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“Memory is the language of those passed on. Now residing in Glory.”
FATHER STEPHEN SWANN (1944 – 2018) This fall, we lost a mighty force in the Education and Faith communities, with the sudden passing of Father Stephen Swann, Rector and former Headmaster of the Episcopal School of Dallas and a longtime friend and advocate of St. Philip’s School and Community Center. Father Swann founded ESD with eight students in 1974. He had an opendoor policy in his office, and many of his students credit him with inspiring them to be better people and live lives of purpose. During his tenure as Rector and Headmaster, the School grew from two rented classrooms with eight children to over 1,100 children and young adults on three campuses. Swann, a member of St. Michaels and All Angels Church, was active in many community organizations, foundations and committees, including the Advisory Council of St. Philip’s School and Community Center. From shaking hands with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a teenager to meeting with the Dalai Lama twice in his lifetime, Father Swann was a humanitarian and loved and embraced all people from an early age. He will receive the 2019 Humanitarian Award at St. Philip’s upcoming Destiny Award Luncheon, posthumously.
MARGARET MCDERMOTT (1912 – 2018) Margaret McDermott was a centenarian and undeniably one of our city’s greatest philanthropists. Her compassionate support extended to numerous organizations and institutions linked to the arts, education, and science communities. This includes the Dallas Arboretum, Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas Symphony, Dallas Opera, University of Texas at Dallas, UT Southwestern Medical School, and St. Philip’s School and Community Center. Mrs. McDermott gave of not only her treasure, but also her time and service through leadership on numerous boards. McDermott was married to TI founder, Eugene McDermott, in 1952. They quickly became “giants of local philanthropy.” After his passing in the 1970s, she continued their legacy through The Eugene McDermott Foundation that she managed, along with their daughter, Mary McDermott Cook. Through the foundation, McDermott and her family became loyal and impactful friends of St. Philip’s School and Community Center in the late 1980s. Over the years, Mrs. McDermott empowered St. Philip’s efforts to expand its campus and numerous educational and social service programs, playing a significant role in St. Philip’s growth. Mrs. McDermott is survived by her daughter, Mary McDermott Cook, and granddaughter, Grace Ellen Cook. www.stphilips1600.org
WINTER MAGAZINE 2018
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