31 minute read
the class of 2022 14 in & around yard a 36 under the lights
Coaches:
Wesley King Mike Payne Mitchell Whitener Todd Raleigh
Advertisement
Captains:
Webb Hughes ’22 Jack Young ’22
Most Valuable Player:
Brody Raleigh ’23
Most Improved Player:
Ethan Rose ’24
All-Conference:
Brody Raleigh ’23 Mac Kimel ’22 Jakob Iwanek ’24 Johno Pierce ’23
All-State:
Brody Raleigh ’23
BASEBALL Highly Competitive
Even with a young team and highly competitive schedule, Christ School baseball was able to win a share of the Carolinas Athletic Association championship.
Coach Wesley King said the quality of their opponents allowed the Greenies (10-13, 4-2) to grow and improve each week.
“The 2022 club worked hard daily and represented our school in an amazing way, and the coaching staff could not be prouder of each member of this team,” Coach King said. “It was an honor to share the dugout with these young men this year.”
A notable highlight of the season was the first night baseball games at home.
Coach King called the lights “a tremendous upgrade” for the program and the Greenies scored arguably their biggest win of the year under the lights April 12 when they rallied past Asheville Christian Academy, 7-6, in extra innings.
Christ School finished in a three-way tie with ACA and Rabun Gap for the CAA championship and qualified for the NCISAA 4-A state playoffs.
The Greenies will miss the contributions of seniors Mac Kimel ’22, Webb Hughes ’22, Jack Young ’22, Jackson Ogren ’22, Parker Davis ’22, and Samuel White ’22, but Coach King is confident in the team’s returning core of players for 2023. n
Fight and Perseverance
This 2021-22 varsity basketball season kicked off with a lot of excitement and buzz. The Greenies, led by senior captains Ty Besses ’22 and Donavon Fitzgerald ’22, attacked the preseason relentlessly each day, leading into opening night. Within the first couple of minutes of our opening night game against Haywood Christian, our season changed when our starting floor general, Donavon, went down for the year with an injury.
It was at this moment that we had two options as a team: Give in and feel sorry for ourselves or roll up our sleeves and go to work. Our Greenies chose the latter. They showed up each day with their hard hat and pail and worked for each other, for Christ School. The results showed. After an up and down December and January, coupled with setbacks from COVID, our Greenies hit their stride in conference play early on. The fight and perseverance shown by our Greenies was second to none. They competed their way to a third-place finish in the Carolinas Athletic Association and 16-11 overall record, ending in the Elite 8 of the NCISAA state playoffs.
The Greenies were led this season by junior guard, and our season MVP, Emanuel Richards ’23, who averaged 20 points, five rebounds, and four assists per game. Anthony Robinson ’23 supported Emanuel by averaging a doubledouble with 10 points and 10 rebounds a game. Wrapping up our junior class was Johno Pierce ’23, who averaged seven points, four rebounds, and two assists. Bryson Cokley ’24 finished his sophomore campaign with averages of 10 points and five rebounds a game. Followed by another sophomore, Jozohn Price ’24, coming in at eight points and five rebounds.
Finally, Zack Myers ’23 stepped in and led our team from the point guard position, becoming more comfortable with every practice and game, averaging five points, three rebounds, and three assists.
“I am very proud of the hard work and dedication from each player to make this season special,” Coach Josh Coley said. “As we begin postseason basketball, we look forward to building on this year for next season and beyond.” n
BASKETBALL
under the lights
Coaches:
Josh Coley Paul Capodanno Michael Karp Robert Hutchison P’23
Captains:
Ty Besses ’22 Donavon Fitzgerald ’22
All-Conference:
Emanuel Richards ’23 Anthony Robinson ’23
Most Valuable Player: Emanuel Richards ’23
Most Improved Player: Anthony Robinson ’23
Coaches:
Graylyn Loomis ’10 Steve Chester Will Gordon
Captain:
Charles Howden ’22
Most Valuable Player: Charles Howden ’22
Most Improved Players:
Elijah Abundis ’24
All-Conference:
Charles Howden ’22 Taylor Kuehn ’23 Jamal Hutchison ’23
All-State:
Charles Howden ’22 Taylor Kuehn ’23
GOLF A Competitive Squad
The 2022 golf season began with unprecedented interest in the sport from the student body. Just shy of 20 players were part of the program this year led by a core group of 10 players who took part in the competitive squad.
The team won the Carolinas Athletic Association championship and went undefeated in the regular season, with the latter a first for Greenies golf in recent memory. The highlight of the season was a victory at the Wesleyan Christian Invitational, when the Greenies beat 16 schools at the largest regular-season event of the year in Greensboro, N.C.
Charles Howden ’22, Taylor Kuehn ’23, and Jamal Hutchison ’23 led the team in nearly every match, and they deserve credit for their great play and leadership.
“With every player returning next year apart from Charles Howden ’22, we’re in a great spot to learn from this season and attack for a state championship next season!” Coach Graylyn Loomis ’10 said. n
A Standard of Excellence
The 2022 varsity lacrosse team put together another fantastic season as the state runner-up in the NCISAA Division I playoffs.
Coach Benjie Colberg felt that the Greenies (13-4) pushed hard to continue to build a culture which leaves the program better each year than they found it. The only losses for the boys came to Middle Creek (the 4-A public school state champion), twice to Cannon School (the NCISAA Division I state champ), and powerhouse Cardinal Gibbons.
The team was led by senior captains Nick Crowley ’22 and Sam Bassett ’22, as well as seniors Charlie Bednar ’22, Nate Kelley ’22, and Emmett Paradine ’22. An incredibly resilient group, the boys came back to win from an 8-2 deficit twice, defeating Weddington and Charlotte Country Day in overtime. Christ School beat Tennessee state champion McCallie, 12-4, and also beat Virginia’s Blue Ridge School, 8-7, in the first ever home night game on April 22.
The seven-man senior class, which was rounded out by Sawyer Breiter ’22 and Jack Britts ’22, will be missed greatly “and yet we have great expectations for the returning players and rising JV players to continue to set a high standard of excellence together,” Coach Colberg said. n
LACROSSE
under the lights
Coaches:
Benjie Colberg Jack Fader Wyatt Long
Captains:
Nick Crowley ’22 Sam Bassett ’22
All-State:
Nick Crowley ’22 Sam Bassett ’22 Emmett Paradine ’22 Christian Hudson ’23
Most Improved Player:
Nick Crowley ’22
Most Valuable Player:
Turner Brooks ’24
Coaches:
Dr. Brent Harris Steve Chester
Captains:
Colin Brazas ’22 Sam Jarrett ’22 Frank Howden ’22 Daniel Du ’22 Mark Yu ’22 Michael Jaber ’22
Most Valuable Swimmer:
Frank Howden ’22
Most Improved Swimmer:
Michael Jaber ’22
SWIMMING An Apex Year
Coach Dr. Brent Harris proudly calls the 2021-22 swimming season “an apex year for competitive swimming at Christ School.”
The Greenies added nine new swimmers, some of them seasoned competitors (Campbell Vernon ’23, Davis Mohorn ’24, Leo Lagutin ’24, Ondrej Szkandera ’23, and Alex Jarrett ’26), and some of them broadening their athleticism (Mark Yu ’22, Rhodes Field ’23, Noah Graham ’23, John Jaber ’25, and Paul Mueller ’23).
With 20 total swimmers, the Greenies were the runner-up team in the Carolinas Athletic Association Championship meet and came in seventh place at the NCISAA Division I state meet.
Dr. Harris said that veteran swimmers (Colin Brazas ’22, Frank Howden ’22, Sam Jarrett ’22, Daniel Du ’22, Michael Jaber ’22, Jake Jarrett ‘24, John Barton ’25, J.D. Steven ’23, Bradley Campbell ’23, and Martin Moran ’24) were his assistant coaches at times. They led the team by example, instruction, and demonstration at the practice pool and the competition pool. Thanks to their leadership, the Greenies have created a program that empowers self-improvement.
The Greenies had nine swimmers that qualified for the state meet, where every Greenie swam a personal season record, and some the fastest they have raced during their time at Christ School.
Frank was the runner-up in the 100-yard breaststroke (58.09), Sam placed in the top-eight for the 100-yard butterfly and dropped his 500yard freestyle time below 5 minutes (4:55.20). Together with John and Martin, the Greenies swam the fastest 400-yard freestyle by over two seconds (3:21.03) to place fifth. J.D. also swam a personal record, helping the medley relay shed time for a multi-season record of 1:42.90, and a top-eight finish.
“Although we closed the Christ School swim season in February, our swimmers are at it yearround improving technique, endurance, and speed,” Dr. Harris said.
“Bradley Campbell and Michael Jaber are just two examples of how quickly a swimmer at Christ School can go from their first dive to a team asset. This year, we bid farewell to six seniors who have been invaluable to shaping a program that is competitive, supportive, and fun – a winning combination for any sport.” n
A Winning Record
Christ School tennis was a young team with many players in the lineup playing varsity matches for the first time. There were no seniors. The Greenies still finished second in the Carolinas Athletic Association with a winning record (10-6). “I was very pleased with how we played against teams the second time around,” Coach Jameel Brenneman said.
“Our first match with Carolina Day we won 5-4, the next time we won 7-2. Another great moment was actually in our second loss to Asheville School, where we won two matches against players who we had lost to in our first outing. Most importantly, the guys all had great attitudes and were easy to coach. I’m glad that so many of them are coming back next year, and hopefully we will build on this season’s success.”
Xander Barber ’23 was named the CAA Player of the Year for the third time. As a team, the Greenies won their most matches in four years and reached the second round of the NCISAA state playoffs. n
TENNIS
under the lights
Coach:
Jameel Brenneman
Captain:
Xander Barber ’23
All-Conference:
Xander Barber ’23 Michael Drendel ’23
All-State:
Xander Barber ’23
Most Valuable Player:
Xander Barber ’23
Most Improved Player:
Michael Drendel ’23
Coaches:
Randy Ashley Elyse King Akin Williams Grady Rector Emily Pulsifer P’15, P’17
Captains:
Jake Regan ’22 Jack Cross ’22 Rocky Hansen ’23
All-Conference:
Carter Compton ’24 Noah Graham ’23 Zack Myers ’23 Jack Cross ’22 Quinton Cancel ‘23 Dawson Reeves ’24 Rocky Hansen ’23 1,600-meter relay 3,200-meter relay
All-State:
Rocky Hansen ’23 Jackson Burch ’22 Kahzi Sealey ’23 Dawson Reeves ’24 Zack Myers ’23
Most Valuable Performer:
Rocky Hansen ’23
Most Improved Performer:
Tony Murphy ’24
TRACK AND FIELD Personal Records and Team Success
The 2022 track season for Christ School was full of personal records and team success.
This combination led the Greenies to a team title in Carolinas Athletic Association and a runner-up showing at the NCISAA Division I state meet.
The distance trio of Rocky Hansen ’23, Dawson Reeves ’24, and Jackson Burch ’22 was dominant. The three Greenies came in first, second, and third in the 1,600-meter run and the 3,200-meter run at the state meet to earn the team 78 points. This group, along with Kahzi Sealey ’23, set an NCISAA all-classes state record in the 3,200-meter relay (7:50.14).
In all, Rocky won four state championships at the NCISAA Division I meet. A week later, he ran the fastest mile in North Carolina history (4:00.76) at a postseason meet in Huntsville, AL.
Zack Myers ’23 and Tony Murphy ’24 were leaders in the jumps throughout the year. Zack won his first career NCISAA state championship with a high jump of 6 feet, 6 inches. His mark is the highest since Mason Plumlee ’09 jumped 6-8. Tony finished second overall in the state meet in the triple jump with a mark of 44-8.5. Seniors A.J. Jacobs ’22 and Tobenna Okoli ’22, along with freshmen Eythan Serrano ’25 and Jordan Edgecombe ’25, performed well in field events, too. Jordan’s discus throw of 121-1 at the state meet is the longest throw by a Greenie since 2015.
Also having strong seasons were Noah Graham ’23, Triston Ward ’23, Quinton Cancel ’23, Carter Compton ’24, Lou Eesiah ’24, Luke Parrish ’24, Jack Cross ’22 and Ty Dixon ’23. n
JOSH COLEY
NAMED NEW ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
by Andrew Pearson
Every afternoon, the Greenies who strive for excellence in the classroom shift their focus to an array of afternoon
pursuits. Supported by dedicated coaches and program leaders, they develop strength, confidence, resilience, and friendships that last lifetimes. They also reach personal and team milestones that consistently make the community proud.
Christ School’s new Athletic Director, Mr. Josh Coley, looks forward to overseeing this component of each Greenie’s experience. Mr. Coley will assume this vital leadership role starting with the 2022-23 school year.
In addition to Mr. Coley, three Greenie staff members will have new leadership roles within the Athletic Department. Duncan Parham P’13 will serve as Associate Athletic Director, Chad Walker will be Assistant Athletic Director for Coaching Relations and will remain Head Varsity Football Coach, and Doug Embler P’19 will be Assistant Athletic Director for Logistics. This new structure will best serve the boys and provide the greatest possible athletic experience.
“My family and I are incredibly excited and honored that I have been asked to serve as the new Athletic Director at Christ School,” Mr. Coley said. “Athletics is an essential part in the development of the whole child and through our athletic department, with full support from administration, we will continue to foster and nurture this aspect of our Greenies’ development. The tradition and passion for Christ School athletics is rich, and as a team, we look forward to continuing along our championship course. Go Green!”
Mr. Coley joined the Christ School community this past year as Head Varsity Basketball Coach and has taught classes in Finance. With his direction, Greenie basketball improved on its previous season’s wins total by 13 games and reached the quarterfinals of the state playoffs.
In addition to extensive experience coaching and playing basketball, Mr. Coley has previously been Athletic Director at United Faith Christian Academy and was an Assistant Athletic Director at Carmel Christian. Mr. Coley graduated from NC Central University’s Turner School of Law in 2012 with his MBA/JD after earning a BA in Communication Studies from UNC Greensboro in 2008. He and his wife, Tia, have two sons, Jacob and Joshua.
Mr. Coley is replacing outgoing Christ School Athletic Director Eric Thorp ’01, who will be moving to the Advancement Department as Associate Director of External Affairs. Mr. Thorp has proudly served his alma mater as an employee since 2007.
“I am thrilled that Josh has agreed to lead our athletic department and build on the success it achieved under the leadership of Eric Thorp,” Head of School Dr. Sean Jenkins said. “Josh’s experience as a former athletic director, teacher, coach, and student-athlete is impressive. He is a servant leader who is fiercely committed to excellence in both athletics and academics, and the growth of the whole boy.”
“I also want to thank Assistant Head of School Ron Ramsey who led the re-organization of our Athletic Department, and to Duncan Parham, Chad Walker, and Doug Embler who are stepping into new leadership roles. We are excited for the future of this department and the impact it will have on our community.”
Christ School offers 10 different sports in the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association, along with the Outdoor Program, Theater Department, and Christ School Broadcast Network. n
under the lights
50 beyond the gate house
FROM THE ADVANCEMENT OFFICE On behalf of the Advancement Office, thank you to the alumni, parents, and friends who have invested generously to make the 2021-2022 year a great success! We are inspired daily by your commitment to Christ School. Your devotion ensures that our boys (now and in the future) have a meaningful and transformative educational experience.
This spring brought back the long-anticipated Work Hard, Play Hard Auction & Gala after two years of pandemic cancellations. Auction co-chairs, Bethany Duggins P’20, P’25 and Dana Bell P’21, P’24, and a crew of dedicated parent volunteers, planned and executed an extraordinary evening. Trustees, parents, and alumni gathered, gave generously, and raised over $350,000 to help renovate the Patrick Beaver Student Center!
On May 4th, we held our second annual giving day, Give Now and Go Green. Thanks to substantial challenge donations and an incredible outpouring of support from our alumni and parent communities, we surpassed our goal of 500 donors for $500,000 and raised over $1.28 million from 770 donors. Funds raised will support the annual fund, lacrosse program, student center renovation, and more.
Alumni Weekend celebrated reunion classes ending in 2 and 7. Over 200 alumni returned and enjoyed a welcome back band party, the annual pig roast and luncheon, awards and Hall of Fame ceremony, alumni lacrosse game, and reunion dinner. Special thanks to the Class of 1972 for a record turnout and for raising over $150,000 for their 50th class reunion gift to the school.
THANK YOU for returning, staying connected, giving back, and caring greatly for this special place! We welcome you to campus anytime and look forward to seeing you this fall while on the road and at the home Asheville School game on October 29th.
Go Greenies!
Betsy Ellis P’24 Director of Advancement
ALUMNI WEEKEND 2022
ALUMNI WEEKEND 2022
Alumni Weekend 2022 marked special reunions for classes ending in 2 and 7. The Class of 1972 celebrated their 50th Reunion, while strong showings from the classes of 1967, 1962, and 1957 brought alumni back to campus who graduated up to 66 years ago.
The weekend kicked off with alumni returning to campus for assembly, lunch with students, and even academics. The Class of 2017 showed up in strong numbers, especially for alumni golf on Friday afternoon. The weekend truly kicked off with an opening reception and band in the Patrick Beaver Student Center on Friday night, followed by dinners and gatherings for reunion classes.
Saturday was an action-packed day, starting with a new tradition: an open house at Dr. Sean Jenkins’ home. The Alumni Memorial Eucharist celebrated the lives of those alumni who passed away over the last year. A large group gathered to honor Robin Boylan ’66, while the Class of 1986 and family members of Mark Jockwig ’86 dedicated a pew in honor of Mark.
Alumni Awards marked the first occasion for Christ School to induct members into the Athletic Hall of Fame since 2019. Mason Plumlee ’09 and Ali Knowles ’09 were both inducted, while Lakeem Jackson ’09 and August Campbell ’09 will be inducted in October.
Richard Haake ’87 and the Alumni Council spent Friday night and morning roasting the pig for the annual Pig Roast, which followed alumni awards. The Greenie Lacrosse community gathered on Saturday afternoon to celebrate 20 years of Christ School Lacrosse and to remember Joey Cinque ’17. The celebration was followed by the first-ever Joey Cinque ’17 Memorial Alumni Lacrosse game.
The weekend capped off with two evening highlights: reunion year classes from 19571987 gathered at Biltmore Forest Country Club for a celebration with classmates and friends. Young alumni and non-reunion alumni gathered at 12 Bones Brewing for a fun evening with beer and BBQ.
Thanks to everyone who come back for Alumni Weekend 2022! n
This year’s award winners included:
Thomas R. Beard III ’12 ........................ Robert B. Moore III ’90 Young Alumnus Award Bertram L. Scott P’08 ....................................................................... Head of School Award Richard E. Haake ’87 ......................................... Bill Sewell ’57 Service and Loyalty Award Charles E. Allen IV ’86 ................................ Robert A. Boylan, Jr. ’66 Class Agent Award Christopher R. Seitz ’72 ......................................................... Alumni Achievement Award Daniel R. Stevenson ’72 ..................................................... Distinguished Alumnus Award Mason A. Plumlee ’09 ........................................................................ Athletic Hall of Fame Patrick A. Knowles ’09 ....................................................................... Athletic Hall of Fame
Photos (clockwise from top left):
Retired Chaplain Kirk Brown P’00; Beau Brechenridge ’86, Mikell Leland ’86, and Charles Allen ’86; Former Biology teacher, Bruce Stender, and his wife, Jeannette; past Board President Bert Scott P’08; Alumni Reception in the Patrick Beaver Student Center.
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF
When Headmaster Paul Krieger P’09, P’12 promised Charlotte parents that Christ School would be starting a Lacrosse Program in the spring of 2001, it was news to Headmaster Russ Ingersoll and many others at the school. And what began as an impromptu commitment ended up being one of the most transformative decisions in the history of the school.
Over Alumni Weekend 2022, past players, parents, coaches, and friends of Christ School Lacrosse joined current coaches and players to celebrate 20 years for the program, which played its first season in the spring of 2002. Coach Jeff Miles, who led the team from 20022019, addressed the gathering and highlighted the hard work and selflessness that so many put into the program, especially during the early years. Greenies Lacrosse won its first of three-straight state championships in 2017 and is now recognized as one of the premiere programs in the Southeast.
Head Coach Benjie Colberg talked about the current state of Greenie Lacrosse and the desire to continue building on the foundation that led to the program’s unprecedented success. He encouraged alumni and parents to continue to spread the world about Christ School Lacrosse and stay connected.
Many returned to campus to celebrate the life of Joey Cinque ’17, a member of the first state championship team, who passed away in 2020. Joey’s brother, James Cinque ’20, and friend and teammate, Riley Smith ’17, spoke about what Joey meant to them and Christ School. “Joey embodied everything Christ School Lacrosse stands for,” Riley said, highlighting his work ethic, perseverance, and growth as a player.
In addition to honoring Joey as a part of the celebration, Coach Colberg announced that the alumni game has been named in Joey’s honor. This year, Greenies Lacrosse Captain Sam Bassett ’22 was the first player to wear the #20 since Joey passed away. It’s the beginning of a tradition that the Cinque Family encouraged the school to start: passing down the jersey each year to a senior who embodies Greenie Lacrosse.
Following the celebration, more than 30 alumni hit the field for the first Joey Cinque ’17 Memorial Alumni Lacrosse Game. The game and celebration were the culmination of 20 years of commitment from Christ School and Greenies Lacrosse to building a brotherhood and family that endures. n
beyond the gate house
FROM THE ADVANCEMENT OFFICE
AUCTION’22
Auction co-chairs, Bethany Duggins P’20, P’25 and Dana Bell P’21, P’24, and a crew of dedicated parent volunteers, planned and executed an extraordinary evening in April at the Biltmore Forest Country Club. Trustees, parents, and alumni gathered, gave generously, and raised over $350,000 to help renovate the Patrick Beaver Student Center!
Auction co-chairs, Bethany Duggins
P’20, P’25 and Dana Bell P’21, P’24, and
a crew of dedicated parent volunteers,
planned and executed an extraordinary
evening in April at the Biltmore Forest
Country Club. Trustees, parents, and
alumni gathered, gave generously, and
raised over $350,000 to help renovate
the Patrick Beaver Student Center!
FIRST EVER...
Christ School’s first-ever Grandparents Day was worth the wait. Friday, April 22, 2022, was full of heartwarming moments as many of the boys got to spend time with their loved ones and give them insight into their experience as Greenies. 130 grandparents attended an all-school assembly, spent time with Dr. Jenkins listening to a panel of faculty discussing boys’ education, and took tours of campus guided by their grandsons. The day ended with a reception at Boxwood House with Dr. Jenkins and was such a success that the day will almost certainly return in 2023 and many years to come. “Grandparents are a family’s greatest treasure, the founders of a loving legacy, the greatest storytellers, the keepers of traditions that linger on in cherished memory. Grandparents are the family’s strong foundation. Their very special love sets them apart. Through happiness and sorrow, their special love and caring, grandparents keep a family close at heart.”
– Unknown
The David Page Harris Society is named in honor of David Page Harris, who served as Headmaster of Christ School for 40 years. Members of the David Page Harris Society include more than 70 living alumni and friends who have made provisions for Christ School in their estate plans.
Thank you to the generous members of the David Page Harris Society who have planned for Christ School’s future. We hope others will consider joining them in securing the Christ School of tomorrow.
For more information about planned giving and the David Page Harris Society, visit christschool.org/legacy or contact Betsy Ellis, Director of Advancement, at
bellis@christschool.org
• Beast & Barrels (for Alumni), October 28 • Parents’ Cocktail Party, October 28 • The Game at home, October 29
RIGHT PLACE WRITE TIME!
Ed Roberts ’61
Q&A
with Ed Roberts ’61
CS We know how much you really appreciate Mr. Dave, the role Christ School played in your development as a young man, and other ways your time as a student impacted you. What were some of the most important aspects of your Christ School education?
ER In truth, the most important aspects of my Christ School education went far beyond the classroom. We also learned empathy and that it’s okay to have and show our emotions. I remember Coot Hooper reading aloud to our Sixth Form English Literature class from The Snow Goose, and doing so in such a way that there were few, if any, dry eyes in the classroom. I remember Captain Reid’s Latin class and the ruler he used to ensure that we focused on what he said; and, I remember learning that what Mr. Dave said was law. Outside the classroom, we learned responsibility and the dignity of manual labor, as well as the consequences of not doing your job. I learned how to transplant boxwoods; others learned how tough it was to dig out stumps. At Christ School, I also made the wonderful discovery that the teachers really cared for us; they were there to help us whenever needed, hosted us in their homes, and fostered a caring environment.
CS After graduating from Christ School and the University of South Carolina, you went on to have a very successful career in international finance. Tell us more about the work you did.
ER My father’s career as a war correspondent during WWII and then with The US Information Agency, along with my coursework in International Studies at The University of South Carolina, drove me to seek out an international career. In 1966, I went to New York for job interviews and, on my way back home, visited The Export Import Bank of the United States (Eximbank) in DC and walked out with a job. When I left Eximbank, I launched my career as an international finance specialist and spent my career working for The Bank of America in San Francisco and London, Chemical Bank’s Merchant Bank in London, and finally with The Chase Manhattan Bank in New York.
CS You made a planned gift to Christ School that was recently realized. What motivated you to give in this way? How does it feel to have made such a major gift that helps the school?
ER Virtually all planned gifts are structured so that they can benefit both the donor and the recipient. In my case, I learned that selling a house that I had bought 20 years ago would create a significant tax burden. To reduce this burden, I found an attorney who helped me donate the house to a Charitable Limited Partnership (CLP) with Christ School as one of its limited partners. The CLP then sold the house and invested the proceeds over the next 20+ years, yielding a very large gift to Christ School and the other partners upon dissolution. My motivation? The opportunity to recognize the school that had done so much for me and, at the same time, to realize some substantial tax benefits. I am ever so grateful that, despite economic ups and downs, the proceeds from my initial action grew into such a wonderful gift!
CS Journalism, religion, and ethics are big interests for you. Talk a little bit about what you would like to see happen at Christ School as far as educating boys in these areas and why these subjects are important to you.
ER Christ School has always done an amazing job – through teaching and by example – of instilling a great foundation for both religion and ethics in its students. Journalism, in its broadest sense, is in a state of crisis. There is a huge divide between those who report facts and those who use media, in the name of free speech, to broadcast half-truths, lies, and hatred. What makes this even worse is that a lot of people simply pass these hate-filled messages on to others in their networks without even attempting to determine whether they are true or false. It is my hope to develop a partnership between the two foundations of my education, Christ School and The University of South Carolina, to develop programs that help students learn how to differentiate between what is fact and what is fake news.
CS What excites you about Christ School of today and the future you see for the school? ER I am excited by all that Christ School was for me and by my hope that it will be all that, and more, for its students today and tomorrow. I see a great and greatly deserved future for the current leaders and students I have met at Christ School.
CS Simply put, why do you love Christ School?
ER My love for Christ School is driven by my memories of my experiences as a student, and later understanding that all of those experiences had become part of the fabric of my being. n
always following the GOLDEN RULE
Col. Julian McCracken ’51 passed away in 2021, but his legacy at
Christ School will endure far into the future. When he established the McCracken Scholarship Endowed Fund in 1992, Col. McCracken hoped to provide young men with the same opportunity that, according to his son Julian, changed his father’s life.
“Christ School set an incredible example for my dad, especially for a young man who lost his father at 10 years old. The school was the figurative and spiritual father figure in his life that he dearly needed,” says Julian.
Over the last 30 years, countless young men have benefited from receiving the McCracken Scholarship, but Col. McCracken did not stop with establishing an endowed fund. In 2002 he made a transformative planned gift intended to grow the scholarship after he passed away. Almost 20 years later, that gift has been realized, meaning that the scholarship will now cover more than half of boarding tuition for a student each year. For Julian, the decision to make a legacy gift to Christ School reflects an emphasis on stewardship that guided his father throughout his life.
“One of the things that was always important to dad was to support the organizations he cared about with time and money. That was true of his undying support for Christ School. He always talked about allegiance to Christ School, and he believed that if you have the means, you must give to the places that have had an impact on you.”
After graduating from Christ School and attending Clemson University, Col. McCracken served 28 years in the United States Army. He commissioned as a second lieutenant after completing ROTC training in college. Over 28 years, he rose to the rank of full colonel, a notable feat for someone who did not attend a service academy.
“He was a good, studious soldier who persevered and obeyed orders. He was also devoted to the men and women under his command,” says Julian. For Col. McCracken, the foundation for excelling in military leadership began at Christ School.
After adjusting to the high expectations of Mr. Dave and even digging a stump during his early days on campus, McCracken thrived as a Greenie. A standout in football, basketball, and baseball, he won the Athletic Cup his senior year and was inducted in the Christ School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012. Through athletics and the other pillars of the school’s mission, Col. McCracken developed the character that would serve him well as a soldier, parent, and philanthropist.
“Leadership skills learned at Christ School molded him into the officer he became in the army. As a man he was calm, measured, and never cursed,” says Julian. “The golden rule was always emphasized in our house, and you had to treat people with respect.” n
For many Greenies over the last 50 years, Robert A. Boylan ’66 was the person who
kept them connected to Christ School. Robin’s classmates from the Class of 1966, his son Beau’s Class of 1986, New Orleans Greenies, Asheville Greenies, and many others share deep bonds with Christ School because of Robin’s devotion to serving Greenies near and far.
Robin passed away in 2021, but his enduring legacy has been felt deeply in 2022. On “Give Now & Go Green,” Christ School’s Day of Giving, $1.28 million was raised, in part, to help start the Robert A. Boylan, Jr. ’66 Memorial Fund, which will serve Christ School and future Greenies for years to come.
Over Alumni Weekend 2022, the inaugural Robert A. Boylan, Jr. ’66 Award was presented, given to the class agent who fosters brotherhood in his class through the same love, hospitality, and generosity of spirit that hallmarked Robin Boylan’s long presence as loving classmate and older brother to generations of Greenies. Fittingly, Charles Allen ’86, one of many Greenies who knew and loved Robin, was the first recipient. Charles’ classmate and friend, Beau Breckenridge ’86, and his sister Katharine Fuchs, presented the award named in honor of their late father. n
beyond the gate house
FROM THE ADVANCEMENT OFFICE
