The Pride | Fall 2021

PRIDE THE

Civic Responsibility Marksmen foster meaningful connections between themselves and their city

Courage & Honor The Class of 2021 leaves its mark

Fall 2021 Volume 26, Issue 1 St. Mark’s School of Texas Community Magazine

ALUMNI WEEKEND AND H O M E C O M I N G OCTOBER 21–23, 2021

Contents

THE

PRIDE St. Mark’s School of Texas Alumni Magazine Volume 26, Issue 1 • Fall 2021

8

ON CAMPUS

30

48

2 | Campus Snapshot 4 | Student Art 8 | Sports News 14 | Holiday Traditions 18 | Student Accolades 20 | Campus Visitors 22 | Retiring Faculty & Staff 26 | Retiring Trustees 28 | New Trustees 30 | Celebrate St. Mark's 32 | Living with Courage and Honor

ALUMNI NEWS

34 | Alumni Board Report 35 | Virtual Alumni Events 36 | Alumni Awards 45 | New Alumni Board Members 46 | Marking the Occasion

SPOTLIGHT ON PHILANTHROPY

50

48 | New Families Make Their Mark

FEATURES

50 | Goals for St. Mark's IV 64 | End-of-Year Events 72 | College Matriculation

NOTES AND REMARKS

74 | Class Notes 77 | Faculty Notes 78 | In Memoriam 80 | Endnotes

ABOUT OUR COVER Members of the Class of 2021 celebrate at Commencement

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2021 | Contents

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campus snapshot

Despite the year’s many challenges, the Junior Class held one of the most successful McDonald’s Weeks ever!

The McGhostbusters-themed celebration was delayed from November to March and relocated from McDonald’s to the Quad, but the Class of 2022 continued many of the beloved traditions. The week’s activities included rap battles, relay races, and a chemistry show by Ken Owens ’89—plus plenty of burgers and apple pies! Altogether, this year’s McDonald’s Week raised a record $18,780 for Austin Street Center, a homeless shelter located in south Dallas.

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

On Campus

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2021 | On Campus

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On Campus

A Collection of Student Ceramics and Wood & Metal Works

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

On Campus (opposite) Mustafa Latif ’21 (clockwise from below) Mason Westkaemper ’21 Mustafa Latif ’21 Cal Graham ’22

(clockwise from top left)

St. Mark’s School of Texas

(opposite)

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

On Campus

(clockwise from top left) Rohan Khatti ’21 Julian Ivarra ’21 Alex Emery ’21 (opposite top) Christian Shadle ’21 (opposite bottom) Tomek Marczewski ’22

St. Mark’s School of Texas

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On Campus

Lion athletes faced a year of uncertainty with resilience and grit. Competitions were sometimes interrupted, and the pandemic made athletic events and travel difficult to facilitate safely.

Despite the canceled championships and abbreviated seasons, the Lions charged forward and ended the year with some impressive results.

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

On Campus

Cross-Country The varsity cross-country team, led by captains Julian Ivarra ’21, Max Palys ’21, and Sid Sinha ’21, competed locally with other SPC teams in the DFW area, and they performed well. Each race featured a Marksman finishing first, with multiple team members consistently finishing within the Top 10. The head coach of the varsity cross-country team was John Turek.

Football With no formal SPC schedule, the varsity football team independently scheduled games starting in October. Led by captains Abe Echt ’21, Connor Gaffney ’21, Luke Nayfa ’21, Robert Pou ’21, Charles Wilson ’21, and Drew Woodward ’21, the team competed in two contests against familiar SPC opponents ESD and Greenhill. The Lions went 1-1 on the season, with the team’s victory coming on the road against Greenhill. Against ESD, the School was able to host Senior Night with the parents of varsity players and the senior class.

The head coach of the varsity football team was Hayward Lee.

Volleyball

Basketball

The varsity volleyball team, led by captains

The varsity basketball team, led by captains

Tristan Doan ’21, Cooper Ribman ’21, and Daniel

Harrison Ingram ’21, Tate Laczkowski ’22, Corvin

Sanchez ’21, began the season practicing on

Oprea ’22, and Colin Smith ’22, competed this

outdoor grass courts to abide by social distancing

season against teams within the SPC North Zone

protocols. The team later moved indoors and

and non-conference teams around the metroplex.

was able to schedule six games against local

While no official SPC champion was crowned, the

opponents. The Lions went 5-1 in those six

Lions went 9-2 in a truncated season. The Lions

contests and were able to avenge their only loss in

played top-ranked Texas public schools, claiming

dominant fashion against Trinity Valley, proving

victories over state powerhouses Spring Creek

they were the SPC’s team to beat in 2020. The

Academy, Bishop Lynch, and Rockwall High

head coach of the varsity volleyball team was

School, and was recognized as a top high school

Darren Teicher.

basketball program in Texas. In addition, Ingram

was named a McDonald’s All-American, the first

(top to bottom) Adam Wang ’22 and Arjun Khatti ’23 run a 5K race at the Athletic Performance Ranch in Fort Worth Elijah Ellis ’22 carries the ball against ESD Jack Davis ’21 tips the ball against Trinity Valley (opposite) Harrison Ingram ’21 wins the tipoff against Cistercian

in St. Mark’s history. The head coach of the varsity basketball team was Greg Guiler.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

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sports news Swimming The varsity swimming team, led by captains James Carr ’21, Aayan Khasgiwala ’21, Leo Ohannessian ’21, Jack Palmer ’21, and Daniel Wu ’21, posted strong performances throughout the winter season. The Lions were able to claim victories in nearly every meet this year, with the lone exception being a loss to the perennial 5A State Champion Southlake Carroll. The most notable non-conference victory was against cross-town rival Highland Park, a meet that saw the Lions win 10 out of the 11 events. Similar to the other winter sports, the swim team competed in the SPC North Zone Championships and finished first overall. The head coach of the varsity swimming team was Trent Calder.

Wrestling Given the physical closeness and nature of wrestling, the varsity team, led by captains Jackson Fair ’21, Cooper Ribman ’21, Elijah Ellis ’22, and Jedidiah Kim ’22, hosted their season mainly in the spring. In the winter, the team spent their time training in the hopes of competing in the Prep State Championships, giving them the opportunity to then advance to Prep Nationals. The team’s hard work paid off as Lion wrestlers placed fourth out of 15 teams (top to bottom) Lars Ochs ’22 dribbles the ball past a defender from Nolan Catholic High School Dawson Yao ’24 swims in the 100m Breaststroke

Soccer

in Prep State, four spots higher than their finish

The varsity soccer team, led by captains Knobel

the previous year. Five Marksmen represented

Hunt ’21, Henry McElhaney ’21, and Eric Yoo ’21,

the School at Prep Nationals in Wilkes Barre,

competed against SPC schools within the North

Pennsylvania. The head coach of the varsity

Zone as well as six non-conference opponents.

wrestling team was Reyno Arredondo ’87.

While there would be no SPC tournament to name a winner, the defending champion Lions went an impressive 11-1-1 on the year, placing them second overall in the SPC North Zone. The head coach of the varsity soccer team was Cory Martin.

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

On Campus

Baseball The varsity baseball team, led by captains Jake Daniels ’21, Abe Echt ’21, Daniel Sanchez ’21, and Alexander Zuch ’21, played a variety of nonconference competitions to stay ready before entering SPC North Zone counterplay. The Lions relied heavily on their senior athletes this season and finished with a 4-3 record within the SPC North Zone, outscoring their opponents 48-33 on the year. The head coach of the varsity baseball team was Johnny Hunter.

(top to bottom) Hayward Metcalf ’23 wrestles at W.T. White High School in Dallas Daniel Sanchez ’21 pitches against the Shelton School Sai Thirunagari ’21 finds the green Ian Mize ’22 attacks against Prosper High School

Golf The varsity golf team, led by captains Rex Corey ’21, Mac McKenzie ’22, and Anashay Monga ’22, competed in multiple tournaments this season across the DFW metroplex. After securing three tournament wins on the season, the team competed in SPC North Zone play.

The tournament, hosted at Bear Creek Country Club, saw the Lions come away with a third-place finish, capping off a very promising season. Logan Johnson ’23 made five birdies and one eagle during a 1-under-par round (71) and a share of the SPC North Zone individual title. The head coach of the varsity golf team was Greg Guiler.

Lacrosse The varsity lacrosse team, led by captains James Fults ’22, Ian Mize ’22, Henry Piccagli ’22, and Henry Schechter ’22, had a terrific season, especially for a team that did not feature a single senior athlete. After finishing the regular season with a 5-5 record and a 3-2 record in District play, the Lions entered the Texas High School Lacrosse League Class A playoffs as the number two overall seed. After a 15-4 win over Plano West in the first round and an 11-4 win over Allen in the State quarterfinals, the Lions lost a nail-biter to Coppell 10-8 in the semifinal. The head coach of the varsity lacrosse team was Hayward Lee.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

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sports news Tennis The varsity tennis team, led by captain Mark Motlow ’21, had one of its most memorable seasons in years. After an undefeated regular season that gave the Lions first place in the SPC North Zone, the team met SPC South Zone champion St. John’s School (Houston) at SMU’s Turpin Stadium to square off in the SPC Championship. St. Mark’s won line 2 singles and line 3 singles quickly, while St. John’s took both doubles lines. With the score tied 2-2, Motlow would have to win his line 1 singles match for the Lions to claim the SPC Championship. Motlow was victorious in two sets and the team stormed the court in celebration of an undefeated season capped by an SPC Championship, something the program has not seen in 19 years. The head coach of the varsity tennis team was Sana Cortas.

Track and Field The varsity track and field team, led by captains Kit Colson ’21, Julian Ivarra ’21, Mike Mendoza ’21, and Siddhartha Sinha ’21, had a successful season, including a first-place finish at the SPC North Zone tournament. The Conference hosted a championship meet with teams from all regions, where the top four finishers in each event from (top to bottom) The varsity quad rows at Youth Nationals

Crew The varsity crew, led by captains Buck Elliott ’21, Blake Hudspeth ’21, and Evan McGowan ’22,

Mark Motlow ’21 returns the ball during the SPC Championship at SMU The Lions run in the DFW Private School Circuit

rowed in several competitions prior to their largest regatta of the year, the Central District Youth Championship in Oklahoma City. St. Mark’s entered five events with nine entries. In the varsity 4x event, the crew of Drake Elliott ’22, Evan McGowan ’22,

(opposite) Ryan Park ’21 shoots against Flower Mound High School

Paul Valois ’22, and Blake Hudspeth ’21 secured the first-place finish, guaranteeing the 4x’s spot in the US Rowing Youth National Championships. At

each Zone qualified for the SPC Championship meet. The Lions saw their athletes qualify at least one person in 15 out of 17 events. With the boys competing at their home facility, Lion athletes won eight events, secured 22 All-SPC awards, and scored 189 points, claiming the team’s first track and field SPC Championship in eight years. Kit Colson ’21 broke both the School and SPC record in the 100m (10.32 seconds) and 200m (21.24 seconds). The head coach of the varsity track and field team was John Turek.

Nationals, the varsity quad finished eighth in the nation and third among scholastic teams. The head coach of the varsity crew team was Pitts Yandell.

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

On Campus

Water Polo The varsity water polo team, led by captains James Carr ’21, Aayan Khasgiwala ’21, Leo Ohannessian ’21, and Jack Palmer ’21, capped a brilliant, undefeated season with a first-place finish at the Texas Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association’s State Championship. In the State Championship game, after going down 4-0 early in the first quarter against Dawson High School, the Lions rose to the occasion and scored nine unanswered goals before the Eagles could break their scoring drought. The final score of the Lion’s victory in the State Championship game was 12-6. Additionally, Leo Ohannessian was named State MVP, with Brett Honaker ’22 and Jack Palmer earning first and second team AllState honors, respectively. The head coach of the varsity water polo team was Trent Calder.

Collegiate Athletes The following members of the Class of 2021 will play collegiately: Kit Colson

Mark Motlow

Yale University – Track and Field

Sewanee: The University of The South – Tennis

Connor Gaffney

Leo Ohannessian

United States Merchant Marine Academy – Football

University of California, Santa Barbara – Water Polo

Trevor Gicheru

Jack Palmer

Oberlin College – Football

Santa Clara University – Water Polo

Blake Hudspeth

Cooper Ribman

Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Crew

Harvard University – Wrestling

Knobel Hunt

Michael Vanesko

Southern Methodist University – Soccer

Middlebury College – Track and Field

Harrison Ingram Stanford University – Basketball

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On Campus

holiday traditions

In a year like none other, St. Mark’s remained committed to continuing important campus traditions while ensuring the health and safety of the community.

Gift Drive Throughout the month of December, Santa and his Upper School elves manned the donation bins during morning carpool, rocking out to holiday classics and encouraging classmates to support the Gift Drive. Thanks to the community’s generosity, the Student Council surpassed its goal and collected 2,225 toys for local children in need.

Major Todd Hakes, DFW Metroplex Commander of the Salvation Army, accepted the gifts and offered words of appreciation to the St. Mark’s community.

“These are unprecedented times, and the need in North Texas has never been greater. Thank you on behalf of the children — our neighbors — who you are helping this Christmas season.”

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

On Campus

Lessons & Carols St. Mark’s celebrated its 69th Annual Festival of Lessons & Carols, albeit in a different venue. The choir moved outdoors to the south end of The Perot Family Quadrangle, while hundreds of community members tuned in to a livestream of the performance. While much was different about this year’s Lessons & Carols, the meaning and significance remained. The St. Mark’s Choir performed nine carols, while community members read nine lessons retelling the Christmas story.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

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holiday traditions All-School Christmas Party It was fitting that this year’s All-School Christmas Party was moved outdoors, directly in front of The Path to Manhood statue. The Class of 2021 entered the Perot Quadrangle with their Lower School buddies on their shoulders, just as depicted in the bronze statue. Addressing the boys and senior parents, Eugene McDermott Headmaster David W. Dini said, “As 2020 draws to a close, we look to the new year with a sense of gratitude, optimism, and hope, ever mindful of the challenges that have come our way, and the many opportunities that lie ahead.”

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

for supporting this journey.

Thank you from the students, faculty, and staff of St. Mark’s School of Texas for making a gift to the 2020–2021 St. Mark’s Fund. Together, the community contributed more than $4 million for the fifth time in the School’s history and provided the necessary funds to support every Marksman’s journey on the Path to Manhood.

YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

3,000 DONORS

+

4.2

$

M

CONTRIBUTED TO THE FUND

On Campus

student accolades

The ReMarker student

The National Council on Education for the Ceramic

For the 14th time in

newspaper won its

Arts recognized Mustafa Latif ’21 with the Bailey

15 years, St. Mark’s

Christian Youst ’23

18th consecutive Gold

Pottery Award, the Hyperglaze Software Award, and

Photography was named

competed on a nationally

Crown, and Focus,

an Honorable Mention Award. Colin Bajec ’21 was

“Top Program” by the

televised episode of

The ReMarker’s

awarded the Bailey Pottery Award, the Dennis Maza

Association of Texas

American Ninja Warrior.

magazine, won its first

Memorial Scholarship, and the Jack Troy Award.

Photography Instructors.

Gold Crown.

Five Marksmen earned major awards in the Harvard Model United Nations competition; Max Palys ’21, Ekansh Tambe ’22, Pranay Sinkre ’22, Tomek Marczewksi ’22, and Bijaan Noormohamed ’23.

The Marque literary magazine received the prestigious Pacemaker Award, the preeminent honor given by the National Scholastic

Harrison Ingram ’21 was named to the 2021 McDonald’s All-American Games roster, widely considered the pinnacle of high school basketball.

He will play at Stanford University.

Press Association.

Samuel Eluemunoh ’22 was the state champion of this year’s Poetry Out Loud recitation competition, held by the Texas Commission on the Arts.

31 members of the Class of 2021 were Finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program. One Marksman was a Semifinalist, and 25 were honored as Commended Scholars.

The Class of 2029 was named the national champion in the Gold Division of WordMasters, an annual national vocabulary competition involving nearly 125,000 students.

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Twenty members of the Class of 2021 were inducted into the St. Mark’s chapter of the Cum Laude Society.

23 Marksmen were named to the Texas Private School Music Educator Association’s All-State Choir, Orchestra, or Jazz Ensemble.

Cristian Pereira ’21 was selected for The College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Program.

The Upper School Academic Team went undefeated to win the Small School National Championship Tournament (Open Division) hosted by National Academic Quiz Tournaments. Team members were Aditya Shivaswamy ’24, Ned Tagtmeier ’21, Aayush Goodapaty ’21, and Miki Ghosh ’22.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

ST. MARK’S STUDENT STORE ORDER ONLINE at smtexasstore.com or by phone 214-346-8185

On Campus

campus visitors “The education I received at St. Mark’s was better than the education many folks receive at colleges. In particular, the level of writing expected of you here is incredible.”

— Rhett Miller ’89 The result was a vibrant two-day festival featuring five renowned writers: Lauren Groff, bestselling author, National Book Award finalist, and the inaugural Brent P. Johnson ’89 Speaker Masi Asare, composer, playwright, and performance scholar Bob Hass, poet and literary critic Rhett Miller ’89, singer/songwriter and poet Calvin Watkins, sports reporter for The Dallas Morning News Over videoconference, the five writers visited with more than two dozen classes, including English, journalism, and acting. They shared personal experiences, writing habits, and advice for boys interested in a literary career.

The Literary Festival

Alumnus Rhett Miller reflected on the impact of St. Mark’s on his life and career: “The education I received at St. Mark’s was better than the education

In January 2021, St. Mark’s hosted its 14th Annual

many folks receive at colleges. In particular, the

Literary Festival. Given the complexity of organizing

level of writing expected of you here is incredible.”

the festival in a normal year, not to mention during a pandemic, the student leadership was expanded

Poet Bob Hass challenged students to consider how

to include a director (Henry Schechter ’22), two

their selection of words can impact their work: “Do

co-chairs (Ekansh Tambe ’22 and Alex Geng ’22),

not choose a word just for its denotation, but also

and three assistants (Aadi Khasgiwala ’23, Keshav

for its connotative possibilities. A writer will choose

Krishna ’23, and Bijaan Noormohamed ’23). These

a phrase that will evoke the emotional response

boys navigated myriad logistical and organizational

they want to invoke.”

challenges that came with this year’s transition to a virtual event.

On Thursday night, the writers gathered online for a virtual installment of the Literary Festival’s

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

On Campus

Writers’ Forum. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and

“Do not choose a word just for its denotation, but also for its

parents tuned in to watch as the writers discussed

connotative possibilities. A writer will choose a phrase that

their careers and answered questions from the community.

will evoke the emotional response they want to invoke.”

Before the Festival, Marksmen had the chance to

The St. Mark’s Literary Festival began in 2009

submit their own work to be judged by the guest

and has since become a staple of the Marksman

writers. This year’s winners were Thomas Philip ’22

experience. More than 70 guest speakers have met

— Bob Hass, Visiting Poet

(nonfiction), Josh Mysoré ’21 (fiction), and Blake

with Marksmen over the past decade, including 15

Broom ’21 (poetry). On Thursday and Friday, each

alumni authors. The Literary Festival is funded in

winner met with one of the visiting writers to

part by the Brent P. Johnson ’89 Endowment Fund,

receive feedback and advice.

which provides ongoing programmatic support and ensures the continued growth and recruitment of engaging guest speakers.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

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On Campus

retiring faculty & staff

At its core, St. Mark's is a special place because of the extraordinary people who interact with the boys on a daily basis. Whether in the classroom, on the playing field, or in the offices, every member of the faculty and staff serve as teachers and role models for Marksmen. This year, the School honored six retirees who have dedicated a combined 188 years of service to St. Mark's.

Steve “Hollywood” Walker Steve Walker retired this year as one of St. Mark’s longest-tenured employees, having been a loyal member of the cafeteria team since 1975. Steve was always willing to help in times of need and enthusiastically tended to “his boys” across campus. Never one to miss an opportunity to greet a Marksman or a colleague with a friendly smile, Steve brought optimism and good cheer at every turn. His efforts and contributions over the years have been many, as he’s served alongside colleagues and friends who not only nourished our bodies but also nurtured our spirit and inspired us to be better in every way. Widely recognized across the generations, Steve left an imprint on Marksmen and always focused on their potential to make a positive difference. His gifts of time, energy, and commitment helped make St. Mark’s a better school.

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

On Campus

Robert “Doc” Browning

Verna Smith

Following 36 years of dedication to St. Mark’s,

Verna Smith retired this year after 35 years of

Robert “Doc” Browning retired at the end of the

faithful service to the School. She began her

2020–2021 school year. Doc was a valued member

St. Mark’s career in the Development Office and

of the faculty since he arrived on campus in 1985,

soon moved to the Headmaster’s Office where she

serving in a variety of roles over time, including

provided dedicated professional support for the

Head Athletic Trainer, physical education teacher,

past 33 years. From her desk in Centennial Hall, she

coach, and advisor. Doc’s storied career includes

welcomed parents, students, and visitors with a

a three-year stint in the U.S. Army Medical Corps

friendly smile and warm greeting. In addition to her

and five years as Rhodes College’s Head Athletic

role assisting the Headmaster, Verna also worked

Trainer. At St. Mark’s, Doc was responsible for the

closely with the Board of Trustees and is widely

health and safety of Lion athletes in his role as an

admired and respected by former Board Presidents,

athletic trainer. From Lower School PE teacher

Life Trustees, and other longtime friends of the

to Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach, Doc filled

School. She provided active staff support for four

myriad roles within the Athletic Department. He

ISAS reaccreditations, coordinated and supported

also spent several years as Head of the Wilderness

faculty recruitment and professional development

Program and coordinator of the CANpaign (now

programs, and was actively involved in three

the Community Service Program) and Grandy’s

iterations of Goals for St. Mark’s. She received the

Week (now McDonald’s Week). Notably, Doc is the

Superior Staff Award in 2000 and the Senior Master

only faculty or staff member to receive the John H.

Award in 2012 and 2014.

Murrell Excellence-in-Teaching Award, the Ralph B. Rogers Alumni Award, and the Ackerman Character Education Award. Doc will maintain an active presence on campus next year, supporting physical education and athletics faculty in various capacities.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

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On Campus

retiring faculty & staff

Joe Milliet

Rebecca Jenkins

Joe Milliet retired following 20 years of service to

Rebecca Jenkins retired this year after more than

St. Mark’s. Widely known across the campus, “Joe”

40 years in the classroom, including the past 16

was a class sponsor in the junior-senior rotation for

as a teacher at St. Mark’s. A gifted educator and

the past 18 years, including this year as Co-Sponsor

devoted mentor to her students, Rebecca began her

for the Class of 2021. For more than a decade, Mr.

teaching career at Stevens Park Elementary School

Milliet served as the Thomas B. Walker III ’73

in DISD and subsequently served on the faculties of

Mathematics Department Chair, while teaching

the Instituto Suizo-American in Mexico, St. Philip’s

subjects ranging from Algebra I to BC Calculus. In

School, and Parish Episcopal School, before joining

2018 after the retirement of his close friend and

the St. Mark’s faculty in 2005 to teach sixth-grade

fellow mathematics teacher, J.T. Sutcliffe, Joe handed

Humanities. A passionate and collaborative

off the leadership of the Math Department and

colleague, Rebecca strengthened and enhanced

stepped into the Suzanne and Patrick McGee Family

the Humanities program and made a difference in

Master Teaching Chair in Mathematics. Outside

the lives of countless Marksmen. In addition to her

the classroom, Joe could be found on the sidelines

core teaching responsibilities, Rebecca provided

and in the audience at nearly every St. Mark’s

leadership as part of the Future Leaders Program,

athletic and fine arts event. Joe frequently spent

the International Boys Schools’ Coalition, Dallas

early mornings, evenings, and weekends working

Area Diversity Youth Organization, Middle School

with students on challenging math problems and

community service, and the St. Mark’s Teacher

providing extra guidance and encouragement. A

Institute. She also served as a sixth-grade class

truly gifted teacher and inspirational leader, Joe

sponsor and guided Middle School Quiz Bowl

consistently set the highest standards of excellence

teams. An inspiration in the classroom and master

for students and colleagues alike. A recipient

of her craft, Rebecca earned noteworthy recognition,

of the John H. Murrell Excellence-in-Teaching

including the Ackerman Award for Character

Award and the Ralph B. Rogers Alumni Award,

Education and the John H. Murrell Excellence-in-

he was also among a select group of teachers

Teaching Award. In 2019, she was appointed to the

nationally to earn the Siemens Award for Advanced

Thomas S. Adams Master Teaching Chair.

Placement instruction.

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On Campus | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas

On Campus

Catherine Wetzel

Patti Winston Frank

A veteran in the Lower School, Catherine Wetzel

Patti Winston Frank is retiring after serving 15 years

retired at the conclusion of this school year after a

as the welcoming face of the Office of Development

lengthy career in education and 20 years of service

and Alumni Relations. As Development Assistant,

teaching third grade on the St. Mark’s faculty. Prior

Patti welcomed graduates back to campus,

to joining the St. Mark’s family, Catherine gained

supported the Alumni Board locally and nationally,

meaningful experience at schools across Dallas

and always provided a bright spot in the day

including The Lamplighter School, Episcopal School

for Marksmen who stopped by her desk. With a

of Dallas, and Greenhill School. During the past

genuine servant’s heart, she expertly managed

two decades on the St. Mark’s faculty, she instilled a

event attendance for years, helping support a wide

genuine passion and love of learning in her students.

array of alumni programs and events, including

Always cultivating an appreciation for the natural

luncheons, dinners, Alumni Board gatherings,

world, she led the Seedlings and Lower School

Homecoming, Alumni Weekend, and many regional

Gardening Club, the Origami Club, excursion trips

alumni events across the country. A veteran teacher

to Camp Jolt, magic shows, and much more. She

who enthusiastically joined St. Mark’s as a second

was a mainstay in Lower School testing, pioneered

career, Patti’s many contributions have made an

Character and Leadership development for our

important difference. Understanding well the

youngest Lions, and served on the Faculty Advisory

importance of positive campus culture, Patti is well-

Committee. From Show-and-Tell Fridays to

known for lifting the spirits of those around her and

establishing important fundamentals in language

setting an upbeat and spirited tone, even in the face

arts, mathematics, science, and other core

of challenge.

content, Catherine built strong foundations for our Marksmen to ensure that they were prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead. An exceptional teacher, valued colleague, and mother of John Wetzel ’11, she leaves a proud legacy of excellence.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

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On Campus

retiring trustees

Jon Mosle III ’79

Amee M. Joshi

Jon Mosle began his service on

Since her two sons enrolled

the Board of Trustees in 1995

at St. Mark’s, Amee has been

when he became President-

an outstanding volunteer.

elect of the Alumni Board.

She served on the Parents’

During those first six years, Jon

Association Executive

served on the Development

Committee for several years

Committee, the Finance

in different capacities as

Committee, and the Investment

Treasurer-elect, Treasurer, and

Committee. Following a five-year break, Jon was

Lower School Coordinator. She also chaired Blue

again appointed to the Board in 2006 and for the

& Gold Day, the Student Store, the Directory for

next 15 years, he chaired numerous committees

two years and was the Senior class representative

including the Investment Committee, the

in her sons’ graduation years of 2019 and 2021.

Committee on Trustees, as well as the Executive

Amee was appointed to the Board of Trustees in

Committee. From 2016 – 2018, Jon was President

2015 and served for three years on the Education

of the Board. He also played important roles

Committee and, during her three years on the

on the Head of School Search Committee, the

Finance Committee, she contributed valuable

Science Center Planning Committee, and the

expertise from her years of working for Ernst &

Goals for St. Mark’s III and IV Committees. Jon

Young. Amee also served on the Head of School

has always done everything he could to ensure

Search Committee and the Goals for St. Mark’s IV

that St. Mark’s remained one of the finest schools

Committee. Amee and her husband Saf are the

in the country. Jon and his wife Jennifer have two

parents of two Marksmen, Jayan ’19 and Rajan ’21.

children: Kate, a Hockaday graduate, and Michael, a Marksman from the Class of 2016.

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On Campus | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas

On Campus

Ryan T. Rogers ’95

Leigh S. Koch

After spending six years as

When Leigh Koch was

a member of the Alumni

appointed to the Board of

Board, Ryan was appointed

Trustees as President-elect

to the Board of Trustees

of the Parents’ Association in

in 2012. He served on the

2018, she had no idea that her

Education Committee for the

year as President of the Parents’

first couple of years and then

Association would be the “Year

was a member of the Finance

of the Tornado.” She served

Committee. From 2018 to the present, Ryan has

for a couple of years on the Education Committee

been a member of the Facilities Committee. His

and then served on the Development Committee

expertise as Director of Strategic Initiatives for

for the 2020-2021 school year. Leigh was the right

MaryKay, Inc., has been valuable to his work

person to serve St. Mark’s during the aftermath of

on these committees. Ryan has been a strong

the tornado. Her upbeat spirit and flexibility were a

supporter of the St. Mark’s Fund and a Class Agent

gift to the School at a time when despair could have

for the Class of 1995. He and his wife Maleiah

overtaken the community. Leigh and her husband

have one daughter, Everlee Rogers.

Ben have two sons: Colin and Nicholas ’22.

Heather H. Washburne Continuing a long family tradition, Heather Washburne served as a member of the Board of Trustees for six years.

Heather’s father and brother were both former Trustees, her uncle Lamar Hunt was a Life Trustee, and her cousins Clark & Dan Hunt are currently serving. When Heather was appointed in 2015, she served for three years on the Education Committee. Her final three years were spent as a member of the Development Committee, where she was instrumental in obtaining several large donations for the Winn Science Center project. Heather and her husband Ray ’79 are the parents of Hill ’18.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2021 | On Campus

27

On Campus

new trustees

Sandy Campbell ’76

Julie Clark

Sandy Campbell has been

Julie Clark earned a B.A.

a member of the St. Mark’s

from Southern Methodist

Alumni Board since 2014

University and has experience

and will begin serving as

as an Internal Auditor and

the Alumni Board President

a Technology and Finance

for the 2021-2022 school

Recruiter. She will be the

year. He earned his B.A. from

President-elect of the Parents’

The University of Texas at Austin and his J.D.

Association for the 2021-2022 school year and

from Southern Methodist University School

has held numerous positions in the Parents’

of Law. Sandy is the Managing Director and

Association including Grade Representative,

General Counsel of Rocktop Partners. He has

Homecoming Chair, and Upper School

been an active volunteer at St. Mark’s since his

Coordinator. She also serves on the Board of the

graduation in 1976, serving as a longtime Class

Visiting Nurses Association-Meals on Wheels and

Agent, St. Mark’s Fund volunteer, and reunion

the Board for the Turtle Creek Charity League.

co-chair. While on the Alumni Board, Sandy has

Julie and her husband Eric Clark are the parents

held several key leadership positions, including

of three children: Kate, Parker ’19, who currently

chairman of the Ralph B. Rogers Alumni Award

attends the University of Virginia, and Charlie ’24.

as well as the Activities and Alumni Weekend Committee chairman. He and his wife Connie have two Marksmen sons, Tully ’12 and Kyle ’15.

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On Campus | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas

On Campus

Rob Kaplan

Kimberly Mehendale

Rob Kaplan is president and

Dr. Kimberly Mehendale is

CEO of the Federal Reserve

a pediatrician and partner

Bank of Dallas. He earned his

with Willow Bend Pediatrics

B.S. from the University of

in Plano. She earned her

Kansas, and an M.B.A. from

undergraduate degree from

Harvard Business School.

Louisiana State University

Prior to joining the Dallas

where she also earned her

Fed, Robert was a Senior Associate Dean and

M.D., and then did her residency at Baylor College

the Martin Marshall Professor of Management

of Medicine/Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston.

Practice at Harvard Business School. He also had

Kimberly currently serves on the St. Mark’s

a 23-year career with Goldman Sachs. Rob serves

Medical Advisory Board. Her husband Neelesh

as chairman of Project A.L.S. and co-chairman

Mehendale is also a physician and a partner in

of the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, a

ENT Associates of Texas. They have a daughter,

global venture philanthropy firm that invests

Leena, and a son, Raja ’24.

in developing non-profit enterprises dedicated to addressing social issues. He is also a board member of Harvard Medical School. He is the

Craig Meyers ’94

father of Michael ’32.

Craig Meyers is the Chief Investment Officer of NataRock Partners in New York City. He

Wan Kim

earned his B.S. in Finance and

Wan Kim is the CEO of

Entrepreneurial Management

Smoothie King Franchise, Inc.

from The Wharton School-

He is a graduate of Boston

University of Pennsylvania.

University and earned his

He served on the St. Mark’s

M.B.A. from the University of

Alumni Board from 2010-2021 and has been

California at Irvine. In 2017,

an active member of the New York Regional

Ernst & Young named Wan its

Committee, serving as the Committee’s chairman.

Entrepreneur of the Year in the

Craig is continuing his family’s active service to

Consumer Products category in the Gulf Coast

St. Mark’s Board of Trustees. His father, Howard

Area. Wan has served as an advisory member of

Meyers, was a Board of Trustees member from

the St. Mark’s Development Committee. He also

1988–1998. His mother, Rory Meyers, was also an

currently serves on the Board of the North Texas

active St. Mark's volunteer. Craig and his wife Kelly

Food Bank. Wan Kim and his wife Hosun Yoon are

have two daughters, Annabelle and Elizabeth, and

the parents of Brandon Kim ’30.

live in Connecticut. Craig is also the brother of Kevin Meyers ’98.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2021 | On Campus

29

On Campus

celebrate

Celebrate St. Mark’s (above) Marksmen take in the view of the Pecos Wilderness

Each year, Celebrate St. Mark’s offers a chance for

On Saturday, April 17, 2021, hundreds of

parents to gather together, support their boys, and

community members gathered in their living

celebrate all that makes our community so special.

rooms and tuned in to a unique Celebrate

While this year brought its share of challenges,

St. Mark’s experience. This year’s theme, The Great

it also provided more than enough reasons to

Outdoors, honored the 50th anniversary of the

continue this tradition. While Celebrate was

Pecos Wilderness Trip and raised funds to support

originally planned as an in-person event, the

programs across campus.

continued focus on health and safety required the Parents’ Association to pivot to a remote

“We were unsure of how this unusual year would

celebration. Under the leadership of co-chairs

impact the feel of the event, so we were thrilled

Jennifer Applbaum, Briana Frenkel, and Elizabeth

with all of the enthusiasm we received,” said

Perry-Miller, a robust virtual event quickly

Jennifer. “It doesn’t matter what the occasion

came together.

is — our parent community shows up with their St. Mark’s spirit each time they are asked.”

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On Campus | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas

On Campus

Throughout the evening, the special livestreamed

This year’s event celebrated the 50th anniversary

program featured messages from students, faculty,

of the Pecos Wilderness Trip. In 1971, St. Mark's

staff, and parents, performances by the St. Mark’s

first sent boys on a camping trip to Big Bend

choir and Emerald City Band, and special tributes

National Park. The following year, the School

to the Pecos Trip and Frank Jordan, former Lower

led the rising freshman class to the Pecos

School teacher and lifelong champion of outdoor

Wilderness in New Mexico and has been

education. The night capped off with the virtual

going back ever since. Today, the Wilderness

live auction, where parents bid on once-in-a-

Program encompasses numerous camping trips,

lifetime items, from Super Bowl LVI tickets to a

teaching boys the values of both self-reliance

custom St. Mark’s surfboard handcrafted by Baxter

and cooperation.

Perry-Miller ’24. The silent auction also provided parents the chance to bid on unique experiences

“With a virtual event, we were able to cast a big

donated by the St. Mark’s faculty, from a tour of

net and include the whole family for an enjoyable

the Dallas Arts District with Mr. Lange to a batch

night,” said Elizabeth. “It was heartwarming to

of Doc Browning’s Legendary “Oldkinda” Cookies.

hear from other St. Mark’s families and realize

Thanks to the generosity of the community,

that even though we celebrated ‘solo,’ it felt like

Celebrate St. Mark’s raised more than $160,000

we were all celebrating St. Mark’s together with so

for the School. The funds will directly benefit the

many people watching a truly special tribute to

Frank H. Jordan Wilderness Program Endowment

the Wilderness Program.”

(below, clockwise from top left) The auctioneer draws a raffle ticket Community members celebrate from home Baxter Perry-Miller ’24 helps auction off his handmade surfboard Fourth-grade teachers and boys tour the Dallas Arboretum, one of the Teacher Gifts of Time Celebrate Co-Chairs Elizabeth Perry-Miller, Jennifer Applbaum, and Briana Frenkel Mrs. Darver with the winner of the Lower School Head for a Day auction item

Fund, campus tornado recovery efforts, and the St. Mark’s Fund.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2021 | On Campus

31

“Living with Courage and Honor”

Katy Rubarth, St. Mark’s Director of Communications and mother of three Marksmen, passed away following a long battle with cancer on February 4, 2021.

(above) Katy with her boys

F

rom the moment she set foot on campus,

After joining the St. Mark’s community as a

Katy Rubarth served as a driving force

parent, Katy took on a leadership role as Director

behind one of St. Mark’s most momentous

of Communications in 2009. She quickly went to

decades. From a capital campaign and head

work bolstering the St Mark’s brand, including the

of school transition to the construction of new

redesign of The Pride magazine. But beyond her

buildings and the launch of Goals for St. Mark’s

outstanding work, Katy was best known around

IV, the School’s recent years have been among its

campus for her boundless energy, her warm

most prolific. And throughout that time, Katy kept

empathy, and her deep passion for “my boys.”

a careful watch over every endeavor, ensuring excellence in all that St. Mark’s produced. As an

“Katy loved her colleagues, our graduates, and most

administrator, she preferred to stay behind the

important, she loved our boys,” said David W. Dini,

scenes, but her impact was evident in the feeling

Eugene McDermott Headmaster. “Her passing

of connectedness and community that permeates

will certainly leave a hole in our lives. And yet, she

the School.

would expect us to carry on and continue to serve every Marksman with the same determination, compassion, respect, and optimism that so epitomized how she lived each day.”

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On Campus | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas

On Campus

Throughout her dedicated St. Mark’s career, and

(clockwise from top left) Katy and Charlie ’20 at the top of Mt. Washburn

while parenting three Marksmen, Katy also fought a prolonged battle with cancer. Even as she

Katy prepares to hit the trail on the Fourth-Grade Wyoming Trip

endured a tough treatment regimen, her passion and dedication for the boys never weakened.

Katy receives her yearbook dedication with Oliver ’25 and Charlie

As Katy entered the final stage of her battle, she

In May of last year, the Class of 2020 dedicated

simultaneously guided the School’s response to

the Marksmen yearbook to Katy. Marksmen

two unprecedented crises: the tornado of October

editor Reid Goldsmith ’20 said, “This dedicatee

2019 and the transition to remote learning in the wake of COVID-19. In both cases, Katy did

so perfectly fits the tone of this book and this year. Spring Alumni Dinner She was selected because of the personal impact

what she did best: foster a sense of community,

she had on all of our lives.”

David Dini, Charlie, and Katy at Blue Shirt Day

The dedication page features a very meaningful

Katy backstage at the Steve Miller Band concert during Celebrate St. Mark's 2015

belonging, and care for every member of the St. Mark’s family.

photograph of Katy, taken by her son Charlie ’20.

In her final Letter from the Editor, printed in the

The headline reads, “Living with Courage

Winter 2020 issue of The Pride, Katy wrote: “This

and Honor,” in tribute to the years of strength,

School has helped me develop a resiliency I

courage, determination, and leadership that she

didn’t know I could have, the resourcefulness that

demonstrated in her daily life.

Katy and Kathy Mallick at

allows me to live my life to the fullest in the face of adversity, and the comfort and encouragement to allow me to rebuild myself and help rebuild our community each time we face a challenge."

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2021 | On Campus

33

Alumni News alumni programs Board Report from Paul Genender ’87 Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Alumni Association President for the past two years.

Our graduates continue to make outstanding achievements in character, leadership, courage, and honor, and it has been my privilege to serve what I consider the finest Alumni Association in the country. I am thankful for the opportunity to work with you all to advance the mission of St. Mark’s and strengthen the connections between alumni across the decades and across the nation.

The 2020-2021 school year presented challenges in addition to the ones our School has faced over the past two years. The COVID-19 pandemic forced our students and faculty out of the classroom at various times throughout the school year as St. Mark’s transitioned to a new daily schedule and tornado recovery efforts continued throughout campus. Importantly, as we always have, we persevered. Through the hard work of our faculty and staff, we kept our Marksmen in the classroom and on the playing field for almost the whole school year. Our seniors still carried their little buddies on their shoulders at Christmastime; our varsity athletes took home three SPC Championships, a state title, and an eighth-place finish at nationals for our rowing team; and the iconic traditions of Blue Shirt Day, Baccalaureate, and Commencement were all held, and they were beautiful. We could not be more grateful to the Medical Advisory Committee and the administrators who ensured we remained safe, in-person, and on-campus for the vast majority of the year.

In partnership with the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, the Alumni Board measures the success of our work by focusing on (1) Dallas and regionally based programming and involvement, (2) the expansion of the Marksmen Network, and (3) maintaining our commitment to the St. Mark’s Fund through alumni participation of more than 50 percent. Despite the challenges we faced as a School and Alumni Association this year, we were able to achieve 54 percent alumni participation in the St. Mark’s Fund, surpassing our 50 percent goal for the 13th consecutive year. For the sixth time in School history, alumni collectively gave more than $2 million to the St. Mark’s Fund. Continuing our virtual alumni programs, we hosted Clark Hunt ’83, Mark Cuban, Sam Acho ’07, and three Marksman athletes recently recruited to Division I universities. We are eagerly preparing for Homecoming and Alumni Weekend, October 21-23, 2021, and are excited to celebrate the classes ending in 0, 1, 5, and 6 for their reunions.

The success of this year was made possible by the energy and dedication of the countless volunteers who go above and beyond for our Alumni Association. I would like to thank my fellow Alumni Board members for their tireless efforts on behalf of the School. In particular, I would like to recognize the 2020-2021 Executive Committee for their leadership: Sandy Campbell ’76 (Vice President), Jamie Rogers ’85 (Secretary), Robbie Baty ’02, Topher Broom ’87, Mark Butler ’08, David Estes ’89, Tom Fagadau ’76, Michael Flanagan ’90, Jamie Helwig ’01, Lowell Ku ’89, and William Taylor ’93. In addition, thank you for the enthusiastic support and leadership of the Board of Trustees, Regional Club Chairs, Class Agents, and Reunion Chairs for your work on behalf of the School.

Many people have rightly commented to me on the challenges we have faced as a community over the past two years. Rather than dwell on those challenges, I am instead heartened by and in awe of how our entire community, including our unparalleled Alumni Association, chose to band together as one to care for each other and persevere.

Warmly and with gratitude,

Paul R. Genender ’87 Alumni Association President

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Alumni News | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Alumni News

virtual alumni events of the St. Mark’s Board of Trustees. Clark gave more than 300 attendees insight into the realm of professional sports and credited his success, both personally and professionally, to his St. Mark’s education.

“One of the biggest lessons that I’ve learned over the past 25 years in professional sports is how important the culture of the organization and the team is,” Clark said. “With respect to the role that St. Mark’s played in developing me as a young man, a lot of it had to do with being taught life lessons and about character. That’s a very important part of what we focus on with the Chiefs.”

While this past year has upended the ways we all interact, the mission of the St. Mark’s Alumni Association remains more

The third and final ALSS event of the school

important than ever. The Alumni Board and the Office of

year took place on April 21, 2021, which would have been the start of Alumni Weekend 2021.

Development & Alumni Relations have worked together to

Broadcasting live from Graduate Hall, Alumni

create engagement opportunities through online programs and

Association President Paul Genender ’87

keep Marksmen connected to each other and their School.

moderated a conversation with David W. Dini.

Together, they discussed the State of the School,

Like many events this year, the Alumni Leadership

including the ongoing response to COVID-19, the

Speaker Series (ALSS) transitioned to an online

implementation of the new daily schedule, plans

format beginning last fall. The 2020-2021 Speaker

for tornado recovery, diversity and inclusion efforts,

Series kicked off in September with a conversation

and opportunities for the School moving forward.

between Julie Doerge, St. Mark's School Nurse, and Dr. Wendy Chung, Chief Epidemiologist for

“As we look ahead, we are excited, optimistic, and

the Acute Communicable Disease Division of the

hopeful,” said David. “We have already started

Dallas County Department of Health and Human

to host many of the springtime activities and

Services. Dr. Chung also serves on St. Mark’s

traditions that we value so dearly on campus for

Medical Advisory Board. More than 120 guests

the first time in a long time. And we are certainly

tuned in to hear Dr. Chung report on COVID-

imagining a resumption of a high degree of

19’s impact around the world, while Nurse Julie

normalcy in the new school year.”

discussed the protocols put in place on campus to ensure the health and safety of the entire

As the 2021-2022 school year gets underway,

St. Mark’s community.

the School is eager to welcome alumni back on campus including for Alumni Weekend. Plans are

In October 2020, the Alumni Association held

underway to welcome graduates back to campus

its second ALSS event featuring Clark Hunt ’83,

on October 21-23, 2021, the same weekend

Chairman and CEO of the Kansas City Chiefs,

as Homecoming.

owner of FC Dallas, and recently retired President

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2021 | Alumni News

35

Alumni News

Distinguished Alumnus Award Recipient 2020 – Victor L. Vescovo ’84 This Marksman has literally traveled from the highest peaks to the deepest depths of our planet, furthering the bounds of science and exploration.

In 2017, Victor became the 12th American to complete the “Explorers Grand Slam,” which requires climbing the highest peak on all seven continents—including Mt. Everest—and skiing at least 100 kilometers to both the North and South Poles.

For his next adventure, Victor set his sights lower, to the bottom of the ocean. During his historic Five Deeps Expedition, Victor piloted a custombuilt submersible to the deepest point in each of the Earth’s five oceans. In doing so, he broke the undersea depth record, diving 35,853 feet down to the bottom of the Mariana Trench’s Challenger Deep. During this expedition, Victor and his team discovered more than 40 new species of lifeforms

As the St. Mark’s community has persevered through the

and mapped more than 300,000 square kilometers (115,831 square miles) of seafloor.

challenges of the past year, its alumni community has likewise continued forward in both their professional pursuits and their dedication to the School. While Alumni Weekend 2020 was

After earning degrees from Stanford University, MIT, and Harvard Business School, Victor co-founded the private equity firm Insight Equity and served

canceled and 2021 has been delayed until this fall, the Alumni

20 years in the U.S. Navy Reserve as an intelligence

Association announced the recipients of its annual Alumni

officer. It’s no surprise that, in 2020, D Magazine

Awards.

dubbed Victor “The Most Interesting Man in Dallas.”

Yet, despite his busy career, Victor has remained a

Distinguished Alumnus Award

steadfast supporter of St. Mark’s. In May 2019, just weeks after his historic dive into the Challenger

The Distinguished Alumnus Award recognizes achievement of exceptional

Deep, Victor delivered the Commencement

nature in any field, vocational or voluntary, covering an entire career. The

Address to the Class of 2019. The following

award recipient’s engagement with the School should be a consideration.

year, Victor gave the St. Mark’s Robotics Team

The award is presented to no more than one person each year and need not

an opportunity of a lifetime. He asked them to

be awarded on an annual basis. Because the award is defined by its recipients,

research and build a mechanism that would help

it has been given sparingly.

his dive team collect soil samples from the deepest point in the ocean, a location nearly seven miles

36

Alumni News | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Alumni News

(clockwise from top left) Victor boarding the submersible Limiting Factor SM Robotics students show Victor their deep sea soil collector

beneath the surface with crushing water pressure.

Victor visited with the boys several times in the

Victor shows his Lion pride on the summit of Mt. Everest

coming months, providing feedback, support, and oversight. Following the successful deployment of the boys’ soil sampler, Victor is now engaging

(opposite) Victor aboard the research vessel Pressure Drop

with the students on a new project to aid his underwater explorations.

Victor has taken a St. Mark’s flag with him on

In his Commencement Address to the Class

numerous expeditions, from the summit of

of 2019, Victor challenged the boys to take the

Mt. Everest to the South Pole. For the Five Deeps

lessons and values they learned at St. Mark’s and

Expedition, his Lion Pride was evident in the

use them to make the world a better place. “Try to

St. Mark’s patch he wore on his diving uniform.

move us forward as a group, as a species. I've been trying to do that my whole life, and I hope that

“Victor has led an extraordinary life in every aspect,

I'm contributing.”

including his academic pursuits, his business pursuits, and now in his pursuit of exploration,” said Tom Fagadau ’76, Alumni Awards Committee Chair. “His passion for discovery and pursuit of knowledge inspired the Selection Committee, and we hope inspires the entire St. Mark’s community. Victor not only embodies a lifetime of high achievement but, just as important, an impenetrable strength of character.”

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2021 | Alumni News

37

Alumni News Mike Blake/Alamy Stock Photo

Clark joined the Kansas City Chiefs leadership group as chairman and CEO two decades ago and has helped transform it into one of the most successful franchises in the National Football League. During his tenure as CEO, the Chiefs have won five AFC West Division Championships, made seven playoff appearances, and taken back-to-back trips to the American Football Conference (AFC) Championship Game.

In 2019, for the first time in franchise history, the Chiefs organization won the Lamar Hunt Trophy, an award given to the AFC champions and named after Clark’s father, Lamar Hunt. The Chiefs then advanced to Super Bowl LIV and defeated the San Francisco 49ers, earning the organization’s second Lombardi Trophy. In 2020, the Chiefs won

Distinguished Alumnus Award Recipient 2022 – Clark Hunt ’83 Clark Hunt ’83 has made a defining impact on the world of professional sports — all while leading St. Mark’s through two of its most challenging years to date.

“Clark is being honored not only for his outstanding contributions to the National Football League and Major League Soccer, but as much for his inspiring leadership as president of St. Mark’s Board of Trustees during the tornado in October 2019 and campus closure due to COVID-19,” said Michael Flanagan ’90, Chair of the St. Mark’s Alumni Awards Committee. “These unprecedented challenges put on full display the character of the man and spotlighted the class in which Clark achieves excellence; both serving as an outstanding example of what a true Marksman is all about.”

38

Alumni News | THE PRIDE

their second consecutive AFC Championship and advanced to Super Bowl LV. Clark acts as a leader among NFL owners by serving on multiple committees, including as chair of the Finance Committee.

In addition to his achievements in the world of professional football, Clark is also the founding investor-operator in Major League Soccer (MLS), serves as a member of the MLS Board of Governors and MLS Labor Committee, and is chairman of the Product Strategy Committee. As a member of Hunt Sports Group, Clark helped establish Toyota Stadium, home of the FC Dallas soccer club, in 2005.

On top of all these important duties, Clark also finds the time to tirelessly serve St. Mark’s in numerous capacities. He has been a member of the Board of Trustees from 2001–2007 and from

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Alumni News

(clockwise from top left) Clark speaks at St. Mark's Trustee Dinner in 2019 The Hunt family cheers the Lions to victory at the SPC Championships

2013 to the present. He served as Board President from 2018–2020, and he sat on the Investment

The Hunt family at Commencement for the Class of 2021

Committee and Goals for St. Mark’s IV Committee.

He also was vice president and chair of the Executive Committee.

(opposite) Clark lifts the Lombardy Trophy after the Kansas City Chiefs win Super Bowl LIV

His commitment to the school continues a family tradition. Lamar Hunt, Clark’s father, served as a

After graduating from St. Mark’s, Clark continued

member of the Board of Trustees from 1972–1999

his academic excellence at Southern Methodist

and was recognized as a Life Trustee in 1999.

University (SMU), where he graduated as

Clark’s brothers, Lamar Hunt, Jr. ’75 and Dan

Valedictorian in 1987 with a degree in business

Hunt ’96 (Trustee), attended St. Mark’s, and his son

administration. He currently serves on the SMU

Knobel just graduated as a member of the Class of

Board of Trustees and received the Distinguished

2021. The Norma & Lamar Hunt Family Stadium at

Alumni Award from SMU in 2020 for outstanding

St. Mark’s honors the family’s deep commitment to

leadership in philanthropy, business, and civic life.

our School.

Clark will receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award at St. Mark’s Spring Alumni Dinner in April 2022.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2021 | Alumni News

39

Alumni News

Alumni Service Medals The Alumni Service Medal is the School’s highest volunteer service award and is presented to an alumnus who has distinguished himself through sustained and outstanding service to St. Mark’s.

2020 – A. Michael Warnecke ’87

2021 – C. David Sammons ’76

The 2020 Alumni Service Medal recipient is

The 2021 Alumni Service Medal recipient is David

A. Michael Warnecke ’87. Mike's leadership of

Sammons ’76. Though he is based in the New York

the Alumni Association has been a constant for

area, David has continued to be actively engaged

decades. He was a member of the Alumni Board

with the School and has set the standard for what is

from 2001–2011, and he served the last two years

possible for alums who live hundreds of miles away

of his tenure as president. When he co-chaired

from 10600 Preston Road.

his Class Reunion, he helped set the School’s all-time fundraising record for any class. Mike

He has been an active member of the Board of

joined the Board of Trustees in 2009 and continues

Trustees for more than a decade, serving on the

to serve as a member. Throughout his tenure as

Finance Committee since 2013 and as a member of

a Trustee, he has chaired the Development and

the Education Committee from 2011-2012.

Finance Committees and co-chaired the School’s long-range planning task force and served as

David is a founding member of the New York

Board Treasurer.

Alumni Club and has served on the New York Regional Committee since the Club’s inception in

Mike graduated magna cum laude from Dartmouth

2006. He helped launch the Centennial Challenge

College in 1991 with an A.B. in government, and

as part of the East Coast Launch Committee and

he earned his J.D. with honors from the University

gave an inspiring talk as the Alumni Weekend

of Texas School of Law in 1994. After working 18

Chapel Homilist in 2015.

years at Haynes and Boone, LLP, he moved to the litigation practice of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer &

David received a B.B.A. in Finance from the

Feld LLP, where he serves as a partner.

University of Texas at Austin in 1980 and a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law in 1988. He

Mike lives in Dallas with his wife, Diana, and their

currently serves as the President & CEO of Subaru

children, Alexandra and Grant ’23.

Distributors Corp. David is the husband of Diane and the father of Austin, Elizabeth, and Avery.

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Alumni News | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Alumni News

Young Alumni Service Citations The Young Alumni Service Citation recognizes an alumnus who has graduated within 15 years for his outstanding service to the School and to the Alumni Association.

2020 – Henry R. Perot III ’05

2021 – Mark Butler ’08

The 2020 Young Alumni Service Citation recipient is

The 2021 Young Alumni Service Citation recipient

Henry (Hill) R. Perot III ’05. Since graduating from

is Mark Butler ’08. In his first year on the Alumni

St. Mark’s, Hill has been an active member of the

Board, Mark offered insight on programs that

Alumni Association, beginning his service on the

young alums find engaging, and he earned the

Alumni Board in 2017 and as a Reunion Chair for

role of Young Alumni Chair and also serves on the

his Class’s 10th and 15th reunions. On the Alumni

Executive Committee, the Nominating Committee,

Board, Hill has continued to strengthen young

and the Activities and Alumni Weekend Committee.

alumni activities and engagement, serving as the

In addition, Mark served the Class of 2008 as both

Young Alumni Chair. Hill has also played an active

a Class Agent and a Reunion Chair for their 5th and

role in shaping the Alumni Leadership Speaker

10th reunions.

Series program.

Mark graduated from Southern Methodist After Hill graduated from Vanderbilt University in

University in 2012 with a B.B.A. in finance and

2009, he served as a United States Air Force F-16

economics. After working at J.P. Morgan and

pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard. He was

Goldman Sachs, Mark returned to SMU and

commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 2012,

earned an M.B.A in 2018. He is now a development

earned his pilot’s wings in 2013, and was honorably

associate at Jackson-Shaw Company, a national

discharged in 2019 at the rank of Captain.

real estate development firm. Mark and his wife Lauren were married in August 2020.

In addition to serving on the Special Operations Warrior Foundation Board since January 2020, he is involved with a number of local charities and civic groups including Texans for Lawsuit Reform and the Salvation Army. Hill is the vice president of Hillwood, a leading real estate development company. He is the son of Sarah and Ross Perot, Jr. ’77, the brother of Hunter Perot ’06, and he currently resides in Dallas.

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Alumni News

Ralph B. Rogers Alumni Award The Ralph B. Rogers Alumni Award was established in 1998 by the Rogers Family in partnership with the St. Mark’s Alumni Association to honor faculty and staff for their pioneering contributions to the School community in academic, athletic, and extracurricular areas that go above and beyond the confines of their job descriptions, thus extending the boundaries of the learning experience for St. Mark’s students.

Julie Doerge, R.N. For her unyielding care for and dedication to the

“From the earliest days of the pandemic, Nurse Julie

St. Mark’s community, the Alumni Association

has remained committed to fostering the wellness

presented the 2021 Ralph B. Rogers Alumni

of not only the boys, but of the entire St. Mark’s

Award to School Nurse Julie Doerge. In addition

community,” said Lowell Ku ’89, Chair of the Ralph

to delivering exceptional care, Nurse Julie has far

B. Rogers Committee. “She has spent countless

exceeded her role as a nurse to work on developing

hours fielding calls and questions, advising

health policies, implementing safety precautions,

families impacted by the virus, meeting with the

and establishing new school protocols. She is

St. Mark's Medical Advisory Committee, the School

recognized by her fellow colleagues as an “unsung

administration, St. Mark’s families, and the boys

hero” who “endures COVID-19 with grace.” She was

to make sure that every layer of the community is

also honored by the Marksmen yearbook staff, who

protected and safe from COVID-19.”

announced her as their 2021 yearbook dedicatee.

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

Alumni News

The Lee S. Smith ’65 Courage & Honor Award St. Mark’s is proud to announce the creation of an annual award that will honor members of the community who have demonstrated attributes that underpin the mission and daily work of the School. The Lee S. Smith ’65 Courage & Honor Award is named after a groundbreaking Marksman who became the first Black student to attend and graduate from St. Mark’s.

The inaugural Lee S. Smith ’65 Courage & Honor Award will be awarded in 2022 at the annual Spring Alumni Dinner to one or more worthy recipients. Those who receive this prestigious award could include students, alumni, parents, faculty, or staff who demonstrate courage, perseverance, honor, and justice in the community to affect measurable change that

As the September 2020 issue of Focus magazine

elevates humanity. These winners will embody

explains, St. Mark’s decided to start its integration

the values and integrity of St. Mark’s and cultivate

process with Lee, becoming one of the earliest

civic responsibility to make a positive impact.

schools in Dallas to desegregate. This process

(above) Lee Smith ’65 addresses the Cum Laude Society induction ceremony in 2014

involved discussions with the Board and an The Alumni Board committee that will choose

(opposite left) Alumni Association President Paul Genender ’87 presents Nurse Julie with the Rogers Award

anonymous donor who would cover Lee’s tuition.

recipients of the Award will comprise various stakeholders within the St. Mark’s community,

Being a trailblazer was not easy for Lee. Focus

including members of the Board, faculty, staff,

reports that while some in the School community

students, and parents.

at that time were thrilled with the move and thought it reflected well on St. Mark’s, “some were

A True Example of Courage And Honor

vehemently opposed to Black students at St. Mark’s.”

(opposite right) Nurse Julie works tirelessly to keep the community safe

Lee Smith demonstrated courage and honor simply by coming to St. Mark’s in 1964. Dallas was a largely

Former headmaster Arnie Holtberg told Focus

segregated city during the height of the Civil Rights

that Lee is “a man of sincere and real conviction.”

movement, including its school system.

He added, “To achieve what he achieved in the mid ’60s took a lot of courage. 10600 Preston Road

Lee’s relationship with St. Mark’s began when

was not like the St. Mark’s today in terms of its

he attended the Advanced Chemistry Summer

population of students. Back then he was more or

Program, which had already become integrated.

less on his own.”

The accomplished junior from James Madison High School caught the attention of former St. Mark’s Science Department Chair Christie Drago, who encouraged him to take an entrance exam that he performed well on.

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Alumni News

(above) Lee Smith ’65 greets students following his Cum Laude Induction address (right) Lee stands by his photo on the Distinguished Alumni Wall of Fame at James Madison High School, which he attended prior to St. Mark's

Likewise, Eugene McDermott Headmaster David

“I am deeply humbled and proud to be chosen to

Dini told Focus, “What a brave and courageous

represent the noble aspirations of integrity and

young man Lee Smith was coming here at that time

courage embodied in The Lee S. Smith ’65 Courage

and forging a new path for the future, for our school

& Honor Award,” Lee said. “This award is not about

and community.”

me. It is about the virtue of honor—a personal virtue for which I am eternally indebted to those on

Lee would go on to attend Harvard University—

whose shoulders I stand. I am proud beyond words

one of only about 30 Black students in his class—

to pay the virtues of courage and honor forward

before earning his law degree at the University

with my inspiration for this award.”

of Washington in 1974. He has held numerous impressive titles throughout his successful career,

St. Mark’s looks forward to honoring members of

including Associate Vice President for Legal Affairs

the School’s community who, like Lee, personify

at The University of Texas at Austin, attorney with

the School motto of Courage and Honor and make

The University of Texas System Office of General

the world better through their voices and actions

Counsel, counsel to the Director of the Washington

even when others try to stand in their way.

State Department of Wildlife, and Chief Regional Civil Rights Attorney for the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

He now serves as the principal and founder of TravelerSmith Consulting, which specializes in legal and business strategies in higher education.

Focus notes Lee was instrumental in helping fund Black colleges in the Texas school system in the 1980s.

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

Alumni News

new alumni board members Eugene Jabbour ’96

Sam Acho ’07

After graduating from St. Mark’s, Eugene

After graduating from St. Mark’s, Sam

Jabbour ’96 continued his education

Acho ’07 attended the University of

at Southern Methodist University in

Texas at Austin where he starred on the

Dallas where he achieved his BBA in

Longhorn’s football team. He received

Finance through the Cox School of Business. Following his

multiple national accolades for his athleticism, academics, and

time at Southern Methodist University, Eugene worked as the

community engagement, including the William V. Campbell

Director of Sales at Competitive Cameras from 2000–2011 and

Trophy, also known as the Academic Heisman. Sam was

in 2012 became the company’s owner. Eugene and his wife,

drafted in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the

Melanie, are the proud parents of Preston Ghafar ’24, Caitlin

Arizona Cardinals and subsequently played for the Chicago

Jabbour, and Olivia Jabbour. Eugene has actively participated

Bears, Buffalo Bills, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. During nine

in the St. Mark’s Alumni Association as a member of the

years as an NFL player, Sam went on to earn his MBA from

Class of 1996 for years, including most recently on the 25th

the Thunderbird School of Global Management. In 2020,

Reunion Committee.

Sam released Let the World See You, a motivational memoir inspiring readers to become the best version of themselves.

Jesse Diaz ’04

Sam is a Vice-President of the NFL Players Association

Jesse Diaz ’04 attended Babson College in

and was recently appointed as a Sports Analyst for ESPN

Wellesley, Massachusetts, and currently

in Bristol, Connecticut, where he lives with his wife, Ngozi,

serves as the Senior Finance Manager at

and his three children, Caleb, Sophia, and Kelechi. Sam was

PepsiCo Foundation. As a leader within

the Commencement Speaker in 2015, a guest motivational

the St. Mark’s community, Jesse has served as a Class Agent and

speaker to the Class of 2020, and moderated a panel of student

on the Reunion Committee for the Class of 2004. Additionally,

athletes for the June 2021 Alumni Leadership Speaker Series:

Jesse served on the Alumni Board from 2012 until 2016, where

Navigating College Athletics Recruitment.

he served on the Executive Committee as the Alumni Weekend Chair. In 2020, Jesse returned to Dallas after a four-year stint in

Charles Branch ’10

Atlanta and most recently served as an advisory member on the

Following his graduation from St. Mark’s,

Board of Trustees’ Development Committee.

Charles Branch ’10 attended the University of Texas at Austin and became an Analyst/Associate in Corporate and

Chip Fowler ’05

Investment Banking at J.P. Morgan

Chip Fowler ’05 graduated cum laude

Chase & Co. After serving as the Personal Aide to President

from Southern Methodist University

George W. Bush at the Office of George W. Bush for the past

in 2009 with a Bachelor of Business

four years in Dallas, Charles will be attending Harvard Business

Administration in Finance, following

School in the fall of 2021. An active leader for the Class of 2010,

his time at St. Mark’s. He received his Juris Doctorate from

Charles has been a Reunion Chair, served as a Class Agent,

Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law in May

and has participated on the Activities and Alumni

2012, where he was a member of the International Law Review

Weekend Committee.

Association. Chip, his wife, Allison, and their two children, Julia and Jack, reside in Dallas, where Chip is an Associate Attorney at Robert D. Lybrand, P.C. Chip has served the Class of 2005 as a Reunion Chair and as a Class Agent, and has served on the Ralph B. Rogers Alumni Award Committee. Chip is also a member of the Terrill Society, the School’s legacy society.

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Alumni News

“While we are not able to see you, or our other amazing graduates on campus, trust me when I say this; we miss you.”

Marking the Occasion Every spring during Alumni Weekend, Marksmen return to the place that helped shape who they would become on their ‘path to manhood’. It is a cherished time to reflect, celebrate, and reconnect with campus, friends, and faculty. The annual event was postponed the past two years due to the pandemic, impacting alumni whose class years end in 0, 1, 5, and 6.

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Alumni News

“As we remain committed to the well-being of our

Blake’s message made a unique impression on

Marksmen, faculty and staff, and community

Nick Anderson ’61. “Blake’s letter was the first I

members, we have chosen to reschedule Alumni

ever remember receiving from a student and for

Weekend,” said Alex Eshelbrenner ’04, Ahlberg

me as a fellow student council president, it had

& Ribman Family Director of Alumni Relations,

special meaning,” Mr. Anderson said. “Because

in a communication with alumni and the entire

I was one of the first scholarship students to

St. Mark’s community. “We appreciate your

attend St. Mark’s, trying to foster alumni events

continued patience and flexibility as we navigate

and continuing interest in the mission of the

the ongoing pandemic.”

school has been important, especially in regard to financial assistance.”

The School then set to task, taking the moment to keep alumni connected to campus during their originally planned reunion. “The pandemic

“Blake’s letter was the first I ever remember receiving from a

was an opportunity for self-reflection and a

student and, for me as a fellow student council president, it had

time to reassess priorities,” Mr. Eshelbrenner

special meaning.”

said. “COVID-19 wasn’t the reminder I, or any of us, wanted, but the lessons and values I learned at St. Mark’s are at the foundation of every aspect

A photo was also included in Blake’s email, with

of my adult life. We were taught how to overcome

two current Marksmen holding a class pennant in

difficult challenges, that relationships and

Graduate Hall by the matching class listing on the

communication matter, and most importantly, how

wall. Students from all grade levels participated,

to support and care for friends and neighbors.”

holding pennants for each of the class years impacted. A St. Mark’s mini-pennant with their

In recognition of affected reunion classes, Blake

specific class year was also mailed to those

Hudspeth ’21, Student Council President,

alumni, along with a message of appreciation and

composed a message that was sent to alumni

excitement around the rescheduled reunions in

letting them know current Marksmen were

the fall.

thinking of them. “While we are not able to see you, or our other amazing graduates on campus, trust

Alumni Weekend has been rescheduled for October

me when I say this; we miss you,” Blake said in

21-23, 2021, which will also be Homecoming

the letter. “One of my favorite days of school each

weekend. “This Alumni Weekend will be

year is the Friday of Alumni Weekend. Not only

particularly special for two reasons,” said

do students have the chance to see you walk the

Mr. Eshelbrenner. “First, in addition to the normal

campus with nostalgia and pride, but we have the

festivities, we will be celebrating all classes ending

opportunity to meet you, ask you questions about

in 0, 1, 5, & 6. And second, Homecoming and

your life experiences, and even learn about what it

Alumni Weekend will be the first opportunity

feels like to call a teacher by their first name after

for our community to return to campus in

graduation. I assure you that those of us on campus

mass in over a year and a half. That delayed

today remain dedicated to the special brotherhood

gratification of seeing old friends will be that much

you have helped foster at St. Mark’s.”

more enjoyable!”

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Spotlight new families make their mark

supporting their sons on the playing fields and in the arts. But this year, in an effort to ensure the safest environment to continue in-person learning, our parents made the gracious sacrifice to keep their distance from campus for the majority of the year and support our mission from afar. This sacrifice was particularly difficult for new parents as they assimilated into the St. Mark’s community.

Katherine Steinbrueck, President of the Parents’ Association, knows firsthand the importance of

At the onset of the 2020-2021 School year, Marksmen put

experiencing life on campus. “As parents and

on their uniforms, prepared their materials for the day,

volunteers, we work hard, but the reward is little

and turned on their computers for virtual instruction.

with the boys and faculty and staff while on

Just three weeks later, the boys would return to campus

campus. Volunteering on campus gives parents

for in-person learning, the first step of a gradual process

a chance to visualize what life is like for our boys

in a return to normalcy. (above) Fourth-grade parents return to campus for the first time to attend Banner Chapel (opposite) Parent volunteers help Marksmen celebrate Blue & Gold Day 2021

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moments of connection with other parents, and

Spotlight | THE PRIDE

While students were able to enjoy the benefits of physically being at 10600 Preston Road, a void was most certainly felt throughout the year.

Normally as you walk across campus, it is customary to see parents serving boys in the cafeteria, ringing up customers in the student store, delivering snacks for advisories, and

every day.”

Although parents experienced the 2020–2021 School year from afar, and overall volunteer opportunities were scarce, the new St. Mark’s parent community was eager to help move the School forward in any way they could. One of the most significant ways that new parents invested in the success of our boys was through their participation in the St. Mark’s Fund, the School’s

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Spotlight

annual philanthropic priority. This year, new

While participating in the St. Mark’s Fund is

parents contributed significantly to the

an integral way to further the mission of our

$4.2 million total given to the 2020–2021

School, there is no replacement for volunteering

St. Mark’s Fund by alumni, parents, and friends.

on campus and seeing the boys on their Path to Manhood. As the start to the 2021–2022 School

Steinbrueck knows the importance of

begins, we are excited to be able to welcome

participating in the St. Mark’s Fund, whether you

back our parent volunteers so they can see

are a first-time parent or a lifelong donor: “The

in-person what Steinbrueck believes allows our

Fund gives St. Mark’s the financial foundation to

boys to thrive: “The independence the boys enjoy,

be the very best that the School can be. Giving

the community that surrounds them, and the

to the Fund provides flexibility in funding for

engagement of the faculty and staff. It’s easier to

special projects that come up or needs that were

understand when you see it in action. I can’t wait

unexpected. It also allows the entire community

for new parents to see it for themselves!”

to work together towards a common goal, staying St. Mark’s strong.”

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Features

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

While the past year presented disruptions and challenges, Marksmen continued to commit themselves to the betterment of their communities. In fact, this unusual year presented numerous opportunities for boys to take the skills and knowledge they have gained at St. Mark’s and create innovative and important ways to serve others.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Features

and track coach, and an advisor. He was also the first teacher to hold the Thomas S. Adams Master Teaching Chair.

“John Perryman brings to this position institutional knowledge, broad experience, a love for the boys, a passion for teaching, and strong connections with organizations in Dallas that provide important services to the city,” said John Ashton, Associate Headmaster. “We are excited for the strong foundation that Dr. Perryman is putting in place that will allow the School to realize the strategic goal to expand the boys’ education around civic responsibility.”

For more than two decades, Dr. Perryman has (above) Dr. Perryman in the classroom

St. Mark’s has always been proud to educate global citizens and graduate boys with a high level of civic awareness that continues developing throughout their lives. The latest iteration of the School’s strategic plan, Goals for St. Mark’s IV, elevates the importance of civic responsibility.

It challenges the School to “strengthen St. Mark’s commitment to making a positive impact in the greater Dallas community” with three directives: “Develop a broad community engagement strategy;” “Develop curriculum for Upper School students to broaden their understanding of civic engagement and leadership;” and “Explore further opportunities to share St. Mark’s resources with public schools in the greater Dallas community.”

The latest initiative is a more intentional and direct effort to ensure all Marksmen are exposed to challenges at a local level, according to Dr. John Perryman. He’s a longtime faculty member who returned to campus in August 2020 to not only teach English and history in the Upper School, but also to serve as the School’s first Director of Civic Responsibility. He has held many roles, including Assistant Head of Upper School, Director of the

been a leader of St. Mark’s initiatives around character and leadership. In 2019, Dr. Perryman left St. Mark’s to explore opportunities in the nonprofit sector. He spent much of his time working for AmeriCorps at CitySquare, an organization that provides the Dallas community with housing, medical care, counseling services, and a food pantry. Dr. Perryman helped the organization explore partnership opportunities with local churches, synagogues, nonprofits, and schools like St. Mark’s.

Meanwhile, St. Mark’s was focusing on how best to structure a curriculum around Civic Responsibility.

To help foster this new initiative, the School created a new role: Director of Civic Responsibility. It was soon apparent that Dr. Perryman was the perfect candidate for this role, having spent the past year deeply engaged with local nonprofits.

“It just struck me there are various ways that St. Mark’s and its resources could collaborate with CitySquare and nonprofits in general in new ways that hadn’t been fully understood or appreciated before,” Dr. Perryman said.

Leadership and Ethics Program (now known as Character & Leadership Education), football

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Features

“Inserting the boys into a different community starts with the idea of ‘I’m helping you’ and slowly but steadily becomes, ‘We work together to create opportunities and to find solutions to our challenges.”

—Jorge Correa, Community Service Director

Going Beyond “Service”

This exchange strikes at the heart of Civic

One of the first areas of focus for Dr. Perryman

Responsibility: in addition to actively helping

was Community Service, a core tenet of Civic

their community, boys also learned more about

Responsibility. He partnered with Jorge Correa,

how their actions impact the individuals in

St. Mark’s longtime Community Service Director, to

that community.

broaden the opportunities available to Marksmen.

Working with his former colleagues at CitySquare,

“By having our students participate in myriad

Dr. Perryman helped organize Lower and Middle

volunteer and service opportunities, we give them

School drives for their food pantry. He even helped

the chance to engage in their local community,

arrange a special virtual tour of CitySquare’s

which, in spite of being so close, they might know

facilities with the organization’s Food Operations

little about,” said Mr. Correa. “Inserting the boys

Manager. After collecting and donating hundreds

into a different community starts with the idea of

of items, the boys got to see exactly how a civic

‘I’m helping you’ and slowly but steadily becomes,

organization like CitySquare uses its donations to

‘We work together to create opportunities and to

directly help the community.

find solutions to our challenges.”

“It was really cool to see how someone would come

Across campus, boys are finding new and unique

in with a grocery cart and pick items to bring back

ways to not only improve their communities

out to give to the people who needed food,” said

but connect with those who live in them.

Andrew Wilmer ’30.

Take, for instance, the Teaching Technology Across Generations (TTAG) club founded by

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

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Sai Thirungari ’21 and Sam Morgan ’21. It began in

In recent years, community service at St. Mark’s has

2018 as a student-led effort to help senior citizens

become so much more than spending a few hours

use modern technology. Students visited local

helping a charity. Boys have begun to truly embed

assisted living facilities teaching how to use devices

themselves in their communities, learning about

from smart TVs to Amazon Alexa. When these

their neighbors and how their actions can directly

facilities went into strict quarantines during

affect the lives of others.

the pandemic, TTAG’s mission became more important than ever. The boys pivoted to creating

“Service as a School requirement suddenly became

webinars that focused on digital communications,

a real-world need,” Mr. Correa said. “We always

teaching seniors how to use Zoom and iMessage

knew that our program is not circumscribed to the

to keep in touch with loved ones. Along the

limits of our campus, but lately the harsh reality—

way, Marksmen forged relationships with their

and the changing world—has shown us where we

older students.

need to focus our attention.”

(above left) The TTAG Club leads a technology lesson at a senior living facility (above) Sai Thirunagari '21 uploads a technology tutorial to share with seniors after the emergence of COVID-19 (opposite) The Lower School team prepares to deliver the boys' donations to CitySquare

“So often in our society, we fail to acknowledge how the wisdom and advice of older generations can help guide our lives,” said Sam. “We aren't just giving to them; we receive something in return every time we teach a session, in the form of human connection.”

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Learning the Lessons The School’s approach to Civic Responsibility is

an Upper School English and history elective

multifaceted, believing that there are numerous

called “A Hundred-Year Partnership” during the

ways students can use their time and talent to

2021-2022 school year. The class will focus on civic

improve their communities. Public policy and local

engagement and responsibility and will include

governance can have just as much of a positive

local civics as well as history about Dallas and

impact on the lives of a community as food drives

the School.

(above and left) Upper School teachers collaborate with Alan Cohen '01, CEO of Childhood Poverty Action Lab

and service projects. To that end, Dr. Perryman is devoting a great deal of his attention to finding

“One of the things this Upper School class would

ways to incorporate Civic Responsibility to an even

focus on is how to get involved, how to act

greater degree in the classroom.

knowledgeably, how to develop skills to be effective

Goals IV directs St. Mark’s to “design new

you want kids to develop a skill, you don't just

course offerings that prepare students for public

cross your fingers and hope and trust a standard

service, civic leadership, and governance” and to

traditional curriculum. You need to intentionally

at a local level when you graduate,” he said. “If

“encourage a regular and healthy public discourse among students regarding public policy issues

address them and tweak things and make significant changes if that’s called for.”

and solutions.” The strategic plan also calls on the School to “seek opportunities for students to

Additionally, the AP Economics class will introduce

become engaged in civic activities.”

a new research project in collaboration with experts at the Child Poverty Action Lab (CPAL),

To realize those goals, Dr. Perryman is developing

including its president and CEO Alan Cohen ’01.

units within existing courses as well as creating

Since graduating from St. Mark’s, Mr. Cohen has

new classes. For example, St. Mark’s will offer

become a sterling example of how one man’s

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Features

devotion to Civic Responsibility can make an

that focus on civil rights, civic responsibility, and

incredible positive impact. Prior to leading CPAL,

stewardship. These could include Lower School

Mr. Cohen was the architect of Dallas ISD's

field trips to the African American Museum of

nationally recognized Early Childhood Education

Dallas, the Juanita J. Craft Civil Rights House, and

strategy, and he served as President & CEO of

Café Momentum. Upper School students may have

Washington state's public-private partnership for

the opportunity to experience a sequence of field

early learning. He has also returned to campus

trips that focus on a systems-based approach to

several times, including as the 2019 Senior

problem solving. These could include a tour of

Leadership Dinner’s keynote speaker, where he

CitySquare’s Malcolm X campus, where the boys

encouraged boys to use the skills they learn at

could participate in the organization’s poverty

St. Mark’s to help solve some of the world’s most

simulation exercise. Marksmen could also tour the

complex problems.

George W. Bush Presidential Center and hear a presentation from a Global Health Initiative expert.

Looking ahead, Dr. Perryman has put his outreach cap back on and is connecting with leaders of area

A recent event that combined community service

nonprofits, city council members, and political

and civic engagement involved students spending

science professors for ideas about expanded

the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday cleaning

curriculum and their willingness to participate

and restoring a historic slave cemetery in Irving.

as visiting speakers. He is also planning other

While the boys provided a valuable service, they

potential programmatic learning opportunities

also learned more about the local history and how they can make a real difference in their community.

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In addition, Dr. Perryman is in the initial stage of planning a civil rights summer field trip for Upper School students to cities including Atlanta, Little Rock, Memphis, Selma, and Montgomery.

Students Lead the Conversation To further aid students in broadening their understanding of civic engagement and leadership, Goals IV calls on the School to “encourage a regular and healthy public discourse among students regarding public policy issues and solutions.”

For decades, Upper School journalism students have taken this to heart, addressing tough but important topics through The ReMarker student newspaper and, more recently, Focus magazine.

For its final issue of the year, the Focus staff published an issue titled “Preserving American Democracy,” that provided both a snapshot of the current political climate and a refresher on how the U.S. government works.

“Focus magazine has evolved into a platform for The magazine opens with this introduction: “It

going in-depth with select topics that we feel

is important to understand the foundation upon

are important to starting conversations around

which this country was founded. It is important to

campus,” said Cristian Pereira ’21, the magazine’s

contextualize current events to better understand

editor-in-chief. “When the events of January 6

how they fit into the bigger picture. The following

occurred in Washington, D.C., we felt we could use

pages that make up this section should provide a

them as a launchpad into creating an informative

backdrop, if not a refresher, on certain elements of

journalistic package that would help facilitate

this experiment called the American democracy.”

discussions about politics, polarization, and

(above) The cover of the April 2021 issue of Focus magazine. (opposite) Will Grable ’23 plants flags at the unmarked graves in Shelton’s Bear Creek Cemetery in Irving

civil discourse.”

Following a quick refresher of the three branches of government, the magazine dives into issues of

It’s an insightful issue on complicated topics that

Presidential power, the 2020 election, and media

a St. Mark’s education has helped prepare Cristian

censorship. Most importantly, the issue provides

and his peers to produce. “The teachers here feel it

a wide variety of viewpoints, including Air Force

is important to discuss civil issues in the classroom,”

Academy cadet Edward Ro ’18, Texas State Senator

Cristian said. “St. Mark’s doesn’t shy away from

Nathan Johnson, and former Texas Secretary of

discussing difficult issues, past and present.

State (and former St. Mark’s Board of Trustees

Furthermore, our in-class roundtable discussions

President) George Bayoud ’73.

have helped me learn to organize my ideas into thoughts and create structured arguments.”

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Another way Lions are becoming engaged in civic activities on campus is through a new student-led organization called the Inclusion and Diversity Leadership Council. It will launch in the 2021-2022 school year to “work across all School divisions to foster inclusivity and celebrate diversity in the St. Mark's community,” according to Lorre Allen, Director of Inclusion, Diversity, and Human Resources. She and the Upper School Office will work in partnership with the Council to achieve that important mission through various programs and activities for students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni.

The Council came to fruition not long after St. Mark’s formed the Committee on Community, Inclusion, and Diversity consisting of faculty, administrators, and trustees and established a new senior administrative position to head the expanded efforts. Mrs. Allen has been the Director of Human Resources since 2017 and is now charged with bringing greater alignment, coordination, and intentionality to the School’s inclusion and diversity priorities. In the coming months, she hopes the Diversity Leadership Council will host guest speakers, attend workshops, and go on field trips. The Council will also partner with St. Mark’s DADYO (Dallas Area Diversity Youth Organization) Group.

“What a fantastic opportunity we have to explore

the new lessons provided by Civic Responsibility

and build upon the work that is already being done

education, Marksmen will be truly poised to fulfill

and create new ones,” Mrs. Allen said. “We are

the School’s mission of “assuming leadership and

looking forward to a dynamic and inclusive

responsibility in a competitive and changing world.”

year ahead.”

St. Mark’s remains guided by its fundamental

At its core, St. Mark’s aims to educate men of

good men who will make a difference. By realizing

character who will go out and make the world a

the goals set forth with Civic Responsibility, the

better place. With that in mind, Civic Responsibility

School will continue to strengthen and expand

(above) David Fisher brings the world into his AP Economics classroom

principles and its mission to develop boys into

adds a natural step on each boy’s Path to Manhood.

the experience of every Marksman by making

St. Mark’s graduates are expected to be leaders in

meaningful connections between the boys and

their communities, whether those communities

their city.

are a family, a business, a city, or a nation. With

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ST. MARK’S SCHOOL OF TEXAS

Senior Reflections

by Cristian Pereira ’21 & Robert Pou ’21

St. Mark’s School we sing thy praise, Alma Mater true…

6:15 a.m.

As the night sky brightens the morning of May 28th, we lock arms around the lion and sword etched onto the turf of Hunt Family Stadium.

Guide of all our youthful days, old and ever new…

After a post-Commencement all-nighter, we’re barely able to keep our eyes open. But we sing, and we sing loud.

Oh St. Mark’s, Oh St. Mark’s, Marksmen you acclaim...

No longer seniors. No longer students.

White jackets in our bags, we are alumni, brothers in arms. We’ve made it.

Ever greater may you rise, endless be your fame!

Belting our school song for one last time, we reflect on who we are, how we got here, and where we’re going.

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With the largest graduating class in St. Mark’s

dunk tank between classes. We’re the class that got

history — 102 strong — the Class of 2021 is unique.

Ms. Pool, Mr. Disimile, Mr. Igoe, Mr. Ashton, and

An F-3 tornado. A global pandemic. Zoom. Masks.

Mr. Dini to jump, fully clothed into the pool with

Sports cancellations. Event cancellations. A Texas-

us as we sang the alma mater. We’re the class that

sized snow-pocalypse. All while adapting to a new

made fatheads of our football players for the one

academic schedule. The Class of 2021 experienced

game we were allowed to attend.

St. Mark’s like no other class before.

Despite the physical distance that often separated But we don’t feel any less connected to our School,

us, we’ve never felt closer as a class. And while

any less prepared for the world or any less united

we spent less time on our campus than any class

as a class. Quite the contrary. We watched as the

in history, we love our school in a special way.

teachers and staff worked tirelessly to keep us

Because, while we watched millions across the

learning in-person and on campus. We didn’t let

country attend school from a screen for nine

COVID-19 get in the way of our education — we

months, we only had to do that for one. Eight of

still went to class for eight hours, sports for two,

our months were spent in the classroom. We had

and tackled giant homework responsibilities.

a normal, unmasked, non-distanced Final

We still applied to college. We still organized school

Assembly, Marksmen Ball, Baccalaureate, and

events, fulfilled our leadership responsibilities, and

Commencement. Vaccinating ourselves to herd

fostered our community. And we made sure we still

immunity, we got to be with one another, pandemic

had a Spirit Week, Senior Prank, Christmas Party

out of our minds.

(above, left to right) Josh Mysore ’21 carries his little buddy into the AllSchool Christmas Party Owen Goldberg ’21 enjoys the beach-themed Senior Prank Harrison Ingram ’21 and classmates take a selfie on their last day (opposite) The Class of 2021 leave their blue senior shirts on the Quad

with our buddies on our shoulders, and Senior Skip Day.

As we head off to college and beyond, we’ll remember not the trials but the successes of this

Despite this year’s challenges, we aren’t the

year. Just like every other class, we’ll remember

“COVID Class.” We’re the class that turned the

most the strong bond that St. Mark’s fosters in its

School into a beach for our prank and watched as

Marksmen, the brotherhood we’ll have for the rest

underclassmen played volleyball, threw beach balls

of our lives, and the memories we’ll take with us.

and dunked Upper School Head Colin Igoe into a

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Baccalaureate & Commencement Baccalaureate On a clear spring evening, 102 seniors lined the walkway between the St. Mark’s Chapel and the Lower School for the time-honored tradition of Baccalaureate. Applauding the faculty as they processed into the Chapel, the seniors filed in behind and took their seats, sitting together as a class for the last time before Commencement.

Speaking on behalf of the Class of 2021, Student

“Live with compassion,” Coach Dilworth said.

Council President Blake Hudspeth reminded his

“Be honorable. Always be on time. If you start

classmates how influential they can be in the lives

something, finish it. If you need somebody to help

of others: “Wherever we are, whatever we are

you, lay down your guard and allow them to bring

doing, people will be watching us, listening to us,

you through. And never forget grit, grind, and

and following us. The way we carry ourselves; our

passion, because they stay with you through the

behavior; our actions; our words. These all have

fight.” Dilworth finished his speech by doing what

the ability to leave a profound impact on others.

he does best — motivating his audience to live to

Just like how our attitudes and composure evolved

their full potential. “Young men of 2021, I ask you a

when we became seniors, the same will happen

question. How’re you living? Are you living with a

when we become professionals, when we become

purpose? Are you living for passion? Are you ready

husbands, when we become fathers, when we

for the finish line that’s coming Friday night? It’s

become mentors. We must find ways to take the

waiting for you. It’s waiting for you. Make sure you

many skills we have and make a difference in the

make the right choices. Do what’s necessary to get

world and in our communities.”

the job done, and once you start the job, finish it.”

After Blake, Strength and Conditioning Coach

Following the service, the teachers formed two

Kevin Dilworth spoke on behalf of the faculty,

lines leading out of the Chapel, applauding their

relaying wisdom he received from his grandfather.

students as they recessed.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

(top) Headmaster Dini congratulates the Seniors (above) Coach Dilworth gives the Baccalaureate Address (opposite) The Class of 2021 celebrates their Baccalaureate

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(above) Aayan Khasgiwala ’21 presents the Senior Class Legacy Gift (right) Seniors and their families celebrate Upper School Final Assembly

Final Assembly On the morning of Thursday, May 27, the Upper School faculty and the senior class gathered in Spencer Gymnasium for their final assembly,

Afterward, Senior Class President Aayan

with the rest of the Upper School watching

Khasgiwala presented the Class of 2021’s legacy gift

from advisories. A number of Upper School

to the School. The class pledged $9,021, with $7,000

students were awarded for athletic and academic

pledged to the Path to Manhood Scholarship

achievements, including excellence awards in

Fund to improve access and affordability and help

various subject matters, book awards from colleges

the School assemble the strongest student body

and universities, 10 special faculty awards, and

possible. The remaining $2,021 was pledged to the

senior recognition of academic scholarships. At the

St. Mark’s Fund.

end of the assembly, Alumni Association President Paul Genender ’87 welcomed the Class of 2021 into the St. Mark’s Alumni Association.

“We’re excited to join the Alumni Association and play a role in strengthening the legacy of 50% alumni participation in the St. Mark’s Fund,”

“Trust me, your relationships will grow in strength as you nurture them,” Genender said. He advised

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Khasgiwala said. “We look forward to impacting our School as so many graduates have done

the 102 Marksmen to stay in touch with one

before us — the Class of 2021 is ready to serve this

another, attend reunions, and engage in the

community as alumni, and our work begins today.”

Alumni Association as their time as students comes

One hundred percent of the class participated in

to a close.

the gift.

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Commencement Finally, on the evening of May 27, the Class of 2021 returned to campus, donning their traditional white dinner jackets. The 102 seniors processed into the Ida M. and Cecil H. Green Commencement Theatre for their final tradition as students.

Class of 2021 Valedictorian Matthew Ho expressed his gratitude and love for his classmates and for his

After an introduction from Eugene McDermott

School: “We, the Marksmen of the Class of 2021,

Headmaster David Dini, Senior Class President

have truly been blessed by an amazing faculty and

Aayan Khasgiwala addressed the class. He

administration that pours their hearts and souls

recounted his journey since first grade and

into educating us every day.”

reflected on the way the School impacted his life, thanking parents on behalf of his class for their

Mr. Dini then took to the podium to recognize

support, dedication, and care. He concluded by

special award recipients before presenting the

expressing gratitude to his class: “This year, the

School’s three major awards. The Headmaster’s

Class of 2021 proved that no toil, no task, no

Cup was awarded to Blake Hudspeth ’21, the

undertaking was above our endurance. Together,

School Flag was awarded to Daniel Sanchez ’21,

we faced hardship. And together, only with the

and the J.B.H. Henderson Citizenship Cup was

support of each other, we found success.”

awarded to Cristian Pereira ’21.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

(top) Citizenship Cup recipient Cristian Pereira ’21, School Flag recipient Daniel Sanchez ’21, and Headmaster's Cup recipient Blake Hudspeth ’21 (above and left) The Class of 2021 celebrates its Commencement

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(above) The Class of 2021 following Commencement (right) LTG Stephen Shepro addresses the Class

The class invited retired Air Force Lieutenant General (LTG) Stephen Shepro, father of sixthgrader Jack Shepro, to give the Commencement Address. LTG Shepro led a distinguished career in the Air Force, logging 600 combat flight hours, commanding Joint Base Andrews, and serving as

(below and opposite) The Class of 2021 receives their diplomas from Board of Trustees President Kathy Crow and Eugene McDermott Headmaster David W. Dini

the 21st Deputy Chairman of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Military Committee.

Speaking to the boys, LTG Shepro shared some personal advice on how to complete successful “missions,” whether at school, in business, or on the battlefield: “If you have that passion, live your values, hit your targets, know your threats, have good wingmen, keep control in emergencies, work hard, expand your reach, be gentlemen, learn from each day, and bounce back from setbacks, there’s no doubt you will have true success in your next great steps.”

Following the awarding of the diplomas, Headmaster David Dini took the podium and congratulated the boys on the culmination of their St. Mark’s journey: “Your future is bright, and you leave behind a proud legacy. And while you are leaving us, never forget that St. Mark’s will always be your home.”

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baccalaureate address Blake Hudspeth ’21

Parents, faculty, and most

This fall, when we finally walked the campus in our blue

importantly, my brothers, I am

shirts, we realized that our role had changed. There was

honored to be speaking to you

no older class anymore. We were the role models.

on behalf of the Class of 2021.

The Class of 2021 prides itself in taking a normal day and Picture this: an awkward,

finding creative ways to make it fun and meaningful for

fifth-grade Blake, sprinting full

our entire community, helping others understand that

speed from the junior parking

they belong. Above anything else, this class prioritizes

lot, late to Mrs. Windham’s

relationships. A handshake with Mr. Stanbury at the

Science Class, with a backpack

end of class. Meeting with our little buddies outside

weighing more than I did. I zoomed past Nearburg

of scheduled events. A “yeah yeah yeah” with Coach

thinking that nothing in the world could stop me. But then

Dilworth. Telling Joe how much the laughs in his class

an immovable force stood in my way: Jack Mallick ’14.

mean to us. A thank you to our parents. A helping hand to a younger Marksman. Our Senior Prank where we

To a fifth-grade Blake, Jack was a giant. He was a senior. I

turned the quad into a beach.

raised my gaze from what seemed like size 22 Sperry’s to look up at something I wasn’t expecting. A gigantic smile

I am hoping that if there’s one thing the younger grades

and a gigantic arm extending a gigantic hand. Ladies

take away from the class of 2021, it’s to give back to our

and gentlemen, I was about to receive my very first Friday

community no matter what challenges we encounter.

Night Lights ribbon. Jack then said seven words that stick with me to this day: “What’s up man, Let’s Pickle the

As we take the next step into our futures, we must

Panthers!”

never forget what we’ve learned from our mentors here.

Wherever we are, whatever we are doing, people will be

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To Jack, I may have been just one of the many people

following our behavior, our actions, our words, as we

he handed a ribbon to that morning. But to me, a fifth

become professionals, husbands, fathers, mentors. We

grader, this ribbon and that moment meant so much more

must never forget what we’ve learned from our mentors

than a “Go Lions.” It meant that I wasn’t just a student

here: Compassion, empathy, strength of character. We

at this school but that I belonged. It is this tradition of

must never forget who we are. We are Marksmen. We are

generational love that makes St. Mark’s a home to me and

brothers. And when we go out into the world, it won’t

every other senior in this room.

take long to leave our mark.

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valedictorian address Matthew Ho ’21

Twelve years ago, I started

faculty and administration that pours their hearts and

St. Mark’s as a bright-eyed,

souls into educating us every day. It has been through

naïve first grader. I remember

your dedication that we are standing here today. No

my inability to follow

matter who we were when we first stepped onto campus

instructions, as I constantly

(even if we were the little boy who couldn’t follow

forgot to write my name on

instructions), we have grown and developed into the

homework despite teachers

Marksmen we are today because of your efforts. Moreover,

desperately reminding me over

we, as a class, have not just survived thus far, but we

and over again.

have more importantly thrived through these most recent difficult times. You have sculpted our character to be

Nevertheless, teachers here at 10600 Preston Road saw

able to withstand any obstacle now and in the future.

something in that little boy. Despite his immaturity and carelessness, they continued to teach and nurture him.

Finally, throughout all my years here at St. Mark’s,

In Lower School, I remember memorizing various short

I remember the steadfast support of not only my own

works on a weekly schedule. While I have unfortunately

parents, but also the parents of my classmates. Each

forgotten most of the works I tried to memorize, I do

and every one of you has sacrificed so much to send

remember one particular quote from Lower School:

us to this amazing school. Whether you volunteered

“Do the right thing, even when no one is watching.”

to serve us in the St. Mark’s cafeteria or provided us

It had begun to teach me the essential St. Mark’s pillar

with the encouragement (or arguably more important

of integrity. Perhaps it was while learning this concept

the late-night snacks) to keep us studying through the

that I realized that St. Mark’s was not just the academic

night, I know each member of the Class of 2021 deeply

institution I had expected.

appreciates your love and care.

This feeling was further confirmed when I first saw the

So, as we leave this nurturing community that we call

Path to Manhood statue. On the base are inscribed the

St. Mark’s—a place we will never forget—to embark on

words “Confidence, Integrity, Spirituality, and Judgment.”

the next great adventure of our lives, I want to remind

The teachers wanted us to become more than the best

the Class of 2021 that we are prepared. Thanks to

students and athletes we can be. They wanted us to

everyone who influenced us directly or indirectly here at

become men of strong character. We, the Marksmen of

10600 Preston Road, we have been prepared to overcome

the Class of 2021, have truly been blessed by an amazing

and thrive. Thank you.

These are abridged versions of the Commencement addresses. Watch the full speeches and the Class of 2021’s full Commencement ceremony at www.smtexas.org/commencement.

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class of 2021 college matriculation The University of Texas, Austin . . . . . . . . . . . . Luke Annett

Rex Corey

Trevor Crosnoe

Buck Elliott

Jack Genender

Collin Katz

Aayan Khasgiwala

Jamie Mahowald

Sam Morgan

Ryan Park

Sid Sinha

Benny Wang

Max Wu Southern Methodist University . . . . . . . . . . . . Knobel Hunt

James Petrikas

Tamal Pilla

Aaryan Puri

Luke Voorheis

Eric Yoo Harvard University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew Ho

Rishi Mohan

Josh Mysore

Max Palys

Cooper Ribman Texas A&M University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blake Broom

Ethan Goh

Fritz Hesse

Anish Karthik

Charles Wilson Santa Clara University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reid Fundis

Jack Palmer

Ajay Schlehuber

Daniel Wu University of Chicago. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alam Alidina

Aayush Goodapaty

Ned Tagtmeier

Sivakrishna Uppalapati Brown University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beto Beveridge

Sarbik Saha

Vatsal Vemuri Georgetown University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Anderson

Rahul Banerjee

Robert Pou Vanderbilt University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gabe Bines

Antonio Quinones

Drew Woodward Columbia University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luke Piazza

Shiv Yajnik Dartmouth College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Henry McElhaney

Mason Westkaemper Emory University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Marlon Henderson

David Yang Rice University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Faraz Asim

Benjamin Hao

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Gonzaga University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luis Garcia

Donovan Graves Northwestern University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Metehan Punar

Sai Thirunagari Purdue University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jacob Bell

Jordan Gaines Rice University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mustafa Latif

Charlie Zhang Sewanee: The University of the South . . . . . . John Hubbard

Mark Motlow Texas Christian University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christian Shadle

Klyde Warren University of Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tristan Doan

Alexander Zuch Wake Forest University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Colin Bajec

Harrison Siegel Yale University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kit Colson

Cristian Pereira American University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew Schopmeyer Austin Community College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luke Nayfa Babson College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julian Ivarra Case Western Reserve University . .. . . . . . . . . V ikram Ekambaram Claremont McKenna College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Will Chance Duke University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack Davis Georgia Institute of Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . Tim Weigman Indiana University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Abe Echt Lafayette College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew Nuth Massachusetts Institute of Technology . . . . . Blake Hudspeth Middlebury College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M ichael Vanesko Morehouse College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SeMaj Musco New York University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jerry Zhao Oberlin College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trevor Gicheru Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute . . . . . . . . . . . Alexander Emery Samford University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jacob Daniels St. John’s University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daniel Sanchez Stanford University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harrison Ingram Syracuse University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rajan Joshi Tufts University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rohan Khatti United States Merchant Marine Academy . . . Connor Gaffney University of Alabama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Carr University of California, Santa Barbara . . . . . Leo Ohannessian University of Colorado, Boulder . . . . . . . . . . . . Beau Exall University of Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jackson Fair University of Notre Dame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jake Laufenberg University of Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Varun Trivedi University of Richmond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Owen Goldberg University of South Carolina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Mendoza University of Southern California . . . . . . . . . . Rikhil Manduva Villanova University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William Aniol Washington University in St. Louis . . . . . . . . . Han Zhang

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2017–2021 college matriculation FOUR: Boston University Carnegie Mellon University Colgate University Cornell University Indiana University Santa Clara University Villanova University Washington University in St. Louis

Northeastern University Oberlin College Pennsylvania State University Pomona College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Samford University Southwestern University St. Edward’s University St. John’s University Syracuse University Trinity University United States Air Force Academy United States Merchant Marine Academy University of California, Berkeley University of California, Santa Barbara University of Denver University of Georgia University of Miami University of Mississippi University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill University of Oklahoma University of Oxford University of South Carolina University of St. Andrews University of St. Gallen University of Tampa University of Texas, Arlington University of Toronto Virginia Tech Whittier College

THREE: Austin College Austin Community College Boston College Emory University Georgia Institute of Technology Middlebury College Purdue University Wake Forest University

TEN OR MORE Dartmouth College Duke University Georgetown University Harvard University Southern Methodist University Texas A&M University University of Chicago University of Pennsylvania University of Southern California University of Texas, Austin Vanderbilt University FIVE TO NINE: Brown University Columbia University Massachusetts Institute of Technology New York University Northwestern University Princeton University Rice University Sewanee: The University of the South Stanford University Texas Christian University University of Alabama University of Richmond University of Texas, Dallas University of Virginia Washington and Lee University Yale University

St. Mark’s School of Texas

TWO: American University Belmont University Case Western Reserve University Claremont McKenna College Johns Hopkins University Lehigh University Tufts University Tulane University University of California, Los Angeles University of Colorado, Boulder University of Michigan University of Notre Dame University of Tulsa ONE: Amherst College Arizona State University Babson College Baylor University California Institute of Technology Carleton College Elon University Florida A&M University Furman University George Washington University Gonzaga University Haverford College Kansas State University Kenyon College Lafayette College Loyola University New Orleans Morehouse College

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Remarks 1970 | Reunion On January 1, 2021, MARK ZILBERMANN ’70 was named the next Board Chair of the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights

different Facebook pages that celebrate his findings. Bud and his wife, Arminda, reside in Dallas and are the parents of Grant ’17 and Rachel.

Museum. Mark resides in Dallas with his wife, Peggy.

1984

1972

On November 3, 2020, ERIC BOYCE ’84 was elected to Place 4 on

KEN FOOTE ’72 retired on from Viacom/CBS after a 42-year career in local television. Ken was the Director of Programming for Viacom/CBS's Dallas/Fort Worth TV owned and operated stations, KTVT and KTXA, since 2004. He previously worked for KDFW/KDFI (FOX), KTVT as an independent station director during the 1980’s under Gaylord Broadcasting, at KXTX in Dallas, and at stations in Greensboro, North Carolina, Tampa, Florida, and Phoenix, Arizona.

the Cedar Park City Council. Boyce co-owns and runs BKA Wealth Consulting and served on the St. Mark's Alumni Board from 2016 to 2020. He and his wife Joanne reside in Cedar Park, Texas, with their two children, Natalie and Jack.

DREW CLANCY ’84 married Carey Watson on December 31, 2020. Combined, Drew and Carey now have six children, ages 24, 21, 19, 17, 13, and 12. The Clancy Family resides in Dallas, Texas, where Drew is the President and CEO of Publishing Concepts, L.P.

1975 | Reunion On August 11, President Joe Biden nominated MARC STANLEY '75 as the ambassador to Argentina.

ALAN STERN '75 and VICTOR VESCOVO ’84 flew aboard a Zero-G weightless training flight in May 2021. Alan also joined the

1985 | Reunion Stephen Jurvetson '85, his wife Genevieve, and their daughter Luna welcomed identical twin boys, Wolf and Leo, into the Jurvetson family on June 27, 2021. (photo)

KinetX Aerospace Board of Directors for 2021.

1990 | Reunion

1976 | Reunion

global strategic public relations and communications consultancy

JON MORGAN ’90 began a new role as Partner at Kekst CNC, a

In April 2021, SID BALMAN, JR. '76 was appointed as the new Writer In Residence at Sul Ross State University. He will teach journalism, creative writing, and communications classes and serve as a faculty sponsor for the student newspaper and literary magazine, the Skyline and Sage. Sid, a Pulitzer-nominated war correspondent and awarded author, plans to continue his writing career in both journalism and fiction, which includes an August 2021 release for Murmuration, the second novel in his Seventh Flag Trilogy.

1979 With what began as research about St. Mark’s historical football scores, BUD BROOKS ’79 has since uncovered detailed information and stories about the School's history. Through

headquartered in New York. Jon will continue to be based in Dallas.

1994 MATT SILVERMAN ’94, BRIAN AULD ’95, and BARRY NEWELL ’05 were featured in The Dallas Morning News article, “Rays’ postseason success the product of the innovative vision of two St. Mark’s grads,” which explains how St. Mark’s laid the groundwork for their professional relationship.

1998 Chelsea and GARRETT MURPHREE ’98 welcomed their second baby, Eloise Margaret, into the world on June 12. Eloise joins the Murphree Family as the younger sister to Mabel.

his elaborate and independent research, Bud has created four

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Catey and KEVIN MEYERS ’98 welcomed their baby Clara Marie Meyers into the world on February 3, 2021. The Meyers family resides in New York City, New York where Kevin is Managing Partner of First Haven Capital and Co-Founder of Turtle Creek Investment Advisors.

2000 | Reunion On March 1, 2021, KALEN THORNTON ’00 was appointed Chief Marketing Officer at Gatorade after 10 years with Nike. Kalen, and his wife Kim, currently reside in Portland, Oregon, with their two sons Kingston and Karter, but are relocating to Chicago,

1999

Illinois, in the fall.

Tara and LATHAM FINK '99 announced the birth of their

2001 | Reunion

daughter, Farris Winifred Lynn Fink, on September 21, 2020.

Latham graduated from UT Medical Branch in Galveston with a

In January 2021, NED PRICE ’01 was appointed spokesperson for President Joe Biden’s State Department in Washington, D.C.

MD/PhD in 2016 and pursued a 4-year residency in psychiatry at UT Dell Medical School in Austin. Upon completion of his residency in June 2020, Latham launched his private psychiatry practice in Austin.

Alan Stern '75 and Victor Vescovo ’84 Sid Balman, Jr. '76 Drew Clancy ’84 married Carey Watson Eloise Margaret Murphree Farris Winifred Lynn Fink

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2002 ROBBIE BATY '02 and his wife, Skyler, welcomed their second

NICK ENGLISH ’02 and wife, Jamie, welcomed their third

son, Boyd Edward, into the world on July 25th. Boyd joins the Baty

daughter, Ives Conover English, into the world on February 19,

family as the younger brother to Gaines. Robbie has also accepted

2021. Ives Conover joins the English Family as the younger sister

a position as Leader of the Dallas Office Tenant Representation

to both Violet and Bennet.

Team in addition to his current role at Cushman & Wakefield as Executive Managing Director.

Ives Conover English with Violet and Bennet Sam Acho ’07 Ross Frankfurt ’07 and Will McNutt ’07 Emmanuel Acho ’08 Becky and Brenden Frerck ’08 with Natalee Jean Heidi McGowan Grisz Michael Gohlke ’13 and Luke Wilson ’90 in Twelve Mighty Orphans.

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

Remarks

2004

2008

KACE PHILLIPS ’04 and his wife, Claire, are pleased to

In June 2021, EMMANUEL ACHO ’08 won an Emmy Award

announce the arrival of their daughter, Caroline Collins. Born on

for Outstanding Sports Personality/Emerging On-Air Talent.

November 10, 2020, Caroline weighed 8 pounds and 7 ounces.

Emmanuel is the co-host of the FS1 original program Speak for

Caroline joins the Phillips family as the second child and younger

Yourself.

sister to their son, George. The Phillips family resides in Dallas, BRENDEN FRERCK ’08 and his wife, Becky, welcomed their

Texas, where Kace is a partner and co-founder of RBA.

daughter, Natalee Jean, into the world on Thursday, March 18th GRAHAM RADMAN '05, along with his wife, Erica, and three

at 3:59 p.m. The Frerck Family resides in Omaha, Nebraska where

children Cora, Charles, and Henrietta, recently moved back to

Brenden is an Electronic Warfare Officer for the US Air Force.

Dallas after five years in London. Graham is Managing Director and Equity Portfolio Manager for Exos Financial, a New York-

BEN GRISZ ’08 and his wife, Zoë, welcomed their daughter,

based broker dealer. At Exos, Graham is working on the launch of

Heidi McGowan Grisz, into the world on December 30, 2020.

his recently developed Bronco Fund, a novel AI-powered equity investment strategy.

2009 TERDEMA USSERY ’09 and his wife, Katie, welcomed their first

2007

child, Kiotah Jean, into the world on December 12, 2020. At birth,

In 2020, SAM ACHO ’07 released Let the World See You,

Kiotah weighed 7 pounds and 13 ounces.

a motivational memoir that inspires readers to become the best version of themselves. Told through his lens as an NFL

2010 | Reunion

linebacker, noted speaker, and humanitarian, the book

In March 2021, WILLIAM HICKS ’10 transitioned into an

encourages readers to break free from the perceived limits of

advisory role at BRAMI Inc. and was hired as the first full-

society and live a life full of genuine authenticity. For more

time employee at Magic Mind, which offers the world's first

information, visit samachobook.com.

productivity drink. William currently resides in Los Angeles.

DASH CROWLEY ’07 and his wife, Sophia, welcomed their

2012

daughter, Liliana Odette Crowley, into the world on April 29, 2021.

CONNOR ANDERSON ’12 and Hayley Onofrey were married on

At birth, Liliana weighed 8 pounds and 3 ounces and is happy

Saturday, December 12, 2020, at Arlington Hall in Dallas, Texas.

and healthy.

2013

In February 2021, ROSS FRANKFURT ’07 and

MICHAEL GOHLKE '13 played one of the orphans “Crazy” in the

WILL MCNUTT ’07 co-founded and started new positions as

film Twelve Mighty Orphans alongside Luke Wilson '90.

Chief Executive Officer and President, respectively, at Anthem Development, A Beck Ventures Company. Ross and his wife, Erin, and Will and his wife, Michelle, both reside in Dallas, Texas.

In January 2021, DAVID NEWELL '07 founded Find A Shot, a community service project and website that streamlines the search for available COVID-19 vaccine appointments at local pharmacies. In May 2021, David graduated with an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and continues to work for McAfee.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

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In March 2021, TAUBERT NADALINI '13 was cast in a role on the

In April 2021, WINSTON BREWER ’14 started a new role at Share

NBC hit series, This Is Us, by fellow Marksman Josh Einsohn '90.

Financial Services, Inc. as an Analyst in Dallas, Texas.

Taubert currently resides in Los Angeles, CA, where he works as On the evening of February 6, Morgan and MAC LABHART ’14

an actor and director for film and stage.

welcomed their daughter Carter Ray Labhart, weighing In May 2021, ALEX FRANKENFELD '13 and his wife Allie

8 pounds, 1 ounce.

welcomed their son Frederick E. Frankenfeld into the world.

JACK PIGOTT '14 started a new job as an engineer at Rivian

2014

Automotive and is pursuing a master’s degree at the University

In April 2021, YIMA ASOM ’14 accepted a new job as a

of Michigan.

software Private Equity Associate at Gryphon Investors in San Francisco, California.

Taubert Nadalini '13 Allie and Alex Frankenfeld '13 with Frederick E. Frankenfeld Morgan and Mac Labhart ’14 with Carter Ray Labhart Billy Lockhart ’20 Rami Cortas Adeline "Addie" Tate Darver Aidy Carol Fine

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

Remarks

2016 | Reunion

2020

Starting this fall, SAM EICHENWALD ’16 will be attending the

Over Memorial Day weekend 2021, BILLY LOCKHART ’20

Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland in Le Bouveret, Switzerland

bowed the Darmouth 2V to a silver medal at the annual

where he will participate in a 3-year program to obtain his Swiss

Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) regatta in Princeton, NJ.

Grand Diploma and Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts.

This is Dartmouth’s first team to take home a medal at the College Championship IRAs.

AVERY POWELL ’16 began a new job at Range Media Partners as an Associate Trainee in Los Angeles, CA.

2017

2021 In July 2021, HARRISON INGRAM '21 played on the Team USA basketball team and won the 2021 FIBA U19 Basketball World

In February, JOSH BANDOPADHAY ’17 started a new position as

Cup in Latvia. Harrison was the youngest player to make the USA

Research Assistant at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where he

U19 roster.

is investigating the genetic basis of autism in the Chahrour Lab.

FACULTY NOTES

On April 24, DANIEL COPE ’17 broke the outdoor school record

In honor of DOC BROWNING’S upcoming retirement following

at Washington and Lee set by Vance Berry in 2009. Daniel beat

36 years of service to St. Mark’s, the varsity lacrosse team

Vance’s precious record of 8:46.86 in the 3,000m with a time of

asked him to start their game against Highland Park with an

8:40.92. After recently graduating in May, Daniel will be attending

honorary faceoff.

UVA's M.S. in Commerce program this fall with a concentration in business analytics.

SANA CORTAS and her husband, Amer, welcomed their baby boy, Rami, into the world on August 19. Rami is a male name of

BOYD HOWARD ’17 graduated from Colgate University on

Arabic origin that translates to “Good Marksman.”

May 9, 2021. Boyd is moving to Atlanta, where he has accepted a position as a Financial Analyst for PCCP LLC, a real estate capital

Alan and SHERRI DARVER welcomed their grandchild Adeline

solutions company.

"Addie" Tate Darver into the world on June 14. Addie is the

2018

daughter of Harris Darver '04 and his wife, Leslie.

DAVIS BAILEY ’18 attends Harvard University in Cambridge,

On April 25, JOHN FROST participated in the McKinney Kiwanis

Massachusetts, where he works as a Business Analyst Intern

Triathalon in McKinney, Texas.

at McKinsey & Company as well as a Research Partner for the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study.

On July 15, Christine and SCOTT GONZALEZ welcomed their grandchild Aidy Carol Fine into the world in Denver, CO. Aidy is

RETT DAUGBJERG ’18 began a new position as Co-Executive

the daughter of Analiese Gonzalez-Fine and Charlie Fine.

Director of the Washington and Lee Real Estate Society in November 2020. Rett lives in Lexington, Virginia where he attends

LAUREN PEPE and Jack Fischer were married on Saturday,

Washington and Lee University.

May 8, 2021 in Dallas, Texas.

2019 In April 2021, CONNOR PIERCE '19 started a new position as an intern with the Tampa Bay Rays. Connor works alongside MATT SILVERMAN ’94 and BRIAN AULD ’95, and is based out of their minor league complex in Port Charlotte, Florida.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2021 | Remarks

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Remarks

in memoriam

Emeritus Trustee GLORIA O. CHAPMAN passed away on July

Emeritus Trustee WAYNE B. PLACIDE passed away

20, 2021. Gloria was the wife of Carlyle (Carl) H. Chapman,

on April 12, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. Mr Placide was the

Jr. and mother of Erin D. Chapman and Carlyle (Lyle) H.

husband of Gayle P. Placide and father of Matthew J.

Chapman III '00. A longtime member of the Board of Trustees,

Placide ’16 and Wayne A. Placide. During his six years of

Mrs. Chapman made important and lasting contributions to

service on the Board of Trustees, Mr. Placide made many

St. Mark’s during her eight years of service.

important contributions to the School as a member of the Finance Committee.

Mrs. Chapman attended Indiana University, and went on to nursing school at the University of Michigan, where she

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science from Texas

graduated magna cum laude. She began her career as a

A&M University - Prairie View in 1968, Mr. Placide went on

registered nurse in the Dallas Independent School District

to earn his master’s degree from Atlanta University (Clark

and in various Dallas-area hospitals. After retiring in the

Atlanta). Following graduation, Mr. Placide began his career

mid-1980s, she began a second career as a certified financial

at Hilltop Securities, Inc. where he served as the Managing

planner at the Cambridge Legacy Group and Spectrum

Director. Mr. Placide was also a member of the Concord

Financial Group. She was also a member of a variety of

Church in Dallas and the Theta Alpha Chapter of the Omega

organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Planned

Psi Phi Fraternity.

Parenthood of Greater Texas, Youth Leadership Dallas, United Methodist Women at Hamilton Park United Methodist

Mr. Placide joined the St. Mark’s community in 2009 as a

Church, Jack & Jill of America, and the Dallas Women’s

parent when his son Matthew started sixth grade. In 2012,

Foundation, where she served as President of the Board

he joined the Board of Trustees and served two terms

of Directors.

until 2018. During his time on the Board, Mr. Placide brought his professional expertise to the Finance

Mrs. Chapman joined the St. Mark’s community as a parent

Committee. The Committee and the Board relied on his

in 1988 when her son Lyle entered first grade. She served

finance background to help guide the School during

on the Board of Trustees from 1991 until 2000. During this

several important decisions, including the payment

time, she chaired the Education Committee and served on

and refinancing of the School’s debt and the ongoing

the Committee on Trustees, the Finance Committee, and

construction of the Science Center Project.

Development Committee. At the Trustee Dinner in 2000,

80

Mrs. Chapman was recognized for her ability to challenge

At the Trustee Dinner in 2018, Mr Placide was recognized

others “to think clearly, to examine every alternative, to

for his dedicated work on the Finance Committee, which

focus on critical issues, and to remain faithful to [St. Mark’s]

made him a valuable advisor and an invaluable asset to

core mission.”

the School.

Remarks | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Remarks

Alumni CARL L. ESTES II ’53, November 28, 2020.

ROBERT F. SHIRLEY ’53, April 3, 2021.

JAMES J. MEEKER ’54, January 24, 2021.

HORATIO R. ALDREDGE III ’55, April 1, 2021.

WILLIAM (BILL) D. ANTHONY ’57, May 12, 2021.

JOHN J. FLEET II ’57, August 2, 2021 MICHAEL GUTTERSEN, SR. ’57, May 3, 2021.

ROBERT H. PICKENS ’58, June 11, 2021, brother of William C.

Pickens, Sr. ’53 and John T. Pickens ’61, uncle of William C. Pickens, Jr. ’80, J. Bryan Pickens ’91, and Michael K. Pickens ’94.

DAVID L. WILLIAMS ’58, September 3, 2020.

ROBERT A. BRIGGS ’60, August 17, 2021, son of the late Hugh M.

Briggs ’41 and brother of the late Anthony V. Briggs ’63.

ROBERT A. FLYNN ’62, March 3, 2021.

MICHAEL MERONEY ’64, December 9, 2020.

CARY F. BUEHRING ’65, March 24, 2021.

PETER F. KEMP ’66, February 7, 2021.

DONALD C. HARPER ’69, January 10, 2021.

HOWARD M. “MARSH” COMERER, JR. ’69, March 18, 2021.

PAUL PLEVAK ’71, June 2021.

MICHAEL D. WALSH ’72, November 24, 2020, brother of

Mark P. Walsh ’75.

GIANPAOLO SANTARELLI ’94, July 11, 2021.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

CHRISTIAN CODY NOYOLA ’10, January 30, 2021.

Community Members CAROL S. ABLON, December 3, 2020, mother of

William N. Ablon ’86 and Robert J. Ablon ’88.

LARZ K. ANDERSON, December 30, 2020, former faculty

member, father of Nicholas L. Anderson ’83 and the late Larz F. Anderson II ’77.

EDITH R. BAKER, March 14, 2021, mother-in-law of

Roger L. Andres ’77.

LOUIS H. BARNETT, November 15, 2020, grandfather of

Nathan S. Barnett ’07.

LILLIAN A. BIERNER, January 18, 2021, mother of

Samuel M. Bierner ’77.

JOANNE S. BILBY, March 7, 2021, mother of

Eric B. Stroud ’77.

JOHN C. BISHOP, January 8, 2021, grandfather of Henry T.

Nichols ’23.

HELEN BOYCE, January 5, 2021, mother of

Eric C. Boyce ’84.

Emeritus Trustee J. FRED BUCY, JR., December 9, 2019, father of J. Fred Bucy III ’67.

EDWIN L. COX, SR., November 6, 2020, Emeritus Trustee,

father of Edwin L. Cox, Jr. ’65 and Berry R. Cox ’72.

JAMES A. CLUTTS, SR., May 28, 2021, father of

James A. Clutts, Jr. ’74 and John R. Clutts ’82.

LEIGH S. EDWARDS, March 30, 2021, mother of

Charles L. “Ted” Edwards ’14.

VIRGINIA M. EGGERS, April 6, 2021, stepmother of

Stephen P. Eggers ’76 and wife of the late Paul W. Eggers, Emeritus Trustee.

Fall 2021 | Remarks

81

Remarks

in memoriam LOUISE EISEMAN, August 9, 2021, grandmother of

ALICIA W. LANDRY, January 21, 2021, mother of

Richard D. Eiseman III ’14.

Thomas W. Landry, Jr. ’67.

BEVERLY S. EPSTEIN, December 3, 2020, mother of

DOREEN “DEE” LENOX, October 25, 2020, mother of

Bruce F. Epstein ’77 and Mark A. Epstein ’82.

Mark T. Lenox ’76.

STEPHANI SILVERBERG EISENSTAT, December 6, 2020, sister of

KASEY D. LEWIS, April 11, 2021, brother of Korey D. Mack ’00.

Kaylen M. Silverberg ’77.

MARY BROWN MALOUF, December 7, 2020, mother of DAVID S. GEORGE, June 15, 2021, grandfather of staff member

David Britt Brown ’98, aunt of Travis P. Waddington ’97 and

Alex Hughes.

Michael R. Waddington ’01.

KAREN LEE GINSBERG, August 7, 2021, mother of Jeremy J.

THOMAS U. MATTINGLY, August 16, 2021, father of

Ginsberg ’96, Joshua A. Ginsberg ’98, and Justin E. Ginsberg ’00.

Thomas U. Mattingly, Jr. ’16.

PETER CHAN WONG GONZALEZ, December 4, 2020, father of

DANIEL L. MCPHERSON, February 26, 2021, father of

Andrew P. Gonzales ’09.

Michael G. McPherson ’09.

ALPHONSE GRASSL, JR., March 6, 2021, father of faculty member

PAULINE FAYE MCGHEE, January 17, 2021, mother of faculty

Lynne Schwartz.

member Teri Broom, mother-in-law of Christopher K. Broom ’87, grandmother of Christopher Kent Broom II ’16 and

FREDDIE J. HENSLEY, June 22, 2021, grandfather of

Blake E. Broom ’21.

Reed N. Sussman ’24.

CARY M. MCGUIRE, SR., August 10, 2021, father of RAYMOND J. HERPERS, January 19, 2021, husband of Emeritus

Cary M. McGuire, Jr. ’80.

Trustee Lylianne R. Herpers, father of Jonathan A. Herpers ’06 and Jeffrey C. Herpers ’09.

ANNE MEADOWS, January 29, 2021, great aunt of faculty member

Bonnie Flint.

REAGIN F. HULTS, August 19, 2021, former Administrative

Assistant in the Lower School.

ROSE-MARIE “RORY” MEYERS, December 28, 2020, wife of

Emeritus Trustee Howard M. Meyers, mother of Craig M. CHARLES A. INGE, October 19, 2020, Emeritus Trustee, father of

Meyers ’94 and Kevin M. Meyers ’98.

Charles Anderson Inge ’73 and Henry Peyton Inge III ’71.

EARL H. MULLETT, SR., January 15, 2021, father of faculty member CARLA J. JACKS, October 27, 2020, wife of William R. Jacks ’69.

Donna M. Mullett.

LEAH JACKSON, December 29, 2020, grandmother of

AMANDA M. NEUHOFF, June 19, 2021, wife of Byron W. Neuhoff ’88,

Preston Farragut ’27.

aunt of Frank A. Thomas ’17 and Robert Hyer Thomas ’17, sisterin-law of Austin P. Neuhoff ’87 and Thomas H. Neuhoff, Jr. ’85.

BILLIE J.JURLINA, April 24, 2021, grandmother of Jacob Jurlina ’05.

JEANETTE K. O’MEARA, November 5, 2020, grandmother of BRETT A. KIRSTEIN, March 10, 2021, father of

Ryan P. O’Meara ’14 and Timothy R. O’Meara ’16.

Duncan W. Kirstein ’19 and Graham M. Kirstein ’16.

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Remarks | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Remarks

MARY L. PLUMLEE, June 6, 2021, mother of Emeritus Trustee

JOHN HENRY WALKER, December 13, 2020, father of

Daniel L. Plumlee ’74, grandmother of Daniel L. Plumlee, Jr. ’08

Emeritus Trustee Cynthia A. McClain, grandfather of

and David R. Plumlee ’14.

Andrew A. McClain ’15, Christian W. McClain ’17, and John David McClain ’20.

MARJORIE F. POLK, February 13, 2021, grandmother of

former staff member Allison E. Eagan and great-grandmother

WILL E. WATSON, February 20, 2021, husband of

of Elton T. Eagan ’32.

Michael L. Rogers ’85.

ANGELA M. POPE, February 4, 2021, mother of faculty member

BEATRICE WEISBROD, March 10, 2021, grandmother of

Ryan R. Brewer.

Eric H. Weisbrod ’01 and Max S. Weisbrod ’11.

BARBARA LYNN RABIN, November 24, 2020, grandmother of

Reece B. Rabin ’18 and Cooper M. Rabin ’25.

MARGARET J. ROGERS, January 25, 2021, wife of the late Emeritus

Trustee Robert D. Rogers ’54, mother of Erik A. Charlton ’85, grandmother of Michael B. Cole ’08.

CATHERINE “KATY” BOORAS RUBARTH, February 4, 2021,

faculty member, mother of J. Andrew Rubarth II ’16, Charles C. Booras ’20, and Richard Oliver Rubarth ’25.

GRAHAM F. SMITH, November 1, 2020, brother of former faculty

member Curtis H. Smith, uncle of Luke G. Smith ’12.

LINDA H. STEWART, December 22, 2020, mother of

Stewart M. Stewart ’88.

LOGAN HENRY STOLLENWERCK, JR., March 2, 2021, father of

J. W. Smith Stollenwerck ’80.

VAN QUINCY TELFORD, November 24, 2020, father of

Bradford Gray Telford ’87.

MARGERY R. TIPPEN, November 2020, mother of

Sean F. Tippen ’10.

CHARLES “RANDY” REDDING TURNER III, December 19, 2020,

grandfather of David C. Unwin ’06.

DONALD H. WADDINGTON, November 16, 2020, grandfather of

Travis P. Waddington ’97 and Michael R. Waddington ’01.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Fall 2021 | Remarks

83

Endnotes ONLINE GIVING The St. Mark’s Fund is the School’s most important, ongoing fundraising priority, providing more than 10 percent of its annual operating budget. You may give online through our secure server at www.smtexas.org/smfund. Every gift makes a difference.

THE

PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas Community Magazine

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

ARCHIVES

Scott Moore

From the Terrill School, all the way to St. Mark’s School of Texas, ours is

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

a school with a long and rich history. If you have something that you would like to donate to St. Mark’s to be preserved in our archives, please contact the Office of Development & Alumni Relations at 214.346.8800.

David Carden

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Alex Hughes

ASSISTANT HEADMASTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS Scott Jolly

SUBMISSIONS Do you have a great story you’d like to share with your fellow alumni?

Have you made any changes in your life such as a new job, new degree, marriage, children, or other announcement? Please send your stories, along with any photos, to the Office of Development & Alumni Relations

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Tim Crouch

AHLBERG & RIBMAN FAMILY DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS Alex Eshelbrenner ’04

so we can include them in our next issue. Submissions may be made in any of three ways: • www.smtexas.org Use our online form to send in your “Remarks.”

• Email | eshelbrennera@smtexas.org Send your information and high-resolution photos to Alex Eshelbrenner ’04 at eshelbrennera@smtexas.org.

• U.S. Mail Send to St. Mark’s School of Texas, Attn. Alex Eshelbrenner, 10600 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75230-4047 Submissions not included in this edition will appear in the next issue of The Pride.

THE PRIDE is published twice annually by St. Mark’s School of Texas, Office of Development & Alumni Relations, 10600 Preston Road, Dallas, Texas 75230-4047, and is distributed to alumni, parents, and friends of the School.

In producing this magazine, every effort has been made to ensure that it is accurate. Please report any errors, or receipt of multiple copies, to the Office of Development & Alumni Relations, and accept our sincerest apologies.

St. Mark’s School of Texas does not discriminate in the administration of its admission and education policies on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. ©2021 St. Mark’s School of Texas An Office of Development & Alumni Relations Publication

84

Endnotes | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Leave Your Mark “I am indebted to St. Mark’s for what I have received from the day I set foot on 10600 Preston Road, and even more so for what St. Mark’s did for Adam. I want others to have the same great experiences that we had, and I want St. Mark’s to continue to be a focus of leadership and learning. So it’s a joy and a privilege to be able to give back, and to encourage others to do the same.”

— Dr. Jeff Genecov ’77

Time and time again, members of the St. Mark’s community help to push the School’s mission forward with gifts of their time, energy, and resources. Over the past few years, several alumni, parents, and friends have made the meaningful decision to make a lasting impact on the future well-being of St. Mark’s by joining the Menter B. Terrill Society, the School’s legacy society. One of the Terrill Society’s newest members, Dr. Jeff Genecov ’77, knows firsthand the importance of providing the School flexibility as we move into the future: “Fundraising has its ups and downs and leaving a gift that can enhance the endowment will allow St. Mark’s to have more flexibility during difficult times and continue to enrich the boys’ experiences and the faculty’s professional growth and development in perpetuity.”

As a former Alumni Board President, Trustee, and the father of Adam Genecov ’09, Jeff and his family are deeply entrenched in the traditions of St. Mark’s. With this commitment, the Genecovs are able to ensure that the Marksman experience they enjoyed will be possible for many years to come.

To leave your mark, please visit www.smtexas.org/PlannedGiving, or contact Scott Jolly in the Office of Development & Alumni Relations at 214.346.8132 or jollys@smtexas.org.

10600 Preston Road Dallas, Texas 75230-4047 214.346.8000 • www.smtexas.org

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THE PRIDE | Fall 2021 | Vol. 26, No. 1