A MAGAZINE FOR THE BISHOP’S SCHOOL FAMILY AND FRIENDS | ISSUE 1 | 2026
Meet the Inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees P 9 Bishop’s Trustees Launch New Service Tradition P 14 Remembering Reunion 2025, Looking Forward to Reunion 2026 P 16-34 Honoring the Remarkable Work of Dr. Melinda Hennessey P 38 Bishop’s Summer Knights Invest in their Future P 40
FEATURES 3
A Quick Trip Around the Quad Fall 2025 semester highlights
9
Bishop’s Inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame Celebration Meet the Class of 2025 inductees.
14 Relationships Reimagined Through Service School leaders begin a new service tradition. 16 Family Matters Class Notes and more! Tell us YOUR news! 35 Philanthropic Impact Report 2024-2025
BISHOP’S
A magazine for The Bishop’s School community ISSUE 1 | Vol. 23
Credits Editor Cathy Morrison Assistant Editors Arielle Bader Mario Sevilla Contributing Writers Ron Kim Cathy Morrison Nico Waters Contributing Photographers Arielle Bader Dune Media Jackie Gomez Cathy Morrison Dave Siccardi Michael Spengler, Studio M Photography Nico Waters Graphic Design Design Perspective, Inc. Printer Neyenesch Printers, Inc.
The Bishop’s School Head of School Ron Kim Chief Advancement Officer Emily Hassig Senior Director of Alumni Engagement and Community Events Lori Boyle Bishop’s is published twice a year by The Bishop’s School. We welcome your feedback. Please send story ideas to news@bishops.com or contact us at (858) 875-0710. The Bishop’s School 7607 La Jolla Boulevard La Jolla, CA 92037-4799 Phone: (858) 459-4021 www.bishops.com Mission Statement Bishop’s is an Episcopal school that nurtures students of intellect and character to think independently, learn collaboratively, grow their sense of self and act with greater purpose.
This Page: The science engineering challenge – designing a pool-worthy boat – is a FUNdamental part of the annual Sixth-Grade Retreat. Front Cover: Celebrating the Knights newest tradition, the Athletics Hall of Fame Back Cover: Ryan Nagle ’20 and Tina Nagle ’85 have the honor of celebrating their reunion years together.
ON THE QUAD WITH RK
As I wrap up my seventh year as the head of The Bishop’s School, I reflect wistfully on the graduation of the class of 2026 and the many seniors who joined with me when they were in sixth grade. Over the past seven years, we grew together, supported each other through highs and lows—both expected and surprising—and can look back marveling at their collective achievements. This edition of the magazine highlights some of those moments in the Quick Trip Around the L-R, Paula Conway, Ron Kim, Michael Teitelman and Al Gomez
Quad and also in the story about the Inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame, which was brought to fruition by our inimitable Athletic Director
Paula Conway. The achievements of our students and our faculty and staff are so constant that they can become expected, but as I finish seven years, it is a good opportunity to remind myself (and our readers) of how special these achievements are, the dedication that goes into them, and how fortunate we are at Bishop’s to see the fruits of excellence so often. The dedication of this community was manifested in a new and unique way this past April. Guided by the leadership of trustee Colleen Peterson PP ’23, current and former trustees, current and past parents, employees and students gathered on a weekend to partner with Feeding San Diego to bag food for distribution to foodinsecure military families in San Diego. More details are in the pages inside, but it is worth emphasizing here the many Bishop’s values and priorities that inspired this effort—our School’s mission to act with greater purpose, our Lead With Purpose campaign goal to support military families, our desire to model for our students our commitment to service, and the Bishop’s board’s dedication always to supporting the School’s strategic and educational direction. As one our seniors, Sabrina Feldman ’26, noted in her final Daily Urinal (DU) post, Bishop’s is full of givers, and when you give, “you gain more than you ever will by taking.” I know that is how we all felt. We look forward to doing this again, and we welcome you to join us!
Ron Kim Head of School
2 | ON THE QUAD
Fall 2025 Semester Guest Speakers Whether in person or over Zoom, students interacted with mentors, authors, animators and poets, each of whom provided fresh perspectives and food for thought.
ENDOWED LEADERSHIP LECTURE SERIES
Dr. Stephanie S. Covington
French Literature and Arts Festival Francophone authors Corinne Cotereau and Philippe Labarre
The psychologist, author, organizational consultant
visited French classes on Oct. 3, 2025. French 3 Honors students
and lecturer discussed her work with institutions
participated in an online slam poetry workshop in spring 2025,
and programs in the criminal justice system to
and submitted their work to the Festival’s poetry contest last fall.
develop effective gender-responsive and trauma-
Winner Madison Chen ’27 thanked French teacher Rikke Sommer
informed services for incarcerated individuals
“for guiding us through the process of writing a poem and providing
on Sept. 8, 2025.
us so many great opportunities to experience French culture.”
AROUND THE QUAD | 3
MULGREW POETRY SERIES
Welcomed Cecily Parks Nov. 12, 2025 Students attended a reading featuring an interactive Q&A session with the author of three poetry collections, “Field Folly Snow,” “O’Nights” and “The Seeds.” Parks’ poems appear in “The New Yorker,” “A Public Space,” “The New Republic” and several issues of “Best American Poetry.”
Series Animator Takes Middle School Simpsons Club Behind the Scenes
Eighth Annual Virtual Visit to Eighth-Grade English from Playwright Mary Kathryn Nagle Eliko Smith’s eighth graders read
It was a special Halloween treat for club members who Zoomed with
Nagle’s play “Manhatta” annually
The Simpsons show animator and director Raymond S. Persi on Oct. 31.
and then go straight to the source
Persi confirmed that he is the voice behind the character Flash from the
to learn more. Smith explains,
“Zootopia” movie series and introduced Flash to the group. He also
“Students engage more deeply.
shared some career highlights, including working on “Peanuts” holiday
And for many, the chance to ask
specials. Persi led a step-by-step session on how to draw the character
a question or make a personal
Homer Simpson, and students shared their drawings with him.
connection becomes a lasting memory. Meeting an author reminds us of both their brilliance and their humanity, which only endears them to us even more.”
“Meeting an author reminds us of both their brilliance and their humanity.”
4 | AROUND THE QUAD
STUDENT AUTHORS PUBLISHED IN 2025
With genres spanning fantasy to children’s picture books, three Bishop’s seniors bring words and ideas to fruition, and put books in the hands of others. In July 2025, Lisa Pan ’26 published a fantasy novel, “The Sigils of Leggera” which tells the story of a teenager with supernatural abilities who is called upon to save a continent. She describes the story as “an elaborate fantasy world that took a long time to build and tweak.” Latin class was one inspiration. “I thought the words were fun and interesting, so I played around with them until I arrived at ‘Leggera’ for the continent name, she says. Lisa is also the cover art designer; she adds, “I’ve always loved digital art, and I had a very specific cover in mind…Phil Dannels, our accompanist in choir, is also a cover illustrator, so I’m grateful to him for giving me tips on the process.” Lisa acknowledges there are “some friends who inspired certain parts of certain characters. And obviously, Ms. Michaud, Dr. Clark and Ms. Allen were all encouraging teachers who told me to take myself seriously and just try everything. I think the support system the Bishop’s English Department provided me pushed me along in the process.” Will there be a sequel?
Chloe Chereque ’26 published a children’s picture book, “Kindness: The Secret Superpower” in March 2025. Chloe says, “Understanding the meaning behind one’s actions and the sort of environment that influences these outcomes has always been something I am super interested in.” She found an illustrator in January 2025 and “loved seeing the illustrations that I had imagined turn into real-life pages of my story.” Reading her work at schools, Chloe notes her presentation was “deeply inspired” by Bishop’s counselors Megan Broderick ’98 and Lauren Gray “who gave me guidance through the actual making of the presentation.”
“¡Lee, Lucía, Lee!/Read, Lucia, Read!” by Sydney Mafong ’26 tells the story of a child Sydney met during the first book drive she organized as a then-sixth-grader. The synopsis states, “Lucia can’t get enough of storytime at school, but she has no books at home! When her teacher gives her a stack of books for the summer, a whole new world of reading opens up!” The book tells Lucia’s story in English and Spanish. All book proceeds support Libros Sin Fronteras and the San Diego Book Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit bringing books to kids everywhere. Libros Sin Fronteras (Books Without Borders) is the nonprofit Sydney founded in 2022 as an eighth-grader. She notes, “All my Spanish classes at Bishop’s were incredibly helpful, since I wrote it in English and Spanish.”
AROUND THE QUAD | 5
Peeling Back History on Stage “I was taking some measurements for our fall play, and I noticed a little bubble of paint on the stage,” says Technical Theater & Design Director Kyle Melton. Peeling back additional paint layers, he realized the layers were about 29 years old, dating back to the TPAC’s original construction. Eight to 10 shows per school year require a new paint job, meaning there were approximately 150 layers of paint history there. So Kyle enlisted help from his Tech 1 students, including West Meisel ’29 and Lawrence He ’29. West says, “It’s awesome to peel back all the layers…to see all
Faculty Leverage One Another’s Expertise Math Faculty Member Dr. Santiago Camacho organized Bishop’s EdTech Seminar Series, an opportunity for Bishop’s teachers to discuss technology tools. In the fall, each mini-workshop, led by a different faculty member, focused on helpful technology tools while an audience of their peers could learn and ask questions. Santiago adds that it’s also a time for “interdepartmental connections within the faculty.” In the second semester, he broadened the scope beyond technology to include a wider variety of collegial expertise. Presenters included Santiago, Kristina Norrgard, Alisa Brandt, Jennifer Seymour, Lani Keller, Emily Grenader, Ian Hayden, Bryn Bishop, Jennifer Roble, Yvette Luxenberg and Vivien Valenzuela Mallick, covering everything from AI to NASA to brain research to the admissions application process. Santiago says, “Even if just using one of the tips presented saves a faculty member some time, that is extra time that can be spent preparing and enhancing classes or spent directly with students.”
6 | AROUND THE QUAD
the paints from different plays, the flooring they used and all the history in this theater.” Kyle continues, “Once they got a little corner pulled up, they could just grab it and peel it up like a big sticker. We went all the way down to the masonite level.” The process will not need to be repeated for 10 years. “Not only did we make the stage a better surface for acting, but also for dancing, because it’s smoother and safer.” Lawrence likes the sense of ownership the project provided, and will remember those moments with his classmates noting, “That’s our work.”
2025 Raz-Shumaker Prize English faculty member Adam Davis won the 2025 Raz-Shumaker Prairie Schooner Book Prize in Poetry for his poetry collection “Pyrrhic Symphony.” The University of Nebraska Press published Adam’s work on Sept. 1, 2025.
Local Theater Company and Library Host Reading of Play by Dr. Kristen Tregar “Dover Panda Trial,” co-written by Bishop’s Performing Arts Department Chair Dr. Kristen Tregar, was read by New Fortune Theater Company at the San Diego Central Library’s Neil Morgan Auditorium on Nov. 10, 2025. Kristen’s co-author is John de Lancie, known for portraying Q in “Star Trek” and voicing the character Discord in “My Little Pony.” Their co-writing partnership began after she saw him read a play and learned he was working on another about the 2005 Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. Kristen says, “I was in the middle of my doctoral program, doing a lot of dramaturgy. My educational background is in science…and I’ve done a lot of work with documentary theater.” Kristen pitched her services as a dramaturge, and John accepted. Since then, “Dover Panda Trial” readings have been requested at multiple events. “It got a reading last year in the fall at California Freethought Day, in Sacramento. Then there was a reading at Vanderbilt University last spring,” Kristen says. “Last summer, we were invited to present it at the Scopes Centennial Festival [at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville]. The judge for the 2005 Kitzmiller v. Dover case, Judge John Edward Jones III, was there, and he played himself in our reading. Richard Katskee, who was one of the original attorneys, was also at the conference.”
AROUND THE QUAD | 7
After last summer’s gym lobby renovation, this summer, the interior of the gym will get a whole new look over the course of Summer 2026. We’re looking forward to adding these new entries to the record.
LEAGUE CHAMPIONS Girls’ Cross Country Field Hockey Girls’ Tennis Girls’ Volleyball Boys’ Soccer Girls’ Soccer Girls’ Water Polo
CIF CHAMPIONS
Field Hockey (Open Division – second consecutive win) Girls’ Golf (Division 2) Girls’ Water Polo (Open Division – 14th championship in 15 years) Boys’ Golf (Division 3 – second consecutive win) Boys’ Volleyball (Open Division – first-ever CIF championship in the sport for Bishop’s at any level!) Boys’ Golf Girls’ Lacrosse Boys’ Tennis Boys’ Volleyball
GO KNIGHTS!
8 | AROUND THE QUAD
KNIGHTS PUT UP MORE BANNERS IN 2025-2026
The Inaugural Celebration of Bishop’s Athletics Hall of Fame Sept. 27, 2025 in the Eva May Fleet Center The Bishop’s Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Michael Teitelman, Administrator Mimi Holman Test ’61, Coach / Administrator David “DJ” Johnston, Coach Tod Mattox, Coach 1997 Boys’ Water Polo, Team 2001 Girls’ Basketball, Team Destiny Littleton ’17, Athlete Shane Walton ’98, Athlete
2025 INAUGURAL ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME | 9
First introduced at Bish Bowl, the inductees were on hand for the festivities that opened Reunion Weekend on Sept. 26, 2025. Mimi Holman Test ’61 was an honorary football team captain who participated in the coin toss before kickoff.
10 | 2025 INAUGURAL ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME
Two teams, two coaches, three alumni and one renowned headmaster – each the stuff of Bishop’s legend – took the stage to be celebrated. More than 200 guests attended, leaving the ceremony inspired and filled with Knight pride.
2025 INAUGURAL ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME | 11
FUN FACTS ABOUT EACH OF THE INDUCTEES
Mimi Holman Test ’61 – Coach / Administrator
David “DJ” Johnston – Coach
Shane Walton ’98 – Athlete
Tod Mattox – Coach
Destiny Littleton ’17 – Athlete
Four-year starter in football and soccer CIF-SDS Football Champions (1996, 1997) Coastal League Champions (1995 – 1997) All-CIF First Team | Coastal League Player of the Year (1997 – Football) CIF-SDS and Coastal League Soccer Champions (1995 – 1998) CIF-SDS Player of the Year (1997) | Coastal League Player of the Year (1997, 1998) (Soccer) Notre Dame Soccer Big East Freshman of the Year (1998) Notre Dame Football Team Captain, Team MVP, Consensus Team All-American (2002) Jim Thorpe Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy Finalist (2002) Drafted by the NFL’s St. Louis Rams (2002)
Bishop’s Head Volleyball Coach – boys and girls Bishop’s Athletic Director (1999 – 2001) and Bishop’s Faculty (1995 – 2018) Bishop’s Girls’ Volleyball career record (729 – 257) CIF State Runner-up Girls’ Volleyball (1995) CIF-SDS Champions (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2008, 2013) League Champions (1995 – 1997, 2007, 2014, 2015, 2019 – 2023) USA Volleyball Leadership Award San Diego High School Sports Association Coaching Legend
Girls’ Basketball California all-time leading scorer: 4,300 career points | CIF-SDS Single Season 1,366 points (2017) CIF-SDS Career Free Throws 1,153; Season High 372 (2015) CIF-SDS and Coastal League Player of the Year (2015 – 2017) McDonald’s and Jordan Brand Classic All-American (2017) 2017 California Gatorade Player of the Year; Cal-Hi Sports Ms. California Collegiate Basketball: University of Texas at Austin University of Southern California, and University of South Carolina (NCAA National Championship 2022) USA Basketball: 2015 U16 AMERICUP Bronze Medal, 2017 U18 3x3 World Cup Gold Medal Professional Basketball Player
Michael W. Teitelman – Administrator Bishop’s Headmaster (1983 – 2009) CIF State Championship 82 CIF San Diego Section Championships 183 League Championships Architect of the Bishop’s championship legacy A visionary who changed the model for independent school athletics in San Diego “Academics, Academics, Academics”
12 | 2025 INAUGURAL ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME
Bishop’s teacher and coach since 1994 Captain of the Mighty Golds Assistant Coach: Girls’ Volleyball, Girls’ Soccer, A teacher, principal, coach and leader of Cross Country and Track & Field teams high school sports in San Diego Contributed to countless CIF and League First woman in San Diego to coach both Championships Boys’ and Girls’ Varsity Swim and Dive teams Elevated the student-athlete experience through CIF-SDS Champions: 1972, 1980 care, compassion and wisdom 19 League Championships Gracious, humble, kind, competitive; a model coach CIF-SDS Distinguished Service Award San Diego High School Sports Association Coaching Legend Served on the Bishop’s Board of Trustees and currently serves on the Bishop’s Alumni Association Board A true champion of Bishop’s Athletics
1997 Boys’ Water Polo Team CIF Division 2 Champions (Bishop’s 10, Coronado 9) Western League Champions Season record 30 – 1 Started a two-year, 47-game win streak Coached by Jim Fales and Doug Peabody
2001 Girls’ Basketball Team CIF State Champion | Bishop’s 59, St. Mary’s 54 CIF Regional Champion | Bishop’s 66, Oak Park 41 CIF-SDS Champion | Bishop’s 75, Lincoln 42 Overall Record 25 – 6 Coached by Fentriss Winn and Andre Anderson
Second Annual Hall of Fame Plan to join us for the induction ceremony for the Class of 2026 Athletics Hall of Fame on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. More details on page 19. Bunny Bruning ’74 – Athlete Charley Marshall ’90 – Athlete 2010 Football Team 1990 Softball Team Ren Marquette – Coach Susan Fleet Welsch ’63 – Community Champion
As we celebrate Bishop’s Athletics past and present, we also have our eyes on the future. First shown at the celebration, this video introduces the Wu Tsai Field House concept. Athletics staff and alumni share what this visionary commitment would mean for student-athletes. You can take a deeper dive on the inside back cover (p. 43) to see what this opportunity looks like and how you can be a champion for the Knights.
2025 INAUGURAL ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME | 13
RELATIONSHIPS
REIMAGINED THROUGH SERVICE By Cathy Morrison
BISHOP’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES – CURRENT, LIFETIME AND FORMER MEMBERS – EMBARK ON A NEW SERVICE TRADITION TO ENGAGE WITH THE SAN DIEGO NONPROFIT COMMUNITY IN SUPPORT OF THE SCHOOL’S ENDURING CULTURE OF PHILANTHROPY. IN YEAR ONE, SUPPORTING FOOD-INSECURE MILITARY STUDENTS, FAMILIES AND VETERANS.
The goal is to “go beyond the boardroom” as Bishop’s Trustee Colleen Peterson PP ’23 puts it. While all our trustees participate in philanthropic events as individuals, this new service initiative offers the opportunity to give back collectively in a venture aligned with the School’s core values, commitment to well-being, and focus on support for military families. Inspired by Lead with Purpose campaign discussions at the September 2025 trustees’ retreat, the Trustees in Service concept began strategically taking shape under Peterson’s direction with enthusiastic support and collaboration from Board President Doug Arthur ’99, P ’30, ’32; Head of School Ron Kim; and Director of Service and Social Innovation Jackie Gomez. The concept was soon expanded beyond trustees to include additional members of the Bishop’s community, increasing the impact and developing new connections between current and former trustees, alumni, admin team, student and family volunteers through a collaborative experience. Understanding that many military families in San Diego are in need, working with Feeding San Diego’s “Feeding Heroes” and “School Pantry” programs became the ideal avenue to come together to assist others. On April 18, 60 Bishop’s volunteers arrived at the Sorrento Valley facility for a “custom service event created for Bishop’s to jump-start the Initiative,” says Peterson. Ron Kim and Feeding San Diego CEO Bob Kamensky kicked off the event with remarks highlighting the alignment of the organizations’ values. Kamensky noted that most of the food they distribute is known as “food rescue.” Partnering “ with over 780 food donors in San Diego County and over 50 farms and packing sheds throughout California,” Feeding San Diego gathers “highquality surplus food before it goes to waste.” 14 | TRUSTEES IN SERVICE
“A significant priority in our Lead with Purpose campaign is to provide financial aid for Bishop’s students who are from families in the military. Coming together to support ‘Feeding Heroes’ is a natural extension of that commitment. I am grateful to Colleen Peterson for her inspiration and leadership and to the many people in our community who came out and reminded us what we can achieve together,” shares Ron. Bishop’s Director of DEIJ Valissa Thomas says, “The Military Families Affinity Group within the DEIJ program was excited to partner in an opportunity that reflects the values of the School. Our military families bring a spirit of resilience, service and community to Bishop’s, and this partnership meaningfully honors those values. It was incredibly powerful to see our affinity group, students involved in service, and the board of trustees come together alongside Feeding San Diego in support of the broader community. Opportunities like this remind us that belonging is not only about being seen and supported within the School community, but also collectively serving others with compassion and purpose.” Feeding San Diego organizers “thought the size of our volunteer group was perfect – they said we were an engaged, collaborative team,” reports Peterson. She concludes, “The Trustees in Service Initiative is following in the footsteps of Ellen Browning Scripps in helping to make life better for others.” Trustees have a unique bond via their shared experience and purpose; through their love of and deep commitment to the institution, the Initiative fosters those relationships through ongoing group service, firmly establishing a new tradition for the School’s future service efforts.
WHAT IS A POMELO? The largest citrus fruit of them all is similar in taste to a sweet grapefruit; native to Southeast Asia, pomelos are also widely grown here in Southern California. They are a staple for Southeast and East Asian celebratory occasions.
APRIL 18 RESULTS • A total of 6,910 lbs. of food rescued • Delivered to ~1,727 households in San Diego County • 4,379 lbs. of pomelos • 2,531 lbs. of apples
TRUSTEES IN SERVICE | 15
$25+ million
from 1,070 donors
across 21 states
“Every person, place and program on The Bishop’s School campus benefits from your philanthropic investment. We thank you for your support – you help us set the standard for excellence every step of the way.” – Emily Hassig, Chief Advancement Officer
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
GIFTS TO THE BISHOP’S SCHOOL
Selected financial data as of and for the year ending July 31, 2025
During 2024-2025, more than $25 million was committed to The Bishop’s School. This remarkable expression of philanthropic investment was made possible through the generosity of trustees, families, alumni, friends of alumni, employees, grandparents, businesses, foundations and friends. As we are in the nascent stages of the comprehensive Lead with Purpose campaign, this is a special time for the Bishop’s community. We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support and leadership!
July 31, 2025 Total Assets $ 188,142,760 Total Liabilities $ 43,528,485 Total Net Assets $ 144,614,275
SOURCES OF REVENUE AND SUPPORT: Net tuition revenue and fees Contributions Investment Income Auxiliary and other income Special events revenue TOTAL
July 31, 2025
EXPENSES: Program services: Instructional and academic support Student support Total Program Services Supporting services: Management and general Fundraising Total Supporting Services
July 31, 2025
60% 19% 15% 5% 1% 100%
Direct cost of benefit to donors TOTAL
77% 7% 84%
8% 7% 15% 1% 100%
August 1, 2024 to July 31, 2025 NEW FUNDS COMMITTED – DOLLARS Current Parents $ 20,156,179 Alumni/ae 1,605,000 Current Grandparents 52,313 Parents of Alumni 1,362,920 Employees 34,404 Friends 28,057 Corporations 367,500 Foundations 803,230 Donor-Advised Funds 687,000 Other Organizations 17,146 Non-attributable/Other 0 TOTAL $ 25,113,749
NEW FUNDS COMMITTED BY PURPOSE Current Operations: Unrestricted (The Bishop’s Fund) $ 3,487,148 Current Operations: Restricted 1,040,190 Endowment 7,643,657 Other Capital Purposes 12,942,754 TOTAL $ 25,113,749
THE BISHOP’S FUND (ANNUAL GIVING) 2024–2025 2022 – 2023 $ 3,020,084 2023 – 2024 $ 3,294,941 2024 – 2025 $ 3,487,148
2025 Sources of Revenue and Support
36 | IMPACT REPORT
Net tuition Contributions Investment income (loss) Auxiliary and other income Special events revenue
60% 19% 15% 5% 1%
2025 Expenses
Instructional and academic support 77% Student support 7% Management and general 8% Fundraising 7% Direct cost of benefit to donors 1%
THE BISHOP’S FUND THE BISHOP’S FUND A vital initiative that touches every corner of our exceptional School, nurturing the bright minds and bold ideas that define us. What: The Bishop’s Fund is our unrestricted giving fund that supports every aspect of our institution. From our expansive curriculum and service learning to creative sciences and competitive athletics, The Bishop’s Fund provides a wholly flexible source of funds to meet emerging needs and respond to innovative ideas from students, faculty and staff. Why: Why is the Bishop’s Fund so crucial? Tuition alone has never fully covered the costs associated with a student’s educational experience. This is where the Bishop’s Fund steps in, ensuring that we can continue to provide the enriching and comprehensive education that makes Bishop’s truly special.
ANNUAL GALA The Bishop’s School hosts an annual Gala to raise critical funds for student financial aid. There are many ways families can get involved and make a difference.
Join the Fun: The Bishop’s Gala is held on campus every year on the last Saturday in April. The Gala co-chairs choose a theme and work with the Advancement team to transform the campus into How: October is a particularly exciting time for our community, an amazing party venue. Past themes include Carnival Knights, as we rally together for our Month of Giving to support The Bishop’s Saturday Knight Fever and A Knight on the Mediterranean. Fund. During this month, our community comes together to At the Gala, you’ll enjoy a reception on the Rohr Terrace followed make a difference. We aim for 100 percent participation at any level. by a seated dinner, live auction and dancing in the Gala tent. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant impact. Support: The success of the Gala depends on the support Support: Learn more about Bishop’s philanthropy at and the generosity of Bishop’s families and friends. Donations of www.bishops.com/giving or scan the QR code. auction items – including vacation homes, exclusive experiences and sought-after opportunities – help raise funds and increase engagement. If you have an item you may like to donate, please Want to be a Bishop’s Fund volunteer? email gala@bishops.com.
Email Kendall Lucas at kendall.lucas@bishops.com. Bishop’s Fund Chairs: Emaluisa Bustamante (Javi ’26, Alex ’29) Erin O’Donovan (Declan ’25, Ryan ’27, Flynn ’30) LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BISHOP’S FUND:
Save the Date: The 2027 Gala co-chaired by Remley Arthur ’02 (Sally ’30, Milan ’32), Maureen Murfey (Seamus ’27, Macklin ’30, Ronan ’33) and Perla Shteremberg (Raquel ’28, Adam ’32) will be on Saturday, April 24, on campus. Mark your calendars so you can join in on the fun! More information will be available early in 2027 and invitations will be mailed in February.
IMPACT REPORT | 37
ENDOWMENT GIVING THE ❤ OF OUR CHILDREN’S EXPERIENCES AT BISHOP’S:
THE DAY-TO-DAY MENTORING, MODELING AND RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE FACULTY GIVEN AT COMMENCEMENT, THE DR. MELINDA HENNESSEY PRIZE FOR CREATIVE TEACHING WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2025 BY MARTHA AND EDWARD DENNIS PP ’94, ’97, ’97. THE DENNISES POINT OUT THAT DR. HENNESSEY’S 38-YEAR CAREER AT THE SCHOOL MADE A DIFFERENCE FOR SO MANY STUDENTS, INCLUDING THEIR THREE CHILDREN: JENDY ’94, AND TWINS ANDREW ’97 AND EVAN ’97. This prize – given in gratitude for her remarkable work – recognizes current faculty members who creatively design new ways to enrich the quality of our students’ experience just as Dr. Hennessey did. Recipients are nominated by their students and their colleagues. Candidates are recommended by the Hennessey Prize Committee, and selected by Head of School Ron Kim. The three awardees are announced at the Commencement ceremony. Describing the caring relationships between faculty and students as what her children remember most, Martha Dennis adds, “All our children were serious students, worked hard at Bishop’s and left with an educational foundation that served them well. Interestingly, each found unique relationships with different faculty members who became role models for their later lives.” This is a recurring theme among alumni and graduating seniors. Ron explains, “Before students graduate, they meet with me for a conversation about their Bishop’s experience. Universally, they share how the relationships they had with teachers went well beyond what they had expected. They knew their teachers would be excellent instructors. However, they were struck by how much their teachers cared about them as people, and the relationships they built inspired them and gave them confidence. Fast forward a few months into college – they are astonished by 38 | IMPACT REPORT
how well-prepared they feel compared to their peers academically. They make the transition socially, in time management, and connect with students from all kinds of backgrounds. They thrive. It’s such a validation of the investment that their families have made into their education at Bishop’s.” As early investors in the emerging Lead with Purpose campaign, the Dennises chose to focus on Faculty Excellence, one of the six interconnected fund-raising goals. Martha reasons, “We wanted to honor those important relationships in the form of a yearly prize at graduation for examples of the ways faculty creatively and uniquely relate to students. Dr. Hennessey led the faculty during the period of our children’s stay at Bishop’s and she created an environment for faculty to flourish and expand in relating to their students.” Dean of Faculty Ian Hayden is deeply appreciative of the opportunity to recognize the teaching faculty through this award. He says, “Our faculty combine rich content knowledge with brilliant, creative pedagogy and a deep commitment to student learning and well-being. The Hennessey Prize gives us both a means of recognizing our teachers for this great work, and a platform for opening the classroom, so to speak, to our community of parents, alumni and friends of the School, some of what makes Bishop’s such a meaningful, foundational experience for our students.”
Amy Allen is a leader in engagement with emerging technologies, continually innovating in her courses, creating assignments that allow her students to engage with urgent, of-the-moment literary discourse. She has been foundational to the English department’s commitment to new literature and creative writing and is a leader in thoughtful and forwardlooking engagement with emerging technologies.
Abby Perelman’s visionary approach to historical inquiry and pedagogy launched an innovative elective on decolonization and the Cold War, grounded in primary sources revealing the nuanced impacts of neo-colonialism. Her open-ended, inquiry-based questions empower students to take intellectual ownership of complex global narratives. She catalyzed the department’s transition toward an adaptive research model.
MAKING THE CASE FOR ENGAGEMENT AT BISHOP’S “Our family was attracted to Bishop’s due to its reputation for educational excellence. What we found was not only the learning experience for our children, but a community of families of like-minded people who cherish the value of education,” states Martha. Their dedication to the School is demonstrated through their volunteerism, leadership and ongoing relationship with the community. Edward served on the Headmaster’s Council for multiple years. Martha initially volunteered on projects like the family directory and the auction, then became “very involved in researching and bringing technology to the School.” She joined the Bishop’s Board of Trustees in 1994, serving as Board President for the 1999 – 2000 school year. “For both of us, our volunteer activities at Bishop’s were among the most satisfying and most meaningful of all of our volunteer activities. We chalk this up to what the institution stands for, the school community we found ourselves involved with and the effectiveness of the leadership of the School.”
Bryan Barry is a brilliant engineer and creative problem solver, modifying eighth-grade science units to be more hands-on and exploration based. He creates his own tools and demonstrations, resulting in engaging illustrations of scientific concepts including an air cannon, a solar viewer, a wave simulator, an earthquake simulator and an acoustic levitator.
“A Way with Words: Melinda Hennessey Breathes Life into History”
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SUMMER KNIGHTS FINANCIAL AID GIVING
ANONYMOUS DONORS SUPPORT FINANCIAL AID GIVING THROUGH BISHOP’S SUMMER KNIGHTS PROGRAM
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Generous donors invested in our program designed for local grade 6 – 8 students in underserved populations. Their gift allows 36 students to experience our campus and academic setting each summer. Over four weeks in three consecutive years, they come to a place where they are welcome, they belong, and they see their education in new ways. Head of School Ron Kim met in 2019 with donors who asked if it was possible to identify and prepare underserved students who could thrive at Bishop’s and receive a life-changing education that was beyond their reach and imagination. Kim and then Director of Admissions Kim Cooper ultimately established Summer Knights, launching in 2021 with a cohort of a dozen rising sixthgraders. It has since expanded to a dozen students per grade level. Jasmyn Tanner ’98 served as the director through the summer of 2026; Bishop’s Math Teacher Jessi Chrystal, who has taught Summer Knights since 2023, takes over in 2027. Cooper recalls, “We wanted to think about belonging, connection and academic preparedness for these students before they began the school admissions process. After discussion with leadership and research of independent school initiatives around the country, it became clear we needed to start earlier than middle school. And we don’t have an elementary school! But we do have a fantastic summer program, an exemplary teaching staff and peer mentors.” The goal is exposure and access. A totally donor-funded experience, students are picked up at 8 a.m. by Bishop’s transportation. Before boarding Bishop’s vehicles at 2:30 p.m. for the return trip, students spend their mornings doing math, language arts and a science class or a Spanish class. There are also opportunities to experience the pool, enrichment activities
and work with a variety of Bishop’s teachers. Tanner. “Often, their last day of school is the week Jennifer Seymour, teaching Summer Knights before, so they don’t have time off in between. since 2021, notes, “Every year, the achievement That level of dedication is impressive. Some gap grows between students who are exposed students go to every single one of those Saturdays to wonderful resources – talented teachers, and show up every summer.” engaging classroom activities, rich content One Summer Knight, now a current Bishop’s lessons, stimulating extracurricular activities, etc. student, reflects, “My experience here has always – and those who don’t have that same exposure. been amazing, and it has become a very special We hope to reduce the gap and mitigate the loss part of my summers. I have been part of the of learning that occurs during summer.” program for almost five years, and every year The original Summer Knights are now has given me so many great memories. I have high school juniors; some have matriculated had amazing teachers who made learning fun at Bishop’s and some at other schools – and exciting through creative activities, like independent, parochial and public. math water balloon bungee jumping. One of the Chrystal says, “I hope that best parts is meeting so when our Summer Knights many intelligent people. “I am grateful to the donors for start high school, this I love how the program experience has prepared encourages everyone to encouraging a creative approach them to enter discussions and interact with one another and trusting us to deliver a be active participants in their and makes sure no one program that makes such an new classes.” feels left out. And even Harkness-style, discussionafter you finish the impact on students. The trajectory based teaching is key. “Most program, you can come of these kids’ lives has changed of our Summer Knights aren’t back and help the incoming forever because of their inspiration used to speaking up as active students. That is a great participants in class,” shares way to give back and help and generosity.” Chrystal. “They’re asked to create the same amazing ~Head of School Ron Kim listen to the teacher and experience for others. quietly do their work. We run Summer Knights has classes as we do at Bishop’s: students are always been a place where I can learn, have encouraged and expected to speak and participate fun and make great memories. I truly love the actively. Throughout the summer, students gain program and am very grateful for all the confidence and find their voices. It’s an important experiences and people it has brought into part of the learning community.” my life.” Maintaining communication over time matters. The sense of reward goes both ways. Our Cooper explains, “We knew one summer alone anonymous donors have “an immense love for would not be enough. We had to build connections this program,” Tanner states. “We met last year and belonging, and trusting relationships. So we to give them an overview, and the joy that they designed a program that is three summers, each expressed, knowing the kids are enjoying it, for the full month of July, with one Saturday things are moving forward and how well it is a month throughout the school year when going, they were thankful. But I’m thinking, students can gather.” ‘you don’t understand the level of gratitude here.’ “Three years is a big commitment,” asserts It’s pretty special!”
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BISHOP’S 39TH ANNUAL GRANDPARENTS’ DAY
“Bishop’s is an extended family for your student and your family.” Susan Hoehn PP ’97, ’01; GP ’31, ’31, shared her love for The Bishop’s School as the featured speaker at the annual Grandparents’ Day event on Nov. 21, 2025. Susan and her husband Bill have long been dedicated supporters of The Bishop’s School. Bill is a former trustee who served as board president during the 1998-1999 school year. Alongside Bill’s brother Bob and his wife Karen, they established the Bill and Betty Hoehn Scholarship Fund in 1998 in honor of their parents. Bill and Susan are also early supporters of the emerging Lead with Purpose campaign, designating their gift toward the Wu Tsai Field House (see next page for more information). Encouraged by the Bishop’s experience her children had, and seeing it affirmed again for her grandchildren, she shared, “They are embraced by caring teachers, challenging curricula, encouraging coaches and surrounded by new friends and enriching experiences.”
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RALLY FOR THE WU TSAI FIELD HOUSE
In September 2025, former Trustee Clara Wu and Joe Tsai PP ’25, ’20, ’17 announced their visionary gift to establish the Wu Tsai Field House. Since then, many generous investors from across the Bishop’s community have joined together to help construct this facility for our students as quickly as possible.
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At this crucial stage, Bishop’s is exceptionally grateful to all those who are showing what is possible through their early gifts. If additional philanthropic leaders rally around the project, the Wu Tsai Field House could open for business as early as the fall of 2028. Bishop’s aspires to reach full funding and
break ground sometime in the first half of 2027. As of press time, over $22 million has been committed toward the construction and endowment costs of $35 million. To learn more or join the effort, please contact Emily Hassig, Officer: emily.hassig @bishops.com, (858) 875-0839.
Conceptual rendering, subject to change
SIGNATURE SPACES
Architectural renderings now make it easy to imagine students, faculty, teams and coaches exploring the Wu Tsai Field House. View the full collection of renderings on the Wu Tsai Field House web page.
7607 La Jolla Boulevard La Jolla, California 92037-4799
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID THE BISHOP’S SCHOOL
Families of alumni, if your student no longer maintains an address at your home, please provide an updated address to the alumni office. (858) 875-0505 • tbsalumni@bishops.com