons of his former students. During Alumni Weekend, he is regularly invited to Reunions to

In 1967, a young man arrived at 10600 Preston Road.

He was fresh out of college, having just received an MAT from Cornell University, where he studied in the Child Development Department. After moving back to Dallas,

reconnect with men decades after teaching them.

“In third grade, I looked up to him as a mentor, and now I consider him a friend,” said Alden James ’16.

“He still emails me to catch up and remembers my nickname when I’m on campus. Mr. J really is one

he heard about St. Mark’s School of Texas, gave them

of the people who has made St. Mark’s into the

a call, and Head of Lower School Chloe Gursch offered

community of love and family that it is today.”

him a job.

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In addition to his love of baseball and his astounding collection of baseball trading cards, Marksmen of all ages remember Mr. J’s great passion for the outdoors. For decades, he has led eager boys and parents through Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. At age 75, Mr. J leads the pack, waking up early and rushing over hills to catch a glimpse of a black bear or moose. Each trip ends with a group dinner, where Mr. J tells a story about each individual boy on the trip and offers words of encouragement as they continue on their Path to Manhood.

Mr. J’s incredible contributions to St. Mark’s and his passion for outdoor education inspired a group of Marksmen, parents, and parents of alumni to band together and honor his legacy.

At Spring Alumni Dinner, after honoring Frank for his 50 years of service, David Dini made a surprise announcement: “Frank is great at educating the boys and giving them the skills to move on in their academic careers, but he also loves the wilderness. In honor of this passion, a covert effort has been underway at St. Mark’s,

(above) Mr. J and the fourthgrade Class of 2016 travel through Wyoming (right) Mr. J introduces his class to his former student Sam Acho ’07

led by one of his former students, Wallace Hall ’80. Wallace and other alumni and parents have established the Frank H. Jordan Wilderness Program Endowment Fund.”

To date, more than 45 donors have committed $260,000 to this fund, providing resources

capably being in it. To name this Wilderness Fund

to benefit the School’s Wilderness Program,

in his honor is to recognize his vast contributions

ensuring experiences like the Wyoming Trip

to all of us and to say ‘thank you.’”

continue to thrive and benefit our boys.

As he prepares to begin his sixth decade teaching “Frank has exemplified what it means to be a

Marksmen, Frank expressed his gratitude for

great multi-disciplined teacher, a terrific role

the generosity of the community. “I am very

model for young men, and a caring friend to

honored that alumni established this fund to

all,” said Wallace Hall ’80. As the father of three

assist Marksmen who wish to go on St. Mark’s

Marksmen, Wallace has returned to Wyoming

wilderness-related trips, so they might not only

several times alongside Mr. J. “Frank has stoked

grow in self-confidence and self-reliance, but

the imagination of the boys, highlighting the

also gain a better appreciation for the beauty and

importance of the natural world and the joy of

importance of our natural world.”

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campus visitors

Margaret McDermott “One of the Great Titans of Our School” The above photo hangs in the office of the Eugene

St. Mark’s forward through the School’s history.

McDermott Headmaster, right across from David Dini’s

Mrs. McDermott was deeply invested in the success

desk. Taken by Mason Smith ’15, it depicts four Marksmen from the Class of 2015 helping Margaret McDermott into the

of every Marksman. As David put it, “Seeing Mrs. McDermott engage with current students was simply magical.”

Headmaster’s Residence for a luncheon.

In early May 2018, Mrs. McDermott passed away at You see Mrs. McDermott chatting with the boys,

the age of 106, leaving behind a legacy of dedication

inquiring about their studies, activities, and future

and leadership to St. Mark’s, as well as the greater

plans. Just over 100 years old at the time, she

Dallas community and the world. Her relationship

was intensely interested in the lives of the latest

with the School spanned nearly eight decades,

generation of Marksmen.

beginning when her husband, Eugene McDermott, served as St. Mark’s Board President from 1946–1956.

To David Dini, this photograph captures the

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essence of St. Mark’s and symbolizes the

In the 1960s, Eugene and Margaret McDermott

intergenerational connections that have propelled

joined forces with good friends and fellow Texas

St. Mark’s School of Texas

On Campus

Instruments co-founders, Cecil and Ida Green,

One of her signature commitments at UTD, the

to fund a state-of-the-art Math and Science

McDermott Scholars Program, annually attracts

Quadrangle, which gained national attention for its

outstanding students from around the country,

innovative and forward-looking capabilities that

including five Marksmen during the past four years.

included closed-circuit television, a planetarium and observatory, a greenhouse, and much more.

Just a few days after Mrs. McDermott’s death, the

Soon after, the Eugene McDermott Scholarship

Board of Trustees issued an official resolution,

Endowment was established, a fund that today

which states in part that “Mrs. McDermott

supports need-based scholarship assistance

provided great leadership, vision, and generosity to

for up to 20 St. Mark’s students each year. The

St. Mark’s for more than seven decades and left an

McDermotts and Greens together went on to

indelible mark on the School.”

(right) Mrs. McDermott with Life Trustee Pat McBride, Will Montgomery ’76, and Ruth Ann Montgomery at the 2015 Headmaster’s Council Dinner (above) Mrs. McDermott (far right) with Ida and Cecil Green and William Eppler

transform virtually every aspect of the School, endowing scholarships and teaching chairs,

“Margaret McDermott’s legacy will endure forever

funding academic and co-curricular programs, and

at St. Mark’s. She is one of the great titans of

building new facilities all over the campus. After he

our School,” said David Dini. “It has been a rare

passed away, Mrs. McDermott served on the Board

privilege to get to know Margaret over the past

herself, during which time she was named a Life

several decades, an opportunity that I will always

Trustee and Honorary Alumnus.

cherish. She has, quite simply, changed the course of history for St. Mark’s and more important,

Mrs. McDermott’s commitment to education spans

shaped the lives of literally thousands of students.

many colleges, schools, and universities, including

On behalf of my colleagues as well as every

St. Mark’s, Hockaday, MIT, Stanford, SMU, UT

Marksman, past, present, and future, we simply say,

Southwestern Medical Center, and, of course, her

‘Thank you, Margaret, for enriching all of our lives.

pride and joy, the University of Texas at Dallas.

We will miss you dearly.’”

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Alumni News alumni programs Board Report from Jeff Genecov ’77 It is a tremendous privilege and honor to serve as your Alumni Association President, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the graduates of our School to help advance its mission. As we strive to build upon our commitment to excellence, the Alumni Board’s aspirational vision remains at the forefront: to become the best independent school alumni association in the country. Together, we continue to strengthen the bonds of alumni across the nation, mentor Marksmen on campus and in their professions, and advance the School’s mission of developing young men of character and integrity who will be leaders in today’s ever-changing world.

In partnership with the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, the Board continues to measure the success of our work by focusing on three primary efforts: (1) Dallas-based programming and involvement, (2) the expansion of the Marksman Network through regional activities, and (3) maintaining our high standard of philanthropic support with over 50 percent alumni participation in the St. Mark’s Fund.

The continued success of our Alumni Leadership Speaker Series, Regional Club growth, and Alumni Weekend events were complemented by our comprehensive and expanding Mentor and Networking Program. With approximately half of our graduates living outside of the greater Dallas area, the Marksman Directory and App connects and strengthens relationships across the country. Additionally, the College Ambassador Program continues to encourage college students to stay connected to St. Mark’s and one another. This year, 262 of 385 college-age Marksmen were impacted through the Program.

The Alumni Association continues to invest in providing future generations of Marksmen with the necessary resources to receive an unparalleled experience and education through the St. Mark’s Fund. For the 10th year in a row, our alumni exceeded 50 percent participation, achieving 56 percent overall participation. Our alumni raised $2 million for the third time in School history, representing over half of the dollars contributed to the St. Mark’s Fund. As an Alumni Association, we take great pride in ensuring that St. Mark’s remains a place where boys can be themselves, develop respect for others, and learn what it means to be a man of true character and integrity. I want to thank you for your continued generosity and loyalty as we strive to achieve daily excellence across campus.

The success of this year was made possible by the energy and dedication of the many volunteers who continue to raise the bar for alumni engagement and philanthropic support. I would like to thank my fellow 39 Alumni Board members for their tireless work on behalf of our Alumni Association. In particular, I would like to recognize this year’s Executive Committee for their leadership: Paul Genender ’87 (Vice President), Ryan Bowles ’90 (Secretary), Sandy Campbell ’76, Seth Collins ’02, Luke Kline ’07, Lowell Ku ’89, Cory Morrow ’87, Ross Ruschhaupt ’04, Michael Prentiss ’02, and Chris Winn ’99. In addition, thank you to the enthusiastic support and leadership of the Class Agents, Reunion Committees, and Regional Club Committees for your work on behalf of the School. I am so grateful for this incredible community, and I look forward to serving alongside you next year.

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Alumni Weekend In his opening remarks at Spring Alumni Dinner, Alumni Association President Jeff Genecov ’77 perfectly summarized the sentiment of Alumni Weekend: “Tonight, we say ‘thank you’ to those

To view more photos and videos from Alumni Weekend 2018, visit smtexas.org/alumniweekend

who make St. Mark’s the place we all love. We are grateful for the lessons St. Mark’s has taught us through the years and for the lifelong relationships we’ve formed with both friends and the faculty.”

(opposite) Alumni, students, and faculty connect on campus

During the weekend of April 19–21, 2018, more than 1,100 alumni and guests returned to 10600 Preston Road to reconnect with their classmates, former teachers, and the School. Over the course of the Weekend, Marksmen from each decade enjoyed the golf tournament, alumni classes, Spring Alumni

(above) Marksmen sing a hymn in Alumni Chapel

Dinner, Class Reunions, and an up-close glimpse at the continuing progress on the Winn Science Center.

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Alumni News

More than 375 alumni and guests gathered at the 22nd annual Spring Alumni Dinner for a special evening of celebration and recognition of those who make St. Mark’s extraordinary. Retiring faculty members Paula Cham and Jon Valasek were honored for their combined decades of dedication to helping boys grow into men of character and intellectual curiosity. A special tribute was given to Jacque Gavin and Frank Jordan, who have served the School for 40 years and 50 years, respectively.

Ralph B. Rogers Alumni Award The Ralph B. Rogers Alumni Award recognizes members of the faculty and staff for their outstanding contributions beyond the boundaries of the classroom. This year’s Ralph B. Rogers Award Committee Chair, Cory Morrow ’87, announced Dr. Steve Balog, Paula Cham, and Clara Ann Norman as the 2018 finalists. At Final Assembly in May, Dr. Steve Balog received this year’s honor.

Dr. Balog joined the faculty in 1994 and currently serves as the Cecil H. & Ida Green Master Teaching Chair in Science and Planetarium Director.

(above) Ralph B. Rogers Alumni Award recipient Dr. Steve Balog (above right) Young Alumni Service Citation recipient Ross Ruschhaupt ’04

During his address, Eugene McDermott

Young Alumni Service Citation

Headmaster David W. Dini announced that a

The Young Alumni Service Citation recognizes

number of alumni and parents, organized by

a young alumnus who has graduated within 15

Wallace Hall ’80, established the Frank H. Jordan

years for his outstanding service to the School and

Wilderness Program Endowment Fund to support

to the Alumni Association. Ross Ruschhaupt ’04

outdoor education. Additionally, two new endowed

began serving on the Alumni Board in 2015 and,

positions achieved full funding and will come

since then, has served on the Executive Committee

online in the 2018–2019 school year: the Tony

and the Nominating Committee and chaired the

Vintcent Fine Arts Department Chair and the

Activities and Alumni Weekend Committees.

Ahlberg & Ribman Family Director of Alumni

Ross helped establish and institutionalize the

Relations. These gifts truly reflect the community’s

annual Young Alumni Community Service event

commitment to the depth and breadth of the

and has been a steadfast Class Agent for years,

St. Mark’s experience.

ensuring the Class of 2004 is a consistent leader in the St. Mark’s Fund both in dollars raised and class

The Alumni Association also announced the

participation. As a Co-Chair of his 10th Reunion,

recipients of several special honors.

Ross helped his class set what was then a giving record of 77 percent class participation. Ross and his wife Maggie live in Dallas.

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

Alumni News

Alumni Service Medal

Distinguished Alumnus Award

The Alumni Service Medal is St. Mark’s highest

The Distinguished Alumnus Award recognizes achievement

volunteer service award. It is presented to an

of exceptional nature in any field, vocation or voluntary,

alumnus who has distinguished himself through

throughout one’s career.

sustained and outstanding service to the School.

Jeb Beckwith ’80 has been a constant presence

At the Spring Alumni Dinner, John Nance ’64 was honored as

in the St. Mark’s Alumni Association for more

the 2018 recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award. For

than three decades. He served on the Alumni

more than three decades, John has served as a leader and a

Board from 1996–2005 and became the first

pioneer in aviation and medical safety. A decorated Air Force

board member to serve regionally after moving

pilot, he served in Vietnam and the Gulf War and is a Lt. Colonel

to New York City. After connecting with other

in the United States Air Force Reserve. As a military and civilian

local alumni, Jeb served as Chair of the Regional

pilot, John has logged more than 13,700 hours of flight time

Club Committee, leading to the creation of the

since earning his pilot’s license in 1965. John is widely known

Regional Club Program. In 2010, the Alumni Board

for his New York Times bestselling novels and his television

formally recognized regional clubs as a vital part

appearances as the Aviation Consultant for Good Morning

of the Alumni Association and has since formed

America and ABC World News Tonight. In 2009, he returned to

clubs in Austin, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C.

campus to share his professional experience with Marksmen as

In addition to his pioneering leadership of our

part of the second annual St. Mark’s Literary Festival.

Regional Club program, Jeb has been an active member of his class, chairing Reunions and serving

“As a professional wordsmith, I can’t quite find the right words

as a Class Agent. With his help, the Class of 1980

to express how deeply I appreciate this honor,” John said in

has won the Alumni Cup for highest participation

accepting the award. “The accomplishments that you have

17 times in the past 27 years. Jeb served as the first

recognized here would not have happened without the challenge

chair of the New York Regional Club and on the

and incredible tempering this School provided me. In other

Host Committee for the East Coast Launch of the

words, this is more properly a celebration of St. Mark’s.”

Centennial Challenge in 2010. Jeb and his wife Liz live in Riverside, Connecticut, with their son Dylan.

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Alumni News

alumni golf tournament On Thursday, April 19, alumni, faculty, Trustees, and friends kicked off the weekend with the annual Alumni Golf Tournament at Cowboys Golf Club.

More than 115 golfers enjoyed a day of golf, followed by dinner and an awards reception. The winning team comprised Justin Mapes ’95, Piers Hurley ’95, and Hampton Richards ’95, had both the lowest net and gross score, and was presented with the Ivan Irwin, Jr. ’50 Cup.

(left and above) Alumni hit the links

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Alumni News

(left) Alumni find their names in Graduate Hall (below) A student greets an alumnus on campus (bottom) The Alumni Panel Discussion

friday on campus Hundreds of alumni joined students on campus to relive their days as Marksmen. Special lessons were taught by Master Teacher Emeritus Tom Adams, history teacher Michele Santosuosso, and math teacher and Quiz Bowl sponsor Paul Mlakar. Throughout the day, several Middle and Upper School teachers hosted open classes, offering alumni the chance to observe the modern classroom. Alumni Chapel homilist Jake Buckner ’93 shared his memories and reflection with Upper School students.

“St. Mark’s instilled in me a belief that I could go anywhere and do anything,” he said. “Your experiences and education at St. Mark’s has prepared you for whatever opportunity you choose to pursue.”

The day culminated with a special musical performance for Middle and Upper Schoolers by Conner Youngblood ’08, and The Spirit of Entrepreneurship Alumni Panel Discussion, featuring JB Sharp ’08, Nathan Wilhite ’98, and Brent Jackson ’93.

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Summer 2018 | Alumni News

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Alumni News

(clockwise from top) Classmates reconnect at the Family Cookout David Dini leads a tour through the Winn Science Center Families enjoy burgers at the Family Cookout

saturday family cookout Alumni Weekend continued on Saturday morning with the family cookout.

Despite the rain, hundreds of Marksmen and their families enjoyed a barbeque lunch in the Great Hall, complete with music from the Blues Club, games in the gym with Doc Browning and Greg Guiler, and a science show by Captain Sunshine (Ken Owens ’89) with explosions and homemade slime. Guided tours of the Winn Science Center were the day’s highlight. Alumni and their families donned hard hats and walked through the partially completed building, glimpsing the future locations of the planetarium, maker space, greenhouse, bioengineering labs, and more.

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Alumni News

(from top to bottom) Class of 1963 55th Reunion Class of 1968 50th Reunion Class of 1973 45th Reunion Class of 1978 40th Reunion

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Alumni News

(top to bottom) Class of 1983 35th Reunion Class of 1988 30th Reunion Class of 1993 25th Reunion Class of 1998 20th Reunion

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Alumni News

(from top to bottom) Class of 2003 15th Reunion Class of 2008 10th Reunion Class of 2013 5th Reunion Parents of the Class of 2013 5th Reunion

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Summer 2018 | Alumni News

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Spotlight master teaching chairs Tony Vintcent As legend has it, in 1964, a young Tony Vintcent rode his bicycle from Canada to Texas, looking for adventure. He stopped in Dallas and decided to find a job – something temporary until he could continue on his trip. St. Mark’s then-headmaster Chris Berrisford offered Tony a position teaching drama and English, and Tony agreed to teach for three months.

Tony’s tenure would last significantly longer than three months, and while his cross-country bicycle ride may have a hint of myth to it, no one can deny the indelible impact Tony Vintcent made on St. Mark’s. In his time at the School, Tony revolutionized Fine Arts. As the School’s first Fine Arts Department Chair, he grew the department into a nationally renowned program and hired campus legends such as Choirmaster Jim Livengood, art teacher Alice Oltrogge, and ceramics instructor Bill Kysor. Tony’s passion for drama extended beyond the school year when he directed a summer drama troupe of students from St. Mark’s and neighboring schools known as The Harlequin Players.

Former Hockaday drama teacher Janet Spencer

Each year, St. Mark’s Spring Alumni Dinner brings together alumni, faculty, staff, and friends to honor the men and women who strengthen St. Mark’s. The 2018 Spring Alumni Dinner was made all the more special by a

she spent leading the Harlequin Players with Tony Vintcent and her fellow Hockaday colleague Dawn Martin: “Under Tony’s leadership, artistic vision, and belief in each of the company

series of announcements that highlighted alumni support

members, the Harlequins had seven amazing

for faculty and staff. Eugene McDermott Headmaster

summers producing six plays in six weeks!” For

David W. Dini shared two new endowed positions: The

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Shaw fondly remembers the summer months

Janet and the members of their troupe, the Harlequins were about much more than studying

Anthony A. Vintcent Fine Arts Department Chair and the

drama: “Exposure to and participation in the arts

Ahlberg & Ribman Family Director of Alumni Relations.

encourages imagination and creative thinking.

Spotlight | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Spotlight

learning a fine art requires students to see and experience the world from a variety of perspectives, learn to creatively collaborate with It demands discipline, focus, and a quest for

an ensemble, and dedicate oneself to the practice

excellence, collaboration, and a shared vision.”

or making of an art.”

In the decades since, the Harlequin Players

“Tony believes in a student, often more than the

have stayed in touch, held reunions, and

student believes in himself,” Janet Spencer Shaw

even organized an online archive of their

said. “He was, and is, and will forever be, our Peter

performances. In 2018, the Harlequins returned to

Pan. It is our hope the Fine Arts Department

St. Mark’s during Alumni Weekend to reconnect

Chair will enable St Mark’s to find other inspiring

with one another and their former teacher.

teachers who will continue to change young lives.”

The weekend was the culmination of a longtime effort to honor Tony’s legacy. Thanks to the leadership of Janet Spencer Shaw and Michael Merrill ’72, the Tony Vintcent Fine Arts Department Chair will come online in the 2018–2019 school year. Through this fund, dozens of alumni, Harlequins, and friends of the School have demonstrated the important legacy of fine arts at St. Mark’s, now and into the future.

“My St. Mark’s fine arts education taught me that there are no impossible goals and provided me with a grounding for my career as an interior designer,” said Michael Merrill ’72. “There are many paths to manhood, and some of us knew immediately that the arts were our path. In his class, Tony Vintcent set standards of behavior and

(opposite) Michael Merrill ’72, Michael Jung 72, Janet Spencer Shaw, and Tony Vintcent as the 2012 Harlequin Players reunion

performance that were impossible to meet, but we did.”

It’s fitting that the first holder of this Chair will be St. Mark’s current Fine Arts Department Chair Marion Glorioso-Kirby, who, like Tony, teaches Upper School drama. “Having spent time with Tony, I felt and learned from his enthusiasm, wisdom, kindness, and artistry,” she said.

(above) The Tony Vintcent Fine Arts Department Chair is announced at Spring Alumni Dinner (right) Tony Vintcent directs St. Mark’s thespians during his time on campus

“We share a similar mission and believe that

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Summer 2018 | Spotlight

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Spotlight master teaching chairs

And, with nearly half of alumni living outside of North Texas, regional events host hundreds of Marksmen across the country every year.

The importance and impact of the Alumni Association were instrumental in the way one Marksman chose to support the School. In the four decades since he walked across the Commencement stage, Trevor Ahlberg ’86 has maintained a strong connection to St. Mark’s. He served as a member of the Alumni Board and spent nearly a decade on the Board of Trustees.

His sister, Hockaday alumnae Darcy Ribman ’88, is the mother of two Marksmen, Tucker ’18 and Cooper ’21. As his nephews forge their own St. Mark’s careers, Trevor continues supporting the Lions, attending nearly every football game and wrestling match. Over the years, he has emerged (above) Trevor Ahlberg ’86 and Bill Graue ’84 at the Alumni Holiday Luncheon

Trevor Ahlberg ’86

as a leader among his fellow Marksmen, helping

The Marksman experience extends well beyond

define the St. Mark’s Reunion Program along with

their days on campus. Alumni may travel far and

his classmates from the Class of 1986.

wide, settling down in other states or countries, but their connection to 10600 Preston Road

Through much of his involvement, Trevor worked

endures. With more than 4,000 alumni across the

directly with St. Mark’s Office of Development &

globe, the Alumni Association aims to keep the

Alumni Relations, which supports and facilitates

Marksman network strong. A common metric

Alumni Association activities and serves as a

used to gauge alumni engagement is participation

conduit bridging Marksmen with the School.

in a school’s annual fund, and St. Mark’s is fortunate to have such dedicated graduates.

“St. Mark’s changed my life and continues to

For the past decade, more than 50 percent of

change the lives of Marksmen every single year,”

all alumni have contributed to the St. Mark’s

Trevor said. “It is through our Alumni Association

Fund. But supporting their alma mater is only

and the staff at the School that Marksmen are able

part of the Alumni Association’s mission. Each

to engage and give back.”

year, the Association hosts numerous events and

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Spotlight | THE PRIDE

activities aimed at reconnecting Marksmen with

Reflecting the impact St. Mark’s has had on both

one another and the School, from the Alumni

his life and the lives of his family, Trevor made

Leadership Speaker Series to Alumni Weekend.

a gift to establish the Ahlberg & Ribman Family

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Spotlight

Director of Alumni Relations a permanently endowed chair, which will come online for the 2018–2019 school year. Working on behalf of the School and its graduates, the Office of Development and Alumni Relations helps host functions across the nation, maintains the alumni directory and mentoring network, and keeps Marksmen connected to their School.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with the Directors of Alumni Relations since the mid1980s and the level of expertise and the results of

“I know my relationship with this School has

their commitment continue to increase,” said Jeff

grown well beyond my four years as a student,

Genecov ’77, President of the Alumni Association.

and being a St. Mark’s alumnus is one of the most

“This gift will help us soar to future heights yet unseen in alumni involvement and engagement.”

important things in my life,” Trevor said.

“This gift is a direct way to pay tribute to our Alumni Association and the great work done by

By endowing the Director of Alumni Relations,

our entire faculty and staff every single year.”

Trevor is voicing his support for the School’s belief that, no matter where Marksmen end up after

Alex Eshelbrenner ’04, Director of Alumni

Commencement, they will always have a home at

Relations, will serve as the first holder of the

10600 Preston Road.

new chair.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

(clockwise from top) Marksmen connect over the Christmas Break at the Alumni Games The Alumni Association brings Marksmen together in Los Angeles The Director of Alumni Relations, Alex Eshelbrenner ’04, connects with students during the Upper School Activity Fair

Summer 2018 | Spotlight

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Spotlight reunion giving and Tom Walker ’73, set a 45th Reunion giving record by raising more than $60,000. Always a trend-setting class, the Class of 2003 became the youngest class in School history to raise $100,000, setting a new 15th Reunion record for both giving and participation, with 73 percent class participation. Co-Chairs Francis Donald ’03, Ed Wesneski ’03, Taylor Jenkins ’03, and the entire Reunion Committee did a tremendous job bringing the class together.

The Class of 1993 earned the Papert Bowl, named in honor of Samuel W. Papert, Jr. ’37, by securing nearly 70 percent class participation, the highest percentage in the St. Mark’s Fund by Alumni Weekend. Reunion Co-Chairs Jake Buckner ’93 and Erec Winandy ’93 worked tirelessly to engage classmates and communicate the impact the St. Mark’s Fund has on providing resources to current Marksmen and faculty. The Class of 1998, celebrating its 20th Reunion, reached 70%,

Each year, Alumni Weekend draws Marksmen from across the globe back to 10600 Preston Road to reconnect with their classmates and the School. And each year, Reunion

a 22 percent increase over last year’s participation and earned the Alumni Cup for its efforts.

Co-Chairs Kenneth George ’98, Ryan Kirkham ’98, and Miles Lamont ’98 led the way.

classes gather on Saturday night for special celebrations to commemorate the time they spent at St. Mark’s. (above) The Class of 1993 celebrates its Papert Bowl victory for highest participation in the St. Mark’s Fund during its Reunion

On the Saturday night of Alumni Weekend, members of the classes ending in 3 and 8 gathered

As part of the celebration, alumni generously

at Reunion dinners across Dallas. The men who

and graciously support current Marksmen and

once stood side by side on the Commencement

faculty by contributing to the St. Mark’s Fund.

stage celebrated one another’s accomplishments,

This year, more than 300 alumni from Reunion

shared their life’s journeys, and recalled their

classes raised more than $550,000 for the 2017–

days on campus. This is the purpose of the

2018 St. Mark’s Fund, accounting for 31 percent

Reunion program: to reunite Marksmen with their

of total alumni giving, as of Alumni Weekend.

brothers and inspire them to support the School

The Class of 1973, led by Co-Chairs George

that brought them together.

Bayoud ’73, Mark Early ’73, Jack Goetz ’73,

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Spotlight

(above and left) The Classes of 1973, 1993, and 2003 celebrate their reunion parties

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Features

Best Wishes,

Katy B. Rubarth (above)

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Director of Communications

St. Mark’s School of Texas

It was a cool morning in June 2017, when 20 Marksmen and chaperones arrived in the Bumthang Valley, nestled on the eastern end of the Himalayas. St. Mark’s ninth International Photography Trip was halfway through its two-week tour in Bhutan. The gorgeous South Asian country provided scenic vistas and colorful villages for students to capture. But this trip was about more than taking pictures.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Features

Less than a year later, the seniors on that trip crossed the Commencement stage, concluding their St. Mark’s education. The Class of 2018 is just the latest generation of young men to leave 10600 Preston Road, bound for the wider world. After all, (above) Marksmen meet Bhutanese students (above right) Tucker Ribman ’18 teaches English at Bebzur Primary School (opposite) Time-lapse photo by Kabeer Singh ’18

The group’s guide mentioned that his cousin served

this is the School’s purpose: “to prepare young men

as the head of a local two-room elementary school,

for assuming leadership and responsibility in a

which was in need of resources. So, the Marksmen

competitive and changing world.” And before they

stocked up on children’s books and decided to

go out into that world, it is crucial for boys to gain

pay a visit. To get to Bebzur Primary School, they

the broadest possible perspective from the people

crossed over wooden-plank ramps and passed

who inhabit it.

livestock pens. Eager second graders lined up to greet them and accept the books. For the next few

“Our goal is to give Marksmen many varied

hours, the Marksmen bonded with these school

opportunities to develop an understanding and

children, enjoying lunch together, playing in the

appreciation for the wider world,” said David W.

schoolyard, and even teaching some basic English

Dini, Eugene McDermott Headmaster. “From

classes.

gathering a diverse student body with a wide array of experiences and perspectives to participating

“Our conversations were limited, but by using the

in travel opportunities that take our boys around

camera as a catalyst, we were able to communicate

the globe, we want every Marksman to develop a

through photography,” said Tucker Ribman ’18.

full appreciation for the world and embrace the

“One of my favorite memories was letting one

responsibility they have to make a difference.”

of the children take pictures with my camera and watching him explore his environment in a

In the latest iteration of its strategic plan, Goals

new way.”

for St. Mark’s IV, the School emphasizes the need to turn Marksmen into men of the world.

These Marksmen traveled abroad on a photography

To accomplish this, the School is strengthening

trip and returned with incredible shots and plenty

programs that provide every student with the

of new lessons to bolster their photographic

chance to travel abroad, bring unique and diverse

education. But, perhaps more important, the time

speakers from around the globe to campus, and

spent in Bhutan introduced them to a new side of

encourage engagement with the wider community.

the world they would never have experienced.

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Features

“Travel is where reality meets theory, where the actual world meets the imagined world, and where learning involves genuine character growth and the practical application of knowledge.”

—David Fisher History & Social Sciences Department Chair

Student Travel Sometimes, the greatest education happens

“It’s the realization of our common humanity that

outside the classroom. Lessons can be learned

strikes me every time I travel with students,” Mr.

from every interaction between a boy and the

Lange said. “Showing them that people are people

world in which he lives. For decades, St. Mark’s

– that we’re more alike than different – is one of the

has offered Marksmen the opportunity to travel

greatest lessons I can offer as an educator.”

across the world. These experiences push boys out of their comfort zones and show them how they

Just as travel is an invaluable way for boys to learn

are a part of a larger global society. In the past few

about the world they live in, it can also help them

years, boys have visited the countries of England,

connect to the world they study. Over Spring

Bhutan, Turkey, Laos, Italy, South Africa, Canada,

Break 2018, history came to life for two groups of

Romania, and Argentina, to name a few.

Middle School Marksmen.

Jason Lange, Assistant Head of Middle School, has

Traveling up and down the mid-Atlantic states,

been leading students around the world for years.

one group of seventh- and eighth- graders

During summer 2017, he accompanied Marksmen

followed the history of our nation, from

on three continents, from Bhutan to England to

Jamestown to Mount Vernon and from Gettysburg

the Pecos Wilderness. On each trip, Jason sees the

to Washington, D.C. In addition to touring many

common revelations each boy experiences. First,

of the major museums and memorials, the boys

they are struck by the differences they see. But

visited Native American settlements, saw where

after a few days, their mindset inevitably begins

Europeans first colonized the New World and

to shift.

mapped out the Battle of Gettysburg from both the Union and Confederate perspectives.

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

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“Thanks to the opportunity our boys had to

home of humanity’s most significant civilizations

tour Gettysburg and receive a detailed account

in Sicily and central Italy. After studying the

of the struggle from an expert guide, their

Ancient Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks,

understanding of this battle is now far deeper and

and Romans, students were able to see in person

more authentic than anything a textbook could

the remains of these classical Mediterranean

offer,” said David Fisher, St. Mark’s History and

civilizations. The boys visited the Carthaginian

Social Sciences Department Chair, who served as

salt pans near Motya, the Valley of the Temples

a chaperone on the trip.

near Agrigento, the Greek theater at Taormina,

(above) St. Mark’s photographers pose at Kuensel Phodrang, overlooking the southern approach to Thimphu, Bhutan

the ruins of Pompeii, and the Colosseum and Having spent more than a decade teaching

Forum in Rome. At each location, students

abroad in Malaysia and Bangladesh, Mr. Fisher

connected lessons learned in the classroom with

sees the enormous benefit that travel brings to

relics from the past.

education: “Travel is where reality meets theory, where the actual world meets the imagined

These were only some of the dozens of school-

world, and where learning involves genuine

sponsored trips that students take each year.

character growth and the practical application of

In addition to the large international trips,

knowledge.”

Marksmen leave Dallas bound for debate

At the same time those students were retracing

conventions, and overnight camping trips.

the steps of America’s history, another group of 15

Considering the organizational and logistical

students and faculty chaperones was touring the

efforts involved with these trips, St. Mark’s

tournaments, athletic events, journalism

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selected a new Director of Student Travel

“Student travel has the unique ability to erode

Programs. Photographer instructor Scott Hunt,

ethnocentric perceptions, reveal the common

Arnold E. Holtberg Master Teaching Chair,

human condition, and strengthen universal

assumed this position in 2016.

similarities,” the self-study report concludes.

“These skills are crucial to cross-cultural

“Student travel and international study programs

collaboration and contribute to the development

provide an opportunity for St. Mark’s students

of empathetic global citizens while sharing and

to broaden their global perspectives, build

demonstrating the values of St. Mark’s School

relationships, and apply knowledge beyond the

of Texas within an increasingly interconnected

classroom,” Mr. Hunt said.

global community.”

With so many benefits to travel, St. Mark’s is also

While the self-study evolved independently

broadening the opportunities. As part of its ISAS

from Goals for St. Mark’s IV, both emphasize the

reaccreditation self-study, Mr. Hunt is leading a

benefits of student travel. In an effort to “foster

committee that is reviewing the travel program’s

an environment that promotes the healthy

purpose, strengths, and ongoing challenges.

development of boys,” Goals IV specifically

One of the committee’s early recommendations

recommends that the School continue to “identify

is that the School find an equitable process for

and develop opportunities for learning beyond

prioritizing and determining appropriate trips

the St. Mark’s campus.”

(opposite) The St. Mark’s Choir performs at Westminster Abbey (above) Middle Schoolers tour the Roman Colosseum and the Valle dei Templi

for student participation. The committee has also outlined a number of plans and priorities for the

As the world continues to change and evolve,

future, including the need to grow funds that

Marksmen will continue journeying out beyond

support student travel opportunities.

campus, becoming global citizens along their path to manhood.

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Campus Visitors On a regular basis, the faculty, staff, and students

moments from retired Brigadier General Jerry

of St. Mark’s arrive on campus to find a special

Boykin, who led troops in both events. In March

guest on the day’s schedule. It could be a retired

2018, BG Boykin spent time with Upper School

Brigadier General or a New York Times bestselling

students, explaining how those incidents and

author, an Amazon.com executive or a history-

other U.S. Special Operations missions altered the

making paleoanthropologist, a former Special

geopolitical landscape of the late-20th century.

Assistant to the President of the United States or a doctor and leading humanitarian serving one

A trip to the nearby Perot Museum of Nature and

of the world’s poorest nations. These are only

Science can expand a Marksman’s understanding

a few of the visitors who addressed Marksmen

of the wider world. That experience is even more

in the past year. These visitors, who are leaders

impactful after spending time with Karen Morton,

in nearly every field and career imaginable,

the Museum’s Collections Manager, during

provide a unique perspective on the world that

St. Mark’s STEM Conference. The appreciation

complements traditional classroom lessons.

for the pieces found in that museum is certainly heightened after meeting Dr. Lee Berger, the

Marksmen read about events in American history,

paleoanthropologist who discovered a new

like the Iran hostage crisis or the infamous Black

species of early hominin, and who has a

Hawk Down incident in Somalia. But nothing

longstanding relationship with St. Mark’s.

compares to learning about those pivotal

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“These guests broaden students’ worldview by giving them access to experts from various parts of the globe with unique perspectives.”

—Marjorie Curry

“We want the boys to have a well-rounded experience and part of how we do that is exposing

and Director of the Visiting Scholars Program.

“Part of the impact on students is that they can

them to a variety of voices,” said David Dini. “All

immediately incorporate these new perspectives

of those experiences are important and help

into conversations and debates both during class

shape a sense of perspective about the world they

and outside of class.”

are going to encounter as adults.”

The impact that visiting speakers have on students This access to distinguished speakers is made

is clear. Just weeks after leading mankind’s first

possible in part by the generosity of the St.

flyby of Pluto, NASA planetary scientist Alan

Mark’s community through annual giving to the

Stern ’75 spoke to the St. Mark’s community via

St. Mark’s Fund, as well as endowed programs.

Skype. Watching a recording of that call proved to

Each year, the Robert E. Dennard and Willard E. Walker, Jr. ’66 visiting scholar programs attract internationally renowned guest speakers.

(left to right) Singer-songwriter Billy Crockett Perot Museum Collections Manager Karen Morton Bestselling Author Robert Edsel ’75 Brigadier General Jerry Boykin (USA RET)

be especially poignant for Edward Ro ’18.

“Watching Dr. Stern talk about the historic New Horizons mission rekindled my interests in aerospace and aeronautics and, after graduation,

“These guests broaden students’ worldview by

I will be attending the Air Force Academy to

giving them access to experts from various

pursue those interests. Learning about Dr. Stern

parts of the globe with unique perspectives,”

made me more curious about exploring the world

said Marjorie Curry, St. Mark’s math teacher

within and beyond our atmosphere. I can imagine

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Features “It was an amazing experience to actually dissect a book with the author sitting across the table.”

—Davis Bailey ’18

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myself being at the forefront of discovering the world outside of the surface of the Earth, just as Dr. Stern is right now.”

An impressive number of alumni return to campus each year. In just the 2017–2018 school year, students heard from retired Air Force pilot Michael Wisenbaker ’93, humanitarian

Goals for St. Mark’s IV calls on the School to

(left to right) Bestselling author Tobias Wolff

Dr. David Vanderpool ’78, business leader and

“continue to enhance the curriculum and develop

St. Mark’s Trustee Craig Budner ’83, bestselling

innovative programs that challenge each boy to

author and historian Robert Edsel ’75, Hollywood

realize his fullest potential.” Visiting speakers

Captain Dylan Birch ’09 Hollywood screenwriter Evan Daugherty ’00

screenwriter Evan Daugherty ’00, former Special

are an invaluable tool in helping Marksmen

Assistant to the President of the United States Ned

realize this. Scientific concepts and economic

Price ’01, and West Point graduate Captain Dylan

theory become more real when presented by

Birch ’09, among others.

the professionals who put those concepts and theories into action. Pursuing a career as a

“I chaired the Literary Festival my junior year, and

journalist, an engineer, or a researcher becomes

we were able to bring Tobias Wolff onto campus,”

more conceivable when talking to a veteran of

said Davis Bailey ’18. “Our summer reading

those fields. And, seeing a St. Mark’s alumnus

was his book This Boy’s Life. It was an amazing

who once wore the same blue shirt and gray

experience to actually dissect a book with the

shorts, striving and achieving, helps students

author sitting across the table.”

realize their fullest potential.

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Community Service (below left to right) Marksmen work on their Habitat for Humanity house Lower Schoolers collect donations for the Goodwill Drive Santa (Avery Pearson ’18) hands out gifts at David’s Place

The process of developing a broader worldview

Last year, one out of every five Upper School

can happen right here in Dallas, within miles of

students logged more than 100 hours, or two-and-

10600 Preston Road. It’s crucial for Marksmen to

a-half full work weeks.

understand that their lives and experiences can differ dramatically from people living in the same city.

“The Program instills values such as compassion, commitment, and a responsibility to their community and its members,” said Jorge Correa,

This lesson is so important that Goals for St.

St. Mark’s Spanish teacher and Community

Mark’s IV devoted a separate strategic goal to

Service Director. “By understanding these

Civic Responsibility, in which it challenged the

concepts, our students can work together with

School to “strengthen St. Mark’s commitment to

their community to make our city, our country,

making a positive impact in the greater Dallas

and our world a better place.”

community.”

For students, community service is a two-way More than a graduation requirement, community

relationship. Boys give their time and talent to the

service is an integral part of the campus culture.

community, striving to make a positive impact on

In the 2017–2018 school year, Upper School

Dallas, and, as they work, those boys earn a new

students logged more than 20,000 service hours in

and often surprising perspective on their home

the Dallas community, building homes, tutoring

town.

students, sorting clothes, serving meals, and collecting donations for those in need. While

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“Boys see parts of Dallas, and in some cases the

students are required to complete only 15 service

world, that they might not otherwise experience

hours each year, most go beyond that number.

in their day-to-day life,” said Kurt Tholking,

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computer science teacher, who will coordinate

Commission. The second is recent graduate

Middle School Community Service along with

Jackson Cole ’16, a student at Yale who interned at

Christina Jarke, Director of the St. Mark’s Fund.

the local nonprofit For Oak Cliff.

“Service makes them aware of lives and situations in their community that are vastly different from their own,” Tholking says.

“We are taught at St. Mark’s that leadership comes from understanding that our own well-being is tied to the well-being of the communities around

This effort to expand students’ perspective of the

us,” Jackson said. “And the greater Dallas area will

world in which they live is working. In its cover

always be a community for any Marksman.”

story, the latest issue of The ReMarker student newspaper explored the vast number of Dallas

For Marksmen, serving their communities

residents living in “food deserts.” Noting that

is almost second nature. Goals IV hopes to

St. Mark’s is within walking distance of two large

capitalize on this inherit drive by “exploring

grocery stores, the article states: “The situation

opportunities for greater involvement by

here, however, is not the same for everyone

St. Mark’s students and faculty in community

in Dallas.”

engagement programs on and off campus.” The

The article includes interviews with two St. Mark’s

character who will change the world for the better.

alumni who graduated 40 years apart but share a

Like many lofty goals, this one begins small, with

common passion for making their communities

boys being taught to make a difference in the

better. The first is Casey McManemin ’79, who, in

community around them.

School’s mission is to develop boys into men of

addition to serving as CEO of an energy company, serves on the City of Dallas Citizens Homeless

While Goals for St. Mark’s IV was approved, the effects of its implementation are ongoing. Across campus, in all divisions and departments, efforts are being made to strengthen and enhance every aspect of the Marksman experience. Learn more about Goals IV and the School’s efforts at goals.smtexas.org.

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“It’s always a wonder to behold when a building goes up and this one will not disappoint. Textbooks are great, but there’s no substitute for hands-on tinkering and that’s what the boys will now be able to do. All you can hope for is to inspire boys to develop a love of science that will last their entire lives, regardless of the career they end up choosing. The Winn Science Center will certainly go a long way in achieving that.”

—BILL & LYDIA ADDY

THE SCIENCE CENTER PROJECT

F

or years, the Winn Science Center existed only in blueprints and renderings. Faculty, students, Trustees, and donors could only imagine what it would look like—there would be numerous classrooms and lab

spaces, and a large open common area, and the building’s copper dome would house a theater-style planetarium.

(clockwise from left) Allen Cullum ’64 and John Nance ’64 tour the Winn Science Center Construction continues on the building Sunrise over the planetarium dome Lowell Ku ’89 inquires about the commons area of the new science building

Now, the building is only months away from welcoming curious Marksmen and their teachers, and generous supporters and steadfast community members have begun to see what the buzz is all about. During Alumni Weekend in April 2018, St. Mark’s led the first guided tours of the Winn Science Center construction site. Since then, hundreds of alumni, students, and community members have walked the site. They have stepped into modern classrooms and labs, roamed through the commons, and looked up at the cavernous dome where a planetarium will soon project the stars, and so much more.

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We remembered our first Christmas party, the tallest person in the room riding on top of the highest peak at 10600 Preston Road — the shoulders of a Senior’s blue shirt.

We remembered in Middle School watching from afar as Seniors became master ceramicists, legendary athletes, brilliant leaders, all while wearing that blue shirt.

We remembered our timid footsteps as we walked into the amphitheater wearing unfamiliar blue shirts.

And then we remembered our confidence as we wore those blue shirts for that last week, walking toward that ever-approaching Commencement Stage.

That confidence, that energy, that spirit started with the intense senior retreat games of Slip and Slide wiffle ball in Midlothian and continued into the fall sports season with the pure madness that followed the overtime wide-left field goal that locked in a rivalry win for the Lions football squad.

That same energy coursed through the Decherd

ST. MARK’S SCHOOL OF TEXAS

Class of 2018

by Davis Bailey ’18 and Zach Gilstrap ’18

Auditorium seats during the senior auction, warmed fingers frozen from putting up holiday lights and fueled the belting out of carols and hymns at the All-School Christmas Party.

And when the “olympic torch” burned bright against the background of the two tons of artificial snow brought in for the senior prank, when almost

Half a second isn’t long.

every senior showed up to a varsity basketball game decked out in suits for the “Strictly Business” theme night, or when the entire class erupted into

But in the half-second between David Dini announcing his presentation of the Class of 2018 and the explosion of energy and celebration, more than a decade of memories and experiences rocketed through the head of every one of the 90 graduates.

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nerf duels and stealth missions for the class’s game of Assassin, what remained of divisions or cliques melted away.

As the spring weather replenished that energy, the hours playing Spikeball on the quad, the afternoon

St. Mark’s School of Texas

zipping around the Dallas Zoo with the first-graders and the nights cranking away in the Publications Suite flew by. That Commencement stage crept closer and closer for the Class of 2018.

And as we inched timidly across the commencement stage, the blaring white lights blinding our eyes, that flood of memories washed over us, instilling in us both nostalgia and pure excitement. Whether it’s been 12 years or two years in the half a second, our time at St. Mark’s has been one for the books; full of peaks and valleys, championships and upsets, triumphs and failures, and just the right amount of Lion pride.

(opposite) Games of Spikeball on the Quad promote healthy competition within the Class of 2018 (top to bottom) The Class of 2018 celebrates Commencement The Class of 2018 celebrates Blue Shirt Day The Senior Prank brings the Winter Olympics to St. Mark’s, complete with real snow

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Baccalaureate & Commencement The Class of 2018 finished its senior year with a week full of milestones and traditions, culminating as 90 men stood together in white dinner jackets and joined the ranks of St. Mark’s alumni.

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Baccalaureate Senior Week opened with an evening of reflection and gratitude. As Baccalaureate began, the Class of 2018 lined the walkway leading into the Chapel, applauding the faculty as they processed.

Then, following an evening of heartfelt speeches, the faculty returned the gesture, lining the walkway out of the Chapel and honoring the departing seniors. Speaking for his classmates, Jimmy Rodríguez ’18 expressed the Class’s collective gratitude for their teachers: “After seeing this faculty for years demonstrate their love of learning and care for others, we have been inspired to treat others the way we have been treated by them. But now we are about to leave St. Mark’s, and we’ll have to find new ways to make a difference.”

Dr. John Perryman, Thomas S. Adams Master

Final Assembly & Graduate Luncheon

Teaching Chair, responded for the faculty and

On Friday, May 25, the Upper School held its final

encouraged the students to take some time after

assembly of the year, where year-end awards were

their hectic Senior Week to reflect on their

presented, and the Class of 2018 was dismissed for

St. Mark’s journey: “Do not forget your true north—

the last time. The boys walked across campus to

the noble purposes for which your family and

Spencer Gym for the annual Graduate Luncheon,

School have worked. Know that what matters most

where St. Mark’s Alumni Board Vice President

will be what has mattered most always: that your

Paul Genender ’87 welcomed them into the

families love you unconditionally, your friends

Alumni Association: “Although we are going to

care for you profoundly, your teachers respect you

miss seeing you every day, your relationship with

completely, and that this School, where you arrived

the School is far from over. Today, you join the

as a boy and now depart as a man, will always be

Alumni Association and begin your next chapter in

your home.”

a lifelong relationship with St. Mark’s.”

(opposite) Seniors listen to the choir perform at Baccalaureate (above) Seniors exit the Chapel amid applause from their teachers (left and below) Newly minted alumni

Senior Class President Edward Ro ’18 responded by presenting the Senior Legacy Gift to Eugene McDermott Headmaster David W. Dini. Totaling $40,000, the Class of 2018 collectively made a gift to the St. Mark’s Fund of $2,018, a gift to the Path to Manhood Scholarship Fund of $25,000, and a gift to the Senior Support Fund of over $12,500, to assist Marksmen with senior year expenses.

“To be the best School, we believe St. Mark’s must be accessible to every potential student who is qualified to attend,” said Edward Ro. “This School is special, and we hope these gifts pay appropriate tribute to the School we love.”

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On Campus

(left to right) Zachary Gilstrap ’18 receives the J.B.H. Henderson Citizenship Cup Dr. Michael Sorrell addresses the Class of 2018 (opposite) Edward Ro ’18 addresses his fellow classmates

Commencement A few hours later, the seniors returned to campus, dressed in the traditional white dinner jackets. As the sun set on 10600 Preston Road, 90 men processed onto the stage in the Ida M. and Cecil H. Green Commencement Theatre.

The ceremony began with two representatives from the Class of 2018 reflecting on their collective St. Mark’s journey.

remembers? Then, I beg of you, devote your talents to the issues of the day. If all you do is dream of money, that will not make you special. You are

Senior Class President Edward Ro ’18 marveled

blessed to do more, to give more, to be more.

at the diverse collection of young men who form

Marksmen, this is your time. You are the difference-

the brotherhood of his Class. Valedictorian Harris

makers we are waiting for.”

Wilson ’18 carried on an Upper School tradition of delivering a TIB Talk (“This I Believe”), sharing

After awarding the diplomas to the Class of 2018,

why he believes in the St. Mark’s way: “Whenever

Eugene McDermott Headmaster David W. Dini

I think about how this community has changed

congratulated the Marksmen: “Tonight, we

me, my mind always comes back to this one simple

celebrate the completion of your journey on the

principle: Setting the bar high, in whatever we do,

Path to Manhood. You’ve set lofty aspirations and

however we do it, is the St. Mark’s way.”

pursued those aspirations with vigor. The road ahead might be uncertain, but you’re ready for

The Class of 2018 invited Dr. Michael Sorrell to

whatever comes your way. Simply remember the

deliver the Commencement Address. Dr. Sorrell

lessons you’ve learned, the values and ideals that

is the President of Paul Quinn College, one of the

have shaped your lives, and hold them close.”

most widely recognized education administrators

Turning to the boys, Mr. Dini wished them “Good

in the United States, and the parent of a Marksman

luck and Godspeed.”

in the Class of 2028.

Finally, the Class of 2018 joined arms and together Dr. Sorrell challenged the boys to be agents of

sang the alma mater: “Ever greater may you rise,

change and leaders who will inspire a better future.

endless be your fame.”

“The expectation of St. Mark’s graduates is that you lead. Do you want to be people whom history

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baccalaureate address Jimmy Rodríguez ’18 What makes the Class of 2018

A teacher who has been working here for 50 years,

special is the way that we’ve

making each one of his students feel special in his

taken what we’ve learned

own way and instilling a sense of wonder through his

from all our years of being the

endless knowledge on baseball and the outdoors.

underclassmen at this School

For Mr. Jordan, it didn’t take long for us to become

and implemented it into the

who he is.

way we’ve gone about the rest of our time here at St. Mark’s —

A calculus instructor who spends hours teaching a

especially as seniors. We’ve done our best to help others

small group of seniors the course content of an AP

recognize that they are valued members of the team. That

exam for which they did not take the class. Mr. Milliet

they belong.

was living out the idea that it won’t take long for us to become who he is.

There’s a story I once heard a baseball teammate’s father tell. When he was younger and beginning a career in

A P.E. coach who goes above and beyond his job

coaching, he called one of his mentors for advice. His

description each year by cultivating an airtight bond

mentor said just one thing: “It won’t take long for them

with each class he teaches. For Coach Phillips, it didn’t

to become who you are.” He explained that his players

take long for us to become who he is.

would be watching him, how he coached, and the attitude he had on a daily basis.

Going forward into the world, we’re going to be colleagues, businessmen, friends, husbands, fathers,

One of the most obvious examples of this idea sits in front

leaders, and mentors. We’re going to find ways to use

of Centennial Hall for us to see walking across campus

our many talents to make a difference. In whatever

every day: the Path to Manhood statue. Not only does

we do, wherever we go, people will be watching us,

the statue show what our School wishes to instill in us as

following us, and listening to us. The way we act: Our

students, but this amazing institution provides us with

behavior, our words, our actions, has the potential to

mentors and role models in the faculty and staff who give

have a profound impact on others. We must always

us living examples of what we should strive to be:

remember what we’ve learned from our mentors here, and we must always remember who we are. We are Marksmen. We are brothers. And when we go out into the world, it won’t take long for them to become who we are. And I know we’ll make it count.

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commencement address Edward Ro ’18 August 17, 2011: sixth-grade

him far too much of his childhood self. And most of

Edward steps onto the brick

all, Edward thinks he understands St. Mark’s a little bit

pathways of his new school

better now. He knows it has something to do with the

for the first time to attend

little lump in his throat, the slight tingling sensation on

new students’ orientation. He

the tip of his nose, and the overwhelming outpouring of

receives his school login, finds

love he’s feeling tonight. His legs are quivering, and his

his locker, and learns how to

hands are shaking, but he has the courage to stand in

navigate around St. Mark’s.

front of an audience with pride and confidence because

That day was the day Edward, the boy you see standing

he knows that 89 of his closest friends have his back.

on the podium today, found a home in the number 2018.

I found a home with 89 others who have a similar story

He came into St. Mark’s knowing and expecting little,

to share about how they became rooted in the Marksmen

but he is leaving with so much. The Class of 2018 is

forest. A similar story about how, when we took our first,

leaving with so much. We have made unforgettable

timid steps on the Path to Manhood twelve, eight, or four

memories, received an unparalleled education, and

years ago, we were all unaware of the overwhelming love

created lifelong friendships. And while our branches of

we were about to receive. We wore a backpack too big

influence may extend across the globe and our roads

for our torsos, walked a little more cautiously than usual,

will split in 90 different directions tonight, we will never

and tugged at the stiff collars of these new, strange clothes

forget where our paths began. We will never forget our

we were wearing. Whether we realized it or not, 90 began

home. Endless be your fame, St. Mark’s, and endless be

to act as one. Whether it was the major milestones or the

your fame, Class of 2018.

most ordinary occurrences, the Class of 2018 has always grown together, side by side and arm in arm.

But now it is May 25, 2018, and 18-year-old Edward stands on the podium signaling the end of a remarkable journey. He plays volleyball with a filmmaker and a photographer. Whenever he has a question in math, he knows to go get help from a sophomore math prodigy.

His physics lab partner makes compilations of the best basketball dunks. He takes rap lessons from a Quiz Bowl stud, and he has a Lower School buddy who reminds

These excerpts were taken from Jimmy Rodriguez’s Baccalaureate address and Edward Ro’s Commencement address. To view their full speeches and see more from both events, visit www.smtexas.org/classof2018.

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class of 2018 college matriculation

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The University of Texas, Austin . . . . . . . . . . . . Sunny Agrawal

Clay Cassidy

Will Forbes

Matt Freeman

Josh Hudecek

Alan Jiang

Austin Montgomery

(Plan II)

Riley Sanders

Sam Schroeder

Andrew Smith

Matthew Theilmann

Will Wood

(Plan II/Business Honors)

Duke University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ben Clayman

Jimmy Rodriguez Princeton University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kevin Feng

Reece Rabin University of Texas, Dallas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Abdullah Akbar

Kannan Sharma University of Virginia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kal Buscaino

Cal Rushton Washington and Lee University. . . . . . . . . . . . Rett Daugbjerg

Garrett Mize Yale University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zach Gilstrap

Seun Omonije Arizona State University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arjun Singh Baylor University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cooper Johnson

Southern Methodist University . . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew Fornaro

Dalton Glenn

Crawford Helbing

Benjamin Hurst

Henry Kistler

Canyon Kyle

Michael Liang

Ethan Pittson

Hill Washburne

Reaves White Vanderbilt University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andre Arsenault

Carson Crocker

Naftal Mautia

Sam Shane

Sam Sussman The University of Chicago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daniel Byeon

Mateo Diaz

Zoheb Khan

Allan Zhang University of Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cal Rothkrug

Rohan Vemu

Niteesh Vemuri

Harris Wilson Harvard University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Davis Bailey

Owen Berger

Waseem Nabulsi

Tucker Ribman Austin College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gabriel Martin

Kyle Zhang Austin Community College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William Hall

Orlin Ware Boston University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nick Malvezzi

Omar Rana Colgate University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Gunnin

Chris McElhaney Cornell University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blake DeSantis

Calvin Hosler Dartmouth College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blake Daugherty

Jack Parolisi

California Institute of Technology. . . . . . . . . . Toussaint Pegues Carnegie Mellon University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perry Naseck Claremont McKenna College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Houston Engleman Columbia University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jesse Zhong Elon University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Norman Emory University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mohit Singhal Florida A&M University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eliott Ford Georgetown University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alec Dewar Georgia Institute of Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew Li Haverford College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zach Landry Indiana University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jordan Cox Johns Hopkins University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fausto Reyher Kansas State University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daniel Garcia New York University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sammy Sanchez Sewanee: The University of the South. . . . . . . Josh Daniels Stanford University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M ichael Mahowald Texas A&M University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reagan Jones Tulane University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matt Power United States Air Force Academy. . . . . . . . . . . Edward Ro University of Mississippi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Avery Pearson University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. . . Kobe Roseman University of Oklahoma. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clay Morris University of Southern California. . . . . . . . . . . Kabeer Singh University of St. Andrews. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jake Horigome-Pigg University of St. Gallen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eduardo Ludwig Bernardo

Features | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Features

2014–2018 college matriculation FOUR Carnegie Mellon University Cornell University Emory University Sewanee: The University of the South St. Edward’s University Tulane University

THREE Baylor University Boston College Boston University Indiana University Trinity University University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Georgia Institute of Technology

TEN OR MORE Dartmouth College Duke University Harvard University New York University Princeton University Southern Methodist University Stanford University Texas A&M University University of Texas, Austin University of Texas, Dallas University of Chicago University of Pennsylvania Vanderbilt University Washington and Lee University Washington University in St. Louis FIVE TO NINE Colgate University Columbia University Georgetown University Northwestern University Rice University Texas Christian University University of Southern California University of Virginia Yale University

St. Mark’s School of Texas

TWO Amherst College Arizona State University Austin College Austin Community College Brown University Pomona College The University of Alabama United States Air Force Academy United States Naval Academy University of Miami University of Mississippi University of Oklahoma University of South Carolina Villanova University

Middlebury College Northeastern University Oxford College of Emory University Pepperdine University Purdue University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rhodes College Samford University Santa Clara University St. Lawrence University Trinity College University of California, Berkeley University of California, Los Angeles University of Colorado at Boulder University of Georgia University of Houston University of Kansas University of Missouri Columbia University of New Mexico University of Notre Dame University of Oregon University of Richmond University of St Andrews University of St. Gallen University of Tulsa Wake Forest University Whitman College Whittier College

ONE American University Auburn University California Institute of Technology Carleton College Case Western Reserve University Claremont McKenna College Colby College Colorado State University Elon University Florida A&M University Furman University George Washington University Haverford College Johns Hopkins University Kansas State University Louisiana State University Maryland Institute College of Art Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Summer 2018 | Features

71

Remarks 1961

1982

CARL SEWELL ’61 was inducted into the Texas Business

DAVID GENECOV ’82 ran the Ironman World Championship

Hall of Fame. Carl was recognized for his work as the Chairman

in Kona, Hawaii, on October 14, 2017. He ran representing and

of Sewell Automotive Companies, where he has created a

raising money for Smile Train, an international nonprofit that

service model in the automotive industry with his book

supports the surgical care of patients with cleft lip and palate

Customers For Life.

anomalies. It was David’s sixth Ironman dating back 30 years.

1969

1990

STEVEN WOLENS ’69 was elected Chairman of the Texas

ROYCE POINSETT ’90 has established Poinsett PLLC, a

Ethics Commission. He was appointed to the Commission by

lobbying and law firm in Austin focused on representing clients

the Speaker of the House, and later, unanimously elected Chair

at the Texas Capitol.

by the eight Commission members. Steve is a Principal in the Dallas law office of McKool Smith, where he is a civil litigator in

1992

commercial disputes.

JOE ZOPOLSKY ’92 has been named by The National Law

1971

Journal, The American Lawyer, and Corporate Counsel as a “Top Rated Lawyer,” the Texas Lawyer as a “Top Attorney of Texas,” and

CHUCK KAUFMAN ’71 recently returned from Paris and

The Dallas Morning News as a “Texas Legal Leader,” as well as

Geneva to meet with ambassadors at UNESCO and the UN

being AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell

Human Rights Council. He was part of a delegation representing

and a Lawyer of Distinction as recognized in the New York Times

B’nai B’rith International.

and USA Today.

1975

1994

Marksmen representing three decades, LAMAR HUNT ’75,

JEFF KITNER ’94 began the role of Chief Operating Officer at the

ROBERT ZORN ’75, CLARK HUNT ’83, ROB ALPERT ’83, DAN

North Dallas Chamber. Jeff is involved in and passionate about

HUNT ’96, and CHRIS LEE ’96 gathered in Kansas City for the

Dallas quality of life initiatives including serving currently as the

Chiefs vs. Giants football game.

City Council District 11 Park Board member and President of the Board of the Friends of Northaven Trail. He is also actively

The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History selected

involved in DISD initiatives and at Temple-Emanu-El and

ALAN STERN ’75 to receive the National Award of Nuclear

previously served on the Dallas Mall Area Redevelopment Tax

Science & History. Stern, Associate Vice President of the Space

Increment Financing (TIF) Board (which includes Midtown). Jeff

Science and Engineering Division at Southwest Research

and his wife Miriam live in North Dallas and have a five-year-old

Institute, serves as principal investigator of NASA’s New Horizons

daughter named Sophie and a rescue dog named Dudley.

mission, which made headlines worldwide when the spacecraft

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returned remarkable imagery of the Pluto system. He was

1998

selected as the 2018 recipient for his work in “planetary and

Evonne and SCOTT DESANDERS ’98 are happy to announce

near-earth research with the NASA Hubble space telescope and

the birth of their son, Wesley Oak DeSanders, born October 1,

other deep space observations and discoveries in astrophysics

2017. Wesley weighed 8 lbs., 8 oz. The family lives in Round Rock,

and planetary science.”

Texas.

Remarks | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Class Notes

1999 JUSTIN KANOFF ’99 was admitted as a partner in the Eye Care

COLLIN LENSING ’01 serves as General Counsel, Chief

Center of Northern Colorado ophthalmology practice in 2017. He

Compliance Officer and Vice President of Corporate

specializes in the surgical and medical treatment of vitreoretinal

Development for Vendera Resources, a private oil and gas

disorders. He and his wife Jocelyn have two children, Asher (6)

company. He and his wife Jasmine live in Dallas with their

and Violet (4), and live near Boulder, Colorado.

daughter Elle.

2001

2002

SCOTT SELINGER ’01, MD, FACP and Claire Selinger, MD

ROBBIE BATY ’02 and his wife Skyler are proud to announce

welcomed their second daughter, Magnolia Pearl, on July 15,

the birth of their son Robert Gaines Baty III. Gaines was born

2017. Magnolia joins older sister Sadie (3). Scott practices

on December 29, 2017, weighing 6 lbs., 9 oz., and now shares a

primary care, and Claire practices child psychiatry at Kaiser

birthday with Robbie.

Permanente in Redwood City, California.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Lamar Hunt ’75, Robert Zorn ’75, Clark Hunt ’83, Rob Alpert ’83, Dan Hunt ’96, and Chris Lee ’96 David Genecov ’82 Scott DeSanders ’98 with Wesley Oak DeSanders Scott Selinger ’01 with his family Robert Gaines Baty III

Summer 2018 | Remarks

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Matt Wallenstein ’02, Nolan Shutler ’02, and Rhett Miller ’89 Andrew Chang ’03 married Sarah Hsieh Avery Taylor Jenkins Bryan Casey ’03 married Alyssa Pazandak Chloe Elizabeth Cassavechia with her brother Jack Nick Monier ’04 with his family Neil Ferrini ’04 with his family Tait Austin Walker Joel Fletcher ’07 with his family

74

Remarks | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Remarks

MATT WALLENSTEIN ’02, NOLAN SHUTLER ’02, and

CHRIS PEARROW ’04 and his wife Rocio are thrilled to

RHETT MILLER ’89 connected in San Francisco after one

announce the arrival of their son Adam Pearrow Cortes. Adam

of Rhett’s concerts.

was born October 18, 2017 and weighed 6 lbs., 3 oz.

2003

NICK MONIER ’04 and his wife Julie Monier welcomed daughter

ANDREW CHANG ’03 married Sarah Hsieh on September 2,

Lillian Adeline Monier on January 21, 2018. Lilly weighed 8lbs.,

2017. The couple was married at the SSS Ranch in Calistoga,

4oz., and was 20.75 in.

California, with a subsequent reception at the Sherwood Hotel in Taipei, Taiwan, on September 30, 2017. Marksmen present at

NEIL FERRINI ’04 and his wife Caroline welcomed son Oliver

the wedding were: HOWARD CHANG ’05, WITT CHANG ’02,

Latchford Ferrini on February 28, 2018. Oliver was delivered

KEVIN DINH ’03, ARISH GUPTA ’03, STANLEY KAM ’03,

by fellow Marksman HAMPTON RICHARDS ’95 at Texas

DAVID KEMP ’03, and ALEX LAI ’94. Andrew recently began

Presbyterian Hospital.

working for Porsche Digital, Inc., which is an innovation arm for Porsche AG in Germany.

2005 FRANKIE SHULKIN ’05 and his wife Elana are proud to

FRANCIS DONALD ’03 has joined the Uganda Lacrosse

announce the birth of their son Noah Aaron Shulkin, born on

coaching staff as an assistant coach. In July 2018, the team

October 14, 2017 weighing 6 lbs., 9 oz. Noah has already met

competed in the FIL Men’s Lacrosse World Championship in

some of the St. Mark’s community, including faculty member

Netanya, Israel. The trip was Uganda’s second to the World

RAY WESTBROOK and BEN KUNOFSKY ’05.

Games, and it was the only African nation to compete.

2006

On March 3, 2018, TAYLOR JENKINS ’03 and his wife Chantall

SHANNON AND ZACH WALKER ’06 welcomed their son

were blessed with the arrival of their baby girl Avery Taylor

Tait Austin Walker on November 30, 2017. Tait weighed 6 lbs.,

Jenkins. Taylor and Chantall are also the parents of three boys,

10 oz., and was 20 inches long. The family of three lives in

Alex, Juancarlos, and Austin.

Colorado Springs, and Zach works as a Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual.

BRYAN CASEY ’03 married Alyssa Pazandak (Hockaday ’07) in Santa Barbara, California, in September 2017. Reverend

2007

Brian Fidler, former St. Mark’s Chaplain, presided, and a

Upon graduation from Middlebury College (BA-2012), HEATH

number of fellow Marksmen attended the wedding: MUNCHO

TOWNSEND ’07 worked for five years with J.P. Morgan and

ALMERIDO ’03, JOE LAUINGER ’04, COLE LINBURG ’03,

Trammell Crow Residential in Dallas, Texas before enrolling

COLLEN MEYER ’03, ANDREW PAZANDAK ’05, and

in the MBA program-Real Estate concentration at the Kellogg

BRAYDEN SOUTHERLAND ’03.

School of Management, Northwestern University.

2004

JOEL FLETCHER ’07 and his wife Kristin are happy to introduce

NICK CASSAVECHIA ’04, his wife Kristen, and their son Jack

their new little girl Charlotte Elena Fletcher to the world. She

(2), welcomed Chloe Elizabeth Cassavechia to their family on

was born on February 22, 2017 and was 7 lbs., 1 oz., and 19 1/2

December 19, 2017.

inches long. The family of three, and their dog Georgia, currently reside in Dallas.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Summer 2018 | Remarks

75

Remarks

2009 LT CHARLES GOODMAN ’09, and ENS TOWER COOK ’12,

JACK GORDON ’15 and the Cornell Big Red Men’s Basketball

recently returned from a Western Pacific 2018 deployment

team qualified for the Ivy League Final 4 tournament for the first

onboard the USS Carl Vinson. Charles is a member of the HSC-4

time in program history. Jack was the team’s third-leading scorer

Black Knights and flies the MH-60S, and Tower is the Intel Officer

and was the team’s most accurate 3-point shooter at 43 percent.

for the VAW-115 Liberty Bells.

2010

2016 Amherst Golfer CAMERON CLARK ’16 enjoyed a successful fall

CHARLES BRANCH ’10 has relocated to Dallas and started a

on the golf course. He finished eighth overall in the NESCAC Fall

new position as Personal Aide to President George W. Bush,

Qualifier, shooting a tournament low 67 in the second round.

working in both the President’s personal office as well as the George W. Bush Presidential Center. Previously, he was an

PARKER DIXON ’16, the starting Outside Hitter for the

Associate with JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Princeton Men’s Volleyball team, helped the Tigers upset #8

2015 As part of Rice University’s colloids lab, BURKE GARZA ’15 co-authored a paper later published in Physical Review Fluids

Stanford this season. It was the first time the Tigers have upset a top 10 ranked team in 4 years. Parker contributed 13 kills, 5 digs, 2 aces, and 1 block in the upset.

that models the rotational dynamics of actin, DNA, and other

2017

biomolecules using micron-width magnetic chains. When spun

Princeton Golfer SAM CLAYMAN ’17 has been a part of the

with a rotational magnetic field, the chains bend and deform

Tigers lineup in three out of the four tournaments that Princeton

much like other colloidal systems within the human body; Burke

played in last fall. He finished tied for 13th overall in the Tigers

and his colleagues observed and recorded this behavior with

second place finish at the Quechee Invitational hosted by

high-speed cameras and motion-tracking algorithms.

Dartmouth.

CHRISTIAN CORTES ’15 began an internship with Team

EASTON HONAKER ’17, a member of the University of Texas

EnVyUs and Dallas Fuel. The company is an esports organization

Club Water Polo team, was named to the 2017 Men’s National

that manages teams and players in numerous popular video

Collegiate Club Championship All-Tournament First Team.

game titles. Christian will be working as a business analyst focusing on coordinating events with local universities and

WILL INGRAM ’17, a freshman guard on the Middlebury men’s

managing local partnerships.

basketball team, played in all three of Middlebury’s NCAA Division III tournament games to help the Panthers reach the

CONNOR MULLEN ’15, a goalie for the Colgate Men’s Lacrosse

Elite Eight.

team, was named “Goalie of the Week” for his contributions to two Colgate wins over Marist and Binghamton during the 2018 season.

76

Remarks | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Remarks

Faculty Notes JEANETTE BOVENZI and her husband Steve welcomed their

Faculty member STEPHEN HOUPT and CHIRAG

first grandchild Luca Stephen Benanti on December 12. Luca

GOKANI ’17 collaborated to produce a new album.

weighed 7 lbs., 8 oz., and measured 19.5 inches. Jeanette’s

White Rock Lake is Stephen’s fourth album, and Chirag plays

daughter Anna Claire and her husband Alex are the proud

Fender Precision bass on six of the ten songs.

parents. Jeanette works in the Office of Development and Alumni Faculty members AMY and GEOFF STANBURY are happy

Relations as the Data Specialist.

to announce the birth of their son Wesley Byron Stanbury, SHANNON SCHNAIBLE and her husband Daniel are excited to

born on March 27, weighing 8 lbs., 8 oz., and measuring 20 in.

announce the birth of their daughter, Daenerys Rae Schnaible,

Geoff is an English teacher at St. Mark’s, and Amy is the

born at 6:32 p.m. on October 4, 2017 at 6 lbs., 15 oz., and 19 ¾

Assistant Director of the Character & Leadership Program as

inches. Shannon is the Drama Teacher in the Lower School.

well as a math teacher.

LT Charles Goodman ’09, and ENS Tower Cook ’12 Burke Garza ’15 Luca Stephen Benanti Daenerys Rae Schnaible Wesley Byron Stanbury

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Summer 2018 | Remarks

77

Remarks

in memoriam VIRGINIA T. BROOKS, January 28, 2018, mother of

Jesse Miles Brooks II ’77 (deceased) and Charles E. Brooks ’79.

PATRICIA M. BROWNING, January 21, 2017, mother of

Charles F. Browning ’68.

VIRGINIA H. CARDEN, November 24, 2017, grandmother of

staff member David L. Carden.

DONALD J. CARTER , February 14, 2018, grandfather of

Bradley C. Urschel ’20 and father-in-law of Harold C.

Alumni BRIAN E. BILBO ’73, October 30, 2017.

JOE B. BURNETT ’49, May 3, 2017.

DAVID L. FLORENCE ’49, February 18, 2018.

Emeritus Trustee AL G. HILL, JR. ’63, December 2, 2017,

Urschel III ’77.

NANCY ANN SMITH WYNNE CHANDLER , December 15, 2017,

mother of Howell S. Wynne ’77.

RITA CROCKER CLEMENTS, January 6, 2018, mother of

Richard D. Bass ’74 and Emeritus Trustee James E. Bass ’77, grandmother of Kevin E. Bass ’13 and Mason P. Smith ’15.

father of Trustee Heather H. Washburne, father-in-law of

CARR P. COLLINS IV, August 29, 2017, son of Carr P. “Kitt”

Ray W. Washburne ’79, grandfather of Hill W. Washburne ’18,

Collins III ’62 and nephew of Richard H. Collins ’65.

Albert G. Hill IV ’16, and Nance H. Hill ’19, uncle of Michael B. Wisenbaker ’93 and Cody M. Wikert ’05, cousin of Lamar Hunt ’75, Clark K. Hunt ’83, Daniel L. Hunt ’96, Knobel H.

DANIEL W. COOK III, January 25, 2018, father of Daniel W.

Cook IV ’84 and Chad B. Cook ’85.

Hunt ’21, Stephen H. Sands ’64, John B. Sands ’66, David K.

DWIGHT E. CRAMER , September 1, 2017, father of

Sands ’69, Stark B. Sands ’97, and Harris W. Sands ’24.

Brent P. Cramer ’00 and Scott S. Cramer ’03.

BEN R. MURPHY, JR. ’85, December 31, 2017.

RICHARD K. WALKER, SR. ’48, January 24, 2018.

JAMES L. WILLIAMS ’58, November 29, 2017, father of James L.

Williams, Jr. ’81 and grandfather of Charles A. Craft ’19.

TOM A. WITTENBRAKER ’67, November 17, 2017, brother of

Rick L. Wittenbraker ’66.

ANDREW P. UNTERBERG ’94, March 11, 2018, son of Emeritus

DANIEL J. CUMMISKEY, October 17, 2017, brother of

Keith B. Cummiskey, Jr. ’09.

DANIEL M. DAVIS, January 21, 2018, father of James M. Davis ’80.

PETER J. DENKER , October 27, 2017, father of

Patrick R. Denker ’88.

MARJORIE A. EGLSAER , November 16, 2017, sister of

faculty member Joe Milliet.

Trustee Madeline L. Unterberg, brother of Craig S. Unterberg ’91,

B. HENRY ESTESS, JR., January 23, 2018, husband of

and Stephen H. Unterberg ’04.

Emeritus Trustee Sandra Estess, father of Blake H. Estess ’87,

Community Members

grandfather of Charles H. Estess ’23 and Graham H. Estess ’24.

HARRY D. ASTON, March 13, 2018, grandfather of

CAROL E. FRIEROTT, June 27, 2017, grandmother of

Garrett S. Davis ’20.

Griffin R. Goodno ’24.

Emeritus Trustee JACK G. BLAZ , December 12, 2017, father of

JOHN F. FULLER , March 4, 2018, father of Jonathan C. Fuller ’83.

Douglas Blaz ’94.

78

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

Remarks

RICHARD P. GARZA , March 6, 2018, father of Richard B. Garza ’15.

IVA G. HOCHSTIM, October 19, 2017, mother of

David S. Hochstim ’75 and grandmother of Jeffrey B. Fijolek ’05, Gregory M. Fijolek ’08, Henry G. Goldberg ’16, and Owen D. Goldberg ’21.

GUS HOEHN, November 7, 2017, father of faculty member

Paul Hoehn.

JOHN M. NGUNDU, December 13, 2017, grandfather of Ndungu Muturi ’11.

EDWARD P. OVIATT, October 29, 2017, former faculty member.

RITA GAIL RADER , November 22, 2017, wife of

Philip R. Rader II ’63.

BEVERLEE RUMAN, March 11, 2018, mother-in-law of Emeritus

Trustee Daniel L. Plumlee ’74 and W. Paul Stewart ’74,

ERIC R. HURD, September 17, 2017, husband of former faculty

grandmother of Brenton R. Stewart ’05, Nathaniel J. Conrad ’06,

member Beverly Hurd, father of Brent E. Hurd ’92 (deceased).

Daniel L. Plumlee, Jr. ’08, and David R. Plumlee ’14.

OTIS JENNINGS, January 14, 2018, father of Trustee

RANDY A. SANDERS, June 27, 2017, brother of

Otis B. Jennings ‘90.

former faculty member Barbara A. York.

KAREN L. KELTZ , October 8, 2017, mother of

VIRGINIA M. SHARPLES, February 2, 2018, mother of

Zachary A. K. Burdette ’13.

Scott B. Sharples ’93.

EDWARD W. KIMBALL, February 7, 2018, grandfather of

PETER P. STEWART, January 10, 2018, father of

Jeremy J. Ginsberg ’96, Joshua A. Ginsberg ’98, and

Alan G. Stewart ’69, grandfather of Colin E. Stewart ’99 and

Justin E. Ginsberg ’00.

John M. Stewart ’04.

CELIA L. KINNEY, February 19, 2018, grandmother of

HONG LUAN TEH, November 3, 2017, mother of Ethan Goh ’21.

faculty member Christina Z. Jarke.

PATRICK R. LUDT, June 28, 2017, father-in-law of Emeritus Trustee

Todd A. Williams and grandfather of Lucas J. Williams ’23 and Noah M. Williams ’25.

JEANNE M. MALKOFF FAGADAU, November 21, 2016, mother of

Warren R. Fagadau ’70 and Thomas H. Fagadau ’76.

MARLENE A. MALLICK , October 24, 2017, grandmother of

Samuel T. Mallick ’10, Joseph M. Mallick ’11, John R. Mallick ’14, and William C. Mallick ’20.

JAMES F. MARKS, October 2, 2017, father of Roland P. Marks ’82.

FLORA R. MCDANIEL , June 25, 2017, grandmother of

William Madden Smith ’19.

ANN R. TRENARY, December 19, 2017, mother of

Russell B. Trenary ’66.

MELISSA G. CLAYTON TYDLASKA , May 12, 2017, wife of

John A. Tydlaska ’93.

ROBERT D. VANDERMEER , March 27, 2018, father of

Jacob S. Vandermeer ’08.

ROGER C. WEST, October 14, 2017, former staff member.

MARK E. WIED, March 2, 2017, grandfather of

Keeton A. Brewster ’19.

FLORENCE L. WIEDEMANN, January 26, 2018, wife of

Emeritus Trustee, Frederic F. Wiedemann (deceased), mother of Frederic F. Wiedemann, Jr. ‘66, Harden H. Wiedemann ’71,

Emeritus Trustee JOHN H. MCELHANEY, January 28, 2018, father

and Jonathan L. Wiedemann ’66, grandmother of Harden H.

of Scott M. McElhaney ’85 and grandfather of Christpher W.

Wiedemann, Jr. ’02 and Neth S. Wiedemann ’05.

McElhaney ’18 and Henry M. McElhaney ’21.

ELIZABETH R. MCKOOL , January 11, 2018, grandmother of

Michael Finn McKool ’26.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Former Faculty Member GENE L. WILLIAMS, March 3, 2018.

In Memoriam submissions received after April 1, 2018 will appear in the next issue of The PRIDE.

Summer 2018 | Remarks

79

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

THE

PRIDE St. Mark’s School of Texas Alumni Magazine

EDITOR

ARCHIVES

Katy B. Rubarth

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

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

a school with a long and rich history. If you have something that you would like to donate to St. Mark’s to be preserved in our archives, please contact the Office of Development & Alumni Relations at 214.346.8800.

David Carden

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Alexandra Hughes

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Jim Bob Womack ’98

SUBMISSIONS

DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS Alex Eshelbrenner ’04

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, marriage, children, or other announcement? Please send your stories, along with any photos, to the Office of Development & Alumni Relations so we can include them in our next issue. Submissions may be made in any of three ways: • www.smtexas.org Use our online form to send in your “Remarks.”

• Email | eshelbrennera@smtexas.org Send your information and high-resolution photos to Alex Eshelbrenner ’04 at eshelbrennera@smtexas.org.

• U.S. Mail Send to St. Mark’s School of Texas, Attn. Alex Eshelbrenner, 10600 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75230-4047 Submissions received after April 1, 2018, will appear in the next issue of The Pride.

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. ©2017 St. Mark’s School of Texas An Office of Development & Alumni Relations Publication

80

Endnotes | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Easy Ways to Join the Terrill Society Founded in 1906, the Menter B. Terrill School was named for an early St. Mark’s educator who believed in good citizenship, self-discipline, high academic standards, and passionate teaching — values St. Mark’s continues to uphold to this day. The Terrill Society has been established to recognize and thank alumni and friends who have included St. Mark’s in their long-term gift planning.

Many supporters of St. Mark’s leave legacy gifts through their wills as bequests. We would also like to suggest four easy ways to leave a legacy gift that take little time and no cost. These types of gifts are simple to arrange and can benefit you as well.

• Make St. Mark’s a beneficiary of your Retirement Plan (such as an IRA—or 401(k) or 403(b) ) • Add St. Mark’s to your will with a codicil

• Make St. Mark’s a beneficiary of a Life Insurance policy • Establish a Deferred Charitable Gift Annuity with St. Mark’s

To learn more or join the Terrill Society, please visit the Planned Giving webpage at www.smtexas.org/plannedgiving, or contact Scott Jolly in the Office of Development & Alumni Relations at 214.346.8132 or jollys@smtexas.org.

DALLAS, TEXAS

St. Mark’s School of Texas

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

St. Mark’s School of Texas

PAID

10600 Preston Road Dallas, Texas 75230-4047 214.346.8000 • www.smtexas.org

Class of 2018 | Science Center Project Update | Expanding the Marksman Worldview

THE PRIDE | Summer 2018 | Vol. 23, No. 2