Remembering Graham Brown

In his term as FWCD’s fourth Head of School (19962001), F. Graham Brown left a lasting legacy through his commitment to FWCD’s founding principles and ideals and the creation of its core values: integrity, kindness, courage, respect, responsibility and scholarship. He believed firmly in elemental values that would guide students throughout their tenure at the School and beyond. “In 2021, we can say Fort Worth Country Day’s core values play a significant role in our school life, day-in and day-out,” said Head of School Eric Lombardi. “We have much to be grateful for in Graham’s contributions to the success of our school.”

Brown passed away peacefully at his home on November 4, 2020, at the age of 75. His wife of 53 years, Mary, and their children and grandchildren were by his side in their home in Sanibel, Florida, a place they had fallen in love with early in his career.

We have much to be grateful for in Graham’s contributions to the success of our school.

~ Eric Lombardi

A graduate of Hobart College (Geneva, New York), Brown chose to pursue a career in education. He spent his early years teaching and coaching in Connecticut and later, at his high school alma mater, Kingswood-Oxford School. He earned a master’s degree in education at Trinity College (Hartford, Connecticut) and took on the Associate Director of Admission and Co-Head of Middle School role at Kingswood, just a few years after beginning to teach.

In 1983, he accepted his first Headmaster position at Canterbury School in Florida, where he and Mary became enamored with Sanibel Island, a place they would call home for more than 30 years.

During Brown’s tenure, the U.S. Department of Education recognized the Bass Upper School as Fort Worth’s only 1997-98 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. The Upper School was selected from thousands of public and private school applicants as a national Exemplary School of Excellence, one of the highest achievements in education at the time.

Over the course of Brown’s career, he served as Headmaster at a number of schools throughout the country, including Staten Island Academy (Staten Island, New York), The Knox School (Long Island, New York), Chatsworth Hills Academy (Los Angeles) and The Academy at Ocean Reef (Key Largo, Florida) and, of course, Fort Worth Country Day. He also did a stint as Director of Development and Marketing at Kent Denver School (Englewood, Colorado).

At FWCD, under Brown’s leadership, the School continued its growth and development as a school of significance, including maintaining a strong commitment to the ideals of his predecessors in leading the School. He honored FWCD service by establishing Club Viginti, which recognizes faculty and staff who have dedicated more than 20 years of their career to FWCD. Today, there are 85 living members of Club V. In 2021, five new members will be inducted into this distinguished organization. All members’ names hang on plaques on the side of the Sanford Arts Wing.

“Although he was new to FWCD, Graham Brown realized that the School’s stature and achievements were the result of a committed, talented faculty. He took steps to recognize those who had devoted themselves for more than 20 years to the success of FWCD and its students,” said Debby Jennings, former FWCD Head Librarian and charter Club Viginti inductee in 1996, during her 21st year of service. “This public recognition was welcomed by the faculty and the annual Club Viginti dinner is something we all look forward to sharing. It has improved morale among faculty and staff. To this day, Club V, as it is affectionately known, is viewed as a unique honor.”

Jean Webb H’01 Cameron and Huck Newberry ’77, and Joy Ann Havran welcomed Mary and Graham Brown into the FWCD fold in 1996.

Of great significance, during Brown’s tenure, the U.S. Department of Education recognized the Bass Upper School as Fort Worth’s only 1997-98 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. The Upper School was selected from thousands of public and private school applicants as a national Exemplary School of Excellence, one of the highest achievements in education at the time.

“Graham Brown was intentional about submitting the application for this honor. He allowed time for faculty and staff, K-12, to meet together to research the questions on the application and participate in the process,” said Assistant Head of Upper School Peggy Wakeland. “The process was rigorous. It was truly an all-Upper School effort. Geoff Butler [H’98, FWCD’s third and previous Headmaster] returned to campus to help us answer questions.

“What many don’t also know is that, in addition to this honor, FWCD was one of eight schools nationally to receive recognition: Special Honors in Arts Education,” Wakeland continued. Kim Thomas [’99], then Student Body President; Leila Koeppe, Fine Arts Chair; John O’Reilly, Head of Upper School; and I traveled to Washington, D.C. to accept these awards on November 13, 1998. It was such a proud moment for me, personally and professionally, and for the School as whole.”

From a facilities standpoint, on Brown’s watch, the School remodeled and renamed the original “Building A” to be the Upper School Science Center. Trustees Plaza, the brick path lined with water features and oak trees running between the Head of School’s Office and the Science Center, was dedicated at FWCD’s 35th-anniversary celebration. Trustees and all three of Brown’s predecessors, Peter Schwartz H’98, Ted Sanford H’98 and Geoff Butler H’98, were in attendance. Brown was also committed to beautifying the campus grounds by endorsing an aggressive landscaping program.

Laura Bonnell Alexander ’88, Graham, Marlene Shaw and Sharon Foster H’05 connect during a School event.

Laura Bonnell Alexander ’88, Graham, Marlene Shaw and Sharon Foster H’05 connect during a School event.

Though Graham loved Florida, he embraced his inner Texan and donned a cowboy hat on occasion.

Some of the most visible marks that Brown left on FWCD involve the adoption, in 2000, of Fort Worth Country Day’s core values and its commitment to health and wellness education relating to information and responsible actions through a more comprehensive program that continues to be built upon today.

Brown let the Board of Trustees know in September 2000 that he would leave FWCD, effective June 1, 2001. “This decision is made after countless hours of consideration during the last months,” he wrote in a letter to Board President Kim Williamson Darden ’75. “I deeply enjoy Country Day, its students, faculty, parents, alumni and Trustees, but I wish to seek leadership positions near our home in Florida or closer to our children. Please know in the months ahead, I shall continue to focus on the continued development of our exceptional school and shall serve in any way possible to provide for a smooth transition.” Darden cited the School’s unity during the transition process as an exceptionally proud moment. “It is a true testament to the strength of FWCD that in a time of transition, the Board leadership, the faculty, the alumni, parents and especially the student body all pulled together to move forward,” she said.

Brown will be long remembered for his leadership and contributions. He recognized the importance of teaching excellence and faculty dedication, which continue to be hallmarks of FWCD education, valued by the FWCD community and beyond.

FWCD’s fourth Head of School (1996-2001), F. Graham Brown left a lasting legacy.