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David A. Segal Family Aquatic Center
In a remarkable show of support for the Jesuit Dallas mission and in a display of financial generosity unequaled in the School’s 78-year history, Rachel Segal has committed the largest gift in the history of Jesuit Dallas as the single donor in the construction of the David A. Segal Family Aquatic Center. Named in honor of her late husband and father of Jesuit Dallas alumni, Alex ’18 and Max ’20; and Victoria, a swimmer at The Hockaday School, the state-of-the-art natatorium is being constructed adjacent to the athletic tower on the Jesuit Dallas campus and is scheduled to open in spring 2021.
The 29,000-square foot facility will feature the latest in pool and video technology, and include an eight-lane competition pool with fullyautomated timing and scoring systems as well as a four-lane warm-up/ teaching pool with separate climate and pool water controls. The facility will also include springboards for one-meter diving, locker rooms, a climate-controlled gallery with chair-back spectator seating for 250 guests, and a full-color indoor video display.
In addition to serving as a practice and competitive venue for the swimming & diving teams and the School’s burgeoning water polo
program, the facility will benefit a vast majority of Jesuit students by providing a space for injury rehab therapy, as well as endurance and flexibility training for other sports, learn-to-swim programs, scuba certification instruction, and lifeguard training and certification.
“David did a substantial amount of research evaluating the quality of the education, credentials of the faculty, the campus structure, and the outcomes of the graduates before committing to Jesuit,” explained Rachel Segal. “He quickly realized that he made the right decision and he always intended to contribute something meaningful to express his gratitude.”
Jesuit Dallas swimming & diving has enjoyed a proud tradition of success dating back to the early 1970s. The program’s rich history has included eight TCIL state championships, eight UIL individual state titles, seven UIL district championships, 26 All-Americans, and four national champions. Throughout its history the team has needed to practice and compete at numerous facilities across the metroplex.
“David was always interested in the boys’ extracurricular activities, and they were both heavily involved in swimming and water polo,” continued Rachel. “It became obvious early on that the boys were getting up
early and practicing late at facilities away from campus. He expressed his concern about the lack of a facility at Jesuit, especially given the success of the program. Unfortunately, David passed before he could act on this matter. It is a wonderful tribute to be able to honor David’s wishes and remember him in this way.”
Affectionately known as “The Gull,” the David A. Segal Family Aquatic Center will serve as a new hub of student activity, and will enrich the educational environment at Jesuit Dallas in so many ways.
“We are deeply humbled by the generosity of Rachel Segal and the Segal family, including ‘Uncle Barry’ Borodkin, who was instrumental in assisting Rachel,” said President Mike Earsing. “Beyond its obvious application as a venue for athletic competition and training for all sports, The Gull will serve as an additional science lab of sorts by allowing our students to engage in experiments and activities not currently possible. Our marine biology program, which focuses on addressing environmental issues across the globe and is unique in its scope among secondary schools, will also greatly benefit. When we consider fully all of the possibilities, the addition of a natatorium on our campus is wonderful and exciting.”
“Jesuit is a unique institution in Dallas,” Rachel declared. “It really does concentrate on the development of the whole person. It is a backbone for the underserved locally and abroad, and the rigorous academics and discipline it offers provided a huge benefit to my sons. However, the biggest impact Jesuit made on the boys was the development of their emotional intellect. Walking under the “Men for Others” signage every day was a walk-the-talk experience. It is an honor to support the School, and giving to Jesuit provides the satisfaction of funds well directed and utilized.”
David and Rachel Segal
The Segal children: Max ’20, Victoria, and Alex ’18
