The Pride | Winter 2020

PRIDE THE

Rebuilding Together The St. Mark’s community comes together after a devastating EF-3 tornado hits campus.

S ame Mission.

Greater Possibilities.

St. Mark’s will transition to a daily schedule that strengthens our commitment to student health and well-being.

Winter 2020 Volume 25, Issue 1 St. Mark’s School of Texas Community Magazine

S AV E T H E D AT E

ALUMNI WEEKEND AND H O M E C O M I N G OCTOBER 15–17, 2020

Contents

THE

PRIDE St. Mark’s School of Texas Community Magazine Volume 25, Issue 1 • Winter 2020

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ON CAMPUS

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2 | Letter from the Editor 3 | Campus Snapshot 4 | State of the Arts 10 | Sports News 14 | Holiday Traditions 18 | Making a Difference 20 | Campus Visitors 22 | Student Accolades 24 | Homecoming

ALUMNI NEWS

28

28 | Alumni Programs

SPOTLIGHT ON PHILANTHROPY

32 | The Community Rebuilds

FEATURES

36 | Tornado Recovery 46 | The New St. Mark’s Schedule

NOTES AND REMARKS

52

52 | Class Notes 59 | Faculty Notes 60 | In Memoriam 62 | Endnotes

ABOUT OUR COVER Life at 10600 Preston Road continues after the tornado

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Winter 2020 | Contents

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On Campus

from the editor St. Mark’s is a School that takes Pride in educating the whole boy and has, at its core, principles that we strive to teach and to live. In the wake of the tornado, as our community came together to support one another, rally the troops, roll up our sleeves and begin, once again, building for a new chapter in St. Mark’s storied history, I believe I saw our boys, our team, our community exhibiting our core principles in sharp relief across the broken landscape of our campus.

A mighty wind The tornado will forever be etched in our collective memory, a cornerstone event in the history of St. Mark’s. But when I think back to the days and weeks following the storm, I don’t think of the damage caused to campus. I think of the banners reading “St. Mark’s ♥ Dallas” and the “St. Mark’s Strong” sentiment that everyone internalized almost immediately. I remember the Homecoming

What’s next?

The only thing that is certain is uncertainty.

The only constant in life is change. Expect the unexpected. Keep calm and carry on. I found these aphorisms floating through my mind as I sat down to rewrite this letter for the third time.

This is not what I was thinking early last fall when we began planning this issue of The Pride. We identified some interesting stories to consider and sketched out a basic outline for the magazine. We expected this issue to be fairly straightforward. And then—October 20 happened. And, who would have thought what’s next? But then—COVID-19.

When I think about St. Mark’s in the past year, the past 10 years, the past 100 years, I think of a history of uncertainty, of change, the unexpected—and I think at the same time that those words represent life, growth, and opportunity.

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football game, held at Greenhill just five days after the storm; the emotion I felt seeing the Path to Manhood statue illuminated when power was restored; the grateful tears that were shed as colleagues and friends came back together again on campus; and, of course, the boys.

Much of this issue’s focus has been driven by the impact of the tornado. But rather than destruction and disaster, the story of the October 20 tornado is a story of hope and community. We believe that experiential education is a key component of every boy’s education, and the past few months has offered plenty of incredible experiences through which our boys have put lessons of character and leadership into action. Lessons of community rang true as boys sought to help one another, their friends, their classmates, their neighbors, and even total strangers in their city. Above all, our boys acted like Marksmen – working together to make their communities, and the world, a better place.

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On Campus

And then a global health tsunami

problems turned their worlds upside down. But

And now, we are facing another challenge.

they also told us how they faced their challenges,

As unprecedented as the tornado was, and as

and how they found a way forward, as they also

unthinkable that something much bigger could be

found they were not alone. We all face unexpected

coming, the spread of COVID-19 is proving to be

problems, but we don’t walk alone in this world.

as unexpected and unforeseeable as any event in

As a working mother with metastatic breast cancer,

recent world history.

dealing with a gift that keeps on giving, I am constantly buoyed by the strength and resilience

And so, we adapt and make changes. We stay

of others.

at home. We implement distance learning. We do what we need to do to keep our boys healthy

This School has helped me develop a resiliency I

and moving forward, and to keep the School

didn’t know I could have, the resourcefulness that

Community together, and not just surviving, but

allows me to live my life to the fullest in the face

thriving. Because it turns out that this is what’s

of adversity, and the comfort and encouragement

next. And so, we carry on.

to allow me to rebuild myself and help rebuild our community each time we face a challenge.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold,

Like now.

posing increasing uncertainty, we have fully instituted online learning: and the resourcefulness

We are all learning lessons, not just through the

of our faculty and students, and, no doubt, our

remote learning program, but critical life lessons

families, should be commended and celebrated.

that will make everyone more resilient. I have

We are once again reminded that while we live in a

learned a lot at St. Mark’s. You. Me. Us. We are all

world where many things are out of our control, we

part of a community. We are all in this together.

are always in control of our will, our intent, and our purpose.

So, what’s next? The future. Filled with uncertainty, change, and unexpected challenges—but always

Things are not always what they seem Seem is an interesting word: giving the impression or sensation of being something or having a

hope. Okay, friends, keep calm and carry on.

St. Mark’s Strong!

particular quality. “Giving the impression,” the very idea begs the question—what am I not seeing? All around us things are not what they seem. Amid the stability of St. Mark’s that has withstood many tests of time, and a Community built of a fabric that is not easily rendered, we are all, collectively and on our own, more than we let on, facing uncertainty,

Katy Booras Rubarth, Director of Communications

change, and the unexpected in our lives.

In the March issue of The Remarker student newspaper, a number of courageous boys told us about their struggles, as unexpected mental health

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state arts of the

A collection of student artwork

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

On Campus

(top and above) Daniel Ardila ’20 (left) Alex Piccagli ’20 (far left and opposite) Russell Wilner ’20 YoungArts Merit Recognition

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(clockwise from right) Collin Ku ’27 Julian Gerstle ’27 Beau Bacon ’26 (opposite) Joshua Goforth ’26

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On Campus

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(clockwise from right) Mustafa Latif ’21 Knobel Hunt ’21 Odran Fitzgerald ’20 (opposite) Aaron Weiser ’20

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

On Campus

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On Campus

sports news

The fall and winter sports seasons brought unprecedented challenges: As the St. Mark’s community recovered from

Volleyball

the aftermath of the October tornado, Lion student-athletes

Returning most of the players from last year’s

thrived in the midst of new challenges, earning four SPC

2019 SPC Championship roster, the varsity

Championships and proving their resilience along the way.

volleyball team once again set its sights on the SPC Championship during the 2020 season. Led by coach Darren Teicher, the Lions overcame a

(above) Tyler Nussbaumer ’20 on the run (above right) Aaron Weiser ’20 spikes the ball

Cross-Country St. Mark’s runners were on a mission this season to improve their second-place finish in the 2018 SPC Championship. Led by a group of experienced seniors and coaches John Turek and Ryan Hershner, the Lions started strong in early races and finished by winning their final three competitions. At the SPC Championships in Tomball, Texas, the depth of the program, demonstrated by dominant pack running, shined as five Lions finished in the top 12. The Lions took home the 2019 SPC Championship with a total of 40 points, one of the best winning scores in the past decade. Seniors Andres Arroyo, Pablo Arroyo, and Tyler Nussbaumer, junior Julian Ivarra, and sophomore Sahil Dodda secured All-SPC Honors.

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slew of early-season injuries to key players. Once again, volleyball rivals Greenhill and Trinity Valley (Fort Worth) proved to be stiff competition in the SPC North Zone. After the October tornado, the volleyball team, finally healthy, came together for a late-season push. Finishing second in the North Zone with a 6-2 record, the Lions defeated St. Andrew’s Episcopal School (Austin) and Greenhill to set up a rematch with Trinity Valley in the SPC Championship round. A competitive backand-forth contest saw this year’s match also reach a decisive fifth game. The Lions came up short and finished second, but the varsity team showed tremendous resilience. Juniors Tristan Doan and Daniel Sanchez earned All-SPC Honors for their play. An experienced team will look to reclaim the title next season.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

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Basketball The 2019–2020 season carried high expectations

(clockwise from far left) The Lions face off against Episcopal High School

for the St. Mark’s varsity basketball team. After the October 2019 tornado destroyed Hicks Gym,

Harrison Ingram ’21 goes up for a shot

St. Mark’s was able to completely renovate Morris G. Spencer Gymnasium just in time for the start of the season. Coached by Greg Guiler, the Lions competed against top teams in the state throughout

Paxton Scott ’20 rushes the ball

the season. The Lions finished the regular season with a 26-4 record and were undefeated in conference play. In the SPC Tournament, the Lions defeated The Kinkaid School (Houston) after a

Football Under new head coach Hayward Lee, the varsity football team played a tough 2019 schedule, competing with integrity and grit and finishing 3-5. Most notably, they responded to the October tornado by showing tremendous perseverance and adaptability. Greenhill graciously offered its stadium for the Lions Homecoming game, even repainting the field and wrapping their goalposts in St. Mark’s pads. Despite a cold drizzle, the community came out to rally behind the Lions. St. Mark’s won the game, but more important, provided needed inspiration during a challenging time. Following the season, seniors Anthony Andrews, Paxton Scott, and Carr Urschel earned All-SPC Honors for their leadership and performance.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

first-round bye. Then, in a rematch of last year’s semifinal game, the Lions faced Episcopal High School (Houston). The Lions found themselves down two points at halftime, but in the second half, the Lions found their shooting touch and, after a 15-0 run, won the game and advanced to the Finals. In the Championship game, the Lions faced two-time defending champion Houston Christian (Houston.) The outcome seemed clear from the start as the defensive length and offensive prowess of the Lions led them to an 85-57 victory.

Harrison Ingram ’21, Andrew Laczkowski ’20, and Colin Smith ’22 earned All-SPC honors for their performance. Senior Andrew Laczkowski, who will play at the University of Pennsylvania next season, also became the first St. Mark’s player to surpass 2,000 points in his basketball career.

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sports news

(above) Odran Fitzgerald ’20 swims his lap of the relay (above right) The varsity soccer team celebrates its SPC Championhip

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On Campus | THE PRIDE

Swimming The 2019–2020 season saw the varsity swim team, coached by Mihai Oprea, win four of its five regular-season meets, with its only loss coming in a close competition against nine-time UIL State

Soccer

Champions Southlake Carroll. As they advanced to

The varsity soccer team, coached by Cory Martin,

the SPC Championship, the Lions swimmers were

won its final four SPC counter games of the season

confident and ready to reclaim their place atop the

to secure the third seed in the North Zone. A well-

SPC standings after a two-year drought. Early in

balanced offensive attack propelled the Lions

the meet, the depth of the Lions proved crucial as

during the campaign. In the SPC Tournament,

they performed well in the relays, taking second

the Lions continued their winning ways. They

in the 400 Free Relay and fourth in the 200 Free

defeated South Zone foes St. Stephen’s Episcopal

Relay. Heading into the 200 Medley Relay, the Lions

School (Austin) and four-time reigning champion

needed a win to claim the championship over

Episcopal High School (Houston) in their first two

St. John’s School (Houston). Junior Leo

games, setting up a rematch with North Zone rival

Ohannessian anchored the relay and out-touched

Casady School (Oklahoma City) in the semifinal.

the opponent in exciting fashion, winning by three-

A dramatic back-and-forth game saw a 2-2 tie

fifths of a second to secure the Championship

result in extra time, when the Lions goalkeeper

for the Lions. Jerry Fox ’23, David Li ’20, Leo

earned his second yellow card of the game,

Ohannessian ’21, Jack Palmer ’21, Ryan Park ’21,

resulting in a penalty kick and disqualification.

and David Yang ’21 each earned All-SPC honors for

Sophomore backup goalkeeper Stefan Moreno

their respective performances.

entered the game and made a spectacular save

St. Mark’s School of Texas

On Campus

(above left) Knobel Hunt ’21 dribbles the ball down the field

Wrestling A busy St. Mark’s Wrestling season ended on an upward trend at the Texas Prep State and SPC

(above) Mike Mendoza ’21 pins his opponent

Wrestling Championships. At State, the Lions improved on last year’s finish as a team, jumping to keep the tie and send the game to extra time,

back into the top 10 with an eighth-place finish.

and then advanced to the championship on

Sophomore co-captain Elijah Ellis won his first

penalty kicks. Moreno once again came up big

State title and qualified for Prep Nationals at Lehigh

for the Lions, making two key saves as the Lions

University later this spring. Sophomore Sal Abbasi

ultimately advanced on penalty kicks 3-2 (4-3).

also qualified for Prep Nationals with a third-place

In the SPC Final, the Lions faced The Kinkaid

finish at State. Freshman Hayward Metcalf also

School (Houston). The Lions netted a goal in

performed well, finishing fourth in his weight class.

the 22nd minute and maintained the lead until

The following week at the SPC Championship,

a late equalizer with five minutes left. In extra

the Lions, although missing three wrestlers due

time, leading goal-scorer Henry McElhaney

to injury, placed nine wrestlers in their respective

’21 added two more tallies and led the Lions to

weight classes. As a team, the Lions placed third in

championship glory for the first time since 2013.

the SPC Championship, improving on last year’s

Colin Campbell ’20, William Holtby ’20,

fourth-place finish. A young group, led by Coach

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

Reyno Arredondo ’87, will return next year and

Yoo ’21 earned All-SPC honors.

will look to improve on its results. Elijah Ellis ’22, Jackson Fair ’21, and Hayward Metcalf ’23 earned All-SPC honors for their performances.

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On Campus

holiday traditions

Grandparents’ Day On November 22, 2019, more than 600 grandparents and friends spent the day on campus with their Marksmen, attending classes and getting a peek into life at St. Mark’s. Students and their guests enjoyed breakfast and lunch together, while many teachers planned fun games and activities for the day. For more highlights from this special day, watch the Grandparents’ Day video here.

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On Campus | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas

On Campus

Lessons & Carols On December 17, 2019, with scaffolding encasing the damaged bell tower, the St. Mark’s community gathered together once more in the St. Mark’s Chapel for the School’s 68th annual Festival of Lessons and Carols. As community members read nine lessons and the St. Mark’s Choir and congregation sang nine carols, the congregants reflected on the season’s spirit of thanksgiving and gratitude.

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On Campus

holiday traditions Gift Drive In December 2019, the Senior Class rallied the community in support of this year’s gift drive and surpassed its collection goal with a total of 2,232 gifts. Two days before the All-School Christmas Party, seniors, dressed as Santa and his elves, passed out gifts to children at Davids Place community center.

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On Campus

All-School Christmas Party Marksmen know that they stand on the shoulders of giants, and nowhere was this more evident than at the All-School Christmas Party on December 20, 2019. Seniors entered the W. W. Browning, Jr., Great Hall carrying their Lower School buddies on their shoulders to decorate the Christmas tree. To relive this special time of year, watch the Holiday Traditions video here.

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On Campus

your support makes these moments possible Making a Difference Each year, the St. Mark’s Fund supports campus life at 10600 Preston Road.

Accounting for more than 11 percent of the overall budget, the St. Mark’s Fund helps create the extraordinary environment in which our Marksmen thrive.

(clockwise from top left) In the McDermott-Green Science Building, Tamal Pilla ’21, and Alex Piccagli ’20 perform a physics lab, analyzing the momentum and kinetic energy of carts that are colliding elastically and inelastically The fourth-grade class performs Shipwrecked with Shakespeare in the lobby of the Winn Science Center Industrial arts teacher John Frost reviews hand tools for an identification quiz in his 3D design class

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

Make a Difference Today “The coming days, weeks, and months will certainly be challenging as we work together to get back to full strength, but we are blessed to be in such a strong community that sticks together in good times and bad.”

—David W. Dini, Eugene McDermott Headmaster, October 2019

Make a gift to the St. Mark’s Fund this year to support faculty excellence, to deepen student learning, and to restore campus. Our need is great, and your support will make a tremendous difference across campus each and every day.

To learn more about the St. Mark’s Fund or to make your gift or pledge, please visit www.smtexas.org/smfund.

On Campus

campus visitors

Throughout the 2019–2020 school year, students have had opportunities to hear guest speakers share their experiences and expertise. Speakers came from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives, and offered Marksmen unique views of the world.

Dr. David Shoemaker

Katie Koestner

This year, the Robert E. Dennard Visiting Scholar

As St. Mark’s seeks to expand its Health and

Program hosted Dr. David Shoemaker, a space

Wellness education curriculum, the School again

science researcher and builder of investigative

partnered with Katie Koestner, the Development

tools called interferometers. In both small and

Director for Campus Outreach Services and a

large group settings with Upper and Middle School

national expert on student safety and healthy

students, Dr. Shoemaker explained his work with

relationships. Koestner was the first woman

the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-

in the United States to speak out nationally as

Wave Observatories (LIGO) Laboratory at MIT,

the victim of campus date rape at age 18. She

which detected the first gravitational wave in 2015

appeared on the cover of TIME Magazine in 1991

and helped to verify Einstein’s theory of relativity.

and helped spark a national conversation about

Shoemaker held seven sessions with students

sexual assault, consent, and healthy relationships.

in grades 8 through 12. He visited the following

Last year, Koestner spoke to the graduating Class

classes: Information Engineering, Physics,

of 2019 and, in January 2020, she returned to

Conceptual Physics, AP Physics C, AP Physics 2,

campus to engage once more in these important

and AP Environmental Physics. Speaking with a

conversations. Katie met with administrative

large group of Upper School students, Shoemaker

leaders, including Division Heads and members of

explained the design of the wave detector, plans for

the Counseling Office, spoke with the Class of 2020,

future wave detectors in space, and implications of

and held an evening presentation for parents.

his work for society at large.

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

On Campus

Literary Festival In January 2020, St. Mark’s welcomed four distinguished writers to campus for the 13th annual Literary Festival. Over two days, students spent

Alan Cohen ’01

time with Sandra Cisneros, author of The House on Mango Street; Frederick Turner, award-winning

The annual Senior Leadership Dinner welcomed

poet; Dawn Davies, acclaimed memoirist; and

Alan Cohen ’01 back to campus to address the

St. Mark’s own Sharan Shetty ’09, Associate Editor

Class of 2020. Cohen, who serves as the President

of The New Yorker. For the first time, parents and

& CEO of the Child Poverty Action Lab, encouraged

alumni also had the chance to hear from these

the seniors to use the skills they have learned

authors at the Writers Forum, an evening panel

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

held in the Winn Science Center Lecture Hall.

most complex problems, including education,

The authors also judged student entries submitted

socioeconomic poverty disparity, and violence.

to the annual Writing Contest and announced the

He emphasized the importance of critical thinking

winners: Nick Kowalske ’20 (Fiction and Poetry)

and working with people of various backgrounds

and Jamie Mahowald ’21 (Nonfiction).

and viewpoints. Cohen shared real-world examples of how problem solving at the government level

To see more images from the Literary Festival, view

has occurred to create programs like the Early

the Literary Festival photo gallery.

Childhood Education strategy in Dallas ISD, a program that he spearheaded.

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On Campus

student accolades by the numbers Facts and Figures from Across Campus Ryan McCord ’20 and Kyler Fisher ’20 were among the 11 photography students nationwide selected as finalists in the National YoungArts Competition.

Russell Wilner ’20 was also named a Merit Winner in Design Arts.

The Sodalitas Classica Sancti Marci (Latin for “The St. Mark’s Classics Club”) organized and hosted its second

The National Merit Scholarship Program recognized 26 members of the Class of 2020 as Finalists and 29 as Commended Scholars, based on each student’s PSAT/MNSQT scores.

annual Lions Invitational Certamen (“Competition”) over the weekend of January 17, 2020, welcoming dozens of students from across the metroplex.

More than 20 St. Mark’s musicians were

St. Mark’s five major student

selected for TPSMEA All-State, including

publications from the 2018–2019

12 in Choir, nine in Orchestra, and two in

school year (the Marksmen yearbook,

Jazz Band.

The Marque literary magazine, The

Mini-Marque Middle School literary magazine, The Scientific Marksmen

The Community Service Program

scientific journal, and The ReMarker

spearheaded several collection drives

student newspaper) were honored

throughout the year, in partnership with

with Crown Awards, the highest level

local charities and aid organizations. The

of awards presented by the Columbia

Clothing Drive collected 4,388 pounds of

Scholastic Press Association.

At the Dallas BEST Robotics

clothes; the Food Drive collected 88 boxes

Tournament, the St. Mark’s

of food; the Candy Drive collected 608

Robotics Team finished third

pounds of candy; the Gift Drive collected

Charlie Rubarth ’20 and Eddie Raj ’20

2,232 gifts; and the Blood Drive collected

organized RevAMP Dallas, a musical

out of 30 teams and earned

enough blood to save up to 57 lives in

festival that featured local and St. Mark’s

the Most Robust Robot Award.

our community.

student musicians and raised more than

$20,000 for the North Texas Food Bank.

The Team also finished

in first place among nonUIL teams, earning them

Throughout the school year, nine short films produced by St. Mark’s Film Studies

The St. Mark’s Math Team took First

students were screened at film festivals

Place in Sweepstakes for earning

across the country.

the best overall score at the Dallas

a spot in the Texas BEST State Championship.

Metroplex Math Competition.

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On Campus | THE PRIDE

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Do you

St. Mark’s?

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for all of the latest news, photos, and videos.

/smtexas

/smtexas1906

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On Campus | THE PRIDE

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On Campus

Just as Sean and the Athletic Department were scrambling to untangle the logistical headache before them (rescheduling or canceling practices, salvaging athletic equipment, contacting players

STRONG. TOGETHER.

and coaches), St. Mark’s peer schools reached out (opposite) The varsity football team during the national anthem before playing Greenhill

to offer their support – and their athletic facilities.

Homecoming 2019 was set to be a showdown between the Lions and the Greenhill Hornets.

This annual matchup is a longstanding tradition

(below) Matthew Raroque ’20 sets the Lions attack

for both schools as, each year, fans cheer their

The St. Mark’s community comes together for Homecoming after a devastating tornado hits campus.

respective teams to victory. But this year, Greenhill stepped up to help its fellow SPC school when

(bottom) Athletic Director Sean Lissemore thanks members of the Greenhill football team

disaster struck, opening its stadium to host the Homecoming football game.

“When we woke up Monday morning and realized

Sean Lissemore was just four months into his

what had happened, we knew St. Mark’s would

tenure as St. Mark’s new Director of Athletics when

need a place to play its game,” Greenhill Athletic

the unthinkable happened. A tornado ripped

Director Jarrett Shine told NBC5 News. “We’re still

through campus, striking a direct blow to some of

going to compete when we’re out there on the field,

the School’s core athletic facilities.

but at the same time, we still have to have love for one another.”

As Sean surveyed the damage the next morning, one thought weighed heavily on his mind:

Likewise, the Hockaday School opened its doors

St. Mark’s Homecoming was just four days away.

to the Lions. By Tuesday, just two days after the

Hicks Gym was destroyed. Hunt Stadium suffered

tornado, the varsity football team was geared up

damage and was littered with debris. Preston Road

on a newly striped field on the Hockaday campus,

was closed in both directions between Royal and

practicing for the big game. On Wednesday, Trinity

Walnut Hill. Clearly, there was no way the School

Valley School worked with its volleyball equipment

could host the volleyball and football games on

supplier to provide the Lions with new gear.

Friday night.

Still, as cleanup and repairs began, Eugene McDermott Headmaster David W. Dini instructed administrators to focus attention on things that were mission-critical to the boys. Sean could think of nothing more critical than preserving the tradition of Homecoming: “Establishing a sense of normalcy was important and bringing everyone together helped with the healing process. Life is very unpredictable and, while the impact of this storm was significant, the strength and resilience of our community proved to be much more powerful.”

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On Campus

Finally, on Friday, October 25, the St. Mark’s community gathered to celebrate Homecoming 2019. The evening began with the varsity volleyball game, held at Hockaday’s Penson Athletic Center.

Hanging above the gym was a giant blue and green banner reading: “St. Mark’s ♥ Hockaday.

Strong. Together.”

Walking in, varsity volleyball players realized that (above right) The banner hangs outside of the Hockaday gymnasium (below) Toby Nwafor ’20 jumps up for the spike (below right) Jack Palmer ’21 shows off his St. Mark’s Strong button

Penson had been transformed, starting with the St. Mark’s volleyball net and pads retrieved from Hicks Gym. The poster-sized senior player portraits had been reprinted and hung behind the home stands. A squad of Hockaday students even donned their St. Mark’s cheer uniforms as the Lions faced off against the Hornets. An energetic student section, all wearing blue “St. Mark’s Strong” buttons, cheered the Lions on to a 3–0 victory.

“That whole night, Hockaday did everything they

could to make their gym feel like our home,” volleyball team captain Sam Ahmed ’20 wrote in an article for the Dallas Morning News. “As we finished the three-set match, we shook hands with the Greenhill players and immediately exchanged expressions of concern and support for both of our communities.”

Homecoming then moved to The Greenhill School’s Brinkmann Field for the varsity football game. Once again, every effort was made to welcome the Marksmen. Greenhill repainted its yard lines blue and wrapped its goalposts with Lions padding, and even painted over the ‘G’ at the 50-yard line. St. Mark’s teacher Scott Gonzalez was invited to call the game over the loudspeaker, as he always does at home games. Despite a chilly drizzle, traditions continued with the presentation of the Homecoming Court at halftime and recognition of senior football players, band members, cheerleaders, athletic trainers, Spurs, and Super Fan Men. To cap off the night, the Lions won 25–0.

Off the field, the Homecoming games took on an even greater meaning. For the first time in more than a week, the community was together. Students, teachers, parents, alumni, and friends shared hugs and a few tears. Families asked how others

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

On Campus

(left) Students celebrate their Homecoming victory (below left) Senior football players with their parents (below) Conor Duffy ’22 leaps to make the catch

Stories quickly spread about how families had offered their homes to neighbors who’d suffered damage, or how a group of students had met up in Preston Hollow to help clean yards. had fared. Whose homes were damaged and who was in need of help? Stories quickly spread about how families had offered their homes to neighbors who’d suffered damage, or how a group of students had met up in Preston Hollow to help clean yards. For all of the touchdowns and cheering, this Homecoming was much more than a game. It was a chance for a community, rocked by a terrible disaster, to reconnect and begin to heal.

“There was a strong sense of sportsmanship amongst both teams as well as a great mutual respect for each other,” Sean said. “While it was a very competitive game, everyone realized that this difficult situation transcended sports. The big picture was that we needed to lean on each other to move forward. The positive attitude expressed on and off the field exemplifies the strength, character, and resilience on which Marksmen pride themselves.”

Photo by Lance Cpl. Niles Lee, US Marines St. Mark’s School of Texas

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Alumni News alumni programs

St. Mark’s proudly participated in its first annual National Day of Service for our Alumni Association in June. Six events aiding the homeless population took place across the country. These concurrent activities serving (above) Sam Libby ’13 in New York (above right) Eric Graffy ’11, Max Harris ’08, Andrew Haddad ’11, and Dr. Gabby Reed in Washington, D.C.

Regional Events

those in need were a great opportunity to fulfill a

Community members, alumni, and faculty

lifelong commitment to servant leadership and

reconnect with the School and one another

make a difference in our communities and across

at regional events each year. For the events

the nation.

throughout central Texas, Paul Mlakar, Director of Academic Information Systems & Scheduler,

“As one St. Mark’s community, we united for

and Lynne Weber Schwartz, Trustee Master

the benefit of cities nationwide,” said Reid

Teacher Chair in Humanities, traveled with

McGlamery ’96, who chairs the Alumni

the Alumni Office for September gatherings

Association’s Los Angeles Regional Club.

in Austin, Houston, and College Station. Next,

“It demonstrates that community service is a

Eugene McDermott Headmaster David W. Dini

practice that enlightens us and serves a higher

joined the Alumni Team on the East Coast in

purpose, regardless of geographic bounds.”

October 2019, hosting more than 100 alumni at events in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Alumni enjoyed reuniting with beloved faculty members Jorge Correa, Spanish teacher and Director of Community Service, Dr. Gabby Reed, Lower and Middle School Counselor, and Mark Sullivan, Director of Physical and Experiential Education.

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Alumni News

Young Alumni The Young Alumni Community Service Event took place in August at Austin Street Center in Dallas, where a hot meal was served, with an enjoyable, upbeat atmosphere thanks to the evening’s D.J., Korey Mack ’00. Each year, McDonald’s graciously agrees to donate 500 meals, continuing the support made possible in part by the School’s efforts during McDonald’s Week. Additionally, snack bags were also distributed to help those in attendance for the days following the event.

Engaging our Young Alumni continues to be a priority for the Alumni Board, specifically through events designed for graduates from the previous 15 years. The annual Young Alumni Holiday Party, held at H.G. Supply during the Thanksgiving break, provided an opportunity for alumni from the Classes of 2010 through 2019 to celebrate the holidays and catch up with one another.

Leveraging the Marksman Network

(above left) Chance Cooley ’16 in Austin

St. Mark’s alumni are fortunate to have the powerful Marksman Network as an available resource. The Student Alumni Association sponsored the annual Networking Discussion in November, giving an inquisitive audience of Upper

(above) Toby Roosevelt ’81 greets Brent Jackson ’93 at the Alumni Holiday Luncheon

School students time with 11 alumni mentors who returned to campus to share their professional experiences. Representing a range of fields, including technology and entrepreneurship, healthcare and medicine, law and government, and business and finance, the returning Marksmen facilitated roundtable discussions and answered students’ questions.

December’s Annual Alumni Holiday Luncheon at Arlington Hall provided the more than 100 Dallas alumni in attendance an enjoyable time of fellowship and a holiday meal. Camp Collins ’20 sang a seasonal selection and reflected on St. Mark’s students’ demonstrations of altruism and service to communities in our area affected by the October 20, 2019 tornado.

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Alumni News

alumni programs

(clockwise from top) Mark Weisberg ’19 Paul Genender ’87 Shane Ndeda ’19 CJ Crawford ’19

College-Age Marksmen College-age alumni benefit from opportunities designed for networking with their peers through The College Ambassador Program. Established by the Alumni Board’s Mentor and Networking Committee, the four-year-old program helps recent St. Mark’s graduates connect with more senior Marksmen on their campuses as they transition to college life.

This year, 30 College Ambassadors at 25 schools across the country are striving to keep ties to St. Mark’s strong with their outreach and mentorship efforts.

In December, Marksmen who were home for the Christmas break met on campus for the annual College-Age Marksman Day, reconnecting with classmates and taking a look at the campus just weeks after the October tornado.

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ST. MARK’S STUDENT STORE Located in the Alumni Commons across from the Great Hall

CAN’T MAKE IT TO CAMPUS? Order from the Student Store by phone at 214-346-8185.

Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

(Closed School Holidays)

Spotlight

As the boy explained, he earned an allowance for doing chores around the house. His parents taught him to keep a third, save a third, and donate a third of his allowance money to any cause or organization he chose. The boy shared how sad he had felt seeing the destruction caused by the October 2019 tornado. Then he handed Jim Bob a check and said, “To help our School.”

This fifth-grader’s story is just one of many among a School that banded together following the October 2019 tornado. At the St. Mark’s Homecoming games, held just five days after the storm, community

The St. Mark’s fifth-grader had something important on his mind when he walked into the Nearburg Hall office of

members sported blue pins declaring “St. Mark’s Strong.” It was also at Homecoming where many families saw one another for the first time since the

St. Mark’s Director of Development, and Jim Bob Womack ’98

storm and shared stories from that night – stories

was happy to take the meeting.

like the Genender family’s.

Just two blocks from campus, Wendy and Paul

As the two sat down, the heavy rumble of diesel

Genender ’87 were at home watching the Dallas

engines could be felt through the floor as a pair of

Cowboys game on October 20. Around halftime,

excavators demolished Hicks Gym. This mixed with

their power went out and their phones began

the warning tones of a forklift backing up in the

buzzing with tornado warnings. They quickly woke

Quad, carrying away another load of damaged roof.

their three children, Lucy, Jack ’21, and George ’23,

And right outside Jim Bob’s window, roofers were

and took cover in the kitchen pantry.

carefully navigating the glass pergola, repairing Nearburg’s roof. It was a fitting setting for what the fifth-grader wanted to discuss.

“We were not in the pantry for a minute before we heard glass shatter and lots of crashing sounds outside,” said Paul, who also serves as President

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

Spotlight

of the St. Mark’s Alumni Association. “When the tornado passed, we opened the pantry and our kitchen was covered in broken glass. I consider it a miracle that no one was hurt or killed along the path of the storms.”

Without power, the family waited until morning to survey the damage. Most of their windows were shattered, water poured through holes in the roof, and a giant tree had fallen onto the side of their house. While the Genenders’ home was uninhabitable, another St. Mark’s family helped them relocate to a nearby rental house. Days later, as the Genenders returned to gather belongings from their home, they were met by a group of St. Mark’s seniors passing out supplies and offering their help.

Throughout their ordeal, Paul and Wendy were inspired by the strength shown by their children and classmates. “In addition to everything else, Jack also had another challenge: He was the stage manager of the fall musical, 1776, which was set to open right after the storm. He and his classmates banded together, and the show did go on. It was an early example of ‘St. Mark’s Strong’ for us.”

Even as Paul and Wendy grappled with the damage

To help the School recover as quickly as possible,

to their family home, they were also stunned by the

the Genenders more than doubled their pledge to

damage sustained at their “second home” — 10600

the St. Mark’s Fund.

Preston Road.

This is a sentiment and a response that was felt “This School has done so much for me and my older

across the St. Mark’s community following the

brothers, and now for my sons,” Paul said. “It is

storm. Seeing the photos of devastation spread

a second home in many ways. We had a natural

on social media, Katherine Rogers Roberts was

inclination to help a place which has been so

heartbroken for St. Mark’s. For generations, the

important to us. It was like helping a family

Rogers Family has been deeply intertwined with

member or a dear friend.”

the School. Her grandfather, Ralph B. Rogers, was a longtime supporter of the School and served as President of St. Mark’s Board of Trustees

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Spotlight

“We knew the damage to the trees and landscaping wouldn’t be covered by insurance,” Katherine said. “We knew the School needed help and we were thrilled to offer our help. I loved volunteering with the Parents’ Association and on the Board of Trustees, and giving back is an important part of any successful and happy life. Giving back to St. Mark’s warms my heart.”

Members of the Rogers family were some of the first community members to make a gift to support tornado recovery.

In addition to landscaping and the more than 250 trees that were destroyed, St. Mark’s faces many other expenses that go beyond what insurance will ultimately cover. Thanks to careful contingency planning, the School was able to cover immediate costs, including the herculean task of clearing and reopening campus in just 10 days. And luckily, the School has seen an outpouring of support. As images of the damage began circulating online and in the news, St. Mark’s received hundreds of calls from community members across the world, offering their solidarity and asking “How can we help?” In response, the School encouraged gifts to the St. Mark’s Fund, the School’s annual fundraising priority. Though the tornado happened months ago, the damage is still being assessed and from 1960–1964. Katherine and her family have

the recovery provided by insurance is still being

followed in his footsteps as dedicated members

determined. Due to their unrestricted nature, gifts

of the School community. She served for years on

to the St. Mark’s Fund provide the School with

the Parents’ Association, including as President,

maximum flexibility in tackling needs that directly

and on the Board of Trustees. Her father Dick ’58,

affect our boys.

her husband William ’88, and her son Henry ’17 are Marksmen, as well as many of her extended

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“It was important to us to support St. Mark’s in any

family. And, as the owner of a real estate company,

way we could,” Paul said. “And I knew that the

Katherine understood the storm’s lasting

St. Mark’s Fund is the means through which we can

financial impact.

help the rebuilding process.”

St. Mark’s School of Texas

Do you

St. Mark’s?

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for all of the latest news, photos, and videos.

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“EVER GREATER

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MAY YOU RISE...”

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

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“IT’S HICKS GYM,” DANIEL REPLIED. “ALSO, MY TRUCK IS UPSIDE DOWN ON THE TENNIS COURTS.”

TORNADO RECOVERY EFFORTS ON CAMPUS St. Mark’s security team member Daniel Mauch

hour cut a path directly across the campus’s north

was one brick wall away from Hicks Gym on the

side. Incredibly, no deaths or severe injuries were

night a tornado hit campus. When the tornado

reported as a result of the storm.

sirens rang out on the evening of Sunday, October 20, 2019, Daniel took cover in the Security and

As the sun rose over campus the following morning,

Maintenance Office, inside the Hicks Family

it was difficult to process the devastation left

Athletic Center.

behind. The Hicks Family Athletic Center was a complete loss. The copper roofs of the Chapel,

“It only took a few moments,” Daniel recalled in an

Decherd Auditorium, Nearburg Hall, and the Fine

interview with The ReMarker student newspaper.

Arts wing had been sheared off and tossed around

“But it sounded like a huge train was going through

campus. Light streamed through a hole in the roof

the gym.”

of Decherd Auditorium. Water was leaking into the

After the storm passed, Daniel carefully emerged

Development & Alumni Relations. The fences and

and surveyed the scene. He called his boss,

athletic facilities bordering campus were severely

St. Mark’s Director of Security Dale Hackbarth, and

damaged. More than 250 trees were lost.

second floor of Nearburg Hall, soaking the Office of

reported, “I think we have some property damage.”

When Dale Hackbarth arrived on campus, he knew Dale asked for a photo and received what looked

that the coming days would be all-hands-on-deck

like a grainy image of an open airplane hangar.

for the Security Team. With Daniel’s truck still lying

Dale asked, “What am I looking at?”

on the tennis courts, Dale offered him a ride home.

But Daniel had already rented a car and assured

“It’s Hicks Gym,” Daniel replied. “Also, my truck is upside down on the tennis courts.”

Dale that he would be available whenever needed.

His reaction was indicative of the community’s response; the tornado may have damaged

That evening, an outbreak of tornadoes devastated

buildings, but the spirit of St. Mark’s remained

a wide swath of North Texas. Hundreds of homes

stronger than ever.

and businesses throughout Preston Hollow were damaged or destroyed. At 10600 Preston Road, an EF-3 tornado with winds up to 165 miles per

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“WE ARE BLESSED TO BE IN SUCH A STRONG COMMUNITY THAT STICKS TOGETHER IN GOOD TIMES AND BAD.”

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FAMILIES REACHED OUT TO ONE ANOTHER, OFFERING SUPPORT. BOYS GATHERED TO HELP FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND NEIGHBORS. (above) The scene on campus the morning after the tornado (opposite) St. Mark’s raises the American flag for the first time after the storm

In the days immediately following the tornado,

These men and women worked around the clock

Eugene McDermott Headmaster David Dini

alongside St. Mark’s own security and physical

put forth a simple mandate: Get the campus

plant teams to restore power, clear debris, patch

operational and safe enough for the boys to return.

windows, dry out rooms, and prepare for the resumption of school. Little by little, life began to

“The coming days, weeks, and months will certainly

return to St. Mark’s.

be challenging as we work together to get back to full strength, but we are blessed to be in such

In the meantime, with Preston Road closed and

a strong community that sticks together in good

campus inaccessible, students and teachers

times and bad,” David said in a message to

were warned to stay away. Even without a school,

the community.

the St. Mark’s community sprang into action.

Families reached out to one another, offering their

Hours after the tornado struck, an army of

support. Boys gathered to help friends, family,

contractors and workers descended on campus,

and neighbors.

including representatives from the Beck Group, Knight Restoration Services, RLG Engineers, Texas

A special section of The ReMarker’s November 2019

Roof Management, Wilcoxson Landscape, Alden

issue collected a handful of the incredible stories

Organ, Southern Botanical, Axxys Technologies,

following the tornado. Lars Ochs ’21 recalled

Paragon Sports Group, USI Southwest, The

waking up to find his home’s driveway and doors

Hartford, Dallas Police and Fire, and Oncor.

blocked by fallen trees. “Our grade reps reached out asking if anyone needed help. The next day,

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“MARKSMEN MADE SURE TO DO THEIR BEST TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR GREATER COMMUNITY.”

(above) Students and faculty pose with Stephen Butt, (4th from left) President of H-E-B’s Central Market division, at the H-E-B Mobile Kitchen at the Preston-Royal Shopping Center (above right) The Class of 2024 delivers snacks to the workers cleaning campus

everyone showed up ready to help out.” In just

When H-E-B’s Mobile Kitchen arrived at Preston-

four hours, a team of St. Mark’s students, parents,

Royal, Marksmen showed up to help pass out

and teachers was able to clear the Ochs’ yard. “It

meals. Nick Kowalske ’20 used his truck to

makes me feel really good because of how tight our

distribute food from the Mobile Kitchen into the

brotherhood is and how our community was so

neighborhood, handing out breakfast and lunch to

eager to help the people in need.”

residents and workers.

This episode was repeated in dozens of ways across Dallas, among members of the St. Mark’s

“The tornado was pretty close to my house and just seeing the impact it had was really powerful,” Nick

community and beyond. Students whose homes

said. “I wanted to do anything I could to get out

were damaged stayed with classmates. Lower

and make a difference.”

School Administrative Assistant Kathy Mallick and her son Will ’20 hosted six other Marksmen at their

Meanwhile, crews made incredible progress

home. Boys living near campus gathered at the

bringing campus back up to an operational state.

Headmaster’s residence, which was turned into a

Nine days after the tornado hit, Preston Road was

neighborhood response site with food, supplies,

reopened, and faculty and staff returned for a brief

and generator power.

meeting on campus. The following day, Marksmen donned their uniforms for the first time in nearly

“We were cognizant that others in our community needed help and so we began our outreach to other

two weeks as St. Mark’s officially reopened. The day began with an all-school assembly in Spencer Gym.

communities,” Sam Ahmed ’20 said. “Thousands of other homes across the Dallas area were destroyed, and Marksmen made sure to do their best to take

“I can’t tell you how grateful I am to see each and every one of you this morning,” David Dini said at

care of their greater community.”

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the assembly. “I am so proud of the strength of our

competition-level gym for basketball. The Chapel

community and how all of you have pulled together,

was reopened in time for the Evensong service

supporting your neighbors, your friends, and those

on November 3, 2019, although the Roosevelt

in need. I am excited for the rest of this year and

Family Organ sustained extensive water damage.

know it will be filled with more opportunities for all

It will have to be dismantled and shipped back

of you to be your best selves.”

to the Létourneau Organs workshop in Canada

(above) Workers begin re-bricking the north side of the Chapel

for restoration. Throughout the holiday season, Student Council President Taylor Hopkin ’20

scaffolding rose around the Chapel and Fine Arts

praised his classmates for their unity and

Wing as crews rebricked the walls. Roofers have

selflessness. “There have been so many examples

been busy atop both buildings, as well as Nearburg

of people wanting to help and make a difference.

Hall, installing new copper roofs. The roofs of

We need to keep up this same spirit going forward.

the Great Hall, Green Library, Lower School,

Keep reaching out to one another and asking how

Spencer Gymnasium, and McDermott-Green

you can make a difference, not just to the people

Science Building will also need repairs in the

in our community, but across Dallas. That’s what it

coming months.

means to be a Marksman.”

The Winn Science Center became a crucial In many ways, students, teachers, staff, and parents

space on campus, hosting class meetings, faculty

returned to their daily routines on campus. The

gatherings, and even drama rehearsals and

short-term problems left in the storm’s aftermath

performances as Decherd Auditorium and the

have been addressed. Thanks in large part to our

Black Box underwent repairs. Exactly two months

fellow SPC schools, athletic practices and games

after the tornado struck, campus closed for

continued mostly uninterrupted. In November,

Christmas Break and demolition crews carefully

Spencer Gym was renovated to become a

dismantled the Hicks Athletic Center. Across

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(below and opposite) Workers repair and replace the walls and roof of the Fine Arts building

campus, the School’s physical plant team, with the help of the Beck Group and many other service providers, have a long laundry list of repairs and replacements, from light fixtures to broken windows. For the foreseeable future, St. Mark’s will continue to be a construction zone.

As for the long-term effects, St. Mark’s was already in the process of reviewing its campus master plan

REPAIRS AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE ONGOING AS THE SCHOOL SEEKS TO PROVIDE STUDENTS THE BEST POSSIBILE FACILITIES IN WHICH TO THRIVE.

as dictated by the latest iteration of the School’s strategic plan, Goals for St. Mark’s IV. The School’s consultant Jeff Blanchard visited campus several

St. Mark’s will continue grappling with the

times prior to the tornado and has made numerous

tornado’s many impacts for years to come. Repairs

visits since. With his input, the administration and

and construction will be ongoing as the School

Board of Trustees are taking a fresh look at campus

seeks to provide students the best possible

and weighing all of the programmatic needs and

facilities in which to thrive. But the October 2019

opportunities as we rebuild for the future.

tornado made one thing very clear: The St. Mark’s community is stronger than ever.

“There was always a sense of confidence that we had the right people, the right team, the right resources, and the strength of community that we were going to get back quickly, and that’s really affirming to try to be thoughtful and deliberate and not lose sight of what our core objectives were,” David Dini told The ReMarker. “We all felt a collective sense of responsibility to our mission as a School, our history, the future and all of you guys to do everything in our power to get us fully back on our feet and get going.”

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The average Marksman has a lot on his mind: homework, labs, class meetings, club meetings, and after-school practices, just to name a few. St. Mark’s teachers are no less busy, constantly thinking about lesson plans, classroom activities, assignment and test schedules, co-curricular duties, and so much more. Added together, these details comprise a large portion of the St. Mark’s experience. And behind it all, driving the decisions of students, teachers, and administrators, is something few ever pause to consider: the daily schedule.

Features

(above) Head of Lower School Sherri Darver discusses the schedule and answers questions during one of the parent information sessions

For any school, the daily schedule is the framework

daily schedule several years ago. The question was

upon which everything is built. The schedule

simple: How can we make it even better? In 1984,

determines how many classes a school can offer,

the School made a formal schedule review part of

how students will interact with co-curricular

its first strategic plan, Goals for St. Mark’s I, and

activities, how teachers prepare their daily lessons,

identified the need to “appoint a group to study

and the amount of work students complete during

the daily schedule.” This continued to be a priority

and after class. The schedule also reflects a school’s

in later iterations. Goals for St. Mark’s III (2002)

belief in the best way to educate its students. For

recommended that the School “regularly review the

decades, the St. Mark’s school year has been

master schedule to reduce obstacles to a student’s

divided into three trimesters, with each day split

preferred choice of courses and activities.”

into nine periods. And for decades, this schedule has served the School well. But, as the nature of

In 2017, the latest iteration of the School’s strategic

education and our understanding of adolescent

plan, Goals for St. Mark’s IV, elevated the priority of

minds have evolved over the decades, it became

the schedule review and specifically recommended

clear that there was untapped potential hidden in

that the School “explore, design, and implement a

the school day. And, as the schedule is so deeply

daily schedule that better addresses the evolving

ingrained in daily life on campus, any changes or

needs of students and faculty.” Goals IV went

alterations would have to be made with the most

on to recommend that the School conduct a

careful consideration.

comprehensive schedule review, investigate new models, and ensure a smooth transition for the

“We knew that a schedule review was something

community. Later that year, the Reaccreditation

to which we needed to devote the appropriate

Visiting Committee from the Independent School

time and resources,” said Eugene McDermott

Association of the Southwest applauded St. Mark’s

Headmaster David W. Dini. “Time is finite, and

efforts, calling the schedule review “both laudable

we have to figure out how to make the most out of

and necessary.” Their final report “wholeheartedly

every minute we have with the boys each day.”

recommend[ed] careful analysis of the different ways that students, faculty, and staff use structured

Always looking to innovate and improve,

and unstructured time.”

St. Mark’s began to review the effectiveness of the

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“There isn’t a daily schedule that we could just take off the shelf and pop into St. Mark’s,” said Paul Mlakar, Director of Academic Information Systems.

“St. Mark’s is a unique school. So, we had to create something from scratch that worked for us.”

The Committee visited peer schools, all of which subscribe to different types of schedules. St. Mark’s dedicated several in-service days exclusively to the schedule, holding meetings with the full faculty and then drilling down to the details in department and divisional meetings.

“We worked in cross-departmental and crossdivisional groups and discussed all we do with the boys in a given school day,” said Associate

“There isn’t a daily schedule that we could just take off the

Headmaster John Ashton. “We thought about

shelf and pop into St. Mark’s,” said Paul Mlakar, Director

what we like about the current schedule and

of Academic Information Systems. “St. Mark’s is a unique

what we would like to be able to do that we currently cannot.”

school. So we had to create something from scratch that Ultimately, the Schedule Review Committee

worked for us.”

committed to four guiding principles: (above) Paul Mlakar shares details of the schedule with faculty members during an in-service day

Same Mission. Greater Possibilities.

•

Sustain strength and quality of current program

Over the past few years, St. Mark’s has been hard at work, reviewing and revising the schedule.

•

Enhance student health and well-being

The School formed a Schedule Review Committee

•

Improve alignment and collaboration opportunities across campus

comprising the Headmaster, Division Heads, Department Chairs, and the Director of Academic Information Systems. The Committee

•

Increase flexibility to better accommodate current and future programs

partnered with Independent School Management (ISM), a consulting firm that specializes in

And, of course, the entire process was guided by

scheduling. ISM’s President and Senior Consultant

the School’s singular mission: teaching Marksmen

Roxanne Higgins visited campus several times,

to thrive.

meeting with faculty, students, and administrators to learn how people interacted in the existing

“This has been a mission-driven process

schedule and what new opportunities could

since day one,” said David Dini. “This entire

be possible.

discussion about the daily schedule has continuously rotated back to our mission, how we get better as a school, and how we strengthen the boys’ complete development.”

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FACULTY MEMBERS ON THE SCHEDULE STEERING COMMITTEE

62

NUMBER OF MEETINGS

BY THE REVIEW COMMITTEE OVER THE PAST 3 YEARS

The result of years of research and hundreds of

Soon after the schedule announcement in

hours of planning and input from community

February, an editorial in The ReMarker encouraged

members is a schedule that meets all four of

students to “Embrace the Change,” adding “Change

the guiding principles and will provide new

can be hard. We recognize that. But eventually the

possibilities for the education of Marksmen.

change will become routine, and when it does, we will all emerge on the other side better off realizing

With the new schedule ready, the School is moving

that this change reflects only the best of intention.”

12

NUMBER OF NEW ONE-SEMESTER CLASS OFFERINGS

to the next step laid out in Goals IV: “Ensure a smooth transition for students, faculty, and parents

Learn more about the daily schedule by visiting

to the daily schedule.” St. Mark’s formally unveiled

www.smtexas.org/Schedule.

the new daily schedule in February 2020 and launched a webpage with resources to help parents, students, faculty, and staff understand the changes.

6

Throughout February and March, the School hosted Parent Information Sessions, where division

NUMBER OF IN-SERVICE DAYS DEDICATED TO DISCUSSING NEW SCHEDULE WITH FACULTY

heads walked parents through the new schedule’s features and benefits and fielded questions.

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Remarks 1957 In June 2019, JOHN BEHRENS ’57 published his first fictional

designed and works in cooperation with Dallas-Fort Worth

thriller titled, This Picture Doesn’t Hang Straight, the first of a

area pediatric hospitals, community volunteers, and health

planned trilogy written under the pen name Adrian Vogt. John

organizations to offer high-quality camping experiences to

and his wife, Alicia, live in Vero Beach, Florida.

kids living with chronic medical and physical challenges such as cancer, spina bifida, and kidney disease, among others.

1967

Corey has been involved with Camp John Marc for more than

BENNETT CULLUM ’67 has been named to the 2020 “Best

25 years as have several other Marksmen, including previous

Lawyers in America” list by the peer review publication Best

Board Chairman LEY WAGGONER ’64, BRUCE EPSTEIN ’77,

Lawyers. Bennett, who fulfills an Of Counsel role with Bell

DOUG MANKOFF ’81, DR. MARK EPSTEIN ’82, and STEVE

Nunnally, was selected for this honor in the area of trusts and

BENENSON ’83. STEVE BERGER ’81 has promoted one of

estates law.

the major fundraisers for Camp John Marc on behalf of CBRE.

The land donated for the site of Camp John Marc came from After six years of research and writing, FRANK ST. CLAIRE ’67

Marc and Jan Myers, parents of John Marc Myers and RUSSELL

has published his debut novel, Torch: Based Upon a True Story.

MYERS ’99.

The book is a true crime tale, the first of a planned trilogy.

Frank writes under the pen name Clark Shelton.

1975 | 45th Reunion

1983 Kansas City Chiefs Chairman and CEO CLARK HUNT ’83 accepted the Vince Lombardi Trophy on behalf of his team at

ROBERT ZORN ’75 delivered the keynote speech at the 100-

Super Bowl LIV in February 2020. Clark was joined on stage by

year anniversary celebration of the founding of the Treasury

his mother, Norma Hunt, who has attended every Super Bowl

Department’s investigative unit in Washington, D.C., on

since its inception. Two weeks earlier when the Chiefs were

September 21, 2019. Robert is the author of Cemetery John,

victorious in the AFC Championship game, the Hunt family

which tells the story of how his 15-year-old father inadvertently

accepted the Lamar Hunt Trophy, named in honor of the family’s

witnessed two of his neighbors planning the crime with the man

patriarch. Lamar served as a member of the Board of Trustees

who ultimately got caught. He is currently collaborating with

from 1972 to 1999 and was appointed as a Life Trustee in 1999.

CHUCK HELMS ’76 on a biography of former St. Mark’s fencing

LAMAR HUNT, JR. ’75 is celebrating his 45th reunion and

master and World War II hero Daniel Nevot.

leading the effort for class engagement. DAN HUNT ’96 serves as

1981

President of FC Dallas and Vice President of Hunt Sports Group and is a member of the St. Mark’s Board of Trustees. Clark and

KEN HERSH ’81 is the 2019 recipient of the Henry Cohn

his wife, Tavia, have three children, Gracie, KNOBEL ’21,

Humanitarian Award, presented by the Texoma Regional Board

and Ava.

of the Anti-Defamation League. Ken was honored in recognition and appreciation of his distinguished service and inspiring

1984

leadership in preserving liberty, counteracting bigotry, and

HARRY LYNCH ’84, managing director at Arcos Films,

advancing the cause of human rights, dignity, and

produced, wrote, and directed Now Hear This, a documentary

equal opportunity.

miniseries airing on PBS. Hosted by acclaimed conductor and violinist Scott Yoo, the series merges music, storytelling, travel,

In January 2019, COREY LADD ’81 was elected Chairman of

and culture, with the goal of building a new generation of

the Board for Camp John Marc. This Camp has been uniquely

classical music listeners and giving existing fans new ways to love their music.

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Class Notes

VICTOR VESCOVO ’84 and his diving team visited the wreckage of the Titanic in August 2019, the first expedition to the site in 14 years. They found the detrimental effect that salt corrosion,

1995 | 25th Reunion

metal-eating bacteria, and deep current action are having on

Jacquelin Sewell Atkinson and WILLIAM ATKINSON ’95 are

the vessel. An upcoming Discovery Channel documentary will

proud to announce the birth of Henrietta Hunter Atkinson on

detail their findings from this and other dives comprising their

June 19, 2019. The Atkinson family lives in Dallas. Henrietta is the

completed Five Deeps Expedition. Victor has now become the

granddaughter of CARL SEWELL ’61 and the niece of J. CARL

first person to dive to the deepest point of all five of the world’s

SEWELL III ’02.

oceans. Victor has also been named the 2020 Distinguished Alumnus Award recipient and the Commencement speaker for

Tara and MOOD ROWGHANI ’95 were married at Villa Sevillano

the Class of 2020.

in Santa Barbara, California on June 8, 2019. The groom’s brother ALI ROWGHANI ’91, as well as VISHAL BANTHIA ’91, BILL

1990 | 30th Reunion

MICHAEL ’95, and FRY WERNICK ’95 were all present for the

LUKE WILSON ’90 will star in 12 Mighty Orphans, a drama

joyous occasion.

based on the true story of a group of Fort Worth orphans who

compete for the state football championship and rally a nation

After serving 11 years as a federal prosecutor and Assistant

broken by the Great Depression. Luke will play Coach Rusty

Chief of DOJ’s Criminal Fraud Section, EPHRAIM (FRY)

Russell in the Ty Roberts-directed movie filming in Fort Worth.

WERNICK ’95 joined the Washington, D.C., office of Vinson & Elkins LLP to become a Partner in the firm’s government

1994

investigations and white collar criminal defense group.

MARK LEVY ’94 and his wife Kayna happily added Anita Rose

Fry and his wife Lea are also happy to announce the birth of

to their family on October 11, 2019. The Levys live in Austin,

their third child. Elijah Wickham “Wick” Wernick was born on

Texas, where Mark is the Assistant Attorney General, Financial

November 4, 2019, and he checked in at a healthy 10 lbs., 12 oz.

Litigation and Charitable Trusts Division.

Wick joins older brothers Jacob (5) and Jonathan (3).

Bennett Cullum ’67 Clark Hunt ’83 and his family Anita Rose Levy St. Mark’s School of Texas

Henrietta Hunter Atkinson Tara and Mood Rowghani ’95 Elijah Wickham “Wick” Wernick

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1997

1998

BEN KUSIN ’97 has co-founded The Video Game Entertainment

Catey Mark and KEVIN MEYERS ’98 were married at Union

& News Network, aiming to build the MTV of gaming. The

Station in Dallas on October 5, 2019. The newlyweds call New

venture, set to launch in 2020 with live studios in New York and

York City home, where Kevin manages First Haven Capital, a

Los Angeles, will broadcast 24/7 with original gaming-focused

part of Turtle Creek Investment Advisors.

content on video platforms like Twitch and YouTube.

GEORGE STIFF ’98 and his wife Isabel welcomed their first JEREMY STEWART ’97 and his wife Lila, founders of Hari Mari,

child, Orión, in September 2019. The family lives near the Black

the Texas-based premium flip flop company, were the subject of

Forest in Germany, where George continues his work of many

a feature in the September issue of Texas Monthly. The Stewarts

years helping cities across Europe to become more sustainable

and Hari Mari donate one percent of sales to treatment costs for

and climate-friendly.

children with cancer. The couple lives in Dallas with their two children.

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Orión Stiff Miraya Jain Vaidya Jack Muse Aly and Brandon Phillips ’01 with Miller Lee and Sophia Belle Barrett Wesley Bagot Rocky Muse

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2000

2002

DAVID OWEN ’00 has been awarded the professional insurance

STERLING BARNETT ’02 was promoted to Chief Operating

designation Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU®)

Officer at Solve, a venture-backed startup that makes interactive

by The Institutes. The Institutes are an educational organization

murder-mystery content. Sterling lives in Santa Monica,

that confers the CPCU designation on those who complete

California with his wife, Amy Paliobeis, and daughter.

eight rigorous courses and examinations and meet its ethics and experience requirements. In addition, Risk & Insurance

ED CHAO ’02 is the founder of Hoop Club, a two-year-old

Magazine named David a 2019 Power Broker for providing

startup that facilitates organized pickup basketball games in the

outstanding service and counsel to clients. David is a Senior Vice

Dallas area. More than 1,100 people have already signed up for

President with Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in Dallas.

the service, playing games at various local recreation centers with the benefit of a scorekeeper and player ratings to even out

TONY RUGGERI ’00 and JAKE WAGNER ’00, co-CEOs of

competition and reduce drama. Each session is capped at 15

Republic Property Group, were featured in an August 2019 D

players so participants never wait more than one game.

CEO article detailing RPG’s move to a new headquarters in downtown Dallas. The firm is known for its innovative real estate

Jill and BRYAN MONIER ’02 welcomed Madison “Maddy” Anne

developments focusing on a quality lifestyle and environment for

on June 13, 2019. Bryan is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in

residents.

the foot and ankle, and the family lives in Stowe, Vermont.

Purva and PARAG VAIDYA ’00 are excited to announce the birth

2003

of their second baby girl, Miraya Jain. Miraya arrived on June 21,

DREW BAGOT ’03 and his wife Christine welcomed their first

2019, weighing 6 lbs., 14 oz. and 21 inches long, and joins big

baby, Barrett Wesley, into the world on January 2, 2019. Barrett

sister Amalia. The Vaidya family lives in Dallas where Parag is the

weighed 7 lbs., 5 oz. and measured 19 ½ inches long. The family

co-founder of Pratiksha Jewelry.

resides in Austin, Texas, where Drew is Managing Partner at

2001

Calidant Capital.

ALAN COHEN ’01 has been named co-chair of Dallas Mayor

Danielle and BEN HUGHES ’03 welcomed William Hart on

Eric Johnson’s new Task Force on Safe Communities, which aims

June 14, 2019. William weighed 7 lbs. and 5 oz. The happy family

to utilize a data-driven approach to stem the tide of increased

just moved back home to Dallas where Ben works for Sky

violence in the city. Alan also heads up the nonprofit Child

Island Capital.

Poverty Action Lab, and was the keynote speaker at the Senior Leadership Dinner at St. Mark’s on November 18, 2019.

TAYLOR JENKINS ’03 was named the Head Coach of the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies in June 2019. Taylor, Chantall, and family

Jessica and MICHAEL MUSE ’01 welcomed baby Jack on June

relocated from Wisconsin where Taylor was working with the

28, 2019. Weighing in at 9 lbs., 6 oz. and 21 inches in length, Jack

Milwaukee Bucks. Taylor was also previously employed with

joins sister Molly in the growing family that now calls Dallas

the Atlanta Hawks, the San Antonio Spurs and their affiliate, the

home, having recently relocated from New York City.

Austin Toros.

Aly and BRANDON PHILLIPS ’01 welcomed Miller Lee and

TYLER MUSE ’03 and his wife Mallory joyfully announce the

Sophia Belle to the world on August 12, 2019. The twins and their

birth of their son, Rocky, on May 21, 2019. The family recently

proud parents live in Austin, Texas, where Brandon is employed

moved back to Dallas. Tyler is CEO and Founder of Lingo Live, a

at Expedia Group.

company that provides personal, online language coaching for people in the workplace.

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CHASE PARK ’03, his wife Naya, and daughter Claire were

Army, during which he served as a Green Beret and conducted

overjoyed at Hope Autumn’s arrival on October 16, 2019. Chase

special operations missions. He looks forward to studying

works as Director of Finance for Highland Park ISD, and the

mathematics in UChicago’s environment of rigorous inquiry.

family lives in Irving.

2004

Megan McCaslin and JOHN STATHAS ’05 were joined in marriage on September 1, 2019. The ceremony was held at Deer

STEVE AHN ’04 married Laura Chah on August 24, 2019 in

Creek Valley Ranch in Bailey, Colorado. The couple lives in

Tarrytown, New York. Present for the celebration were fellow

Denver.

Marksmen DANIEL BURKE ’04, MATT CHAO ’04, JOHN LIN ’04, and HOWARD CHANG ’05. The newlyweds reside in the

2006

New York City area, where Steve is an Associate with Sidley

Elizabeth and CASE MARTIN ’06 welcomed daughter Mila

Austin LLP.

on August 26, 2019. The Martins reside in San Antonio, Texas.

Elizabeth is completing her last year of obstetrics and gynecology

Amy and BRENTON ARMSTRONG ’04 happily welcomed

residency and Case is nearing the end of his orthopaedic surgery

Brenton James on May 9, 2019. Their son weighed 7 lbs., 14 oz.

residency with plans to apply to orthopaedic trauma fellowships.

and was 20 ½ inches in length. Brenton is a urologist at HMU in the greater Houston, Texas area.

Shannon and ZACH WALKER ’06 welcomed Jack Eli on July 8, Christy and ALEX ESHELBRENNER ’04 were blessed with twins

2019. Jack weighed 7 lbs., 3 oz. and was 20 ½ inches long. The

on October 3, 2019. Olivia Leigh weighed 5 lbs., 8 oz. and Blake

Walker family lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where Zach

William came in at 6 lbs., 12 oz. Alex is in his sixth year at St.

works for Northwestern Mutual.

Mark’s where he serves as Ahlberg Ribman Family Director of Alumni Relations.

2007

NICK MONIER ’04 was selected to join the Teach for America

Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Sam and his wife Ngozi have three

DFW Alumni Board. Nick worked as a Teach for America Corps

children.

SAM ACHO ’07 recently signed a one-year contract with the

member in New York City from 2008 to 2010, teaching fourth and fifth grade special education in the South Bronx prior to

DASH CROWLEY ’07 married Sophia Coll on June 1, 2019,

attending law school. He is currently a Finance Associate in the

in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The couple lives in Dallas where

Dallas office of Haynes and Boone, LLP. In other news, Nick, his

Dash works in business development for Hunt Oil Company.

wife Julie, and their daughter Lilly welcomed William Charles to

Additional Marksmen in attendance were: NICK ENGLISH ’02,

the family on August 20, 2019.

BENTON BAGOT ’07, LUKE KLINE ’07, DANIEL

2005 | 5th Reunion

LAHRMAN ’07, GEORGE LAUINGER ’07, and HOLLIS MEYER ’07.

Heather and GRANT FRANKFURT ’05 welcomed Holland Sidney on May 30, 2019. She weighed 7 lbs. and 2 oz. and was 20

NICK HUMPHREY ’07, his wife Nina and proud big sister

inches long. The family resides in Dallas where Grant practices

Eleanor Rose announce the birth of their son and little brother,

criminal and family law at the Frankfurt Law Firm, PLLC.

Alvin Louis, on August 18, 2019. The Humphreys live in Hamburg, Germany.

ALEX KILBOURNE ’05 is attending the University of Chicago as

56

a Posse Veteran Scholar under a program supporting efforts to

MICKEY KNEZEVIC ’07 and his wife Veronica welcomed baby

recruit and enroll veterans and provide support to the school’s

Mia into their hearts on August 28, 2019. The family couldn’t be

military community. Alex was previously enlisted 10 years in the

happier!

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2008 J.B. SHARP ’08 accepted a new role as Manager, Strategy at

ERIC FRICK ’09 earned a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from

KPMG in Chicago, Illinois, the city he also calls home.

University of Iowa in December 2018. He previously graduated

2009

from Notre Dame with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 2013.

Eric has joined a startup biomotion company in Iowa.

BRIAN DOWNS ’09 has started working as an Associate at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, practicing in the firm’s capital

STEPHEN FRIEDBERG ’09 wed Brittany Clayton on June 15,

markets, mergers & acquisitions, and oil & gas groups. Brian lives

2019, in Houston, Texas. The bride and groom make their home

in Houston, Texas.

in the California Bay Area, where Stephen recently accepted a position with Google’s strategy group.

Christy and Alex Eshelbrenner ’04 with Olivia Leigh and Blake William Julie and Nick Monier ’04 with children Lillian and William John Stathas ’05 married Megan McCaslin Case Martin ’06 with daughter Mila Jack Eli Walker Mia Knezevic

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2010 | 10th Reunion PATRICK NELIGAN ’09 has joined Porter Novelli’s office in Washington, D.C. Patrick works as a Senior Account Executive at the public relations firm.

JARROD SPARKS ’09 wed Ali Browder on September 1, 2019, in Gunnison, Colorado. Fellow Marksmen DARREN ABBAS ’09, STEPHEN FRIEDBERG ’09, KEENAN GARRETT ’09, and KIRK HAYES ’09 were in the wedding party. Nuptial attendees included Marksmen SCOTT HEAPE ’68, BEAU FALGOUT ’09, JARRETT GRECO ’09, MARK KANE ’09, TYLER MOW ’09, DREW NICHOLAS ’09, and WHIT SHAW ’09. The couple lives

READE HUDDLESTON ’10 has started a position as Head of Production at Headframe Spirits in Butte, Montana. He previously helped launch Deep Ellum Distillery.

Molly and JEFF STETLER ’10 were married on September 7, 2019, at Belk Chapel at Queens University in Molly’s hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. Jeff’s brother, BRANDON STETLER ’13, served as best man. ARYA MEHRABANZAD ’10, ANDREW NGO ’10, and KARAN SAWLA ’10 were groomsmen, and MARK SENTER ’13 was an usher. The couple lives in Kansas City, Missouri, where Jeff is an ophthalmology resident.

in Midland, Texas, where Jarrod works as a Petroleum Engineer.

Jarrod Sparks ’09 married Ali Browder Molly and Jeff Stetler ’10 Luke Hudspeth ’15 and Drew Taylor ’16 Jeff Stephens Nora Kate Strange Ron Turner and Clark Hunt ’83

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2012 BROOKS JONES ’12 was promoted to Commercial Advisor at TenantBase, where he focuses on retail, office and industrial representation at the brokerage firm that assists tenants in finding and leasing office space. Brooks lives in Austin, Texas.

2014 VICTOR CALVILLO ’14 started a new position as Investment Banking Analyst at Credit Suisse. Victor lives in Houston.

2015 | 5th Reunion LUKE HUDSPETH ’15 and DREW TAYLOR ’16 recently met up at the IRA Rowing Championships in Lake Natoma, California, on June 2, 2019. Luke was rowing varsity for Dartmouth and Drew for Stanford.

2016 DAVIS MARSH ’16 has accepted an Analyst position with the

ANDREW WHIGHAM IV ’17 completed a summer 2019 UT Southwestern Medical Center internship he was awarded through the Emmett J. Conrad Leadership Program. Andrew assisted a team of simulation center technicians working with various medical professionals. He is a junior at the University of Miami, studying biomedical engineering.

2018 ZACH LANDRY ’18 earned a starting job at second base as a freshman on the Haverford College Baseball Team. He finished first on the team in both On Base Percentage (.371) and Hit by Pitch (13). A highlight this year came during a game where his coach won his 400th game and Zach went 4 for 4 and hit his first NCAA home run. Haverford made it to their conference championship this year but lost to the eventual champion Johns Hopkins.

economic consulting firm Analysis Group in Dallas. Davis is looking forward to starting at Analysis Group in the summer of 2020 following his graduation from UT Austin’s McCombs School of Business.

MITCHELL SO ’16, a senior mechanical engineering student at Stanford University, received the Albert Hettinger full academic scholarship for the current school year. In addition, he received

Staff/Faculty Notes Staff member JEFF STEPHENS earned bronze medals in the 50m, 100m freestyle and relay, and a silver medal in the butterfly at the State Special Olympics swim meet in College Station, Texas. Jeff thoroughly enjoyed his Special Olympics experience.

an invitation to the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, an honor given to the top 20% of senior engineering students.

2017 CHIRAG GOKANI ’17 and St. Mark’s Physics teacher Stephen Houpt released a new folk album entitled Light on the Mountain in September 2019. In addition to partnering to make music as a duo, Stephen and Chirag are members of the blues group Strictly Tablue, along with Tony Vintcent Fine Arts Department Chair Marion Glorioso-Kirby.

Faculty member CLAIRE STRANGE, her husband William, and daughter Nora Kate joyously welcomed daughter Anne Bryan on August 28, 2019. Claire teaches Latin and has worked at St. Mark’s since 2007.

On August 24, 2019, staff member RON TURNER enjoyed having the opportunity to work at the Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers preseason game, courtesy of CLARK HUNT ’83.

FRANK THOMAS ’17 is serving as Vice President of External Affairs this school year for the Duke University Union, Duke’s largest event programming and media body. Frank is a junior studying economics and public policy at Duke.

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in memoriam Community Members CAROLYN C. COTTEN, August 23, 2019, mother of Marvin C.

Cotten ’77 and Lary Cotten ’81.

RONALD J. ELLIOTT, August 16, 2019, grandfather of Luke “Buck”

Elliott ’21 and Drake H. Elliott ’22.

RICHARD T. GETTER, August 24, 2019, father of Kerry R.

Getter ’70 and Russell M. Getter ’74.

CHARLES S. GOLDBERG, February 13, 2019, grandfather of Henry

G. Goldberg ’16 and Owen D. Goldberg ’21, and father-in-law of Student Store Manager Nancy H. Goldberg.

Alumni PAUL J. BRET ’75, August 9, 2019, brother of William N. Bret III ’71

and John R. Bret ’73.

MURRAY C. CAVIN ’77, October 21, 2019.

SCOTT K. GORDON ’75, August 18, 2019, stepbrother of Paul B.

Geilich ’75.

JAMES W. HARRIS III ’64, October 5, 2019.

SARA E. HUDSON, August 19, 2019, daughter of Andrew C.

Hudson ’79 and niece of James “Chris” Hudson ’80.

BARBARA P. JOLLY, June 19, 2019, mother of Scott Jolly, Senior

Director of Leadership Gifts, and grandmother of Zachary S. Jolly ’10.

LINDA B. KEITH, November 5, 2019, grandmother of Joseph K.

Lauinger ’04 and George C. Lauinger ’07.

RHONDA L. LANGE, August 7, 2019, mother of Assistant Head of

HOUSTON H. HARTE ’44, September 16, 2019.

Middle School Jason M. Lange.

JEFFREY T. MORRELL ’77, October 10, 2019.

MIKE H. MARTINEZ, August 20, 2019, grandfather of Cristian V.

WILLIAM C. SCURRY, JR. ’59, October 17, 2019, brother of faculty

member Marietta S. Johnson, uncle of H Scurry Johnson ’81, greatuncle of William S. Johnson ’11 and Walter B. Johnson ’15.

PAUL BRADFORD STOFFEL ’80, August 27, 2019, brother of

Christopher J. Stoffel ’81.

Hinojosa ’96, Jason N. Hinojosa ’99, Tyler R. Tassin ’01, David H. Tassin ’06, and Thomas M. Tassin ’12.

KATHLEEN C. MOORE, October 6, 2019, wife of Gregory N.

Moore ’67.

LOUISE H. O’BRIEN, May 29, 2019, grandmother of Timothy I.

Weigman ’21.

LEONARD A. STERN, September 13, 2019, father of S. Alan

Stern ’75 and Leonard A. Stern II ’76.

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Endnotes ONLINE GIVING The St. Mark’s Fund is the School’s most important, ongoing fundraising priority, providing more than 11 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

EDITOR

ARCHIVES

Katy B. Rubarth

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.

Dave Carden

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Alex Hughes

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Jim Bob Womack ’98

SUBMISSIONS

AHLBERG & RIBMAN FAMILY DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS

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

Alex Eshelbrenner ’04

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 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 received after October 1, 2019, 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. ©2020 St. Mark’s School of Texas An Office of Development & Alumni Relations Publication

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St. Mark’s School of Texas

Joining the Terrill Society St. Mark’s is fortunate to have fostered a culture of philanthropy that prioritizes the long-term security and growth of our School’s mission. Members of our community continue to move our institution forward with their gifts of time, resources, and unwavering support.

Joining the Menter B. Terrill Society, the School’s legacy society, is one of the most significant ways you can ensure St. Mark’s has the resources to sustain the exceptional education it offers in perpetuity. Terrill Society member and Harvard Divinity Professor Society Dr. Mark Jordan ’71 wants to make sure that future Marksmen share a similar experience to his: “Because I received so much from my education, I have felt for a long time that I want to pay it forward — which is not the same as paying it back. You can never compensate people for loving care. But I do want to create chances for others to learn. I can use my estate to express at least part of my gratitude.”

Many alumni, parents, and grandparents are making a lasting impact on the future of St. Mark’s by becoming members of the Terrill Society. Their support ensures ongoing opportunities for Marksmen, similar to those Dr. Jordan received during his time at St. Mark’s. By joining the St. Mark’s legacy society, you can ensure that St. Mark’s will thrive for generations to come.

“I really can’t imagine my career without St. Mark’s. Teachers nurtured in me a capacity for language and another for what I can only call ethical or spiritual experience. Put these two capacities together and you have the story of my professional life—and a good sense of my personal life as well.”

— Dr. Mark Jordan ’71

To learn more or join the Terrill Society, please visit the Planned Giving webpage at www.smtexas.org/plannedgiving, or contact Scott Jolly in the Office of Development & Alumni Relations at 214.346.8132 or jollys@smtexas.org.

St. Mark’s School of Texas 10600 Preston Road Dallas, Texas 75230-4047 214.346.8000 • www.smtexas.org

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