Spartan Magazine, Summer 2023

SNAPSHOT Pippa Sims and Grace Lack processing into the Chapel for commencement

CONTENTS SUMMER 2023

3 Honoring Our 2023 Graduates

12 Middle School Closing Ceremony

14 Headlines

22 In Community

25 Spartan Life

30 Alumni News

head of school

Christopher L. Gunnin

chief marketing and communications officer

Catenya McHenry

managing editor

Lori Paredes

alumni news editor

Michelle Geo Olmstead

graphic design

Joanna King

contributors

Liza Ayres ’14, Sherry Buchanan, Alison Chang, Catenya McHenry, Michelle Olmstead, Lori Paredes, April Speck-Ewer

photographer

Chris Caselli ’82

Spartan Magazine is published twice a year for constituents of St. Stephen’s Episcopal School.

Copyright © 2023 St. Stephen’s Episcopal School

subscription information and address changes

Sharon Sparlin, ssparlin@sstx.org or 512.327.1213 x158

PHOTOS

COVER: Emma Hutchison and Preston Miles exiting the Chapel after commencement

TOC Top to Bottom: Johnny Wilson blows bubbles for school children at St. Matthias Episcopal School in Thomande, Haiti, 2006; Hen Kennedy, director of Learning Services, advises student Zoe Reynolds ’25 in “It Takes a Village”; 8th graders pose together on the annual Big Bend excursion

In Episcopal schools in particular, rituals provide a rhythm to our lives and keep us rooted in our mission and core values. This year at St. Stephen’s, chaplain Rev. Aimee EyerDelevett introduced the practice of beginning daily chapel with the Call to Worship, “God is with us. Here we find new life.” This simple practice, with its repeated reminder that God and new life are all around us, has had a meaningful impact on my year.

The daily Call to Worship has prompted me to listen deeply and purposefully. Finding God’s presence and new life is profoundly personal. For me, the work we do, the relationships we forge with one another and the lives we lead feel sacred. Over time, the land, the Chapel, the buildings, the green space on campus feel sacred, too — they are the places where new discoveries, new relationships and new life are born. I hear from alumni and students who also feel that The Hill is a uniquely special and holy place. Sometimes we feel the presence of God in our lives when we look out over Brewster Memorial and see the sun setting over the Colorado River; sometimes we feel God’s presence during the singing of hymns or the reading of scriptures; sometimes we feel it in the laughter and smiles of friends on campus; sometimes we feel the presence of God when we reflect on the importance of our teachers and coaches, colleagues and friends.

During the year-end ceremonies, when students dress more formally and are surrounded by their family and loved ones, it

is easier than ever to feel new life and God’s presence. With the pressure of final exams and projects behind us, we pause as a community to mark the accomplishments of our students and the success of the year. As we celebrate our students, faculty and staff, we are reminded that we are blessed to be members of a community with such a noble and worthy mission. We are blessed by supportive parents, committed and wise trustees, dedicated and caring faculty and staff, and students who engage with full hearts and open minds in the life of the school.

As you read in this Spartan issue about our end-of-year ceremonies, I hope that you feel renewed pride in St. Stephen’s, where God is with us and where we continue — 73 years after our founding — to experience new life.

With love and prayers,

Chris Gunnin, Head of School

Some of the aspects of independent school life that I most enjoy are the rituals, customs and traditions.

HONORING OUR 2023 GRADUATES

St. Stephen’s Episcopal School celebrated its 73rd commencement Saturday, May 20. Parents, grandparents and special guests convened on The Hill to celebrate a myriad of accomplishments. This year’s 116 graduates are a diverse representation of cultures, with students from not only Austin but also seven cities across Texas and ten countries, including Cayman Islands, China, Guatemala, Korea, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and Vietnam. The entire class is college bound, matriculating to 77 colleges in 29 states and two international campuses. Ten graduates have plans to play NCAA college sports. From The Hill to the world, the entire St. Stephen’s community is excited to see what these graduates will accomplish in the next chapter of their lives.

Crawford Arnow

The Bishop John E. Hines Medal & The Velberta Asher Towner Award in the Performing Arts

National Merit Scholar Crawford Arnow was recognized for both his academic and performing arts achievements.

Arnow won both the Bishop John E. Hines Medal and the Velberta Asher Towner Award in the Performing Arts. Crawford excelled early at St. Stephen’s, winning the Middle School award for academic achievement in both 6th and 8th grade. Annually, the Bishop John E. Hines Medal is awarded to the member of the graduating class who maintained the highest academic standing throughout their 11th-grade and 12th-grade years. The medal is named after the founder of St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, John Hines, an extraordinary visionary and bold decision-maker. In the classroom or on stage, Crawford exhibited genuine joy for learning and expression. His teachers have expressed how much they loved having Crawford as a student because of his trademark enthusiasm and intellectual eagerness to create new learning opportunities.

In addition to his academic accomplishments, Crawford’s deeply creative talents manifested on stage. Each May, the Velberta Asher Towner Award is given in memory of Velberta Towner and presented to a student or students who excel in the performing arts. Towner was a member of the St. Stephen’s faculty from 1958-1984 and served as long-time chair of the Fine Arts Department. She built a program that allowed students to explore and excel in the arts, and Crawford not only excelled in various art forms, but he also showcased true leadership both on and off the stage. Early in his tenure at St. Stephen’s, Crawford was recruited to step into large roles. He quickly became known for his dynamic energy and pin-point precision when acting, singing, playing or dancing. Crawford’s contributions to the Madrigals, choir, theatre and Theatre Focus have made a lasting and indelible impact at St. Stephen’s.

The St. Stephen’s community is eager to follow Crawford through his academic and performing arts journey at Yale University.

PHOTOS TOP TO BOTTOM: Crawford Arnow, Class of 2023, delivering the senior address; Arnow, The Rt. Rev. Kai Ryan, Bishop Suffragan Episcopal Diocese of Texas; Arnow, Fine Arts Chair Liz Moon

Maya Murtuza-Lanier

The William Brewster Medal

Maya Murtuza-Lanier is this year’s winner of the William Brewster Medal in honor of the school’s first headmaster, William Brewster. The Brewster Medal recipient is chosen by a faculty committee and is given to the student who made the greatest total contribution to life of St. Stephen’s. Maya stood out as an engaged and talented student, strong across all disciplines, with a genuine interest “in the life of the mind” throughout her academic career on The Hill.

Maya has contributed to many facets of St. Stephens. Her teachers often touted her as a quiet leader, and they celebrated her engagement and focus in each and every class. She impressed the entire St. Stephen’s community with her level of maturity, compassion, kindness and leadership, having been involved in the Madrigals, orchestra and Theatre Focus. For those who worked with Maya in her many roles, she was not only a delight to watch on the stage, but she was a delight to watch in her many behind-the-scenes responsibilities too. Maya’s teachers say she was never afraid to take on a new challenge, which led to her accepting acting roles and serving as costume designer, stage manager and director.

Maya’s St. Stephen’s college counselor, Maj Dergham, says “when Maya is into something, she puts her absolute effort, brain power and dedication into it. Whether it’s theater, music, hiking, camping, baking or academics, she is all in. An incredibly empathic and compassionate student, her place in the St. Stephen’s’ community can best be described as an unending and nearly unequivocal positive force of enthusiasm.”

The St. Stephen’s community is eager to witness Maya’s positive impact while she attends Middlebury College next year.

PHOTOS TOP TO BOTTOM: Maya Murtuza-Lanier, Head of School Chris Gunnin; Miriam Murtuza, Maya Murtuza-Lanier, Carson Murtuza-Lanier, Troy Lanier

Leo Brainard

Inspired by beloved teacher, advisor and friend Dobbie Leverton Fenton, who lived a life of compassionate service, the St. Stephen’s Alumni Association established the Dobbie Leverton Fenton Medal in 2001. This medal is awarded annually to a member of the senior class who lives a life much like the medal’s namesake. Leo Brainard is this year’s Dobbie Leverton Fenton Medal recipient. Leo’s leadership, passionate commitment to social justice and dedication to the “recovery of humans” is strongly evident during his time at St. Stephen’s.

Leo worked to continue transforming St. Stephen’s into a space that promotes equality, compassion, inclusivity and justice — perpetuating the dream of its founders. Leo’s efforts spread throughout

his classes, as well as across campus, where he advocated for conversations about complicated and complex social justice, socioeconomic inequality and gender rights issues. Leo also served on both the Healthy Relationships Committee and Curriculum Advisory Committee. He worked to develop strategies focused on gender, race, class and social justice that teachers could apply to their curriculum. Leo wanted to create a safe but exciting and inspiring space to discuss sometimes difficult but important topics.

Leo’s passion and talents shined on stage too, with his performances in Midsummer Night’s Dream and Lightning Thief

Leo has not only continued to hone his craft, but as an actor, writer and producer of his own lab show, also found his voice

as a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. In the middle of a national dialogue about trans rights that is often painful and frightening, Leo remained a bastion of courage, compassion and unwavering commitment to the St. Stephen’s student body and to LGBTQ+ rights. His demonstrated love for St. Stephen’s, and his expectation that his school would be the kind of place to support him, his passions and his social justice work, have been the forces that helped St. Stephen’s to live up to that trust and to become a better place for it.

The St. Stephen’s community is excited to support Leo’s continued advocacy for the “recovery of humans” in this next chapter of his life at Haverford College.

The Dobbie Leverton Fenton Medal

PHOTOS TOP TO BOTTOM: Leo Brainard with Claire Fenton Simmonds '93; Brainard performing in senior lab show

Honors

Diplomas with High Honors

Sarah Aggarwal

Crawford Arnow

Lauren Hamm

Bradley Parham

Diplomas with Honors

Alex Alcorta

Sonal Alla

Fernando Arroyo

Liberty Baker

Alexis Bielinski

Trinity Borer

Leo Brainard

Jun Bu

Meg Canfield

Will Casas

Emmie Casey

Ishaan Chada

Eliza Cho

Katie Alice Chong

Meredith Clay

Liam Cochran

Clara Connor

Kaveri Cordero

Ella Eggleston

Nora Felner

Laurel Griffin

Peter Horton

Tony Hu

Emma Hutchison

Priya Jhaveri

Jeff Jin

Sophie Kastner

Anna Kavanagh

Grace Lack

Langdon Byars

Louis Layton

Seongwoo Lee

Andy Li

Hailey Liu

Zoe Loar

Amelia Maguire

Torin McCannBraun

Dylan Mosler

Maya MurtuzaLanier

Caroline Nalle

Blair Peng

Angela Perez Sierra

Tate Potts

Jackson Price

Harrison Ratliff

Matthew Rowe

Ryder Schmelzle

Alissa Shen

Pippa Sims

Cameron Smith

Kristin Svahn

Arvin Talwar

Zach Tan

Lauren Walsh

Tiana Wang

Camden Werner

Dennis Wilkinson

Academic Leadership and Service Awards

The Catherine Elliott Montgomery Prize is awarded by a committee of teachers to the 12th-grade student whose creativity, character and scholarship give promise of a contribution in history or the social sciences. The 2024 Montgomery Prize was awarded to Matthew Rowe.

The Jan Hines Leadership Award is presented to those students who have made positive contributions to our school and worked tirelessly to make our community a better place. This year’s award was presented to Crawford Arnow, Meredith Clay, Liam Cochran, Hephzibah Dominic, Priya Jhaveri, Grace Lack and Matthew Rowe.

The Elizabeth Hughes Hoey Award in Creative Writing is presented to the Upper School student who submits the best work in any area of creative writing. The 2023 Hoey Award was presented to Eliza Cho.

International Students of the Year

Lexin (Hailey) Liu

National Chinese Honor Society

Anna Kavanagh

Zach Tan

National Latin Exam

Jacob McDaniel

National Latin Honor Society

Lauren Hamm

Jacob McDaniel

Camden Werner

Model UN

Sarah Aggarwal

Alex Alcorta

Peter Horton

Sophie Kastner

Matthew Rowe

Angela Perez Sierra

The Spiritual Leadership Award

Alexis Bielinski

Service Learning Distinction

Meredith Clay

Equity and Inclusion

Leadership and Service Award

Fernando Arroyo

Liberty Baker

Leo Brainard

Hephizabah

Dominic

Alissa Shen

DCWP Christian Goop Award

Jacob McDaniel

Health Leadership Award

Leo Brainard

Meredith Clay

Daniel Wilschetz

Wolfrik Wu

Eric Xie

Daniel Zhu

Cum Laude Society

Sarah Aggarwal

Crawford Arnow

Liberty Baker

Ishaan Chadha

Eliza Cho

Meredith Clay

Liam Cochran

Clara Connor

Nora Felner

Lauren Hamm

Anna Kavanagh

Grace Lack

Andy Li

Maya MurtuzaLanier

Bradley Parham

Blair Peng

Tate Potts

Matthew Rowe

Alissa Shen

Pippa Sims

Kristin Svahn

Zach Tan

Tiana Wang

Priya Jhaveri

Grace Lack

Proctor Medals

Nolan Ellish

Kush Bharti

Eric Xie

Blair Peng

Hailey Liu

Amy Yao

Seongwoo Lee

Lauren Walsh

Kaveri Cordero

Jin Bu

Tony Hu

Elias Rocha

David Do

PHOTOS TOP TO BOTTOM: A St. Stephen's tradition, graduates process past faculty and staff before entering the Chapel for their commencement ceremony; Byars Langdon and Meredith Clay

Book Prizes

English 12

Hailey Liu

Advanced Chinese

Anna Kavanagh

Advanced French 5/6

Jin Bu

Advanced French 7

Crawford Arnow

Advanced Spanish 5

Nora Felner

Advanced Spanish 6

William Casas

Advanced Spanish 7

Crawford Arnow

Multivariable Analysis

Clara Connor

Independent Study in Linear Algebra

Wolfrik Wu

Statistics and Selected Topics

Chloe Legere

Advanced Statistics

Trinity Borer Engineering

Camden Werner

Social Science Seminars

Lauren Hamm

Theology

Amelia Maguire

Advanced European History

Peter Horton

Advanced Biology II

Koravit (Auggie)

Poysungnoen

Geology

Hammer award Byars

Langdon

Astrophysics

Anna Kavanagh

Advanced Physics

Sophie Kastner

Electronics and Robotics

Lauren Walsh

Projects in Science and Technology

Jackson Price and Matthew Rowe

Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Art: Liberty Baker, Leo Brainard, Kush Bharti, William Casas, Jacob McDaniel, Eric Xie and Chelsea Xue

PHOTOS

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: Jack Mabley, Jackson Price, Alexis Bielinski, Ella Eggleston, Shaina Schechter; Alex Guo, Jeff Jin, Jack Garcia; Andy Li, Fernando Arroyo, Peter Horton, Louis Layton; Priya Jhaveri

Fine Arts Awards

The Rev. Charles Abram and Virginia Sumners Music Award is presented annually to a member of the senior class who made the greatest overall contribution to music at the school. The 2023 Sumners Music Award recipient was Maya Murtuza-Lanier

The Anne Dewey Guerin Award is awarded each year to the graduate who made the greatest contribution to the theater program. This year’s Anne Dewey Guerin award was presented to Jack Garcia.

The Rudolph H. Green Art Award is presented to a senior art student who has shown consistent personal growth, and who looks for ways to improve their own craft, while also pushing the intellectual boundaries of visual expression. The inaugural recipient of The Rudolph H. Green Art Award was Jacob McDaniel.

Awards of Excellence

Outstanding Choral Student

Crawford Arnow

Outstanding Leadership in Percussion

Caroline Nalle

Outstanding Orchestral Keyboardist

Hailey Liu

Outstanding Orchestra Soloist

Blair Peng

Outstanding Performer in Percussion

Liam Cochran

Outstanding Violin Student

Ishaan Chadha

Outstanding Vocalist Award

Jeff Jin

Technical Theatre Award

Jacob McDaniel

The Strand Award

Blair Peng

The Dance Director’s Award

Grace Lack

Yearbook Award

Anna Kavanagh, Zach Tan and Chelsea Xue

PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Andy Aceves, English Teacher; Hephzibah Dominic; Hailey Liu

Athletics Awards

The Don Cunningham Memorial Awards are presented to two Spartans who lettered in three sports in their senior year and demonstrated outstanding talent, leadership, dedication and sportsmanship. This year’s Cunningham Awards were presented to Trinity Borer and Jack Mabley.

The David Paschall Award was created to recognize and honor outstanding accomplishments of students in academics and athletics. To be eligible for the award, a student must earn a varsity letter during each term and maintain honor roll status during the fall and winter terms. The 2023 award recipients were Trinity Borer, Priya Jhaveri, Louis Layton, Bradley Parham and Jackson Price.

The Athletic Leadership Award is presented each year to two studentathletes who demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities throughout Upper School. The 2023 Athletic Leadership

All SPC Award Winners

Basketball

Trinity Borer

Jack Mabley

Cross Country

Fernandy Arroyo

Field Hockey

Meg Canfield

Eliza Cho

Football

Nolan Ellish

Louis Layton

Jack Mabley

Dennis Wilkinson

Lacrosse

Trinity Borer

Jack Mabley

Jackson Price

Award was presented to Kristin Svahn and Jackson Price. Because of her lasting impact on athletic programming and her student-centered leadership and to honor her position as the first president of the athletic council at St. Stephen’s, the coaching staff and athletic administrators unanimously agreed to rename the Athletic Leadership Award moving forward to the Kristin Svahn Athletic Leadership Award.

The Academy Academic Excellence

Awards recognize the outstanding accomplishments of our student-athletes, both in the classroom and on the soccer field or tennis court. To be eligible for this award, students must compete at a performance level within the St. Stephen’s athletic academies. These studentathletes must also have maintained honor roll status during the fall and winter terms. This year’s Academy Excellence Award recipients are Ishaan Chadha, Ella Eggleston, Yuvraj Kashyap and Amelia Maguire.

Kristin Svahn

Soccer

Matthew Rowe

Swimming

Kristin Svahn

Logan Walker

Tennis

Lauren Monti

Track and Field

Fernando Arroyo

Colton Conyers

Ella Eggleston

Dennis Wilkinson

The Sportsmanship Award is given each season by the Southwest Preparatory Conference to student-athletes who best demonstrate their respect for the sport, their teammates, their coaches, their opponents and the officials while representing the Southwest Preparatory Conference. The 2023 award winners were Ryder Schmelzle (Fall Term) and Elias Rocha (Winter Term).

PHOTOS TOP TO BOTTOM: Torin McCann-Braun and Anthony Watson III; Sonal Alla; Osama Minhas

Faculty and Staff Recognition

At the end of the 2022-23 academic year, awards of excellence were presented to the following outstanding teachers and staff.

Jenneken van Keppel, Ph.D., English Instructor, and Jin Chung, J.D., History Instructor and Director of Educational Travel Programs, were awarded the Dean H. Towner Master Teaching Chair.

History teacher Ali McLafferty, Ph.D., received the Upper School Teacher

Excellence Award

Mathematics instructor Chioma Mba received the Middle School Teacher Excellence Award

Director of Facilities LM Butler and dining hall team member Cynthia Roland received the Staff Excellence Award.

PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Head of School Chris Gunnin, PA President Hillary Bellm and History teacher Ali McLafferty; Chris Gunnin and Hillary Bellm with Staff Excellence Award winner Cynthia Roland; Chris Gunnin, Hillary Bellm and Middle School Teacher Excellence Award winner Chioma Mba; Chris Gunnin, Staff Excellence Award winner LM Butler and Hillary Bellm

Middle School Closing Ceremony

On May 26, the St. Stephen’s community celebrated the culmination of another successful year for our Middle School students. The 8thgraders officially graduated, and the 6th and 7th-graders were promoted to the next stage of their academic career. During the Middle School

Closing Ceremony, Head of School Chris Gunnin and Head of Middle School Magnus Maccow recognized the great efforts and achievements of our students.

“Watching you grow, learn, rehearse, practice, compete, perform, serve and create has been a blessing for all of us who have witnessed your work and lives this year,” Gunnin commented. “You have begun to learn how to enhance the human condition, to expand human imagination and to make the world more just,” he continued. “By engaging in this community, you have become Spartans with fierce spirits, sharp minds and compassionate hearts.”

Several students received important academic achievement awards.

The Academic Hall of Fame Award, which is presented to students who achieve High Honor Roll status each term for the three years of Middle School, was presented to Harrison Mankey, Miles Notzon and Ellie Thome.

Miles Notzon (8th grade), Rajisi Agarwal (7th grade) and Anna Yang (6th grade) were recognized for their outstanding scholarship and for achieving the Highest Academic Standing in their class.

Named for the first Head of Middle School, the Priscilla Foster Award recognizes an inspiring student leader with a can-do spirit and desire to help others. Eighth-grader Charlotte Perkins was awarded the 2023 Priscilla Foster Award.

Setara Manasa (7th grade) and Allie Nelson (6th grade) were recognized with the Citizenship Award for reflecting the highest traditions and core values of our school.

The Linda Douglass Spirit of Hope Award, which recognizes a student leader who exemplifies what it means to make a difference in the school community and beyond, was presented to Lexi Berson.

The Middle School’s Spiritual Leadership Award was given to Hanniyah Khan.

The Anne Teel Athletics Award was presented to Jadyn Houston, and the Hunter Paschall Athletics Award went to Nate Schmidt.

PHOTOS TOP TO BOTTOM: Symone Clark and other 8th grade students processing into the Chapel for Middle School Closing Ceremony; Elliott Leigh addressing attendees at the ceremony

PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: From L to R: Charlsie Yarger, Lexi Berson, Athena Eugene, Nora Caselli, Chioma Mba, Josh Goldenberg, Sam Shea, Josh Mugo, Taj Kumar, Miguel Rodriguez Jimenez; From L to R: Kris Jaiswal, Jared Swartz, Alden SpeckEwer, Kellen Buchholz, Trip Lundquist, Mason Hamm, Connor Potts, Harrison Mankey, Wyatt Levine, Andrés Bermudez, Nate Schmidt, Lawson Fass, Arann Weaver; Jadyn Houston; Lucia Sterling and Riley Furlong

Sister, Sister A Look Back on a 20-Year Partnership with Haiti

BY CATENYA MCHENRY

St. Stephen’s celebrates its 20-year partnership with Haitian sister school St. Etienne Episcopal School in rural Salmadere, Haiti. Initiated by former head of school Roger Bowen, John Moon, director of Orchestras and retired Biology teacher Johnny Wilson were the first participants. Their goal was to begin planning and planting seeds of support in the Central Plateau of Haiti and with the Haitian Episcopal Diocese.

“I thought it would be a good experience to get out of my comfort zone,” said Moon.

Through the years, the duo has traveled to Haiti countless times during the spring and summer months, accompanied by dozens of St. Stephen’s students and faculty members. Students have served in volunteer capacities, teaching music lessons, interacting with St. Etienne school children, and assisting wherever they're needed. They have worked to establish and build the sister school, implement and grow an agriculture project, a music program, provide instruments and muchneeded supplies and support.

“Over 20 years, there’s been good work done there, and because that school has

been built, it has raised the bar for that community, so there’s a lot more support in other directions,” said Moon.

Wilson believes their work in Haiti has made a long-lasting positive impact not only on the school but also the economy.

“I’ve told the story of the woman who says when she goes to the market, she has pride and can hold her head up because she has cash to buy things, and she’s got stuff to sell. To be able to provide somebody with the means of feeling pride or better about themselves or their life, it’s priceless. That’s when you know that what you’re doing is really significant,” said Wilson.

Both Moon and Wilson have visited Haiti nearly every year since 2003, but political unrest, the global pandemic and natural disasters in Haiti have forced a two-year hiatus. They are both anxious to return. Moon says he has a closet full of instruments that he’s excited to donate. Until they can return, both men reflect on what the last 20 years have meant to them personally and how they have been changed for the better.

“For the people in that small, little

community, they have more hope for the future than they did before, so hope is increasing,” said Wilson.

For Moon, the Haiti partnership has redefined what it means to be a good global citizen.

“It’s being able to connect with different cultures and to work together and to help and to give — to create something that is sustainable that is worthy and genuine,” said Moon. “If you’re a human being that connects that way then you are being a good global citizen, then you’re not going there with biases. You’re going over there human to human, brothers and sisters, everyone is the same.”

Commemorative books are available for purchase in the St. Stephen's bookstore, $50 each (supplies are limited)

PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Jillian Palmieri jumping rope with students; Student writing in notebook, photo courtesy of Djively FranÇois (Pushky), 2022; The first trip to the Citadel, 2012; Students gather outside the school building, photo courtesy of Djively FranÇois (Pushky), 2022; Elizabeth Moon holding mangoes in grasses, photo courtesy of John Moon; Recipients are presented with the Celebrating Partnership commemorative book; St. Cecilia Music Camp in La Plaine, June 2015; Walin and John Moon ford the river

LEFT PAGE: Camaraderie between St. Stephen's and St. Etienne students

A Transformational GIFT

St. Stephen’s Episcopal School receives a $17 million gift — the largest single gift in the school’s 75-year history — from the Still Water Foundation to construct a natatorium.

A state-of-the-art natatorium is planned to open in 2025. “This transformational gift — among the largest gifts to any independent school in Texas — will strengthen St. Stephen’s ability to continue building on our reputation of educating the holistic mind, body and spirit of each student. We are profoundly grateful,” said Chris Gunnin, head of school.

Slated to open in fall of 2025 and housing a Myrtha 50-meter by 25-yard pool, the natatorium will dramatically enhance St. Stephen’s aquatic programming. The natatorium’s planned location is adjacent to the school’s Tennis Academy, boasting stunning hill country views of the gulch and the Colorado River.

The gift will allow St. Stephen’s to host year-round short and long-course meets, expand water polo practice and game space, and explore partnerships with community club programs. As the popularity of water polo and competitive swimming continues to increase, Gunnin notes that this worldclass swim center will differentiate St. Stephen’s, as it will be among a handful of independent schools in the country with a 50-meter natatorium and the only school in the Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC) with such a space.

Ellen Osborne Ray ’86, P ’16, ’20, executive director of Still Water Foundation and former St. Stephen’s Board of Trustees executive chair, says, “As St. Stephen’s prepares for its 75th anniversary and embarks on the most ambitious

comprehensive campaign in its history, it is Still Water’s great pleasure to make a gift of this significance. As an institution that has often needed to ‘make do’ over the years regarding facilities, St. Stephen’s made a compelling case for what a swim center of this caliber would mean for the entire school community — from recruitment and retention of students from around the world, potential local partnerships, to an enhanced space for community gatherings. We hope this gift will be used as a challenge to inspire and encourage alumni, parents and friends to join us in investing in St. Stephen’s to ensure the future of this special place.”

“For over 40 years, Still Water Foundation’s generosity has strengthened every aspect of our school, from capital investments and faculty support to consistent annual and endowment gifts,” said Rt. Rev. Kai Ryan, bishop suffragan of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas and St. Stephen’s board chair. “As we begin the first phase of a substantial and comprehensive fundraising campaign that will impact all core areas — facility improvements; bolstered funds for scholarship and financial aid; and commitments to academic programs, faculty support and a larger annual fund — we are incredibly appreciative of the transformative early gift from the Still Water Foundation. It is simply extraordinary.”

IT TAKES A VILLAGE Learning

Specialists are Committed to Student Success

BY CATENYA MCHENRY

Aria Minns-Fink ’24 describes her 9th grade start at St. Stephen’s in one word, “rocky.” A number of issues triggered intense stress, making it difficult for MinnsFink to devote her full focus and attention to school and school work.

“It was a huge adjustment, especially because I was going in not only to a new school and a new environment, but also in COVID, so I was learning how to learn online, virtually, and also going to a new school and not knowing anyone,” said Minns-Fink.

Today Aria is different. She seems happier and well-adjusted. The smile she wears is brighter and one can sense a feeling of relief and weightlessness as she talks about the swift and positive engagement she had with Learning Specialist Kristina Green.

“Right away, Ms. Green was emailing me and reaching out to me, and this was during COVID, too. That was really helpful. Honestly, I don't know if I would have passed 9th grade without her help,” said Minns-Fink.

Aria’s experience of receiving help is not unusual at St. Stephen’s. There are concentrated strategies and intentional energy directed toward the idea of help — both offering and receiving. It’s also not unusual to see any of the learning specialists meeting one-on-one or in large groups with students, talking through projects, papers, test preparation or even just having honest conversations about how they’re doing with friends. The specialists work to meet a wide array of needs from students who require academic accommodations to students struggling with test anxiety, organization or time-management.

“Our team of learning support specialists have had a profound impact on our community since we created these positions and hired three experts in this field over the last seven years,” says Head of School Chris Gunnin. “As an Episcopal school, we are committed to the belief that every student is a unique and beloved child of God, and as a leading independent school, we are committed to knowing and loving each student individually.”

According to John Dugan, co-director of Health Services, Counseling, the specialists have not only improved students’ access to learning but have also improved the St. Stephen’s culture around normalizing asking for help.

Learning Services works hand in hand with the Counseling Services department. The integrated support helps students to build both academic and social-emotional strategies, which results in greater confidence in their classwork and in themselves. Dugan says when students do better, they feel better.

“They [Specialists] create a sense that the process of learning is something that is both worth learning and diverse,” says Dugan. “It elevates the notion that students learn differently and that increases a sense of belonging and opportunities for welcoming. There are many ways to see, experience, understand and express a subject. Weaving that into the fabric of our community makes us a richer place.”

In 2016, Eileen Wilson, who later became dean of the Middle School, was the first learning specialist hired. The St. Stephen’s leadership recognized it was too much work for one person and moved to onboard three learning specialists: Kristina Green, who replaced Eileen; Hen Kennedy in the Upper School; and Terry Chapman in the Middle School. The learning specialists are listed under the more broad Learning Services initiative. Together, their objective is to help all students succeed in all areas including academics, study skills, project management and much more. The specialists, however, are aware that oftentimes students may experience nervousness when navigating a few tricky first steps; their own vulnerabilities, selfconfidence and being comfortable with asking for and receiving help. It’s why the specialists each believe it’s important to begin with relationship-building.

“Starting at the ninth grade year and having that Studies Skills class that we have all throughout the fall term builds that relationship. And then, the students that we know are coming in from day one that we need to serve that have accommodations, we start to build those relationships early as well,” says Green, Upper School learning specialist and grade 9 class sponsor.

The spirit of learning support at St. Stephen's is one of balancing individual

learning needs with academic mastery. The school’s mission is to foster in each classroom and in each student the ability to grow as a learner. For students to be able to develop and practice study skills while at St. Stephen's and to take those skills into college and/or their vocation involves general study skills support, as well as more specialized academic accommodations.

“That's kind of the goal, right? I mean, for all students we want them to be able to self-advocate their needs whether they do have a special accommodation that they need access to or if it's just they're struggling within the classroom,” says Green.

Middle School Learning Specialist Terry Chapman has dedicated his life to not only helping students but also making sure his students avoid the same experience he did in school. Terry recalls difficulty with Algebra I. He says it never clicked. Additionally, Terry says as a visual learner, he didn’t have a teacher who could adjust their teaching style to accommodate for

that. And he recalls his dad forcing him to memorize math facts.

“I just remember staring at those for an hour and my dad coming in, and we had battles, and then I'd start fourth grade crying. I do not want that — a student to feel like that,” says Chapman. “I want a student to feel like there is help and for them to feel validated.”

“As the world changes, as students’ expectations change, as curriculum changes, research shows learning changes. I definitely think each school needs some kind of academic support.”

Aria Minns-Fink exploring learning strategies with Kristina Green

The learning specialists have expanded their work to also include faculty assistance. “We do coach teachers on how to support kids and making sure teachers have the strategies to do that, [to] figure out how to best help the kids thrive in their academic environment,” says Hen Kennedy, director of Learning Services. “I'm starting to plan a series of different professional development experiences around that. There's a lot of that collaborative work too, which is really fun. A lot of times I'll sit down with the teacher and we'll do a conference with the student together.”

The Learning Services department works closely with Middle School Counselor Tania Gil and Upper School Counselor Jennie Kim in the Counseling Services department. Together with St. Stephen’s leadership, both departments want to make sure that every single student is adequately prepared for life on campus now and their life in the future.

“It shows another way that help works,” said Dugan. “Students and teachers do better work because of student support services. Good learning strategies help all students and teachers; they aren't just for kids who are struggling. That also goes for social, emotional and mental health strategies.”

“As the world changes, as students’ expectations change, as curriculum changes, research shows learning changes,” said Chapman. “I definitely think each school needs some kind of academic support.”

Minns-Fink agrees, “I think it’s absolutely necessary.”

Chapman says continued student success starts with those light bulb or ‘aha’ moments.

“After countless attempts, resources, effort, study and partnering with the students, teachers and parents, the moment when my students say ‘oh yeah I get it,’ that's why I'm here, for that moment. So, when it clicks, that's my validation,” said Chapman.

“Students and teachers do better work because of student support services. Good learning strategies help all students and teachers; they aren't just for kids who are struggling.”

PHOTOS TOP TO BOTTOM: Hen Kennedy, director of Learning Services, advises Zoe Reynolds ’25 and Nicolas Lopez-Zermeno ’ 25; Middle School Learning Specialist Terry Chapman advises Barrett Wink ’ 29

TOP 10 Skills to Master Before Leaving High School TOP 10 Skills to Master Before Leaving High School

BY LEARNING SPECIALIST STAFF

1. Study Methods that Work — Identify your learning style and understand how you organize, process and learn new information. This will help you figure out which study methods are most effective for you. Examples of study methods include note-taking strategies, organizational techniques and close reading methods, among others.

2. Self-Motivation — In a less structured environment such as college, you need to be able to motivate yourself to be academically successful.

3. Self-Discipline — Self-discipline allows you to manage your thoughts, actions and feelings. If you have strong self-discipline, you can stay focused, control your mindset, avoid temptations and push yourself toward the finish line.

4. Executive Functioning — Executive functioning skills help you prioritize tasks, set goals and manage your time effectively. By organizing and planning your activities, you can increase your productivity and increase your efficiency.

5. Communication — Communication skills help you build relationships, ask for help, improve your public speaking and facilitate conflict resolution.

6. Collaboration — Collaboration maximizes your learning since it allows you to learn from and with those who surround you.

7. Critical & Creative Thinking Skills — Critical and creative thinking skills are at the core of intellectual exploration, curiosity, open-mindedness and intellectual humility. These are fundamental to your becoming a life-long learner.

8. Goal Setting — Identify realistic and attainable goals at the beginning of each term. Review them each month to determine if you are on track to achieve them.

9. Know Your Limits — Understand your limits and be aware of your abilities, strengths and weaknesses. This can empower you to make informed decisions, maintain balance and lead a more fulfilling life.

10. Learn How to Ask for Help — Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is a proactive step towards learning and growth. Asking for help can open the door to valuable opportunities for improvement.

One last nugget of wisdom… check your email often!

Honoring Our Spartan Retirees

At the close of each school year, St. Stephen’s takes time to celebrate its talented and devoted retiring faculty and staff members. This year’s retirees served St. Stephen’s for a collective 61 years. Although their presence on campus will be missed, their inspiring legacy will be long-lasting. St. Stephen’s wishes each of these Spartans good health and great happiness as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

Christopher Colvin, Ph.D.

Christopher Colvin, Ph.D., has served the St. Stephen’s community for 28 years and has been a long-time faculty member in both the history and math departments.

Colvin joined the St. Stephen’s community in 1995 as a parttime history teacher and quickly advanced to full-time faculty, teaching both history and geometry. He served as faculty co-sponsor of Model United Nations, a simulated diplomatic conference where students represent countries to discuss global issues. He also facilitated mock trial, a simulated courtroom activity that allowed students to present and argue a fictional legal case. In his six years leading mock trials, the team won the Central Texas regional competition all six times and competed in the state competition in Dallas. Colvin has been a consistent participant on St. Stephen’s West Texas trips and has served as a chaperone on many student trips too.

“A couple of decades ago I was asked why I stayed at SSES and

my answer then as now was: the faculty,” said Colvin. “Students are the worthwhile project but that is true of all teaching. Schools have character and that does not turn over every four years. It is the faculty who make and shape the educational institution. I have learned much, as we all have, from our discussions and conversations; those are our education and we in turn educate the young — at least that is our effort.”

In his retirement, Colvin hopes to continue his learning and teaching. “[I plan to] continue teaching philosophy as long as I can (I do so in the summers). Spend my remaining brain wattage coming to terms with neoplatonic thought. Try to recover some of the languages I studied at one point or another, particularly Greek and Italian and Turkish. Translate a fine book on Thinking ("Denken"), much needed in the hysterics around AI,” he said. “Mostly I shall be working with/for my wife on her manifold projects.”

Christopher Colvin

Christopher Colvin and St. Stephen's colleagues celebrating his retirement at Upper School Chapel on May 5, 2023

Baldwin Flamar

Baldwin Flamar has been a long-standing and dependable member of the security team at St. Stephen’s for 15 years.

Flamar is a native of Yap, an island in the Federated States of Micronesia in the Pacific Ocean. In 1979, he moved to the United States, settling in Hawaii. Flamar lived in Seattle, San Francisco and Portland before moving to Austin in 2008. When he joined the St. Stephen’s community in May 2008, there was no front gate or St. Stephen’s Drive, and two guards were on shift 24-hours a day, 7-days a week in a tiny green guard shack.

Flamar has not only had the opportunity to watch St. Stephen’s grow but he has also been a constant presence amongst the St. Stephen’s security staff. During his time on The Hill, he was a devoted and steadfast member of the school community, and he has always been selfless.

“The thing I enjoyed the most about St. Stephen’s is the people. This campus is beautiful too. All the people here, they’re like family to me. This is a very good atmosphere, and I feel good when I come here. I’m going to miss it,” he said.

During his tenure at St. Stephen’s, Flamar’s dedication, perseverance and respect for the dignity of others embodied the school’s mission.

“I came here in May of 2008, so I’ve been here exactly 15 years. It’s time for a new season in my life, and I’m looking forward to the next chapter. I want to find something to do that I love doing and something I look forward to getting up for every day,” said Flamar.

Ron Rathke

Ron Rathke served as St. Stephen’s Payroll Manager and Benefits Coordinator for 18 years.

In addition to activating payroll, he assisted in administering the school’s benefits and onboarding programs and served as the Safeguarding record-keeping administrator. Rathke has also supported a myriad of human resources and accounting functions.

“I joined the St. Stephen’s staff on May 10, 2005. I was born and raised in Austin, and I had never heard of this school before. I came out for an interview, and I took an accounting test, and I was the only person to catch the reconciliation that was out of balance. I have only served in one role here, but I also organized the faculty and staff golf tournament for eight years,” said Rathke.

Like his fellow retirees this year, Rathke enjoys the many relationships he built during his time at St. Stephen’s. “What I have enjoyed most about my time at St. Stephen’s is the people I work with — they are great. The people all around the campus are great too,” Rathke said. “I enjoy being with them and talking to them and helping them with their benefits or any questions they have about payroll. I will miss the people here in my department the most.”

Rathke departs with well-wishes for St. Stephen’s:

“My greatest hope for the school in the future is continued success and running the business office like a well-oiled machine. When I first came here, I was told the business office was the ‘no’ department — ‘No, you can’t have that,’ and ‘No, you can’t have that.’ I brought humor to this department.”

Rathke is an avid golfer and sports fan. The St. Stephen’s community came to expect that he would give everyone a run for their money in the school’s annual golf tournament, something he plans to participate in as long as he is able after his retirement.

“In my retirement, I want to get back into the gym and work on my health. I want to play a little more golf, and I want to learn to play pickleball,” said Rathke.

Ron Rathke

Baldwin Flamar TOP TO BOTTOM: Baldwin Flamar and Dining Hall Team Members celebrating his retirement on May 30, 2023; Ron Rathke poses with Crystal Guerrero (left) and Suzie Rathke (right) at the retirement celebration

Thanking Our Outgoing Trustees

Cherise Smith, Ph.D. (Smithson Sorrick ’26) joined the Board of Trustees in 2017 and served on the Campus Committee for six years. She was a valued member of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force and was instrumental in drafting the school's DEI strategic plan. Cherise has been a thoughtful champion for inclusion and access — both for current and future Spartans. She is someone who always leads by example, establishing herself early on as one of the board’s moral centers — someone to whom her fellow board members looked for inspiration in good moments and guidance during more challenging times. St. Stephen’s would not be where it is as a school and as a community without her many contributions.

Patricia Henna Rowe ’89 (Andrew '16, Elizabeth '19, and Matthew '23) has served her alma mater for over ten years. Patricia and husband Mark were the parent chairs of the Annual Fund in 2013-14 and have served as a host family for international students. Patricia joined the Board of Trustees in 2014 and served for two terms as a Trustee and one term as president of the Spartan Alumni Association. While on the Board of Trustees, she served on the Campus Committee and the Advancement Committee, ultimately becoming the Advancement Committee chair and joining the Executive Committee. Patricia has been generous with her time and talents in service of St. Stephen’s.

'22, Gray D'Arcy '21, and Lia D'Arcy '26) served on the Spark 2023 strategic plan implementation committee and on the Campus Committee as a non-Trustee in 2017-18. Her service on the Board of Trustees began in 2018. Her appointment continued on the Campus Committee and eventually she became Campus Committee chair in 2021. As a committee chair, Jessica also served on the Executive Committee. She provided an important and valued voice on the board as a past and current parent and as someone closely connected to other schools and educational organizations in the community.

Jessica Slade (Ellis

Chris Oddo (Harrison '24 and Katie '25) joined the Board in 2019-20 and became the Executive Chair in 2020. During his three years as Executive Chair, he was instrumental in helping to navigate and support the Board and Head of School through the COVID-19 pandemic. Chris’ steadfast leadership, support, deep commitment, courage and diplomacy has propelled the Board and the St. Stephen’s community forward. His fierce love for the school, belief in the school’s mission, coupled with the importance of the Board’s work, was evident throughout his service. The St. Stephen's community is grateful to Chris for his leadership and thankful that he will continue to serve on the Board.

D'Arcy

SPARTAN Life

Grand Day

Our campus community was thrilled to celebrate Grand Day on March 24, 2023. The intention of this yearly event is to welcome grandparents and guests to The Hill to honor the special bond our students have with their grandparent(s). Hundreds of grandparents traveled short and long distances — some trekked thousands of miles — to be on campus. Grands had a chance to experience a day in the life of their grandchild, visiting classrooms, actively participating in classroom activities, eating meals in the dining hall and attending chapel. While in chapel, grands were treated to special performances by the St. Stephen's Madrigals, the Middle School choir and the Upper School orchestra. Grandparents also had a chance to visit and shop a special book fair in the Becker Library.

Thanks to our amazing St. Stephen’s alumni staff and each and every volunteer — Grand Day 2023 was a huge success!

EVENTS CLUBS CULTURE CELEBRATIONS AWARDS

TALENT SPORTS HOLIDAYS ACHIEVEMENTS SUCCESS

PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: Charlotte Tuttle ’26 and Alethea Caspers; Marcia DeCastro and Joseph Shapiro ’27; Chandler Monga, Amiya Nakra ’26 and Narinder Monga; Larry Patrick, Ben Patrick ’25, Diane Patrick; Joe Morris, Elaine Morris, George Ware ’28, and Annie Race

Appreciation for Our Parent Volunteers

The St. Stephen’s Parents’ Association (PA) plays a vital role in the school community, helping to sustain the school’s mission through a wide array of volunteer activities during each school year.

In addition to raising critical funds for the record-breaking Annual Fund, PA volunteers also serve as gradelevel class representatives; student and faculty appreciation lunch hosts; coordinators for parent coffees, socials and important annual school events; book special guest speakers; and serve as key communicators, informing our parent community about campus events. This group of dedicated volunteers also support the school by serving on the board of trustees and as members of the booster club, fine arts club, DEI committee and care committee, to name a few. The PA’s generous and dedicated spirit has enhanced all aspects of campus life throughout the 2022-23 school year and beyond. We are very appreciative of each volunteer’s time, talents and support! Thank you for playing such an integral role in our community!

PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Parents’ Association President Hilary Bellm, Parents’ Association PresidentElect Katherine Leigh, Head of School Chris Gunnin; Haimei Zuo, Patricia Henna Rowe, Director of Advancement April

Speck-Ewer and Sarah Garcia; Parents’ Association Volunteers at Grand Day; Annual Fund Chair Laura Burkhart and Director of the Annual Fund and Parent Liaison Sherry Buchanan

A St. Stephen's Tradition at BIG BEND

Each spring, the 8th grade class looks forward to the beloved Big Bend National Park retreat and expedition with their classmates. Students spend a week exploring the beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert, the cool climate of the Chisos Mountains and the power of the Rio Grande River.

“It is said that you get to know people better when you travel. Having to sleep in a tent with five of your peers, washing your plates and helping make meals for the day can be new and strange at first for some, but it was also a fantastic opportunity to practice thinking on the spot and being disciplined,” wrote 8thgrade student Roberto Vargas in the St. Stephen’s Middle School Newspaper The Zesty Press

Students also test their endurance on a 14.5 mile round trip hike on the South Rim Trail.

“Although it was an intense hike, and only some are ready for one, what I gathered was an overall sense of accomplishment,” said Vargas. “The view of other cliffs and nearby mountains was astounding.”

Additionally, students enjoyed bonding with their friends while paddling through Dark Canyon upstream from Santa Elena, studying the local flora and visiting Terlingua Ghost Town in Terlingua, Texas.

A big thank you to all of the faculty and staff members who brought this trip to life and made it fun and engaging for the 8th grade students this year!

PHOTOS TOP TO BOTTOM (L TO R)

Symone Clark, Cindy Maroney, Miriam Murtuza; John Peters, Miles Notzon, James Huang, Alan Yang (above), Miguel Ramirez (below)

The Legacy of

Laura Camp

Family and friends of Laura Camp gathered in the Chapel and Brewster Memorial Garden on October 22, 2022, to celebrate Camp’s life and legacy. A beloved former faculty member at St. Stephen’s, Camp began her teaching career in the fall of 1971. She dedicated her entire 40-year career and professional life to the school, sharing her love of history and the St. Stephen’s community with generations of students and colleagues.

Camp lived on campus for more than 30 years, having served as a dorm parent, residential advisor and Upper School history teacher. She retired from her teaching position in 2012 but remained active as a member of the St. Stephen’s community. In fact, Camp ensured her legacy at the school would serve generations to come by becoming a proud member of

the Legacy Council, an outstanding group of St. Stephen’s alumni, parents and friends who have made a bequest or planned gift to the school.

Camp’s bequest is among the largest in the school’s history. At 60% of her estate, it created the Laura Camp Endowed Faculty Chair. This endowment provides supplementary support to the appointed chair and also provides general faculty support.

“St. Stephen’s outstanding faculty are the heart of our school,” said Head of School Chris Gunnin. “We know we are only as strong as our teachers. Laura’s final gift to St. Stephen’s continues her legacy of faculty excellence and strengthens the school’s ability to recruit and retain faculty of the highest caliber. We are profoundly grateful,” said Gunnin.

Julie Person ’71, a life-long friend and colleague of Camp’s, served as the executor of Camp’s estate and worked closely with Camp to help fulfill her desire to make a substantial and meaningful contribution to the school.

“This is someone who gave her whole adult life to the students and faculty and staff and family of St. Stephen’s,” said Person. “Laura was a really important person in the life of the school.”

Camp was a life-long learner with voracious curiosity and quick wit. Adventurous at heart and a student of the world, she was an avid traveler throughout Central America, South America or Europe in the summer months. During her tenure, she helped direct St. Stephen’s summer study program in Salamanca for a number of years, teaching Spanish history and culture classes. Her deep commitment to learning about other cultures, especially through immersive travel, was reflected in her classes, as she’d often incorporate anecdotes and artifacts from her global summer trips into her classroom lessons.

Camp was known as a great teacher of research. She helped St. Stephen’s students learn how to debate their arguments, and she emphasized the importance of drawing insights from a diverse range of possibilities. Her ability to describe different perspectives with precision, based on thorough research and authority, was a hallmark of her teaching style.

“From the moment I started teaching at St. Stephen’s, I heard from students that Laura was very demanding, a tough grader, but I quickly observed that students would complain about how rigorous she was while in the same sentence admitting she was the very best teacher they’d ever had,” said Hank Ewert ’70, St. Stephen’s alum and former faculty member. “She was fantastically well prepared. She read everything — the biographies, the biographer’s biography, the relevant article! She was incredibly thorough,” said Ewert.

In a 2014 interview in Spartan Magazine, Camp discussed her reasoning for wanting to leave a gift to St. Stephen’s in her will and estate plan.

“I wanted to give back to St. Stephen’s because of what it did for me and what it does for our students. I want [the school] to continue to be the wonderful place it has been since 1950. I like to imagine all the students who will come to St. Stephen’s in the future and how my estate gifts will continue to help them get the education that meant so much to me and the many students I had the pleasure of teaching in my years at St. Stephen’s.”

As Camp’s friend, caregiver and executor of her estate, Person joyfully reminisces about how Camp expressed her intention behind wanting to give a substantial gift. “I just want to leave a big pile of money to St. Stephen’s!” Person continued laughing, “And, by golly, she did!” St. Stephen’s is deeply grateful to Camp for her extraordinary generosity.

Laura Camp pictured in 1971, the start of her teaching career at St. Stephen's

Nearly 400 alumni returned to St. Stephen’s to celebrate Reunion Weekend 2023. The three-day event was record-setting for the number of alumni coming back to The Hill. From honoring the Pioneer Spartans at their annual dinner to toasting the Spartan Alumni Association at the Taste of Austin, alumni and St. Stephen’s current and former faculty and staff reminisced and reconnected. Attendees also recognized the recipients of the Brewster Medal, honored three outstanding Spartans for their service and leadership, and commemorated the 20th anniversary of St. Stephen’s partnership with St. Etienne Episcopal School in Haiti.

PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The Class of 1983 breaks records for the number of reunion attendees; Rudy Green ’71 and Joyce Christian; Brian Konradi, Ann-Tyler Chote Konradi ’90, Chris Calagna ’90, Ken Cho and Laura Scanlan Cho; Suzanne King ’98, Jesus Ceteno, Claire McKay ’71, Hank Ewert ’70, Leslie King ’05, Marie Reintjes and Alejandro Centeno; Nancy Wilson Scanlan ’59 and Anne Knight Hoey ’56; Class of 1973 celebrating 50 years at the Pioneer Dinner; Reunion Weekend 2023 Co-Chairs, Alice Nazro Nezzer ’87 and Shannon Powers Flahive ’96

Celebrating and Welcoming New Alumni Volunteer Leaders

Patricia Henna Rowe ’89 has led the Spartan Alumni Association Board as president since 2020. Under her exceptional guidance and direction, efforts to engage, inform and recognize Spartan Alumni have grown extensively. From running the SAAB throughout the pandemic to putting strategies in place to engage the Spartan community virtually, she has made a lasting impact by being part of every initiative the SAAB has undertaken. Patricia was unanimously named Emeritus Member of the Spartan Alumni Association Board in June and will continue to serve as Past President in 2023-24.

“We have been proud to call her our leader and even prouder to call her a friend. Patricia, we are grateful for you! Thank you for your service to your school!”

– Jennifer Stayton ’85

Incoming Executive Chair, St. Stephen’s Board of Trustees Emeritus Member and Past President, Spartan Alumni Association

After serving as Co-Chair of Reunion Weekend for the past three years, and this past year as Vice President of the Spartan Alumni Association, Shannon Powers Flahive ’96 will assume the role of President of the Spartan Alumni Association this summer. Shannon is excited about the opportunity to serve and continue to build community. After graduating from St. Stephen's, Shannon received her B.A. from The University of Melbourne. She has held a variety of positions in graphic design, wardrobe for film, and teaching. She and her husband, Kevin, live in Austin with their two children.

Recognizing Mallory Boyle ’04 and James Carter, Ph.D. ’13 for 6+ Years of Service

To say that Mallory Boyle was a dedicated board member is an understatement, says Michelle Olmstead, director of alumni relations. Whether it was taking notes as Secretary or her work most recently as regional representative for the state of Texas, Mallory consistently demonstrated her love for St. Stephen’s. Texas is a big state and so is Mallory’s love for all things Spartan. As the board’s first representative of the state, Mallory traveled from San Antonio to Austin to attend meetings, events and multiple sporting events in Austin, Dallas and Houston. She was a welcoming presence, and her can-do attitude will be greatly missed.

James served as the board’s at-large member for the first three years of his service and has served as regional representative for St. Stephen’s alumni in New York City for the past three years. In this role, he helped the Spartan Alumni Association build a well-attended gathering in NYC in September. James has also served as informal advisor on DEI, and in partnership with St. Stephen’s Director of Equity and Inclusion, led two Black@St. Stephen’s Alumni discussions in the Summer of 2020.

Welcoming New Members

Patricia Henna Rowe ’89 and Mark Rowe ‘88

T.J. Brown ’99, Katherine Bailey Brown ’05 and John Field Brown Alumni Co-Chairs 2023-24 Annual Fund

Amy Bieberdorf ’87 Alumni Co-Chair, Spartans Engage

Amanda Kushner ’08 Regional Representative - Dallas

Mallory Boyle ’04

James Carter, Ph.D. ’13

Shannon Powers Flahive ’96

Honoring Three Remarkable Spartans!

Brian Konradi, Sasha Konradi, honoree Ann-Tyler Chote Konradi ’90, Eleanore Chote and Cacki Chote Jewart ’88

Founders Award honoree, Randy Parten ’67

Joel Siegel, Emily Meador ’00, honoree Kathryn Miller Anderson ’71, Kathryn Piece and Larry Anderson

THE FOUNDERS ALUMNI AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

Randy Parten ‘67 has been an active and engaging class representative since graduating. That dedication carried over to his three-term tenure on the Board of Trustees. His leadership and contributions as a trustee and donor, along with Randy’s particular devotion to and special interest in the boarding program, proved to be instrumental in the most recent developmental iteration of boarding life at St. Stephen’s. Through his passion and advocacy, the Board of Trustees approved the addition of the Wycliff and Freeman dormitories as a part of the Frame the Future Campaign.

Beyond his unwavering service to his classmates and the wider St. Stephen's community, Randy and his family, including his spouse Mike Parten ’69, have demonstrated noteworthy leadership in their philanthropy. From his first gift to the Annual Fund in 1972, to emerging as a major St. Stephen's donor, the Partens’ generosity has had a significant impact on the health and future of St. Stephen’s. Randy Parten was honored with The Founders Award for Distinguished Service at the Pioneer Spartans Dinner on April 21.

SPARTAN ALUMNI LEADERSHIP AWARD

Kathryn Miller Anderson has been representative of the 1971 class for the last 51 years. In her role as class representative, she has gone above and beyond the call, holding the class together with her devotion to the school and love for her classmates. From reminding classmates about birthdays to planning in-person and virtual get-togethers, Kathryn connects her class (and other classes) through meaningful engagement. She has planned and orchestrated multiple class parties and often hosts events for her class during non-reunion years.

It’s rare she says no to any St. Stephen’s request which is probably why she has also dedicated some of her time to service on the

SPARTAN IMPACT AWARD

Ann-Tyler Chote Konradi '90 and members of her family were compelled to action following the outbreak of the Russo-Ukrainian war. With connections to the area through her husband's family roots, and knowledge of the language and culture, Konradi recognized her unique position to make a tangible impact. Garnering the support of Spartans everywhere, the family raised $85,580, all of which was donated to charity in support of Ukraine.

In addition, Konradi and her family traveled to the Polish-Ukrainian border to volunteer. During their time in Eastern Europe, the Konradi family utilized their bilingual skills to help bridge communication barriers with people in a time of unimaginable chaos. They

Spartan Alumni Association Board 2023-2024

Shannon Powers Flahive ’96 President

Patricia Henna Rowe ’89 Past President and Emeritus Member

Jane Dryden Louis ’69 Secretary

Jennifer Stayton ’85 Emeritus Member

Liza Ayres ’14

Co-Chair Reunion 2024

Amy Bieberdorf ’87

Alumni Co-Chair, Spartans Engage

Louise McNutt Brazitis ’07

Co-Chair Reunion 2024

Board of Trustees as a member from 20112017. When the Spartan Alumni Association began managing the St. Stephen’s alumni Facebook group, Kathryn agreed to serve as one of its moderators. In this role, she actively participates in the group and helps moderators navigate various challenges and opportunities. She always leads with empathy.

Kathryn has been honored with the Spartan Alumni Leadership Award. This award is presented by the Spartan Alumni Association to a volunteer leader who goes above and beyond. Kathryn’s dedication and service to St. Stephen’s was celebrated at the Leadership Lunch on April 22.

Katherine Bailey Brown ’05

Alumni Co-Chair, Annual Fund

T.J. Brown ’99

Alumni Co-Chair, Annual Fund

Appointed: 2023

Paul Byars ’07

Alumni Co-Chair, Spartans Engage

Benjamin Chan ’95

Alumni Regional Representative –Washington, D.C.

Hank Ewert ’70

Alumni Faculty Representative

Ellen Jockusch ’70

Pioneer Spartans Representative

Amanda Kushner ’08

Alumni Regional Representative - Dallas

worked to support refugees and partnered with other volunteers and grassroots efforts on the ground. Amidst a time when so many people were forced to flee their communities and homes, the Konradis played a small part in the prolonged support and relief effort.

The Spartan Impact Award recognizes a St. Stephen's alum whose leadership and work demonstrate a significant impact to the community. Ann-Tyler Chote Konradi is the inaugural recipient of this award, given for her leadership and dedication to the people of Ukraine and its refugees seeking safe shelter. Ann-Tyler was presented with the inaugural Spartan Impact Award on April 23.

Claire McKay ’71

Parent of Alumni Representative

Wendy White Naughton ’82

Chair, Volunteer Recruitment and Engagement

Alice Nazro Nezzer ’87

Chair, Alumni Recognition

Jonathan Quander ’89

Alumni Regional Representative - Texas

Michelle Geo Olmstead

Ex-officio

Director of Alumni Relations

Spartan Spotlight The Lopez Brothers

Professional soccer player Mikey Lopez ’11 credits much of his success to the St. Stephen’s Soccer Academy. He and his younger brother, Andy Lopez ’14, spent countless hours in the Academy and played in the varsity and junior varsity soccer programs. Like many alumni, the brothers cite their time on The Hill as the place where they first established their strong soccer career and a life dedicated to fostering connections the sport has created. They’ve now returned as coaches, ready to pass on their skills and knowledge to the next generation.

“Returning to St. Stephen’s, but this time as a Soccer Academy coach, has been an amazing experience,” says Andy. “Having been a student-athlete at St. Stephen's, I am able to guide and connect more with my current players and the rest of the student body community. They are able to look up to, or turn to, someone who has been in their shoes and has lived their day-to-day as a St. Stephen's studentathlete.”

Mikey entered St. Stephen’s as an 8th grade residential student from Alton, Texas. Having developed a passion for soccer at the age of five, it was only natural that he join the Soccer Academy. While on The Hill, Mikey played for the U-15 and U-18 youth national teams. In 9th and 10th grade, he captivated University of North Carolina coaches and was heavily recruited in his junior year. As a senior, Mikey was named Soccer Academy team captain.

“Being recruited makes you feel confident in your playing ability,” said Mikey. He credits his St. Stephen’s coaches for fostering an environment that allowed him to consistently improve his skills, setting him up to receive multiple accolades upon entering college.

As a freshman at the University of North Carolina (UNC), Mikey earned the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Freshman of the Year and All-American titles. His team won the Division I Men’s Soccer Championship in 2011, and Mikey also played for the U-20 national team. In 2013, Mikey was the 14th overall draft pick by Sporting Kansas City in the Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft. He spent three years at Sporting KC before spending two years playing for

New York City FC and then a year on the San Antonio FC team. In 2019, Mikey joined Birmingham Legion ahead of their debut United Soccer League Championship season.

Inspired by his brother’s passion for soccer, Andy Lopez ’14 began his career on the pitch at the age of two-and-a-half. In his 6th grade year, Andy joined Mikey on The Hill as a day student, and in 8th grade, Andy became a residential student. Andy formed many life-long friendships during his time in the Soccer Academy and credits this unique program for cultivating strong relationships.

“What I enjoyed most about my time at St. Stephen’s were the relationships I built and the support system I had available to me on a daily basis as a residential soccer academy student-athlete,” says Andy. “To be around people who shared the same interest and passion during every minute of my day — breakfast, class, lunch, practice, dinner and in the dorms — was really something special.”

The coaches at St. Stephen’s instilled in Andy what it meant to be both a student and an athlete. The values of determination and sportsmanship that Andy learned in the Soccer Academy translated to life both on and off the pitch. In his junior year, Andy served as team captain and decided to graduate early to further pursue soccer training. Following in his brother’s footsteps, Andy was awarded a full UNC soccer scholarship.

“Having that kind of recognition motivated me to keep building on my skills and level of competition,” says Andy.

Andy exemplified success in both the classroom and on the pitch. While studying sports administration and exercise and sports science at UNC, in his freshman season, Andy received team accolades, including ACC Player of the Week. Andy helped carry UNC to four regular-season championship wins, and after graduation, he volunteered as assistant coach for the UNC men’s team.

Andy later found his way to the Darlington School in Rome, Georgia where he served as a dorm parent, U-17 head coach and U-19 assistant coach at the Soccer Academy.

Both brothers are now experiencing a full-circle moment, having returned to St. Stephen’s in 2022. Andy now serves as director of the girls’ Soccer Academy and Middle School soccer program. He is also a dorm parent and coordinates St. Stephen’s summer camps. During his off-season, his brother Mikey serves as the Middle School soccer coach and Soccer Academy assistant coach.

Together, the Lopez brothers now have the opportunity to once again be positive influences on St. Stephen’s Spartan athletes both on and off the pitch.

Both Mikey and Andy are humbly grateful to have accomplished much since graduating from St. Stephen’s and point to the St. Stephen’s faculty and staff who shaped them into the extremely talented soccer players and global citizens they are today. St. Stephen’s students are fortunate to have the Lopez brothers as positive role models and influencers who have taken their knowledge and skill from The Hill to the world and are now back to inspire future academic and athletic leaders of St. Stephen’s.

— LIZA AYRES ’14, INTERNATIONAL OFFICE ASSISTANT; CHAIR, ALUMNI COMMUNICATIONS, SPARTAN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD

PHOTOS TOP TO BOTTOM:

Andy Lopez teaches skills at Soccer Academy; Mikey Lopez celebrates scoring a goal; Brothers Mikey and Andy Lopez as young children

LEFT PAGE TOP TO BOTTOM:

Mikey Lopez playing professionally for the Birmingham Legion; Andy Lopez playing at the University of North Carolina

Alumni Prioritize Equality for Women in Soccer

ATX Women’s Soccer (ATX WoSo) is the brainchild of five St. Stephen’s alumni: Nathán Goldberg Crenier ‘14, Saara Hassoun ‘14, Andy Lopez ‘14, Danielle Strasburger ‘13 and Kalya Thompson ’17. The five founders witnessed inequality in women’s sports — particularly soccer — realizing women faced specific barriers to becoming successful players and front-office professionals. The group brainstormed about how to activate change, and ATX WoSo was born.

The goal of ATX WoSo is to create a space where women soccer players can compete at a high level while simultaneously developing business acumen. The club’s model establishes a talent pipeline of skilled athletes and qualified business professionals. In conjunction with the club's launch, the founders also created the Front Office Development Program, a non-profit division of their initiative that will fund internship opportunities for women in soccer. The group is now moving forward with finalizing a permanent identity for their women’s pre-professional club in Austin.

"We all feel deeply connected to the city of Austin as a place where we developed both our athletic skills and the beginnings of our professional lives, so we want this club to give back to a place we cherish so much," said Lopez.

ATX WoSo officially launched in April 2023 with launch parties at Haymaker Brewing and the U.S. Soccer Fan Fest before the USWNT game at Q2 Stadium. In its first week, more than 200 season ticket deposits were sold for the club’s 2024 season.

Drawing from their time at St. Stephen’s and their diverse soccer experiences, ATX WoSo’s founders each bring a unique perspective to their organization, having adopted specific and detailed roles to support their goals. Goldberg Crenier says his time in the St. Stephen’s Soccer Academy served as “a place to gain hard

and soft skills.”

After playing on the men’s varsity soccer team at Harvard University, Crenier worked for first-division soccer clubs, senior national teams and the U.S. Soccer Federation, where he served as special assistant to the Federation’s two most recent presidents. Crenier is currently the Assistant General Manager for Gotham FC and manages the ATX WoSo Front Office Development internship placement program.

Crenier and Hassoun were both appointed as 2022-23 Harvard University Global Sports Initiative Fellows, a program that seeks to build connections between academics and sports through an interdisciplinary, social-justice-oriented initiative. Much of this research has informed their strategy in establishing ATX WoSo. Crenier and Hassoun interviewed professional women’s soccer players to develop empirically-backed, team-level approaches to an athlete’s well-being.

Hassoun pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of Southern California and graduate school studies at the University of Cambridge Judge Business School. As a lifelong soccer fan, she is now the CEO of HT Sports Consulting, a firm that specializes in player well-being evaluation and strategy creation. Hassoun serves as ATX WoSo’s team president, managing all business aspects of the club.

Lopez and Thompson oversee ATX WoSo’s sporting and technical leadership team. Lopez’s knowledge is gleaned from being a skilled player as well as serving as a soccer director and coach on high school, club and collegiate levels. His overall experience is well-applied to strategy and skill development. Lopez is also St. Stephen's director of the girls' Soccer Academy.

As a professional soccer player with Club Deportivo Toluca Femenil and president of

HT Sports Consulting, Thompson brings a wealth of knowledge on navigating sporting and professional goals. A successful career in the St. Stephen’s Soccer Academy was followed by an award-winning stint on Brown University’s soccer team. The club won two Ivy League titles, and Thompson was a nominee for the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year award.

Strasburger is ATX WoSo’s fifth founding member who will guide the group as communications director. Her communications and organizational strategy experience will help to further grow their support base. Since graduating from Harvard, Strasburger has worked in various training and research capacities overseas in China, Argentina and Peru. Strasburger cofound and serves on the board of two nonprofit organizations — Bluebonnet Data, a data non-profit supporting progressive causes, and The Boarding School, Inc., a non-profit organization empowering youth to serve on boards of organizations that impact their lives.

Pooling their collective talent, innovation and extensive athletic experience sparked from St. Stephen’s pedagogical emphasis on global understanding and societal change, ATX WoSo’s founders plan to make a significant impact to help women better succeed in an industry the group says needs more equality and justice. Learn more at atxwoso.com and www.fodp.soccer.

— LIZA AYRES ’14, INTERNATIONAL OFFICE ASSISTANT; CHAIR, ALUMNI COMMUNICATIONS, SPARTAN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD

LEFT TO RIGHT: Saara Hassoun ’14, Danielle Strasburger ’13, Kayla Thompson ’17, Nathan Goldberg-Crenier ’14 and Andy Lopez ’14

Class Notes

1964

Bayard Breeding sends good cheer from Colorado. He shares that the state has begun to realize water is a dwindling resource, presenting a recurring challenge. Amid all this, he’s deciding whether to facilitate another course on food issues in the Fall.

1967

Despite the fact that it was not necessarily a special reunion year for the Class of 1967, members returned to campus in celebration of Randy Parten. Honored for his leadership, dedication and generosity to St. Stephen’s, Randy is the recipient of the 2023 Founders Award for Distinguished Service Award. Read more about Randy on page 33.

Randy and Mike Parten ’69 were joined by Daryl Tanner, Jack O’Quin and Karen O’Quin, Blackie Jones, Norie Clarke and Alan Davis, Ellen Justice, Jamie Stirling and Gwen Steph ’71. The group enjoyed being together along with former English faculty Dr. Lawrence Becker. He shared his latest film, “Fierce Love and Art” with the gang.

Vickie Gasche did not make it back for Reunion due to a misunderstanding between her and her horse, in which the horse won and she ended up with a broken wrist and jaw.

Larry Weeks talked to us through several emails but did not attend in person. Larry spent his recent years as an Episcopal priest in Portland, Maine and is now retired in Phoenix. He is hoping to visit Texas this summer.

Tito Hines was another absentee. He is now retired — as retired as a priest ever gets — and is moving back to his home in North Carolina after his most recent gig in Lexington, Kentucky. He promises to return to Texas for Bishop Hines Day next October at the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin.

Blackie Jones is still in Baytown but is looking for greener pastures elsewhere.

Jamie Stirling is not retired, doing a tile job every month, gardening weekly and continuing his Chippendale dancing. Jamie and Gwen have been together for 25+ years despite Chippendale dancing.

Renn Rhodes and Do Garcia had their own St. Stephen’s reunion on reunion weekend in Positano, Italy.

Jemmie Clark recently lost her husband of 47 years. She recalls, “We met on Tuesday. He asked me out Friday for dinner and dancing.” At the bar, after dancing, he proposed to her and presented her with an engagement

ring on Monday. They were married on November 7, 1975. She lives in southern Utah.

Steve McKee is retired and living in Austin.

Daryl Tanner and Mike Parten ’69 were the force behind getting so many from the class of 1967 to Reunion Weekend this year. Since Daryl’s house burned down in Fredericksburg, she is spending her time in Corpus Christi and on the road traveling to Ireland and other destinations. Daryl, Monty and Bambi Carter are planning a trip to Morocco and a fall trip along Route 66 from outside Las Vegas to Amarillo. She would also like to go to Japan and would welcome anyone’s advice as to such travel.

Jack O’Quin is long retired and spending his time playing music and herding grandchildren in Austin. Jack and Karen hosted a really nice party for the class on Saturday night of Reunion Weekend.

Bill Phillips, aka Chilly Willy (CW), and Liz would have come to the reunion but were on the way to Fiji on a long-awaited trip. CW is retired from law practice and living in Carbondale, CO, traveling and doing recreational nerd stuff (according to Liz).

Ellen Justice and Eric are looking forward to their annual visit to France this summer. Eric is chairman of the St. David’s building committee and is overseeing the complete restoration of Austin’s flagship Episcopal church to its 19th-century glory. Randy Parten can’t wait to see it!

1969

Jane Dryden Louis signed on for a second term as Secretary of the Spartan Alumni Association.

1970

Following two years of service as the Alumni Co-Chair of the Annual Fund, Hank Ewert assumes the role of Alumni Faculty Representative on the Spartan Alumni Association Board, where he will engage former faculty members to strengthen the connection to the Spartan Alumni Community.

1971

Kathryn Miller Anderson was honored at the annual Leadership Lunch with the Spartan Alumni Leadership Award. Kathryn was honored for her years of service to St. Stephen's as Trustee, Class Representative of the Class of 1971 and co-moderator of the St. Stephen's Alumni Facebook group. See page 33 to learn more about Kathryn.

Patrice Cruz shares that St. Stephen’s has served to shape the trajectory of much of her life since her time on The Hill. She is glad that it also continues to mean so much to others.

On May 18 at the Senior Dinner and Recognition Night, the inaugural Rudolph H. Green ’71 Award was presented. The award honors a senior art student who has shown personal growth and who looks for ways to improve their craft while also pushing intellectual boundaries of visual expression.

The award honors active alumnus Rudy Green for his leadership and dedication to art and artists since the 1980s when he began his own journey of learning about and collecting art. Through years of researching and collecting, he has met artists from around the world and has focused his efforts on art and materials from Africa and the African Diaspora. Rudy and his wife, Joyce Christian, are at the forefront of expanding opportunities for artists through their affiliation with the Art Galleries at Black Studies at the University of Texas, which dedicated its principal exhibition space, the ChristianGreen Gallery, in their honor. (Image 1)

Following two years of service as the Alumni Co-Chair of the Annual Fund, Claire McKay becomes the Parent of Alumni Representative on the Spartan Alumni Association Board this coming year.

1973

Kevin Crawford planned a successful reunion for the Class of 1973! Congratulations to all of our alums celebrating 50 years.

1976

Last Fall, Dr. David Wilcox donated a lovely bound and boxed catalogue of the artwork of his late brother, John Wilcox ’73, to Becker Library. A documentary on John's

life and legacy, titled “John Wilcox: The Relinquishment of Time” can be viewed on the website: johnwilcoxart.com.

1981

Sean Gorman writes from Houston that he’s honored to have been admitted to the partnership of one of the truly elite global law firms, White & Case LLP. The trajectory and success of the Houston office of White & Case have been incredible, and he’s excited to be expanding the firm's Texas offerings into commercial litigation.

John Bernard sends greetings from Mexico City after relocating there for work. His company tasked him with evaluating the possibility of opening an office in the country’s capital city. Together with his wife, the Bernards have been living in CDMX since October 2021.

1985

In March, Jennifer Stayton contributed as a panelist to the Spartans Engage career panel on journalism. Jennifer is the seasoned Host of Morning Edition on KUT 90.5. After serving on the Board of Trustees for the past six years, Jennifer will assume the role of Executive Chair this summer.

1986

Miranda Grieder shares that her son, William “Liam” Cochran ’23, graduated from St. Stephen’s on May 21. She and her husband, David Cochran, are thrilled! (Image 2)

1987

Amy Bieberdorf will join the Spartan Alumni Board this year and serve as the Co-Chair for Spartans Engage alongside Paul Byars ’07

After serving as Reunion Co-Chair on the Spartan Alumni Board for the past 3 years, Alice Nazro Nezzer will shift to being the Chair of Alumni Recognition this coming year.

1988

The Class of 1988 celebrated 35 years during Reunion Weekend. Class Representative Mark Rowe planned a fun evening for his class on the Friday evening of Reunion Weekend.

1989

Patricia Henna Rowe concludes her final year as President of the Spartan Alumni Association and will shift to the role of Past President this next year.

1990

During Reunion Weekend, Ann-Tyler Chote Konradi received the inaugural Spartan Impact Award for her remarkable work with refugees from Ukraine. See page 33 to learn more.

1993

Ben Hoke and Davis Baldwin are coordinating the celebration for the Class of 1993 30-year reunion. Members of the Class will celebrate the weekend of Sept. 29. Davis currently serves on the St. Stephen's Board of Trustees.

1994

CORRECTION: In the last edition of the Spartan Magazine, it was stated that Anne Spear is a professor at LSU when her current appointment is as an instructor.

1995

Ben Chan will continue his service on the Spartan Alumni Association Board as Regional Representative for Washington, D.C. If you have recently moved to D.C., please update your address at bit.ly/SpartanAddressUpdate

1996

Shannon Powers will become the next President of the Spartan Alumni Association Board this summer. This

comes after serving as the Reunion Co-Chair for the past three years. (Image 3)

1998

Jimmy Su returned to campus in April and visited with former teachers Frank Mikan and Troy Lanier.

1999

T.J. Brown and Katherine Bailey Brown ’05 will serve as Alumni Co-Chairs of the Annual Fund for 2023-24.

Recently Michael Ybarra ’98, current St. Stephen’s Trustee, visited Eric Camp and his wife Karla in Frankfurt, Germany, where the couple is currently living. Michael was in town teaching a business law course. They shared a wonderful German meal of schnitzel and spent hours reminiscing about their time on The Hill. (Image 4)

2000

Classmates Emily Meador, Brooklie Benson Gonzales, Sara Levy Sherizen, Valerie Herd Parker and MaryWommack Barton Tatum are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Sarah’s first baby. Perhaps her baby will be a member of the class of 2041! (Image 5)

2001

Meagan Butler writes that practicing mindfulness for ten years changed her brain, prompting her to realize her life’s mission was to change the mental health landscape for youth. She’s an LPC/Senior Therapist with Ensemble Therapy in Austin, specializing in supporting LGBTQ+ teens. In her spare time, she volunteers with the

Uvalde Love project, a group that is working to create a mosaic tile mural alongside the survivors from Robb Elementary. She also works as the clinical research lead for a mental health startup app for teens called LUCERO where she contributed to the content creation. LUCERO is available for download now, and you might even hear Megan leading guided meditations! Beyond professional endeavors, she still regularly hangs out with Lillie Furman Henson, Katharine “Kitty” Bayer and Estelle Giles McKenna. Together, they find themselves doing things St. Stephen’s kids do when they grow up — harnessing creativity and curiosity to forge a wonderful life! Last fall, Megan married Jason Flowers, and they reside in North Central Austin. She says she’s “living the dream” and sends love to the Class of 2001!

Matthew Reimer was the featured Chapel Speaker on National Day of Silence in April. He shared his perspective on the power of choosing to use influence for good. Matthew is a Ph.D. student in the Department of American Studies at George Washington University

and co-author of the 2019 publication “We Are Everywhere: Protest, Power, and Pride in the History of Queer Liberation.”

2002

Matt Miller served as a panelist on the Spartans Engage panel on Engineering and Technology in April. Matt joined Annie Coaty (girlfriend of Andrew Rowe ’16) and Tim Wilschetz, parent of alum. The session for juniors and seniors was moderated by Troy Lanier. Matthew currently serves as Vice President of Product at Liongard. (Image 6)

2004

After serving the Spartan Alumni Association Board for 6+ years, Mallory Boyle ends her term on the Spartan Alumni Association Board. Mallory has worn a number of hats during her time on the Board, and most recently, she served as the Regional Alumni Representative for Texas.

Mallory also joined up with Louise McNutt Brazitis '07 to play in The Big Pickle pickleball tournament this spring at Dreamland in Dripping Springs, benefiting Friends of The Children. They advanced to the quarterfinals and had a ball! (Image 7)

2006

Wande Olabisi and Joe Nayigiziki caught up with Chris Breckwoldt ’86 while visiting campus in April. (Image 8)

2007

In the fall of 2022, Louise McNutt Brazitis joined Roxan Coffman Properties as a residential real estate agent. As a fifth-generation Austinite, she is well-positioned to help you or anyone you may know looking to buy or sell a home in the Austin area. Outside of real estate, she is excited to be on campus coaching field hockey. Louise will transition from the Chair of Alumni Recognition to the Co-Chair of Reunion alongside Liza Ayres ’14 in the coming year.

Paul Byars has signed on for another term on the Spartan Alumni Association Board. Paul will continue working on Spartans Engage as Alumni Co-Chair.

In March, Lisa Collins Shaddock returned to campus to participate as a panelist in the Spartans Engage career panel on Journalism with Jennifer Stayton ’85 and parent of alumni and trustee, Evan Smith. Lisa is currently a writer with PaperCity and based in Dallas. (Image 9)

2008

Amanda Kushner will join the Spartan Alumni Association Board this next year and serve as the new Regional Representative – Dallas.

2010

In December, former head of school Bob Kirkpatrick and his wife Sue attended the marriage celebration of Jake O’Hare and his now wife, Alejandra, in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. (Images 10 & 11)

2011

Mikey Lopez has just entered his 11th year as a professional soccer player. He is currently a central midfielder for Birmingham Legion FC. After having surgery earlier this year, he looks forward to getting back on the field. To learn more about Mikey go to page 34.

Chloe Sharples returned to campus in May for the Spring Theatre Focus performance titled SHIPS Throughout the 2022-23 school year, she served as a guest teacher and director for the show. A full article detailing the specifics of SHIPS and Sharples’s connection to it was published in the Winter 2023 Spartan.

2013

Kofi Asante continues to serve as Vice-President of Strategy & Business Development of Elroy Air. This spring he was interviewed by the CBS affiliate in San Francisco

on the importance of building a diverse team and how it can lead to product innovation.

After serving the Spartan alumni community for over six years, James Carter’s term on the Spartan Alumni Association Board is coming to an end. James most recently served as Regional Representative for the New York City area where he made the annual gathering of Spartans in the area a new tradition.

James also successfully completed and defended his dissertation this spring at Columbia University, making him the newly minted Dr. James Carter. This fall James will move to Ithaca, New York and join the faculty at Cornell University as Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

Hayley Garber Copland shares that she and her husband started a small specialty cut-flower and veggie farm called Angel Valley Farm. Their main focus is flowers — they offer subscriptions, supply for local florists and even make custom arrangements. Currently, one local restaurant sources their veggies for fresh produce, and they are working on partnering with more!

2014

Hallie Ayres lives in Brooklyn, where she works as Assistant Director of an arts organization called e-flux. She was recently appointed to the curatorial team of the 14th Shanghai Biennial, slated to open in November 2023.

Following a three-year term serving as the Chair of Alumni Communication and Social Media on the Spartan Alumni Association Board, Liza Ayres will shift roles this fall, assuming the position of Co-Chair of Reunion alongside Louise McNutt Brazitis ’07

Jason Haugen returned to campus to serve as St. Stephen's Assistant Tennis Coach. In a recent tournament, the girls' team was awarded a plaque for winning the most matches at the Hyde Park Invitational Girls Tennis Tournament. (Image 12)

Madeline Renbarger is in her second year working as a tech reporter in New York City for Insider (formerly Business Insider) where she covers startups and venture capital.

Cosmo Wei will finish his MBA at Columbia University in May. He also volunteers for the Chinese Taipei Lacrosse Association, which he co-founded in 2013, as a development officer for international and U.S. affairs. The team is in preparation for the upcoming San Diego World Cup and potentially the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

2015

Qi (Jerry) Hua is doing sales for a door manufacturing company just outside of Baltimore. He recently got his own office and invites any alum to stop by for a cup of tea!

2016

Phoebe Ayres reports that her family started a production company called 4 Girls Film Productions in December of 2021. The family, Liza ’14, Hallie ’14, Phoebe, Miranda ’18, George and Heatherly had an amazing time creating their first short film, “The Doorman” — George wrote the script, Heatherly was the "set mom" and ran catering, Hallie co-produced and edited it, Phoebe co-produced and acted, and Liza and Miranda coordinated our Austin screening and homemade limoncello deliveries for donors of the project. It was truly a family affair, one that has paid off in three film festival acceptances so far, and through our joy in hearing the laughter the film sparks.

Currently 4 Girls Film Productions is back with its second short film project, “Delivery.” The film is a drama that speaks to the nuances of family dynamics, experiences of loss and reconnection and the lifelong bond between parents and children. Phoebe wrote the script, and the film is set in Hudson, New York where Heatherly and George now reside. To learn more check out @4girlsfilmproductions on Instagram. (Image 13)

Andrew Rowe and his girlfriend, Annie Coaty, joined Elizabeth Rowe ’19, Mark Rowe ’88, Patricia Rowe ’89, Elizabeth Henna ’87, Rosanne Pollard ’64, Louis Henna

’64 and Marci Henna at graduation on May 21 to celebrate new alum, Matthew Rowe ’23. (Image 14)

2017

In May, Anna Hartzell served on the Spartans Engage panel on graduate school and pre-professional programs. She shared her experience in applying to medical school with juniors and seniors. She was joined on the panel by current parents, Steve Scott, Nakia Scott, M.D. and Remi Ratliff. The session was moderated by parent of alumni and former faculty member Clay Nichols.

2018

Miranda Ayres has been selected to serve as an English teacher in Japan through the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program for the 2023-24 year.

Congratulations to Madeline Casas '18. Madeline is a 2023-24 recipient of a Fulbright grant. She will analyze the Cosmic Microwave Background radiation using novel denoising techniques while taking courses in the master’s program in fundamental physics at l’École normale supérieure in Paris. Each year, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards grants to more than 1,900 U.S. students, artists and early career professionals who pursue special projects.

After returning to The Hill as a faculty member, Henry Colangelo will move into the International Office to serve as the incoming International Office Assistant this fall.

Maria Duarte moved to Rochester, Minnesota, to work at the Mayo Clinic as a cardiovascular surgical transplant ICU nurse.

Franklin Lassandro returned to The Hill and served as an assistant football coach during the 2022 season.

Cat Orman is currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer of Flyby Robotics. Cat was recently featured in an article on AZCentral.com. The company chose Arizona to launch its first drone delivery system.

Yutong "Angela" Yang will move to Hong Kong in August after she completes her master's degree in financial economics at Columbia Business School in May. She will work for Bank of America as a corporate banking analyst.

2019

In May, Callie Cho delivered the Commencement Address at Swarthmore College. Callie graduated with a

major in neuroscience and a minor in English, and this summer she will intern at the Center for Cetacean Research and Conservation in the Cook Islands. The Center investigates all species of whales but focuses on the humpback whale population that travels through the South Pacific. (Image 15)

Last Fall, Mary Orms served as Upper School cheerleading coach.

Lucy Schmidt was selected by the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program to teach English in Japan for the 2023-24 year.

St. Stephen’s Trustee and Parent of Alumni, Evan Smith, grabbed a picture of friends and classmates, Zach Routh, Will Dure, Wyatt Smith and David Lucid (Image 16)

In her final collegiate race, Elizabeth Rowe ’19 competed at the 2023 NCAA Division III Women’s Rowing Championship on May 26-27 in Pennsauken, New Jersey. Elizabeth will spend next year teaching in Spain before heading to law school.

2022

First-year student at Texas A&M, Henri Bariselle, received the 2023 Outstanding Freshman Award of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. (Image 17)

Alan Tran stopped by earlier this Spring to see Sarah Todd. Alan just completed his first year at UC Davis. (Image 18)

Osmond “Philip” Breland, Jr. ’61 passed away on May 6, 2023. Following graduation from Austin High School, he earned a degree from St. Edward’s University while simultaneously serving in the U.S. Army Reserves. Philip spent much of his career working in commercial lending and investment banking, and in retirement, he remained active in investment and philanthropic circles. Philip loved animals and travel, and his loyalty and candid advice will be missed by his family and friends.

Suzy Spence Burnett ’58 passed away on December 18, 2022 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. She attended Randolph-Macon Woman’s College and Central Virginia Community College. Suzy spent her career in the medical field serving patients at Lynchburg General Hospital. In 1980, she earned a degree in Christian counseling and volunteered at numerous organizations providing counseling to both children and adults. Her friends and family will miss Suzy’s wit, compassion, fervent generosity and spirit of service.

Dr. Terrel Joiner Cartwright, Jr. ’64 passed away on April 4, 2023. He held degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Hawaii. He conducted postdoctoral studies at Baylor College of Medicine and became director of Electron Microscopy at Baylor. Joiner loved his entire family and adored spending time with his dog, Jumper. He was passionate about social justice, equality and conservation. Joiner will be dearly missed by his wife, siblings and extended family.

Ethan Cooper ’18 passed away on April 7, 2023. Always sporting an infectious smile, Ethan will be remembered for being compassionate, humble, loyal and courageous. His curiosity and witty intellect, coupled with his sense of humor, contributed to his short but accomplished life. Ethan was extremely creative and loved music. He began playing the cello at age eight and went on to create electronic music. Ethan made everyone around him feel seen and loved, exactly as they were.

The Hon. Joseph “Jay” Gibson, III ’68 passed away on March 24, 2023. After graduating from Kermit High School, Jay earned degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and Southern Methodist University. Jay was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1978 and served the 73rd District until 1985. Jay was appointed District Court Judge in the 70th District in 1992. Jay will long be remembered for his tremendous sense of humor and genuine kindness.

Jessica Green ’04 passed away on May 31, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. A graduate of Bennington College in Vermont, Jess was the visionary behind The Cabbage School in North Carolina. Her revolutionary spirit and tireless efforts to understand and love herself touched the lives of those around her. Jess skillfully intertwined the world, uniting people through gatherings and shared transformative moments. Her husband, daughter and her entire family will miss Jess dearly.

Phil Hadley passed away on December 7, 2022. Phil taught Spanish at St. Stephens from 1968 until 1983. He served as the chair of the modern language department beginning in the 1970s and also coached, served in the residential program and was a member of the discipline committee too. Phil earned his Ph.D. in history from the University of Texas at Austin. Phil was a dedicated educator and was viewed as a strong, thoughtful leader among faculty members.

Ann Oppenheimer Hamilton ’54 passed away on November 28, 2022. Ann held degrees from Wellesley College, London School of Economics and Georgetown Law School. She was dedicated to serving the disenfranchised in her career and volunteer work, having supported the Peace Corps, the War on Poverty, the Budget Bureau, the World Bank and Planned Parenthood in her lifetime. Ann was also devoted to her family and friends, and her life of inspiring impact will long be remembered.

Terry Moor ’61 passed away on March 17, 2023. He held degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and Harvard University; he also served in the Peace Corps. Terry had a successful career in architecture prior to becoming Department Head and Dean of the Department of Architecture at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston. Terry’s family and friends will remember his passion for creating sustainable spaces and the joy and loving support he brought to all he knew.

Sue Ellen Peterson ’64 passed away on July 18, 2015 after a 16-year battle with breast and bone cancer. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s from the University of Texas at Austin. She worked for both the Perry-Castañeda Library at UT Austin and the Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library in Kerrville prior to retirement. A beloved member of her family, Sue will be missed by her siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Mike Petry ’71 passed away on December 4, 2022. Mike received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. He loved to play guitar and had a passion for baking. Mike often baked bread for many of the houseless people in Dallas; and, during Reunion Weekend a couple of years ago, Mike sent his St. Stephen’s classmates homemade bread. Mike will be missed by many in the Class of 1971 and beyond.

Kathrine L. Roland passed away on April 14, 2023. A long-standing member of the dining hall team at St. Stephen’s, Kathrine was a generous woman who believed in taking care of everybody she encountered. She approached her work with the same attitude, taking care of the St. Stephen’s community daily until her retirement in 1992. Kathrine’s loving spirit is still remembered fondly by those on The Hill who had the privilege of encountering her.

Dr. Danny Strain ’70 passed away on May 3, 2023. Danny earned degrees from the University of Michigan and Louisiana State University School of Medicine. He spent his career working in medicine in Louisiana. Danny was an avid traveler in his younger days. His passion for Louisiana aquatic and reptilian life led him to be an expert in the care of tortoises, turtles and snakes. He will be missed by countless friends and family members.

Bob Turpin ’57 passed away on December 25, 2022. Bob attended the University of Texas at Austin and was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. Nothing meant more to Bob than his family and friends. He found a deep sense of purpose in prison ministry, visiting inmates regularly and providing spiritual guidance through written correspondence. Bob will be missed for his sense of humor and the genuine love he showed to family and friends.

Jim Vance ’69 passed away on October 5, 2020. He earned his bachelor’s in engineering from Rice University. Jim went on to work for the city of Austin and for Barton-Aschman Associates as an engineering consultant. Jim loved the American West, particularly the Grand Canyon. He attempted to visit the National Park annually with good friends. Jim will be missed by his sister, family and many in the St. Stephen’s community.

Alumni Class Representatives

Will Brewster ’51 brewsterwilliam34@gmail.com

Michael Hines ’54 poppyhines@msn.com

Colin Phipps ’55 colin@phippsfarm.com

Ellen McCorquodale Martin ’56 ellenk.martin@aol.com

Ruth Wilson Witten ’57 ruthwitten@aol.com

J.P. Bryan ’58 BryanJ@teai.com

Tom Romberg ’59 tromberg@me.com

Pat Fatter Black ’60 ggpat77@gmail.com

Steve Jolly ’61 stevejolly@mindspring.com

David Sanders ’62 rdavidsanders@msn.com

Julia Cauthorn ’63 julia@texancapital.com

Arthur Wright ’64 arthur.wright@tklaw.com

Dianne Duncan Tucker ’65 ddtuck@aol.com

Randy Parten ’67 jrparten@parten.com

Robert Henderson ’68 rehenderson@nvcc.edu

Josh Harrison ’69 JHarrisonLaw@aol.com

Dee Meador ’70 meadortx@yahoo.com

Kathryn Miller Anderson ’71 zjmiller1513@gmail.com

Darrell David ’72 darrell.s.david@gmail.com

Douglass Anderson ’73 dlalaw@hotmail.com

Ann Rhodes McMeans ’74 armcmeans@gmail.com

Dr. Mary L. Brandt ’75 mary.l.brandt@gmail.com

Sylvia McIntyre-Crook ’75 sycrook1@cox.net

Dan Norton ’76 daniel@danielnorton.com

Robert Ettinger ’77 robert@ettlaw.com

Mark Tucker ’78 mrtucker@mindspring.com

Carroll Lively Reeser ’79 carroll@reeser.net

Peter Larkam ’80 peter@peterlarkam.com

Erica Peters Stafford ’81 Erica.Stafford@bvcpa.com

Charlotte Stuckey Brigham ’81 charbrigham@gmail.com

Wendy White Naughton ’82 wendy.naughton@gmail.com

Laura Mears Mirecki ’83 Lauralynn787@gmail.com

Suzanne Cantarino Pfeiffer ’84 SuzannePfeiffer@austin.rr.com

Libbie Walker Ansell ’85 libbieansell@gmail.com

Chris Breckwoldt ’86 cbreckwoldt@sstx.org

Catherine Hoey Randall ’87 caterandall@sbcglobal.net

Mark Rowe ’88 markrowe@henna.com

Jonathan Quander ’89 jdquander70@gmail.com

Joe Frisz ’90 joe.frisz@enovapay.com

Liz Fleming Powell ’91 lz.powell@gmail.com

Monika Powe Nelson ’92 giantmonsterprincess@gmail.com

Davis Baldwin ’93 rdbaldwin@mac.com

Gretchen Connally Doyle ’94 gconnally@gmail.com

Travis Greig ’94 travisgreig@gmail.com

Seth Alley ’95 sethalley@msn.com

Ben Chan ’95 eyethump@gmail.com

Hawkins Li ’95 hli3@yahoo.com

Beth Cockerham Mack ’95 semack77@gmail.com

Ann Strauser Palmer ’95 Annstrauserpalmer@gmail.com

Rhea Benbow Thomas ’95 rheabt@gmail.com

Meghan Alexander ’96 MAlexander@AlexanderAtty.com

Shannon Powers Flahive ’96 shannon6480@gmail.com

Gerry DeLeon ’96 gerryadeleon@gmail.com

Elizabeth Anne Sykes Rains ’96 earains1109@yahoo.com

Cam Beesley ’97 leardsfool@gmail.com

Jared Hockema ’98 jhockema@mac.com

Becky Hollis Diffen ’99 Becky.diffen@nortonrosefulbright.com

Claire Browder ’00 clairebrowder@gmail.com

Aaron Albrecht ’00 albrecht.aaron@gmail.com

Katharine Bayer ’01 kittybayer@gmail.com

Juliet Frerking ’01 frerking@gmail.com

Kean Tonetti ’02 stonetti@gmail.com

Brian Kaufman ’04 brian.r.kaufman@gmail.com

Rachel Katz ’05 rpk228@gmail.com

Sarah Cromwell Sheppard ’06 sarahhcromwell@gmail.com

Selina Strasburger ’06 selina.strasburger@gmail.com

Cole Arledge ’07 cole.arledge@gmail.com

Louise McNutt Brazitis ’07 louisebrazitis@gmail.com

J.J. Botha ’09 johannbbotha@gmail.com

Chantal Strasburger ’09 chantal.strasburger@gmail.com

Carlotta Garza ’10 carlotta.garza@gmail.com

Omar Yaghi ’10 omaryaghi2@gmail.com

Ryann Young ’10 rhy9@cornell.edu

Lindsay Redman ’11 llredman93@gmail.com

Henry Sikes ’11 WHSikes1@gmail.com

Gray Twombly ’11 Twombly.Gray@gmail.com

Alia Yaghi ’11 alia.yaghi1@gmail.com

Yosua A. Husodo ’12 yosua.adiyasa@hotmail.com

Helen Elizabeth Old ’12 helenelizabeth1@me.com

Caroline Pringle ’12 carolinepringle93@gmail.com

Jake Politte ’12 jake.politte@rocketmail.com

James Carter ’13 jamesterelcarter@gmail.com

Annie Nordhauser ’13 lisa.nordhauser@gmail.com

Nathan Goldberg ’14 nathangoldbergc@gmail.com

Jaclyn Horton ’14 jaclynlhorton@gmail.com

Jim Old ’15 jamesold1@mac.com

Nick Goldreyer ’16 nick.goldreyer@gmail.com

Madison Wiedeman ’17 madisonw5457@gmail.com

Miranda Ayres ’18 mirandadaisy29@gmail.com

Allie Goldreyer ’18 allie.goldreyer@gmail.com

Blossom Maduafokwa ’18 bdm2140@barnard.edu

Andrew Yow ’18 david.andrew.yow@gmail.com

Wyatt Gill ’19 Wyatt.gill912@gmail.com

Tom Guan ’19 guantomy@gmail.com

Greta Katsner ’19 gretakastner@gmail.com

Chloe Lawrence ’19 chloelawrence512@gmail.com

Lucy Schmidt ’19 lucyschmidt88@gmail.com

Sophia Waugh ’20 sophiastoylewaugh@gmail.com

Lizzy Jones ’20 lizzyjonesatx@gmail.com

Lauren Gill ’21 Laurengill42@gmail.com

Betsy Goodrum ’21 betsygoodrum@gmail.com

Ellie Gunnin ’22 elliegunnin21@gmail.com

Sophie Hawthorne ’22 sophie.i.hawthorne@gmail.com

Firstname Lastname ’23 email@gmail.com

Firstname Lastname ’23 email@gmail.com

We are seeking Class Representatives for the classes of 1952, 1953, 2003 and 2008. If you are interested, please contact Michelle Geo Olmstead, Director of Alumni Relations, at molmstead@sstx.org.

Class Notes Submissions

We encourage alumni to share personal updates with us for Class Notes. Spartan alumni are contacted by their Class Reps several times a year to gather news and information. For assistance contacting your Class Rep or to submit news directly by email, please contact Michelle Geo Olmstead, Director of Alumni Relations, at 512.327.1213 x178 or molmstead@sstx.org.

For help finding your Class Rep, please visit our Alumni webpage at www.sstx.org/alumni.

Class notes can also be submitted online at www. sstx.org/alumni/. Select the “Stay Connected” box. We welcome high-resolution photographs with your Class Notes submission. Please send a JPG format in the largest size possible (at least 900 pixels; image 3 inches wide at 300 dpi). Please include the full names and class years of everyone pictured.

Spartan Magazine editors reserve the right to edit or omit any information submitted.

Get Social!

Connect with St. Stephen’s and your classmates online

Spartan Alumni Network spartanalumninetwork.com

Private Alumni Facebook Group facebook.com/Groups/StStephensAlumniGroup

Follow St. Stephen’s at:

Facebook facebook.com/sstx.org

Instagram @SSTX_OnTheHill

YouTube @StStephensAustin

If you have not received emails from the Alumni Office recently, we may not have your current email address. Please send your information to molmstead@sstx. org so you do not miss invitations to events and news about your classmates!

ANNUAL FUND FIRST

The Annual Fund is the heart and soul of philanthropy at St. Stephen’s. Your gift sends a powerful message of support that you believe in the mission of St. Stephen’s, our exceptional faculty, outstanding students and the extraordinary landscape that we cherish as St. Stephen’s Episcopal School.

Gifts to the Annual Fund help support every aspect of daily life. Our diverse, inclusive campus is full of unique students with strong character that we help nurture and support through a wide range of enhanced programs and special offerings. Thank you to the multitudes of parents, alumni, trustees, faculty and staff, grandparents and friends for your generosity in helping us sustain our mission “to inspire a lasting love of learning and spirit of service” in every student. Your participation in the Annual Fund is important and truly makes a difference.

sstx.org/givenow

If you make one gift to St. Stephen’s, please support the Annual Fund, First!

6500 St. Stephen’s Drive Austin, Texas 78746

If you receive multiple copies of this publication or have updated address information to share with us, please send an email to Sharon Sparlin at ssparlin@sstx.org. Thank you!

Finished with your Spartan magazine? Pass it along to a friend or colleague or recycle.

PARTING SHOT Top Row L to R: Garrett Nalle, Nora Felner, William Casas, Wren Martin, Bottom Row L to R: Lux Baumann, Claire Murray, Eliza Cho