leadership & literature:
TRANSCRIPT
THE
PRIDE Summer 2016Volume 21, Issue 1St. Mark’s School of TexasAlumni Magazine
Leadership & Literature:The new English 10 course emphasizes leadership
Sunday–Wednesday, October 16–19East Coast Alumni Events
Friday, October 21Homecoming
Wednesday, November 23Young Alumni Holiday Party
Thursday, December 8Alumni Holiday Luncheon
Thursday, December 29Alumni Games
See the full calendar of events at www.smtexas.org/AlumniEvents
Thursday, January 5College-Age Marksmen Day Thursday–Saturday,April 20–22Alumni Weekend
Friday, May 19Commencement &Graduate Luncheon
St. Mark’s School of Texas Fall 2016 | Contents 1
ON CAMPUS 2 | Letter from the Editor 4 | Student Art 8 | Sports News 14 | Student Accolades 16 | Holiday Traditions 20 | Making a Difference 22 | Campus Visitors 26 | Habitat for Humanity 28 | Celebrate St. Mark’s 30 | Retiring Faculty 34 | Retiring Trustees ALUMNI NEWS 36 | Alumni Board Report 40 | Alumni in the News 44 | Alumni Weekend
SPOTLIGHT ON PHILANTHROPY 56 | Building a Legacy 58 | Parent Volunteers
FEATURES 60 | Thinking Forward 68 | Science Center 72 | The Senior Odyssey 74 | Baccalaureate & Commencement 80 | College Matriculation NOTES AND REMARKS 82 | Class Notes 93 | Faculty Notes 94 | In Memoriam 96 | Endnotes
ABOUT OUR COVERMichael Morris’ English 10
class studies outside
ContentsSt. Mark’s School of Texas Alumni Magazine
Volume 21, Issue 1 • Summer 2016
THE
PRIDE
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“Home. What a great name for the most
important thing in baseball.”
In giving his Baccalaureate address on behalf of
the faculty, Joe Milliet told the departing Class of
2016 about his passion for the game of baseball:
from the spring weather announcing the start of
the season to the mental agility required of the
players to the excitement of watching them round
the bases and return home. Joe loves baseball.
And, Joe loves his home at St. Mark’s. With tears
in his eyes before the audience of seniors, parents,
and faculty hanging on his every word, Joe
implored the 88 “players” before him never to
forget to come home.
For almost a decade, I’ve had the pleasure of
calling St. Mark’s my home and have witnessed
this community’s growth from two unique
perspectives. As a faculty member, I see the
continuous drive for improvement that the
teachers and administrators bring to their work.
I see their passion and their dedication. Every year,
the curriculum is tweaked and lesson plans are
honed. St. Mark’s mission is to prepare young men
for a “changing world.” To achieve this goal, we
must never sit still.
As a parent, I see my own boys’ growth. Their
character and their spirit receive just as much
attention as their minds. My boys obtain more
than a world-class education; they learn how to
be good men.
The feature stories in this issue are all about
looking toward the future. The Goals for
St. Mark’s IV strategic planning process
aims to identify and introduce advancement
opportunities for the School. The new English 10
curriculum is a commanding step forward in the
growth of our character education program.
And, as the building takes shape, the Winn
Family Science Center will inspire the next
generation of world-changers, just as the Class of
2016 is poised to go out into the world and make
it a better place.
This is certainly an exciting time to be a part of
the St. Mark’s community. I cannot wait to see
the future of the place we all call home. And like
Joe, I encourage all of you to return home to
St. Mark’s. In life as in baseball, it’s always
important to make it home.
Best Wishes,
Katy B. Rubarth
Director of Communications
St. Mark’s School of Texas2 On Campus | THE PRIDE
from the editorOn Campus
Fall 2016 | On Campus 3
On Campus
campus snapshot
Students in Mrs. Materre’s fourth-grade math class
work on their Think Tank project. Inspired by
Mrs. Materre’s visit to a real think tank, students
are given difficult math problems and must
collaborate to solve them.
St. Mark’s School of Texas
A Collection of Student Photography and Ceramics
In 2015–2016, St. Mark’s photography program
was named Top Program by the Association of
Texas Photography Instructors for a record tenth
consecutive year. The photography program is
sponsored by Scott Hunt, Arnold E. Holtberg Master
Teaching Chair.
(opposite)Wesley Hibbs ’17
(left)Drew Baxley ’16
(below left)Graham Kirstein ’16
(below right)William Hall ’18
Fall 2016 | On Campus 5
On Campus
St. Mark’s School of Texas
(clockwise from above)Bryce Killian ’16
Dhruv Prasad ’17
Greyson Gallagher ’16
(opposite)Zak Houillion ’16
On Campus
St. Mark’s School of Texas6 On Campus | THE PRIDE
The 2015–2016 year marked Bill Kysor’s 47th and final
year teaching at St. Mark’s. For almost a half-century,
Bill helped invigorate the Fine Arts department and
created a nationally renowned Ceramics program.
Next year marks a new chapter in St. Mark’s Fine
Arts Department as drama teacher Marion Glorioso
assumes the role of Department Chair. Former
Department Chair Jacque Gavin will still teach drama,
continuing her St. Mark’s career that began in 1978.
Fall 2016 | On Campus 7
On Campus
St. Mark’s School of Texas
St. Mark’s School of Texas8 On Campus | THE PRIDE
On Campus
sports news
FootballThe varsity football team entered the SPC Playoffs
as the #1 seed in the North Zone. The Lions hosted
the Kinkaid Falcons in the first round. The Falcons
struck early, scoring a pair of touchdowns in the
first quarter. Early in the second quarter, the Lions
answered with a Matthew Placide ’16 touchdown
pass to Graham Gillespie ’16, making the score 7–12.
Kinkaid broke away with two long touchdown plays
and a short touchdown run, but the Lions scored
on the final play of the half with a touchdown pass
to Rish Basu ’17. The Lions played even with the
Falcons in the second half, with each team scoring
14 points. After an intense game, the Falcons won
47–27, ending the Lion’s 6–4 season. Bart Epperson,
Carl Jackson, Russell Labhart, and Hayward Lee
coach the team.
Cross-CountryThe varsity cross-country team traveled to Austin to
compete in the SPC Cross Country Championships
on the campus of St. Andrew’s. Amid drizzling rain
and mud, the Lions trudged through the course
to earn a third-place finish behind St. John’s and
St. Stephen’s. It was the second year in a row that
the Lions finished third in what has become a
very competitive conference, both in terms of
outstanding runners and outstanding teams. The
Lions were led by senior JT Graass ’16, who finished
in third place, capping off a stellar SPC career during
which he earned All-SPC awards four years in a row.
Right behind him, Daniel Cope ’17 finished in fourth
place, also earning All-SPC honors. Seth Weprin ’19
finished 22nd overall, despite losing one of his
shoes a half-mile into the race. Behind him was Sam
Shane ’18 in 26th place, Scott Smythe ’17 in 35th
place, Emmett Berger ’19 in 50th place, and Andre
Arsenault ’18 in 70th place. John Turek and Ryan
Hershner coach the team.
(above)Varsity quarterback
Matthew Placide ’16
(right)Cal Rushton ’18 and
Jordan Cox ’18
(left)Senior volleyball players Greyson Gallagher, Matthew Lawson, Sam Eichenwald, and Parker Dixon
Fall 2016 | On Campus 9
VolleyballThe varsity volleyball team entered the SPC
Championship Tournament in Austin as the #1 seed
from the SPC North Zone. In the first round, the
Lions took on Trinity Valley. The Lions were hitting
on all cylinders, winning the match 3–0. The Lions’
next match was the last match of the night. After a
long wait, the Lions finally took the court against
Casady, a team they had faced in the SPC Finals
the past two years. During a tense back-and-forth
game, the Lions won the first game, lost the next two,
and won the fourth. Despite their best effort, the
Cyclones took game five with a score of 11–15 and
advanced to the SPC Finals. Exhausted, the Lions
nevertheless regrouped for their next match against
the #1 seed from the SPC South Zone, St. John’s. The
teams split the first four games of the match and in
the fifth and final game, the Lions prevailed, winning
15–12 and earning third place at SPC. Darren Teicher
and Brian Meyer coach the team.
St. Mark’s School of Texas
New Crew Hull Named for Dr. Westrate On Friday, January 22, 2016, the St. Mark’s varsity crew gathered to
christen its newest hull, the Bruce C. Westrate, named in honor of the
history teacher and Nancy and Jeffrey Marcus Master Teaching Chair.
The Westrate is the first hull purchased with funds from the Quarls
Family Sustaining Crew Fund, which continues to support St. Mark’s
rowing program. Former crew member Harrison Quarls ’13 joined
Dr. Westrate in christening the hull.
SoccerEntering the SPC Tournament as the North Zone’s
fifth seed, the varsity soccer team shut out John
Cooper thanks to a goal by Grant Brooks ’17, who
headed in a throw-in from Will Diamond ’16. On
Friday morning, St. Mark’s took an early lead against
Greenhill with goals by Arjun Singh ’18 and Graham
Gillespie ’16. The Lions’ defense held strong to
secure the win against Greenhill. After an early
goal in the semifinals, St. Mark’s found itself ahead
of the host team, Episcopal High School. But EHS
tied the game with a penalty kick that left the Lions
short-handed for the remainder of the game. After
losing their spot in the championship, St. Mark’s
would once again prove its mettle by overcoming
a two-goal deficit on Saturday to defeat Kinkaid in
penalty kicks and finish third in the conference.
Corey Martin, Colin Perry, and Hayward Lee coach
the team.
St. Mark’s School of Texas10 On Campus | THE PRIDE
On Campus
sports news, continued
WrestlingThe varsity wrestling team capped off its winter
season with a second place overall finish in the SPC
tournament. Nearly every wrestler met or exceeded
his individual expectation at the conference meet.
Individually, the Lions crowned four champions:
Will Wood ’18 (106 lbs.), Ivan Day ’17 (120 lbs.),
Tucker Ribman ’18 (126 lbs.), and Bryce Blinn ’17
(170 lbs.). Colin Neuhoff ’19 also distinguished
himself in his first varsity action, placing second
at 152 lbs. Justin Turner, Hugo Castrejon, Ross
Cromartie, David Miller, and Myles Teasley coach
the team.
SwimmingThe varsity swimming team had an outstanding
showing at the SPC Championships and secured
another championship with more than 80 percent of
the team setting personal best times. The team won
all three relays and set new SPC and School records
in the 200m medley and 400m freestyle. Swimmers
set three new individual School records in the 50m
and 100m freestyle and 100m breaststroke. The
Lions also won the 50m and 100m freestyle, 100m
backstroke, and 100m breaststroke events. The team
placed swimmers on the podium in all 11 swimming
events, had nine swimmers awarded All-SPC honors,
and finished with more than three times the points
of the second-place team. Mihai Oprea, Janis Oprea,
and Gica Deac coach the team.
BasketballThe varsity basketball team finished third at the
SPC tournament. After earning a bye in the first
round, the Lions squared off with Kinkaid in the
SPC quarterfinals. The Lions trailed Kinkaid by 11
points at the half, but seniors Brannon Rouse ’16
and William Caldwell ’16 helped the team to
victory in an exciting second-half comeback.
In the semifinal game, the Lions fell to defending
champion St. Stephen’s after a valiant second-half
push. St. Mark’s then moved on to battle for third
(clockwise from top left)Varsity soccer player
Kabeer Singh ’18
The 200 medley relay team: Kevin Kim ’16,
Eddie Ro ’18, Jacob Hum ’17, and Eric Li ’16
Orlin Ware ’18 wrestles at St. Mark’s
Fall 2016 | On Campus 11
place against Casady, its only North Zone loss.
The contest seesawed back and forth until the third
quarter, when the Marksmen went on a 12–0 run and
took control for good. The team’s nine senior players
all combined to finish the job and secure a second
consecutive 20+ win season. Greg Guiler, Tom
Adams, Scott Guiler, Ryan Parker, Austin Valadez,
and KJ Wiggins ’10 coach the team.
Track & FieldAt the SPC track and field championships, St. Mark’s
and St. John’s fought a close race for the title.
The Lions went into the final event, the 4 x 400
Relay, with a 4-point lead, but St. John’s managed
to come away with a 4-point victory. St. Mark’s
second-place finish is its best finish since winning
the championship in 2012. There were some
outstanding individual results from the Marksmen
throughout the meet. JT Graass ’16 won the 3200m,
anchored the winning 4 x 800 relay team, won
the 800m, and then came back to win the 1600m.
Johnathon Berry ’16 won both the shot put and the
discus. Clay Morris ’18 also had an exceptional day,
finishing second in the long jump and third in the
high jump. Keith Kadesky ’17 won the pole vault
and Daniel Garcia ’18 placed third in the 400m
(left)Varsity basketball player Will Ingram ‘17
St. Mark’s School of Texas
and fifth place in the 200m. Daniel also anchored
the 4 x 100 relay and 4 x 400 relay team. Justin
Berry ’16 earned third place in the discus. Daniel
Cope ’17, Sam Shane ’18, and Scott Smythe ’17
joined JT Graass on the winning 4 x 800 relay
team. John Turek, Kevin Dilworth, Ryan Hershner,
Tiffeny Parker, and Josh Cravens coach the team.
BaseballThe varsity baseball team entered the SPC
championship tournament as the North Zone’s #1
seed and started the championship with a tense
faceoff against St. Andrew’s. The Lions trailed 2–7
going into the 5th inning, but fought back with
seven runs in the bottom of the frame to advance
to the semifinals against Episcopal High School of
Houston. There, William Caldwell ’16 dominated
the Knights’ offense, throwing a complete game
shutout. Brannon Rouse ’16 scored on a passed
ball to give the Lions their only run and the game
winner. The SPC Championship game found
the Lions facing off against Kinkaid in a rematch
of the previous year’s final. While the Falcons
led 5–0 early on, the Lions caught up thanks to
sophomore Zach Landry’s two-RBI single and
William Caldwell’s three-run home run. Excellent
Seniors Commit to Collegiate Sports Max Sadlowski – Lacrosse – Washington and Lee University
Parker Dixon – Volleyball – Princeton University
Jalen Lynch – Football – Southern Methodist University
Cameron Clark – Golf – Amherst College
Alden James – Crew – Massachusetts Institute of Technology
JT Graass – Track & Field – University of Virginia (not pictured)
St. Mark’s School of Texas12 On Campus | THE PRIDE
On Campus
sports news, continued
relief pitching by Hunter Alexander ’16 and
Reece Rabin ’18 held Kinkaid at bay while the Lions
tacked on six more runs in the top of the seventh,
securing the championship. Johnny Hunter, Sam
Carpenter, and Ryan Pfleger coach the team.
Water PoloAfter winning the Inaugural 2016 Private School
State Championship, the varsity water polo team
prepared to defend its 2014 and 2015 state titles.
In a pair of tense games, the Lions defeated
Strake Jesuit and Clear Brook High School in the
quarter and semifinals. The Lions began their
Championship game against Southlake Carroll
strong, scoring four goals in the first quarter. The
Lions then matched Southlake goal for goal the rest
of the way and clinched the state title with a final
score of 8–4. This is the team’s third straight state title
and its eighth straight year finishing in the top three.
Mihai Oprea, Spencer Dornin, Peter Hudak, and
Janis Oprea coach the team.
TennisThe varsity tennis team entered the SPC Tournament
as the #2 seed from the North Zone. Matched up
against Kinkaid in the first round, the team won
both double matches. In singles, it was matched up
against very strong players and was unable to come
out on top. The Lions then faced Oakridge in a match
that would determine fifth place. The doubles teams
made up of seniors Anvit Reddy and Albert Thieu,
and Will Hardage and Will Garden were victorious
in their final matches. Once again, the Lions fought
hard in the singles matches but were unable to win
against a tough Oakridge singles lineup, losing the
match 2–3. The tennis team enjoyed a successful
season overall, finishing with an 8–1 SPC North
Zone record. Hayward Lee and Jerry Lacey coach
the team.
GolfThe varsity golf team finished a record-breaking
season with a runner-up finish at the SPC
Championship Golf Tournament in The Woodlands,
Texas. The road to the championship included three
new tournament-scoring records and a perfect
record in match play. St. Mark’s posted rounds of 306
and 305 at SPC for a two-day total of 611. Captain
Sam Clayman ’17 scored two even par rounds of 72
to finish with a 144 total and in fourth place, earning
him All-Conference honors. David Baker and Matt
Lambro coach the team.
(above)The SPC Championship
baseball team
(right)JT Graass ’16
Fall 2016 | On Campus 13
CrewThe varsity crew had a strong showing at the
USRowing Central Youth Championships where
both junior varsity quads, the junior varsity double,
a varsity quad, a single, and the lightweight double
all made it to the finals. The JV quad of Jonathan
Libby ’17, Dion Stroot ’17, Brian Buckenham ’17,
and Eduardo Ludwig-Bernardo ’18 took first in
their final. Alden James ’16 placed third in the
single, while the varsity quad of Aiden Blinn ’17,
August Graue ’17, Taylor Rohrich ’16, and Alden
James finished second in the region. The varsity
quad advanced to the Youth National Rowing
Championships in New Jersey and placed 19th
nationally in the men’s youth 4x. Pitts Yandell, Lisa
Boyd, Walt Miga, and Cameron Baxley ’14 coach
the team.
(clockwise from top left)Lacrosse player Luke Rogers ’17
The second-place golf team: Cameron Clark ’16, Nick Chaiken ’17, Sam Clayman ’17, Devan Prabhakar ’17, Rett Daugbjerg ’18
The varsity crew rows to victory at the Central Youth Championships
Tennis player Jack Parolisi ’18
St. Mark’s School of Texas
LacrosseAfter finishing second in the SPC Tournament, the
varsity lacrosse team made its first THSLL Super
Regional appearance since the 2013 season. Led
by goalie John Gunnin ’18 and senior defensemen
Max Sadlowski, Bryce Killian, and John Landry, the
Lions held the Memorial Mustangs to four goals in
a 5–4 victory on Saturday. Next, the Lions took on
Westlake High School, which got out to a fast start
and led 7–1 at the half. Undaunted, the Lions fought
back, scoring five straight goals but were ultimately
unable to complete the comeback, losing the game
10–6. Francis Donald ’03, James Baker, Matthew
Meadows ’15, Anthony Porchetta, and Kurt Tholking
coach the team.
St. Mark’s School of Texas
On Campus
14 On Campus | THE PRIDE
7$2,000
2
2
18
17 10
2Members of the Class of 2016 named as
candidates for the United States Presidential
Scholars Program
Raised by the St. Mark’s community for
the American Cancer Society through
No-Shave November
Juniors Kevin Choi ’17 and Daran Zhao ’17
advanced to the semifinalists round for the
US National Physics Olympiad
Student films screened at the 2016
South by Southwest Film Festival
Members of the Classes of 2016 and 2017
inducted into the Cum Laude Society
(pictured)
St. Mark’s musicians chosen for
All-State Choir, Orchestra, Band, and
Jazz Ensemble
Consecutive years that the St. Mark’s
photography program has been named
Top Program by the Association of
Texas Photography Instructors
Minor planets named for Joshua Choe ’16
and his nominating teacher Mark Adame,
after Joshua reached finalist status in the
Intel Science Talent Search
254Seniors named Finalists in the
2016 Competition for National
Merit Scholarships
Years in a row that a Marksman has
been named Texas High School
Journalist of the Year: Will Clark ’16,
Matthew Conley ’15, Ryan O’Meara ’14,
and Daniel Hersh ’13.
student accolades by the numbersFacts and Figures from Across Campus
Visit the St. Mark’s Student Store for apparel, athletic gear, accessories, and more.
Open Monday–Friday 7:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
St. Mark’s School of Texas16 On Campus | THE PRIDE
holiday traditions
Community ServiceEach year, Marksmen share their blessings and time to strengthen and
support the broader Dallas community. No-Shave November raised money
and awareness for men’s health. Before Thanksgiving, the Junior Class
hosted a Nintendo-themed McDonald’s Week, collecting money and food for
Austin Street Center. In December, the Community Service Gift Drive spread
Christmas cheer to children across the Dallas area.
(clockwise from top left) Santa and his elves collect
gifts for the Gift Drive
Lower Schoolers at McDonald’s Week
Santa delivers toys to local children
Captain Sunshine performs an explosive
chemistry show at McDonald’s Week
Mr. Smith and Mr. Brown prepare for their annual
dance-off as part of McDonald’s Week
On Campus
Fall 2016 | On Campus 17St. Mark’s School of Texas
(clockwise from top left)Grandparents listen to a story in Lower School
Toussaint Pegues ’18 and his grandfather
Jordan Gaines ’21 in class with his grandparents
Colin Campbell ’20 walks to class with his grandfather Bob Campbell
Justin and Johnathon Berry ’16 walk to class with their grandparents
Grandparents’ DayMore than 500 grandparents and friends joined their Marksmen for
Grandparents’ Day. Guests attended classes with their boys, where many
teachers had special activities planned.
On Campus
St. Mark’s School of Texas18 On Campus | THE PRIDE
Lessons & CarolsFor more than half a century, the St. Mark’s community has joined the
St. Mark’s Choir in celebrating the holiday season with A Festival of Nine
Lessons & Carols.
On Campus
(clockwise from top left) Choirmaster Tinsley Silcox
leads a carol
Eric Kusin ’00 reads a lesson
The congregation joins the Choir in a carol
Organist and Assistant Choirmaster Glenn Stroh leads the fourth-grade novices
Fall 2016 | On Campus 19St. Mark’s School of Texas
On Campus
All-School Christmas PartyOn the last school day of 2015, the entire student body filled the Great Hall for
one of St. Mark’s most cherished traditions. Seniors carried their Lower School
buddies through the Great Hall to decorate the Christmas tree with hand-made
ornaments. Marksmen cheered as Student Council President JT Graass ’16
announced that the Gift Drive surpassed its goal, collecting more than 2,016 gifts.
(above and left)Seniors and their buddies enter the Great Hall together
(far left)JT Graass ’16 introduces Major Barbara Rich of The Salvation Army as Eugene McDermott Headmaster David W. Dini looks on
St. Mark’s School of Texas20 On Campus | THE PRIDE
your support makes these moments possible
Making a DifferenceEach year, the St. Mark’s Fund supports campus life at 10600 Preston Road.
Accounting for more than 10 percent of the overall budget, the St. Mark’s
Fund allows for a St. Mark’s education to be truly extraordinary.
(clockwise from top left)The Senior Class roars at
its Interstellar-themed Homecoming Pep Rally
The sixth-grade class hosts a mentoring picnic
for the fourth-graders, completing team-
building exercises and sharing advice on the
Middle School
The first-grade class performs Three of a Kind, a musical starring Three Blind Mice, Three Little Pigs, Three Musketeers and other famous trios
On Campus
Thank You from the students, faculty, and staff of St. Mark’s School of Texas for making a gift to the 2015-2016 St. Mark’s Fund. Together with more than 3,300 alumni, parents, and friends of the School, you helped us raise a record $3.79 million for current Marksmen and their teachers. These gift are crucial in providing our students and faculty with the necessary support to sustain excellence at 10600 Preston Road. 59% of all alumni contributed a record $2 million to the St. Mark’s Fund, exceeding 50% participation for the
eighth consecutive year. The 10 Reunion classes raised more than $810,000 of the total and broke seven Reunion Records.
93% of current parents contributed $1.8 million to the Fund, exceeding 90% for the fourth consecutive year.
100% of the Class of 2016 participated in their Legacy Gift to support the St. Mark’s Fund, created a new financial aid endowment called the Path to Manhood Scholarship, and supported the Senior Support Fund to assist Marksmen with senior year expenses.
Thank you for being part of an extraordinary year of support at St. Mark’s.
Thank You!
St. Mark’s School of Texas
On Campus
distinguished speakers on campus
Literary FestivalOn Friday, January 8, 2016, St. Mark’s welcomed
five distinguished writers to campus for the
ninth annual Literary Festival. The guests included
journalist and The Atlantic contributing editor
Graeme Wood ’97; Grammy-nominated singer-
songwriter Lisa Loeb; bestselling investigative
journalist and St. Mark’s Distinguished Alumnus
Kurt Eichenwald ’79; bestselling narrative
nonfiction author Hampton Sides; and Chicana
novelist, poet, and playwright Ana Castillo.
Lisa Loeb began the Festival with a concert on
Thursday, where she performed songs from her
more than two-decade career, including the
number-one hit “Stay.” On Friday, the five writers
spent time in classrooms, sharing their stories and
answering questions with Upper School students.
The writers came together for a panel discussion
during Upper School assembly, led by Literary
Festival co-chairs Gopal Raman ’17 and Davis
Bailey ’16. When asked to give advice to young
authors, the panel conveyed the need to read as
much as possible and to spend time developing the
art of writing.
“Your quest is to find your own voice, your own style,
and your own sensibility,” said Hampton Sides.
“Figure out who you are and what you like.”
Kurt Eichenwald ’79 echoed Hampton’s advice,
adding, “Everybody can write. Writers rewrite.”
The Literary Festival ended with a special
reception in the Green Library, where the co-chairs
announced the winners of the annual writing
contest. A panel of Upper School teachers and
the five visiting writers judged numerous student
entries in the categories of Fiction, Nonfiction,
and Poetry.
(clockwise from top left)Visiting authors host a
panel discussion at Upper School assembly
Lisa Loeb performs some of her hits
Graeme Wood ’97 discusses his career with
journalism students
22 On Campus | THE PRIDE
St. Mark’s School of Texas
On Campus
(clockwise from top left)Mark Stevens ’05 discusses Google’s self-driving car
Dr. Chess Stetson ’97 explains his company Helynx, Inc.
Dr. Gary Weinstein explains pathophysiology to biology students
Fall 2016 | On Campus 23
STEM ConferenceSt. Mark’s welcomed five industry-leading scientists
and doctors to campus for the third annual STEM
Conference, celebrating careers in Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Math.
The guests included Mark Stevens ’05, a software
engineer who has worked on various projects at
YouTube and Google, including, most recently,
the self-driving car; Dr. Chess Stetson ’97, CEO of
Helynx, Inc., a software company that analyzes
massive amounts of data to find variances and
solve problems in multiple fields from medicine
to sports; Dr. Bradford Hirsch ’97, an oncologist
involved in a number of high-profile medical
start-ups; Dr. Gary Weinstein, father of Kyle ’15 and
one of the central physicians involved in treating
patients of the 2015 Ebola outbreak in the United
States; and Carl Zimmer, a science writer who has
published numerous books and contributed to
The New York Times, The Washington Post, and
This American Life, who also served as the 2016
Willard E. Walker, Jr. ’66 Visiting Scholar. During
classroom visits and a special Upper School
assembly, the visitors shared experiences from
their varied and storied careers, as well as some
unique ethical dilemmas they have faced and some
of the exciting advances on the horizon.
“In the same way that the self-driving car is going
to change the way we think about driving, the way
doctors use data is going to change the way we
think about medicine,” Dr. Chess Stetson ’97 said.
His sentiment was echoed by Dr. Bradford
Hirsch ’97, who said, “What it means to be a doctor
is going to fundamentally change before many of
you who choose to do so become doctors. It will be
less about learning the volumes of literature and
more about interacting directly with the patient,
while computers support us and make sure we get
the data right.”
St. Mark’s School of Texas
On Campus
24 On Campus | THE PRIDE
Robert E. Dennard Visiting Scholar Award-winning artist, author, and children’s book
illustrator Eugene Yelchin visited St. Mark’s in
October 2015. Brought by the Robert E. Dennard
Visiting Scholar Program, Yelchin shared his
artistry and personal narrative with students in
every grade level. Through some hands-on sessions
with the Lower School, Yelchin explained how to
write what you know. Turning to a more serious
topic with Humanities students, Yelchin shared
his real-life experiences growing up in the Soviet
Union, connecting with their study of Animal Farm.
During sessions with Upper Schoolers, Yelchin
talked about the application of art to a variety
of fields. Middle Schoolers learned about the
intersection of art and politics during his session
Disagreement Is Treason: The Portrait of an Artist in
a Totalitarian State.
Yelchin is a Tomie dePaola Award winner and
the author of the Newbery Honor book Breaking
Stalin’s Nose. He has also worked extensively in
the entertainment and advertising industries. He
designed characters for the movie Rango, created
art for the opening sequence of the HBO television
series Rome, and designed the original image of the
Coca-Cola Polar Bears.
Willard E. Walker, Jr. ’66 Visiting ScholarThe Willard E. Walker, Jr. ’66 Visiting Scholar
Program welcomed science writer and blogger
Carl Zimmer to campus in March 2016. Zimmer
shared his journalistic prowess and mastery of all
things scientific with students in Middle and Upper
School. He participated in nine sessions, including
class visits with students in biology, environmental
science, DNA science, and journalism. He also
hosted a Middle and Upper School Assembly and
joined other visiting scientists on the School’s
annual STEM Conference panel.
During Zimmer’s session You Are Thousands of
Species, AP Biology and DNA science students
learned how bacteria achieve diversity through
codependence. They also learned that in the future,
doctors might be able to combat issues, such as
(above left)A Lower School student
helps Eugene Yelchin draw the title character
from his book The Next Door Bear
(above right)Eugene Yelchin discusses
art and politics with Middle School students
St. Mark’s School of Texas
On Campus
Fall 2016 | On Campus 25
(above left)Carl Zimmer discusses his process with journalism students
(above right)Frank Bruni shares his research into the college admission process with parents
obesity and social anxiety, though bacteria-laden
yogurt. Upper School students were mesmerized
by Zimmer’s audio-visual description of A Journey
to the Center of the Brain, and Middle School
students lined up to talk with the writer after his
presentation De-extinction.
Carl Zimmer is an award-winning science author,
journalist, and a columnist for The New York Times.
He is an expert on topics ranging from biology and
evolution to parasites and viruses. Zimmer also
writes for numerous other publications, including
National Geographic.
Common Ground Speaker SeriesThe Common Ground Speaker Series welcomed
New York Times columnist and bestselling author
Frank Bruni to St. Mark’s in October 2015, before
two sold-out audiences of parents from 14 DFW-
area schools. Drawing on facts, research, and
anecdotes from his new book Where You Go Is Not
Who You’ll Be: An Antidote to the College Admission
Mania, Bruni encouraged parents and students to
rethink the college admission process.
“The glory of higher education is that we have
literally hundreds of colleges where you can get
an extraordinary education, and it’s a crime
when you narrow that down to just a few
well-known institutions,” he said.
After researching the admission process as a
professor at Princeton University, Bruni proposed
that getting into an exclusive university does not
affect a student’s future as much as parents might
think. He cited that a large majority of U.S. senators,
governors, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur
“Genius” Fellows attended schools that were not
highly selective.
“If getting into an elite school doesn’t have as much
of an impact on a student’s life, is the amount of
anxiety we pump this process full of worth it?”
he asked.
Frank Bruni is an op-ed columnist for The New York
Times, author of several bestselling books, and was a
finalist for the 1992 Pulitzer Prize in Journalism.
St. Mark’s School of Texas26 On Campus | THE PRIDE
When Deborah and David Michel first toured the Los Altos
neighborhood in West Dallas in 2007, the neighborhood
looked very different than it does today.
Habitat for Humanity
On April 2, 2016, the 10th St. Mark’s/Hockaday
Habitat for Humanity home was dedicated for
Martha Davila, a first-time homeowner who has
never lived alone. She is excited to make a move
that is both affordable and will allow her to be safe
and close to her family. “In my new home it will be
different,” she said. “I am excited to host my family,
friends, and neighbors in a place that I can be
proud of that is all mine.”
At the time, Deborah and David, parents of John ’10 and Elizabeth (Hockaday ’15),
helped form a partnership with the St. Mark’s and Hockaday community service
programs and Habitat for Humanity, which has helped transform the West Dallas
community. Since that day, students from both schools have built ten of the
nearly 1,600 new Habitat homes in that neighborhood.
On Campus
To help build her first home, Martha worked
alongside student, faculty, and parent volunteers
from both schools every Saturday from January to
early March.
The Goldberg family has been involved with the
build since their daughter Emily (Hockaday ’13)
entered Upper School. The Goldbergs believe the
project is a unique opportunity. “We have a real
affinity for Habitat because we enjoy getting to
work alongside not just St. Mark’s and Hockaday
students but the homeowner and Habitat
workers as well,” said Nancy Goldberg. “The build
transforms not only the homeowner’s life but also
the neighborhood as a whole.”
Casey McManemin ’79 and his wife Megan
attend each St. Mark’s and Hockaday Habitat for
Humanity home dedication. When Casey was a
student at St. Mark’s, he was highly involved in the
Community Service program. He was head of the
CanPaign, a project in which the boys would collect
nearly 4,000 canned goods and bring them to a
church in West Dallas. That same church happens
to be around the corner from the St. Mark’s and
Hockaday Habitat builds. Casey expressed his
enthusiasm around the Community Service
program and the legacy of service the School has
invested in the neighborhood of West Dallas.
“The longstanding relationship that St. Mark’s has
with the West Dallas neighborhood dates back to
the 1960s with the community service program
called the CanPaign,” said Casey.
“The build transforms not only
the homeowner’s life but also the
neighborhood as a whole.”
With the Habitat for Humanity homes being
built in the same neighborhood where many
alumni brought canned goods to the neighborhood
church signifies the investment the School has in
the community.
“The School has maintained not only its connection
but also its commitment to community service in
West Dallas,” said Casey. “The program has evolved
in a way of not just a hand out but a hand up to the
community with the growth and building of the
Habitat for Humanity homes.”
Thanks to countless donors and volunteers,
Habitat for Humanity has provided a home for
numerous families in the Dallas area. Marksmen
are already planning their next home, which
will begin construction in January 2017 and be
dedicated on March 25.
On Campus
St. Mark’s School of Texas Fall 2016 | On Campus 27
(clockwise from left)Alden James ’16 presents a gift to Martha Davila
Volunteers from the St. Mark’s lacrosse team at the build site
Eugene McDermott Headmaster David W. Dini and Wallace Hall ’80 with Community Service volunteers
William Hall ’18 with a Habitat for Humanity volunteer
St. Mark’s School of Texas28 On Campus | THE PRIDE
On Saturday, February 20, 2016, St. Mark’s parents got a
blast from the past as they attended the Parents’ Association’s
Celebrate St. Mark’s: The British Invasion.
Celebrate St. Mark’s
Day played Beatles tunes as the dance floor filled
with parents, faculty, and other guests resurrecting
moves from younger days. Under the leadership
of Parents’ Association President Kathy Mallick,
Co-Chairs Peggy Meyer and Kama Koudelka, and
countless parent volunteers, the evening was a great
opportunity for the entire St. Mark’s community to
come together, relax, and have fun.
The event began in the W. W. Browning, Jr., Great Hall, which was converted
into the James Bond Lounge, and go-go boots and mini-skirts were the dress
of choice for many of those in attendance. One brave parent even came as Paul
Revere to counter the “invasion.” Once registration and the cocktail hour finished,
the crowd moved to the Thomas O. Hicks Family Athletic Center for dinner and
entertainment. An Austin Powers look-alike poked fun as David Baker, Director
of Admission and Financial Aid, auctioned off the ten Live Auction items up for
bid, all in support of St. Mark’s. Following the auction, the band Hard Night’s
On Campus
St. Mark’s School of Texas Fall 2016 | On Campus 29
(opposite page)Austin Powers sings backup for A Hard Night’s Day
(clockwise from top left)Parents gather in the James Bond Lounge
Celebrate Co-Chairs Kama Koudelka and Peggy Meyer with London guards Dwight Phillips and Justin Turner
Parents dance the night away in Hicks Gym
St. Mark’s School of Texas30 On Campus | THE PRIDE
On Campus
Founders’ Master Teaching Chair, one of 18
endowed teaching positions at the School. A very
successful professional artist in his own right, Bill
set a powerful example for his students, always
challenging Marksmen to use their creativity and to
be their best.
Barbara YorkFor the past 22 years, Barbara York led the special
world that is the St. Mark’s Lower School. If
there were themes to her tenure, they would be
“Unconditional Positive Respect” and “Leadership.”
She sponsored the Lower School Student Council,
the Lower School Ambassadors’ Program, the
Leadership Wall Project, and Peacekeepers. She
promoted the idea of community service to the
Lower School students and helped them institute
the annual Goodwill Drive. Under her leadership,
the very successful “Turn-off Week” was instituted
to encourage boys and their families to turn off
all electronic entertainment and to instead spend
Bill KysorFor more than four decades, Bill Kysor opened the
world of art to Middle and Upper School students
at St. Mark’s. As a veteran member of the faculty,
Bill played a vital role in the growth and success
of the St. Mark’s Fine Arts Department. He taught
drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and
built one of the most respected ceramics programs
in the country.
In 1992, St. Mark’s honored him with the Murrell
Excellence in Teaching Award, and in the early
1990s, the National Council of Education in the
Ceramic Arts named Bill the first recipient of
the Daniel Rhodes Teaching Award, an honor
bestowed on an outstanding teacher in recognition
of significant contributions to ceramics education.
Bill mentored Presidential Scholars in the Arts
and, more important, he cultivated a passion
for creativity and expression among thousands
of students over many decades. Bill held the
retiring faculty
(above)Bill Kysor teaches ceramics
in his studio
(right)Barb York with students in
her Peacekeepers class
Fall 2016 | On Campus 31
On Campus
time as a family without those distractions. Eugene
McDermott Headmaster David W. Dini recently
wrote, “Barbara has worked to instill important core
values and develop strong character in the boys in
grades one through four. She traveled nationally
and internationally on the School’s behalf in pursuit
of ideas that would strengthen our Lower School,
exhibiting and modeling a focus on continual
improvement and lifelong learning.” Barbara
has always been a child-centered educator who
believes in good communication, active listening,
thoughtful teamwork, and mutual respect.
Lei ZhangWhen Lei Zhang joined St. Mark’s in 2007, she
was asked to develop a first-rate Chinese program,
and she certainly accomplished that goal. By
focusing on speaking and typing, she carefully
created a curriculum that is both challenging
and engaging. As a result, the St. Mark’s Chinese
program has earned a reputation for excellence,
and Lei’s students have garnered local, national,
and international recognition as superior students
of Mandarin. Today, thanks to her leadership,
Chinese is a thriving program in the foreign
language department. From the beginning,
Lei made the success of non-heritage students her
standard, and she encouraged all of her students
to participate in local, regional, and international
speech contests. Several of her students even
traveled to China, where they won recognition
for excellence in speaking competitions. She was
selected as a finalist for the Ralph B. Rogers Alumni
Award in 2012 and 2016 for her efforts above and
beyond her normal teaching duties, and in 2015,
the School awarded her the Murrell Excellence in
Teaching Award.
Cindy OsborneFor 10 years Cindy Osborne has been the
welcoming face and voice of the Lower School.
As the Administrative Assistant to the Head of
(above left)Lei Zhang leads students into the Terracotta Museum in China
(above)Cindy Osborne organizes students for car pool
St. Mark’s School of Texas
St. Mark’s School of Texas32 On Campus | THE PRIDE
On Campus
Preview events at St. Mark’s in her time here.
“Karen’s patience, steadfastness, attention to detail,
lightning-quick work, and most important, her
good humor have ruled the day for 25 years,” said
Veronica Pulido, Al G. Hill ’63 Director of College
Counseling. “She has made an indelible mark
and will be remembered as a tireless worker who
dedicated herself to the School and her colleagues
each and every day.”
Miguel MestaMiguel Mesta jointed the St. Mark’s Maintenance
Department in 1986. For 30 years, he has been
a loyal and hard-working employee. Always
upbeat in attitude, he has been involved with
the students, including his time as the Student
Service Supervisor for many years, where he
made sure the boys knew how to do their work
in maintaining the campus and helping in the
library and offices around campus. “We wish him
Godspeed in retirement,” said Mark Webb, Director
of the Physical Plant. “Miguel was not only a model
employee but a mentor and friend.” Miguel is also
the proud grandfather of a current Marksman,
Ricardo Rodriguez ’20.
Lower School she kept everything running
smoothly throughout the school year for the
teachers, the students, and the parents. In addition
to her many responsibilities in the Lower School,
Cindy actively assisted Nurse Julie Doerge in the
clinic and worked in the Extended Day Program.
Always willing to lend encouragement and support
to this community, Cindy invested herself fully in
the St. Mark’s family. In the words of former Head
of Lower School Barbara York, “Cindy Osborne is
amazing! For the past 10 years, her organizational
skills and can-do attitude have kept everything
running smoothly in Lower School.”
Karen LlewellynWhen Karen Llewellyn joined the St. Mark’s
College Counseling Office, they occupied two small
office spaces in Davis Hall. For 25 years, Karen has
been the Administrative Assistant to the College
Counselor under four different Directors. Her
organizational skills in keeping the Upper School
boys on their deadlines for college applications
have been outstanding. Her help for the parents of
those students in getting them through the process
was invaluable. In addition, she has supervised and
helped to host numerous very successful College
retiring faculty, continued
(above left)Karen Llewellyn with
Casey Gendason, Associate Director of College Counseling,
and Veronica Pulido, Al G. Hill ’63 Director of College Counseling
(above right)Miguel Mesta
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St. Mark’s School of Texas34 On Campus | THE PRIDE
On Campus
retiring trustees
Ross Perot, Jr. ’77 Ross Perot, Jr. ’77 has served as a Trustee of
St. Mark’s for 24 years. He began serving as a
Trustee in 1992 and during his tenure he has
served on the Development Committee, the
Finance Committee, the Executive Committee,
and the Committee on Trustees. Ross served as
President of the Board from 2004–2006, which
allowed him to take part in the Commencement
ceremony for each of his two sons, Hill ’05 and
Hunter ’06. The Alumni Association honored Ross
with the 2002 Distinguished Alumnus Award for his
exceptional career in business and his loyalty to the
School. In 2013–2014, Ross was a member of the
Head of School Search Committee. He and his
wife Sarah served as Chairs of The Campaign for
St. Mark’s and The Centennial Challenge, the two
most successful fundraising campaigns in the
School’s history.
Chris Lee ’96 Chris Lee ’96 was appointed to the Board of
Trustees in 2008. While Chris lives in New York
City with his wife Nyssa and son James, he always
makes St. Mark’s a priority by attending meetings
either in person or by phone. During his eight years
on the Board he has been a constant and guiding
presence on the Investment Committee. Several
years ago, he led a comprehensive study of the
School’s Financial Aid policies and presented his
findings to the Board. In 2013, Chris was a member
of the Head of School Search Committee. He is
a founding member of the New York Regional
Alumni Club and has served as a leader in the
Alumni Association since his graduation. For his
efforts, the Alumni Association awarded Chris
with the Young Alumni Service Citation in 2010.
Chris follows a proud tradition of service on the
St. Mark’s Board as his father, Dr. Ed Lee, served
as a Trustee from 1992–1998.
B.G. Porter ’83 B.G. Porter ’83 joined the Board of Trustees in
2008 after serving for several years as a leader on
the Alumni Board. During his time as a Trustee,
B.G. was a longtime member of the Finance
Committee, eventually serving as Chair of that
committee, and helping to steward the School’s
important resources. He was also a member of
the Long-Range Planning Committee, a member
of the Committee on Trustees, and most recently,
a member of the Audit Committee. B.G. and his
(right)Ross Perot, Jr. ’77
(far right)Chris Lee ’96
Fall 2016 | On Campus 35
On Campus
St. Mark’s School of Texas
family recently moved to Florida, and he continues
to make time for St. Mark’s. He and his wife
Suzanne are the parents of two Marksmen,
Wilton ’12 and Lucas ’16.
Leanna Cruz Leanna Cruz became a Trustee on the Board in
2007. During her nine years, she was a faithful
member of the Education Committee, serving as
Vice-Chair, and later as Committee Chair. Leanna
was a member of the Executive Committee of the
Board since 2009, twice serving as the Assistant
Secretary of the Board of Trustees. She also served
as a member of the Development Committee.
She and her husband Manny are the proud
parents of Marksman Corday Cruz ’17. Leanna
has been a constant presence on campus,
supporting the community in numerous ways
as a parent volunteer.
Katherine Roberts Katherine Roberts joined the Board in 2013, the
year she was chosen as President-Elect of the
Parents’ Association. During her three-year tenure
on the Board, she has served on the Education
Committee. In addition, Katherine was on the
Headmaster’s Transition Committee that was
formed when David Dini was appointed as the
Eugene McDermott Headmaster. She was a great
partner in that first year of David’s service as
Headmaster as she led the Parents’ Association as
President. Katherine has deep ties to St. Mark’s:
She is the granddaughter of Ralph B. Rogers,
former President of the Board; the daughter of
former Trustee Dick Rogers ’58; the wife of William
Roberts ’88; and the mother of Henry Roberts ’17.
(clockwise from top left)B.G. Porter ’83
Leanna Cruz
Katherine Roberts
St. Mark’s School of Texas36 Alumni News | THE PRIDE
Alumni Newsboard report from the president
It is a tremendous privilege and honor to serve as your Alumni Association
President, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the
graduates of our School to help advance its mission. On behalf of the Alumni
Board, our aspirational vision remains at the forefront: to become the best
independent school alumni association in the country.
Partnered with the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, the Board
continues to measure the success of our work by focusing on three primary
efforts: (1) Dallas-based programming and involvement, (2) the expansion of the
Alumni Network through regional Marksmen activities, and (3) maintaining our
high standard of 55 percent alumni participation in the St. Mark’s Fund.
The 2015–2016 school year has seen continued growth in programming and engagement, while we have simultaneously
launched critical new initiatives both at home and across the country. Mentorship for Marksmen has taken center focus.
Beginning on campus with the Student Alumni Association, a volunteer club for Upper Schoolers, we aim to educate
our current students on the benefits of the Alumni Network. For our college-age Marksmen, an ambassador program
was launched at universities across the country to help welcome incoming freshmen and better keep alumni connected
during their time in college. Last, for working professionals, the Board’s Mentoring and Networking Committee
continues to connect our community and promote one of our Association’s most valuable networking tools, the online
Marksmen Directory.
The Alumni Association continues to support the School through a high level of engagement in the St. Mark’s Fund, the
School’s annual giving priority. During the 2015–2016 year, our alumni exceeded 50 percent participation for the eighth
year in a row, achieving 59 percent overall participation — a record high. Collectively, we raised more than $2 million —
also a School record, representing more than half of the total given to the St. Mark’s Fund. As an Alumni Association, we
take great pride in ensuring the School has the necessary resources to excel in every endeavor, and I want to thank you
for your ongoing generosity as we strive to strengthen our School.
These results are made possible by the hard work of many, but I would like to thank my 34 fellow Alumni Board
members for their tireless efforts. In particular, I would like to recognize this past year’s Executive Committee for
their tireless work on behalf of our Alumni Association: Jeff Genecov ’77 (Vice President), Seth Collins ’02 (Secretary),
Ryan Bowles ’90, Sandy Campbell ’76, Paul Genender ’87, Eric Kusin ’00, Kevin Robinowitz ’91, and
Ross Ruschhaupt ’04. The Reunion Committees and Class Agents also put in tremendous time and effort on behalf
of our School and their classmates. In conclusion, thank you to all alumni and all members of our community for your
engagement and continued dedication to making St. Mark’s a better place.
Alan Schoellhopf ’91
President, Alumni Association
Alumni News
Fall 2016 | Alumni News 37
Alumni Leadership Speaker Series The Alumni Board continues to host events
for alumni to enjoy opportunities for unique
experiences and intellectual growth. The series
began in December 2015, with the annual Alumni
Holiday Luncheon, where more than 120 alumni
were in attendance at Arlington Hall. Dallas
alumni enjoyed fellowship and a holiday meal
while Eugene McDermott Headmaster David W.
Dini provided an overview of the year on campus.
This January, the series continued on campus as
Beck Weathers, father of S. Beck Weathers II ’97,
shared with more than 220 alumni and guests
his harrowing tale of surviving the 1996 Mount
Everest tragedy. In May, the next installment of the
Alumni Leadership Speaker Series took place at
18th & Vine, a newly opened barbeque restaurant
owned by Chef Scott Gottlich ’94. As guests enjoyed
three mouthwatering courses, Scott discussed
the restaurant’s unique take on Kansas City-style
barbeque and his experiences as a chef.
Alumni GamesMore than 50 Marksmen athletes competed in
the annual Alumni Games over the holidays.
On Saturday, January 3, alumni of all ages came
together for a friendly competition against the
varsity soccer and basketball teams. The alumni
beat their Upper School opponents on the soccer
field, while the varsity basketball team walked away
with a win. Family, friends, and fellow classmates
cheered on their Marksmen from the stands.
(clockwise from top left) Beck Weathers recounts his survival of the 1996 Mount Everest tragedy
Chef Scott Gottlich ’94 and pitmaster Matt Dallman discuss barbeque at their new restaurant, 18th & Vine
Marksmen athletes return to campus to compete in the Alumni Games
St. Mark’s School of Texas
alumni programs
St. Mark’s School of Texas
Young AlumniYoung alumni, graduates within the past 15 years,
continue to strengthen the Marksmen Network
through their engagement with the School and
one another. Over Thanksgiving, alumni from
the Classes of 2001 through 2011 gathered at the
Stoneleigh P. to celebrate with one another at the
annual Young Alumni Holiday Party. In December,
more than 100 college-age alumni returned to
campus for the annual College-Age Marksmen Day.
The morning began with a panel discussion led
by the Alumni Board’s Mentoring and Networking
Committee, followed by a Holiday Luncheon with
faculty and fellow classmates. The year concluded
with the annual Young Alumni Community Service
Event, where Marksmen served dinner to those in
need at Austin Street Center.
Senior Alumni LuncheonIn May, just hours before Commencement, the
members of the Class of 2016 were officially
welcomed into the Alumni Association during the
Senior Alumni Luncheon. Senior Class President
Philip Montgomery ’16 presented the Class of 2016’s
Legacy Gift. First, all 88 seniors pledged a total
of $2,016 to the St. Mark’s Fund, to be completed
over the next four years. Second, the Senior
Class pledged $25,000 to create a financial aid
endowment that will help future Marksmen. This
new Path to Manhood Scholarship will ensure the
School remains accessible to every qualified boy,
regardless of his financial situation.
Alumni News
(clockwise from top left)Alumni return to
campus for College-Age Marksmen Day
Class President Philip Montgomery ’16 presents
the Class Legacy Gift
Members of the Class of 2016 at the Senior Alumni Luncheon
JT Graass ’16 hands out meals at Austin
Street Center
38 Alumni News | THE PRIDE
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alumni in the news
Steve Miller ’61 In April 2016, Steve Miller ’61 was inducted into the
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a part of the 2016 Class.
Steve’s legendary music career as a guitarist and
singer-songwriter spans half a century and includes
classic hits like “The Joker,” “Fly Like an Eagle,” and
“Take the Money and Run.” Steve was inducted by
The Black Keys, with lead singer Dan Auerbach
saying, “We’re here today celebrating Steve Miller
because he is one of the most iconic and lasting
songwriters of a generation. He is a visionary and a
true musician who is always focused on music.”
Throughout his musical career, Steve Miller has
stayed connected to the School, performing
concerts on campus at Celebrate St. Mark’s 2015,
Alumni Weekend 2011, and Centennial Weekend
in 2007. He received the St. Mark’s Distinguished
Alumnus Award in 2007.
Alan Stern ’75 TIME magazine named Dr. Alan Stern ’75 one of
the 100 Most Influential People of 2016. As the
Principal Investigator of the historic New Horizons
Mission, Alan led mankind’s first flyby of Pluto.
The New Horizons team has been honored with
several awards since Pluto’s exploration.
The American Astronomical Society gave its Neil
Armstrong Space Flight Achievement Award to
the team and awarded Alan with the Carl Sagan
Memorial Award. Aviation Week & Space
Technology presented the team with its 2016
Laureate Award for space exploration. The
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
honored the team with its 2016 Current
Achievement Trophy. The mission also was named
among the top science news stories of 2015 by
Discover magazine and Science News.
This is Alan’s second time to be included on TIME
magazine’s 100 list. He was first listed in 2007 for
taking over as head of NASA’s science division.
Alan received the St. Mark’s Distinguished
Alumnus Award in 2009.
St. Mark’s School of Texas
Alumni News
40 Alumni News | THE PRIDE
Photo credit: Rock and Roll Hall of Fam
e and Museum
Photo credit: NASA/Aubrey Gem
ignani
Matt Osborne ’90 Matt Osborne ’90 recently left his job at the U.S.
Department of State and began working with
Operation Underground Railroad (OUR), a group
that helps authorities with undercover sting
operations to arrest human traffickers and rescue
child slaves. Matt has gone undercover in Mexico,
Colombia, and the Dominican Republic to save
women and children who have endured years of
human trafficking.
“Trafficking — whether for purposes of forced labor
or sexual exploitation — is not just a problem that
happens ‘over there,’ in places such as Asia, Africa,
or Latin America; it happens in the U.S. and North
Texas as well,” he explained in the March 2016 issue
of The ReMarker.
Matt and OUR were profiled earlier in 2016 by
The Dallas Morning News.
Erik Niel ’95 Erik Niel ’95 was nominated as the Best Chef in the
Southeast as a part of the 2016 James Beard Awards.
The prestigious group of semifinalists is selected
from a list of more than 20,000 online entries, then
separated into 21 categories that represent a wide
range of culinary talent.
Erik’s restaurant, Easy Bistro & Bar in Chattanooga,
Tennessee, blends a modern, ingredient-focused
menu with upscale comfort food.
Alumni News
Fall 2016 | Alumni News 41St. Mark’s School of Texas
Photo credit: Beth Kirby
alumni in the news
Dan Hunt ’96FC Dallas President Dan Hunt ’96 partnered
with the U.S. Soccer Federation, the City of Frisco,
and Frisco ISD to establish The National Soccer
Hall of Fame Museum at Toyota Stadium in Frisco.
The museum will house the Women’s World Cup,
Gold Cup and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup trophies,
Olympic medals, and memorabilia from the
United States victory in the 1950 World Cup.
Toyota Stadium will also become the permanent
site for the annual National Soccer Hall of Fame
induction ceremony.
Dan told U.S. Soccer, “This is an incredible
opportunity to not only honor [Lamar Hunt’s]
legacy, but all of those who came before him, those
who stood beside him, and those in the future
who will endeavor to grow the sport of soccer in
America. Our family is thrilled to bring the National
Soccer Hall of Fame back to prominence here in
Frisco, Texas, in the last stadium my father built.”
John Stewart ’04 John Stewart ’04, Deputy Campaigns Director for
the corporate watchdog organization Corporate
Accountability International, has been helping
lead a public health campaign against Big Tobacco
companies. Some of the stories he worked on have
made headlines, shedding light on Big Tobacco’s
relationships with organizations like the U.S.
Chamber of Commerce and the American Red
Cross. Most recently, he and C.A.I. have been
following the British American Tobacco bribery
and espionage scandal.
St. Mark’s School of Texas
Alumni News
42 Alumni News | THE PRIDE
Photo credit: Premium
Times
Photo credit: Star Local Media
Homecoming 2016October 21
Homecoming 2016 Kickoff PartyIn the W.W. Browning, Jr., Great Hall
Varsity Football GameIn the Norma & Lamar Hunt Family Stadium
Alumni Weekend 2016 brought seven decades of Marksmen together,
as they returned to campus to reconnect with one another, their
former teachers, and their alma mater. More than 1,100 alumni
and guests attended the weekend’s festivities, which included the
golf tournament, alumni classes, Spring Alumni Dinner, the family
cookout, and class reunions.
Alumni News
St. Mark’s School of Texas44 Alumni News | THE PRIDE
AlumniWeekend
Alumni, faculty, and guests reconnect at
the 20th annual Spring Alumni Dinner
Alumni share a laugh in front of the Path to
Manhood statue
Alumni News
St. Mark’s School of Texas46 Alumni News | THE PRIDE
Retiring faculty members Bill Kysor, Barbara York,
and Lei Zhang were honored for their combined
78 years of service to the School. First-grade
teacher Teri Broom eloquently spoke on behalf of
the faculty and staff, sharing her perspective on
the St. Mark’s experience through her lens as the
wife of Christopher ’87, the mother of Kent ’16 and
Blake ’21, and the teacher of young Marksmen.
Ralph B. Rogers Alumni Award The Ralph B. Rogers Alumni Award honors the
legacy of Ralph B. Rogers, the Rogers family,
and the St. Mark’s faculty by honoring a teacher
or staff member who supports the School’s
mission by extending himself or herself beyond
the boundaries of the job description. The
Ralph B. Rogers Award Committee Chair, Sandy
Campbell ’76, announced finalists for the 2015–
2016 school year: Casey Gendason, Doug Rummel,
and Lei Zhang. The 2016 winner, Casey Gendason,
was announced at Upper School Final Assembly
in May.
Young Alumni Service Citation The Alumni Board selected Beau Harbour ’01
to receive the Young Alumni Service Citation,
which recognizes the outstanding service of an
alumnus prior to his 15th Reunion. Beau has
been an integral member of the St. Mark’s Alumni
Association since he walked across the School’s
commencement stage. As a founding member
of the New York Regional Committee since 2006,
Beau’s leadership has strengthened alumni activity
and engagement on the East Coast. He has worked
tirelessly to develop the Club Program, which has
spring alumni dinner
Friday evening was a night of recognition for special
faculty and alumni, as more than 350 alumni and guests
gathered in the W. W. Browning, Jr., Great Hall for the 20th
annual Spring Alumni Dinner.
(above)Teri Broom shares a photo
of her first graders
(top right)2016 Ralph B. Rogers
Award recipient Casey Gendason at Upper
School Final Assembly
(bottom right)Young Alumni Service
Citation recipient Beau Harbour ’01
with David Dini and Alan Schoellkopf ’91
become a model for St. Mark’s regional clubs across
the nation. Beau has been a devoted supporter of
the School by serving as a long-time Class Agent.
He enthusiastically led the Class of 2001 during his
5th, 10th, and 15th Reunion, helping his classmates
break multiple records along the way. Beau and his
wife Stephanie live in New York and are the parents
of two young boys, Luke and Caleb.
Alumni Service MedalThe Alumni Service Medal, St. Mark’s highest
volunteer service award, was presented to Jeff
Hillier ’76 for his distinguished and longstanding
contributions to the School. Jeff joined the School’s
Alumni Board in 2006, and the following year, Jeff
and his wife Kathryne chaired the memorable
Centennial Weekend Celebration. The next year,
Jeff helped establish the School’s inaugural Alumni
Weekend. After leading the Activities, Awards,
and Nominating Committees of the Alumni
Board, Jeff was elected President of the Alumni
Association, where he focused on expanding the
School’s alumni network to provide mentoring
opportunities for Marksmen of all generations.
An invaluable contributor on the Board of Trustees,
Jeff’s service began in 2004 in an advisory capacity
to the Audit Committee, a Committee he has
served continuously ever since, including as chair
in 2012. Jeff formally joined the Board of Trustees
in 2010, and throughout the past three years Jeff
has chaired the Finance Committee of the Board
and served on the Executive Committee. The
impact of Jeff’s work will carry well into the future.
He serves as a member of the Planning Committee
for Goals for St. Mark’s IV and the Architecture &
Construction Committee, helping design the new
Winn Family Science Center. Jeff and Kathryne are
the proud parents of two Marksmen, Travis ’09 and
Cameron ’13.
(above left)Alumni Service Medal recipient Jeff Hillier ’76 with David Dini and Alan Schoellkopf ’91
(above)Marksmen from the Class of 1981 reconnect before Spring Alumni Dinner
Fall 2016 | Alumni News 47St. Mark’s School of Texas
Alumni News
St. Mark’s School of Texas48 Alumni News | THE PRIDE
Friday on CampusAs students arrived at School on the Friday of Alumni Weekend, so did
hundreds of alumni, ready to relive their days as Marksmen. After a welcome
and state of the school address from Eugene McDermott Headmaster David
W. Dini, alumni had the chance to attend special classes taught by former and
current faculty. Master Teacher Emeritus Tom Adams delivered a presidential
history lesson and ended by reciting his famous Fast Talking routine, which
included every state, every book in the Bible, every point on the compass,
and every train stop from New York to Chicago. Eugene McDermott Master
Teaching Chair in Science John Mead shared his experience meeting the
team that discovered and described Homo naledi, the most important human
fossil find since Lucy. Dr. John Perryman, Director of the Leadership &
Ethics Program, examined three legislative acts passed in 1862 that forever
transformed the nation and revealed the best in leadership practices and long-
term planning. Alumni Chapel homilist Trustee David Sammons ’76 reflected
on the impact St. Mark’s has had on his life. Wrapping up the day, alumni and
students had the opportunity to hear from Ali Rowghani ’91, Managing Partner
at Y Combinator and former Twitter and Pixar CFO, and Ned Price ’01,
Spokesperson and Senior Director for Strategic Communications for the
National Security Council.
weekend activities
Fall 2016 | Alumni News 49
Alumni News
St. Mark’s School of Texas
Alumni News
St. Mark’s School of Texas50 Alumni News | THE PRIDE
Alumni Golf TournamentAlumni, faculty, trustees, and friends began the weekend at the annual Alumni
Golf Tournament. Nearly 100 golfers enjoyed a day on the links, followed by an
awards reception at Brookhaven Country Club.
Saturday Family CookoutThe Alumni Weekend celebration continued with the family cookout on
campus, complete with face painters, balloon artists, and a bounce house.
The St. Mark’s Blues Band provided entertainment on the Perot Family
Quadrangle, while Doc Browning led games in the gym for children.
The Science Lecture Hall and planetarium were packed with guests attending
science shows by Ken Owens ’89 and Dr. Steve Balog, Cecil H. and Ida Green
Master Teaching Chair in Science.
weekend activities, continued
Fall 2016 | Alumni News 51
Alumni News
(from top to bottom)Class of 196650th Reunion
Class of 197145th Reunion
Class of 197640th Reunion
St. Mark’s School of Texas
Alumni News
St. Mark’s School of Texas52 Alumni News | THE PRIDE
(from top to bottom)Class of 1981
35th Reunion
Class of 198630th Reunion
Class of 199125th Reunion
Fall 2016 | Alumni News 53
Alumni News
St. Mark’s School of Texas
(from top to bottom)Class of 199620th Reunion
Class of 200115th Reunion
Class of 200610th Reunion
Class of 20115th Reunion
Alumni News
St. Mark’s School of Texas54 Alumni News | THE PRIDE
reunion givingSt. Mark’s is fortunate to have one of the most robust alumni programs in the
country. Each spring, as hundreds of alumni return to 10600 Preston Road
to enjoy Alumni Weekend festivities, Marksmen from 10 graduating classes
celebrate their quinquennial Reunions. From the 5th to the 50th, these
Reunion celebrations are often a highlight of the Weekend as classmates
reconnect with one another. The increased emphasis on Reunions also
created a new level of excitement among alumni seeking to raise significant
class gifts. In 2015–2016, Reunions raised more than $810,000, accounting for
39 percent of total alumni dollars.
Alumni Weekend 2016 capped another historic year, with the Classes of 2011,
2006, 2001, 1996, 1986, and 1976 breaking reunion records.
The Class of 2011 is paving the way for recent graduates by breaking the 5th
Reunion Record and raising more than $12,000. The Class of 2001 broke the
15th Reunion Record, raising more than $75,000. Previously, they broke the
5th and 10th Reunion Records. Their demonstration of philanthropy models
an example for future generations of Marksmen. The Class of 1996 broke the
20th Reunion Record by raising more than $132,000. With 84 percent of their
gifts representing Reunion year increases, the class banded together to make
this achievement possible. Finally, the Class of 1986 broke the 30th Reunion
Record by raising more than $183,000. Only two other classes, 1977 and 1964,
in the history of the School have hit this mark.
parents of alumniParents of Marksmen develop special relationships with one another that
forever connect their families to the St. Mark’s community. As their sons
celebrated their reunions during Alumni Weekend, the Parents of 2006 and
2011 took the opportunity to reconnect as well. Melinda and Jim Johnson
hosted the Parents of 2006 Reunion, while the Parents of 2011 gathered at the
home of Beth and Tom Montgomery. Nearly 80 parents of alumni took part in
an evening full of reminiscing and reconnecting.
Fall 2016 | Alumni News 55St. Mark’s School of Texas
Alumni News
Graduate HallFor more than a century, the School in all of its
iterations has added new men of character to the
growing community of Marksmen. Now, after
decades of planning, the names of 5,564 graduates
line the walls of Graduate Hall. This newly
renovated study hall, inside Centennial Hall, is
covered with 36 custom wood panels. Nineteen
of the those panels are filled with the names of
every single graduate from the Terrill School, Texas
Country Day School, the Cathedral School for Boys,
and St. Mark’s School of Texas. This summer, 88
more names from the Class of 2016 were added to
the walls.
On December 2, 2015, the School officially
dedicated Graduate Hall in a ceremony that
acknowledged Wallace Hall ’80, who spent 20 years
dreaming about the project. Wallace proposed
the idea to his classmates as the Class of 1980 was
searching for a way to leave a lasting mark on the
School. Thanks to a generous gift from the Hall
family, as well as the funds from the Class of 1980
Endowment, Graduate Hall became a reality.
“This room is a visual representation of delayed
gratification,” Wallace Hall ’80 said at the
dedication, referring to a line in the School’s
statement of purpose and alluding to the years it
took to bring the concept to completion.
The project holds particular meaning to Taylor
Wilson ’81, President of the Board of Trustees,
whose father, grandfather, and sons are also
graduates of the School. He said, “Looking at the
blank panels on the wall, knowing that those will
be filled with the names of great young men who
are going to come through these halls in the years
ahead, tells a great story of what we have built here.”
This gift from the Hall Family and the Class of 1980
will serve as a lasting tribute to past, present, and
future Marksmen. While more than half of the
Graduate Hall panels are filled with names, 17
panels remain blank, ready to list future Marksmen.
As students file in each day to study, Graduate
Hall will honor the legacy of the past and give
inspiration for what lies ahead.
As Eugene McDermott Headmaster David W. Dini
concluded, “This room highlights that we are all
part of something much bigger than ourselves here
at St. Mark’s.”
(above)The Hall Family
with Eugene McDermott Headmaster David W. Dini
and Board President Taylor Wilson ’81
(right)Jeff Genecov ’77 finds his name
in Graduate Hall
St. Mark’s School of Texas56 Spotlight | THE PRIDE
Graduate Hall and The Terrill Society mark two unique
ways that Marksmen are cementing our legacy.
Spotlight
(left)Josh Cohen ’87, Mike Warnecke ’87, Scurry Johnson ’81, and Ken Hersh ’81 at the 2011 Alumni Holiday Luncheon
Spotlight
Fall 2016 | Spotlight 57St. Mark’s School of Texas
The Terrill SocietyThe Menter B. Terrill Society consists of alumni and
friends who make the decision to leave St. Mark’s a
part of their legacy. Making gifts through bequests,
trusts, real estate, life insurance, retirement plans,
and deferred charitable gift annuities are ways
community members can contribute to the School
in a unique way.
Development Committee Chair of the Board of
Trustees Mike Warnecke ’87 has put much time
and effort into expanding and driving the Planned
Giving effort at the School. This summer St. Mark’s
will launch a Planned Giving website in hopes of
educating the community on the progress that
has been made with the program and the growing
options of unique, stress-free ways to make a gift
to the School. The website highlights two featured
gift options: how to establish a charitable gift
annuity with the School and listing St. Mark’s as a
beneficiary of a person’s retirement fund.
“Listing St. Mark’s as a beneficiary of your
retirement plan offers a direct, quick, emotion-free
path to including the School in your long-term
plan,” said Mike Warnecke ’87. “The fact that you
can go online and it is as simple as a click with no
lawyer necessary makes this option easy
for someone wishing to make a difference at
the School.”
The website and growth of Planned Giving efforts at
the School will propel The Menter B. Terrill Society
in a huge way. In making a planned gift to the
School, it allows community members to change
the future of St. Mark’s and create their own legacy
at the School forever.
Parent VolunteersLife at St. Mark’s is built on a community of servant-
leaders. From the seniors who act as role models
for their Lower School buddies to the teachers who
are always willing to listen and help, a culture of
giving back has driven this School forward since its
inception.
Across campus, members of the community are
constantly going above and beyond to ensure
sustained excellence. One of our most generous
community groups is the parent volunteers. In the
cafeteria, the libraries, the Chapel, and beyond, an
army of parent volunteers permeates the School,
supporting all aspects of campus. This group of
ambassadors not only give their resources but also
their time and talent to further the mission of
our School.
It’s not uncommon for parents to have connections
with the School, even before their sons don their
white oxford shirts and gray shorts. As a student,
Jay Yepuri attended Louisville Collegiate School,
which at the time was led by former Eugene
McDermott Headmaster Arnie Holtberg. Naturally,
Jay and his wife Moha were ecstatic when their son
Neil entered first grade at St. Mark’s in 2013. Their
youngest son Evan will also enter St. Mark’s as a
first-grader this fall. Today, the couple’s St. Mark’s
connection is even stronger, as Moha sponsors
the Lower School Chess Club and Jay helps coach
basketball and soccer.
“Building our careers and family in Dallas, we
were so grateful that our older son Neil was able
to have Mr. Holtberg as his headmaster for his
first year at St. Mark’s,” said Moha. “Our family
St. Mark’s School of Texas58 Spotlight | THE PRIDE
Spotlight
connection drew us to the School, but our interests
in philanthropy at St. Mark’s stem from wanting
to contribute to its vibrant legacy, the learning
opportunities that our son is receiving, and our
long-term interest in educating the next generation
of exceptional boys.”
Nancy Goldberg has also been a part of the
School community since before her sons became
Marksmen. She recalls early memories of the
School, not only as the sister of an alumnus
but also as a Hockaday alumna. Twelve years
ago, Nancy reconnected with the School as a
parent when her oldest son Henry ’16 started first
grade. Now Henry is an alumnus himself and his
younger brother Owen ’21 is preparing to start
eighth grade at St. Mark’s. All the while, Nancy has
supported her boys as a Choir Mom, Lower School
Coordinator, and served as a St. Mark’s Fund
Co-Chair. In this latest role, Nancy is appreciative
of the philanthropy that supports every boy at
St. Mark’s. This is why Nancy and her husband
Michael choose to make the School a philanthropic
priority not just for their sons but for all Marksmen
who will benefit from a St. Mark’s education.
“We love the School’s values and how St. Mark’s
strives to educate the whole boy while raising a
generation of leaders who have an obligation to
serve,” Nancy said.
Nancy and Moha continue to lead our School
as volunteers in the St. Mark’s Fund. At the end
of the year, after all of the gifts and pledges have
been counted, the St. Mark’s Fund is much more
than an essential pillar of the School’s financial
foundation. The Fund serves as a representation of
the thousands of donors and volunteers who have
invested countless hours, talent, and resources into
the School they all love.
(left)Moha Yepuri sponsors a Chess Club meeting with son Neil ’25
(above)Nancy Goldberg helps serve hungry Marksmen in the cafeteria
Spotlight
Fall 2016 | Spotlight 59St. Mark’s School of Texas
St. Mark’s School of Texas60 Features | THE PRIDE
Features
While this sentiment certainly applies to the
St. Mark’s of today, it was written more than 100
years ago by the editor of The Terrill School’s 1914
Terrillian yearbook. It is a sentiment that has been
carried through generations as the Terrill School
morphed into The Cathedral School, and later, as it
merged with Texas Country Day School to become
St. Mark’s School of Texas.
“From the first, a spirit enshrouded the new, little
school,” the Terrillian continues. “This spirit united
us all in our one great desire to immortalize this
“The lives of the students are bound together by an invisible band of something that makes them as one great family of brothers, and as a family they began to labor and to accomplish for their school.”
(above)A student studies
outside on the Perot Family Quadrangle
School until its force may be felt after us and its
principles travel down through the ages, with
honor just as pure and unchallengeable as the
respect and love we feel for our School today.”
Even in 1914, the students of the Terrill School felt
their school was special. They knew they attended
an exceptional school, one that “has put Dallas
on the educational map,” as the 1916 yearbook
declared. But they also felt the responsibility to
maintain that excellence.
St. Mark’s School of Texas
Thinking ForwardGoals for St. Mark’s IV
Features
(clockwise from top left)Faculty member Jason Lange shares his input at the Winter Weekend in-service day
Upper School students sing with their Lower School Buddies
Middle School teacher Rebecca Jenkins works with two of her studentsFor more than a century, the institution that today
is St. Mark’s has strived to improve itself, just as
it strives to improve its boys. The School cannot
fulfill its mission of educating leaders of character
by sitting still. To ensure that St. Mark’s remains
a future-thinking institution, in 1984, the School
created its very first strategic plan, Goals for
St. Mark’s. This guiding document captured an
assessment of every aspect of campus life, from
the classroom to the boardroom, and produced
actionable recommendations to strengthen and
advance the mission of the School.
In November 2015, the planning process to
create the fourth iteration began with the launch
of Goals for St. Mark’s IV. This endeavor is an
opportunity for the School to study and evaluate
itself and identify growth opportunities. It is a
community-wide project, seeking input from every
corner of campus and beyond. Led by a 40-member
committee that represents the whole community,
it includes parents, alumni, current and past
trustees, past Presidents of the Board, parents of
alumni, administrators, faculty, and staff members.
During the school year, the Committee held
community engagement events, hosting
small-group meetings that focused on various
goals and topics. At sixteen separate group
sessions, more than 250 key volunteers worked
with the Planning Committee to further hone
the community’s mission and values. Parents,
faculty, alumni, and students shared their favorite
traditions and their visions for the School’s future.
During the 2016 Winter Weekend in-service day,
nearly 200 teachers, coaches, and staff collaborated
around tables in the Great Hall, taking a hard look
at “who we are as an institution.” Led by members
of the Planning Committee and the School’s
strategic planning consultant, RJ Valentino of
Fall 2016 | Features 61St. Mark’s School of Texas
Features
the Napa Group, the faculty reviewed St. Mark’s
mission and goals. By the end of the day, the walls
of the Great Hall were covered in poster-sized
Post-It Notes upon which each group had written
ideas like “model the character we want our boys
to learn” and “discuss integration of character
education on departmental levels.” On one poster,
bulleted and underlined, was the phrase “our
primary focus is the boys.” These statements serve
as good reminders to the passionate group of
educators of what the School’s mission is all about.
The work on St. Mark’s latest strategic plan will
continue through Fall 2016 and the School will
continue to seek feedback from the community.
But in the end, Goals for St. Mark’s IV will be all
about the boys. While this process will determine
tangible goals like campus improvements and
curricular enhancements, the end product is to
produce men of character who will make the
world a better place. This past year, sophomore
students were introduced to a redesigned English
10 curriculum and experienced firsthand St. Mark’s
dedication to moving toward its goals.
(opposite and below)Students of all ages
mingle between classes
The ultimate goal of a college-preparatory school is
to prepare its students for college. St. Mark’s takes a
broader view on education, striving to prepare boys
for manhood. For years, the Leadership and Ethics
Program, led by Dr. John Perryman, Assistant
Head of Upper School; Dr. Martin Stegemoeller,
Malcolm K. and Minda Brachman Master Teaching
Chair; and Amy Reck, Middle School math teacher,
has encouraged students to consider how they
can help move their communities forward and
care for one another. The Program asserts that a
strong education is about more than imparting
knowledge; it’s about training young men to take
responsibility for their actions and duties with
courage and honor.
“These aren’t just abstract principles that hover in
conceptual space,” Dr. Stegemoeller said. “We want
the boys to develop and understand, in a real way,
compelling answers to key questions.”
While Leadership and Ethics has long been a part
of the St. Mark’s education, it never had a curricular
home. For years, the administration worked to
develop a course driven by leadership education
where boys don’t just learn their subjects — they
learn how to become character-driven men. In
2015, with the coordination of the entire English
Department, this course came to fruition with the
debut of English 10: The Habits of Thriving. The
purpose of the new English 10 class, as stated in
its syllabus, is to “teach all tenth-grade students,
through the study of language and literature, the
concepts, virtues, and skills that will help them to
become good men.” All of the basic tenets of an
English class remain. Students still learn grammar
and vocabulary, how to analyze text, and how to
write research papers. But every lesson has been
tailored to teach the boys how to be better men as
well as better scholars.
“English 10 is a home for deliberate and extended
teaching of the School’s longstanding focus
on character education,” English Department Chair
Michael Morris said. “We want the boys to acquire
the wisdom and language necessary for thinking
about and communicating their plans for
the future.”
From the moment students walk into the classroom,
leadership takes a front-row seat. Students are
expected not just to excel, but also to help their
classmates excel. Even the class rules have been
rewritten to put character first, with expectations
like “be appropriately critical of your classmates’
opinions or performance, but never cross the
(above)Kannan Sharma ’18 in a 10th grade English class
St. Mark’s School of Texas64 Features | THE PRIDE St. Mark’s School of Texas
Features
Leadership & Ethics
line into mockery or condescension.” English 10’s
vocabulary includes words like empathy, modesty,
and constancy. Students are expected not only
to learn their definitions but also to ingrain the
concepts in their daily lives.
“All of our papers have been related to how we can
grow as men and how we can care for the people
around us,” said Kobe Roseman ’18, one of the first
students to experience the new course.
“The writing prompts have allowed boys in the class
to recognize their roles in communities and how
they can learn to thrive in those roles,” he said.
The summer before attending the English 10
class, students read This Boy’s Life, Tobias Wolff’s
memoir of adolescence, filled with difficult choices
that molded Wolff’s own path to manhood. In
classroom discussions, questions about Wolff’s
character naturally meld with academic analysis.
(below)Lynne Weber’s class sits outdoors as they discuss Truman Capote
Features
“We look at the literary artistry of any book through
the lens of character education,” Michael Morris
said. “For example, we might discuss how Wolff
uses the motif of mirror to reveal how Toby is
thinking about himself as he progresses through
his middle school years.”
While English 10 is a sophomore course, it
represents a team effort across all divisions and
departments to make each Marksman’s education
a single, coherent journey. Among the St. Mark’s
faculty, there is a culture of collaboration. With all
grade levels on the same campus, St. Mark’s has a
unique opportunity to shape a student’s entire
GayMarie Vaughan’s English 10 class
(below)An excerpt from
This Boy’s Life
St. Mark’s School of Texas66 Features | THE PRIDE St. Mark’s School of Texas
“One motto of the Leadership and Ethics Program
is ‘boys are cared for, men care,’” said Philosophy
Club president Jackson Cole ’16. “The themes
of servant-leadership extend to every area of life
and encourage students to go beyond just
what’s expected.”
journey. Teachers from different grade levels are
encouraged to observe one another’s classes to
experience new techniques and gain a wider lens
on their students’ experience. And before the
school year started in August, the entire faculty
engaged in small-group sessions that mixed all
departments and divisions and resulted in a greater
spirit of teamwork.
Likewise, while English 10 focuses on sophomore
students, it is also one of many steps along the
path to manhood. The English class seems like
the most natural environment for discussing
leadership, but most departments have already
adopted similar themes. Leadership and ethics is a
major component of the Middle School humanities
curriculum. AP environmental science is an
obvious setting for teaching boys about ethical
decision-making. The Lower School is already a
strong incubator for future leaders with programs
like Peacemakers and the Leadership Wall election.
Every class, no matter the subject, has the ability to
teach boys about character education.
“Each boy has a responsibility to make his
classroom the most positive and productive
environment possible,” said sixth-grade math
teacher and Leadership and Ethics Program
Assistant Director Amy Reck. “While we certainly
want our boys to experience strong character
education that will help them make ethical
decisions in their careers, we also want them to be
strong ethical men in their personal lives.”
Across campus, the themes of the Leadership and
Ethics Program are guiding the teaching process.
Boys are encouraged to step up in their classes
and help one another implicitly as part of the
culture rather than explicitly as part of the course.
For generations, Marksmen have been taught
that character is just as important as scholarship.
Now, that ethos is being codified into the
foundation of St. Mark’s curriculum.
(above)English Department Chair Michael Morris discusses a passage from This Boy’s Life in his classes
“We look at the literary artistry of any book through the lens of character education.”
Features
Fall 2016 | Features 67St. Mark’s School of Texas
St. Mark’s School of Texas68 Features | THE PRIDE
With a lead gift of $10 million from the Winn
Family Foundation, St. Mark’s was given the
chance to transform science education for another
generation of Marksmen. The School has invested
several years of consideration into what will
become the Winn Family Science Center. When
the doors open, the Center will be more than a
building where students learn physics, chemistry,
and biology. It will be an incubator to produce the
next generation of men who will change the world.
But before these dreams become reality, the
practicalities of a world-class science education
building must be addressed. After months of
diligent research and review, the Board of Trustees’
Architecture & Construction Committee selected
New York-based Robert A.M. Stern Architects
(RAMSA) to bring the building to life. RAMSA is
no stranger to Dallas, having recently designed
the George W. Bush Presidential Library on the
SMU Campus. Executing RAMSA’s vision will
St. Mark’s School of Texas
In 1961, as America was enthralled by the Space Race, the McDermott-Green Math-Science Quadrangle elevated St. Mark’s to the national stage. In the years since, the very foundation of science and technology has evolved at the speed of light.
Mankind has ventured to the farthest reaches of the solar system, a
journey that in 2015 was taken to new horizons by Alan Stern ’75.
Self-driving cars, once imagined only in science fiction, are already on
the road, with the help of forward-thinkers like Google’s David Lu ’01
and Mark Stevens ’05. And medical research is changing lives every
day with breakthroughs in genetics, similar to the work being done by
the students on St. Mark’s award-winning International Genetically
Engineered Machine Competition team. Today’s Marksmen will
become tomorrow’s explorers, inventors, and visionaries. As science
education advances, St. Mark’s has dreamed of offering a state-of-the-
art facility to match and foster students’ intellect and curiosity. Now, the
Winn Family Science Center is the result of that dream.
Project Update
The Winn FamilyScience Center
Features
(top)Adam Subel ’17 connects with a Van der Graaf generator in Stephen Houpt’s physics class
(right)Middle School students program a Lego robot
(below)Ward Rushton ’16 and Jake Byers ’16 assist Captain Sunshine’s Chemistry Show during Alumni Weekend
be The Beck Group, the construction company
with a long-standing relationship with St. Mark’s,
who built the Robert K. Hoffman Center and
Centennial Hall.
RAMSA’s process began with a conversation that
involved members of the entire School community.
Additional architects and lab consultants were
brought in to figure out a plan that would fit the
entire School’s needs. Upper School students
would need labs to perform graduate-level genetic
research and a maker space to foster creativity.
The Middle School needs spaces to facilitate
the hands-on learning that ignites a passion for
scientific curiosity. And the Lower School, which
currently learns science in a classroom next to the
Green Library, needs a space to call its own.
Taking all of these needs into account, RAMSA
drew up several design options. In the spring of
2016, the Board approved a schematic design that
calls for a multiphase construction process.
Fall 2016 | Features 69St. Mark’s School of Texas
St. Mark’s School of Texas70 Features | THE PRIDE
Features
Everything west of the ceramic Periodic Table will
be removed to make room for the new Winn Family
Science Center. The two-story building will include
50,000 square feet of new space filled with state-of-
the-art facilities. A new science lecture hall will seat
250 and will be able to facilitate both classes and
special events. Inspired by the work of longtime
faculty member Arthur Douglas, a new
greenhouse will allow students to explore flora and
fauna from across the globe. A domed planetarium
will serve multiple disciplines, taking students on
journeys across the galaxy. All interior finishes in
the existing two-story McDermott-Green Math
& Science Quadrangle will be renovated, giving
new life to the building and giving Middle School
classes and physics labs modern learning spaces.
But perhaps the most visible change will be seen by
those driving down Preston Road.
The community will see a completely new facade
of campus in the two-story Science Center and
domed planetarium, paying homage to the
inspiring view delivered in 1961 when the original
Quadrangle came to life. Steve Winn ’64 has shared
his memory of driving down Preston Road as a
child and seeing the newly completed observatory.
He knew that St. Mark’s was where he belonged.
Now the School, in partnership with the Winn
Family, the Board, and other donors, dreams of a
time when this new building will inspire the next
generation of young pioneers.
“I feel we have an obligation to always look to the
future with high aspirations,” Eugene McDermott
Headmaster David W. Dini told The ReMarker.
“We’ve inherited a great legacy because so
many people looked to the future and said,
‘We should dream big, and we should set the
highest standards.’”
St. Mark’s School of Texas
“The Winn Family Science Center will serve as an exemplar for STEM education on the day it opens and for years to come.”
(top)Dr. Steve Balog leads a
Planetarium show during Alumni Weekend
(above right)Alan Jiang ’18 in
chemistry class
(opposite)Students in Doug
Rummel’s Information Engineering class work on their vision system
electronic game project
Fall 2016 | Features 71St. Mark’s School of Texas
Features
St. Mark’s School of Texas72 Features | THE PRIDE
Features
While we may pursue different interests, what connects the Class of 2016 is our genuine love for St. Mark’s. Without this deep connection to 10600 Preston Road and the people who reside there, St. Mark’s is only a vessel through which to learn math, English, and science. But with this profound connection we feel, it is and always will be more than that.
by Jackson Cole ’16, Philip Montgomery ’16, and Philip Smart ’16
(top)The Class of 2016
dons its blue shirts for the first time
Maybe we first came to the School to achieve
that purpose, but we stayed because of the love
we share. More than anything—more than our
different achievements and interests—that love is
what truly bonds us together as brothers.
As the Class of 2016 entered its final year at
St. Mark’s, we lacked a true singular goal. But as
time passed, one thing began to stand out: our
desire to connect not only with one another but
also with the rest of the School. We made a point
to meet with our Lower School buddies outside
the traditionally scheduled activities. We played
with them on Friday mornings before school
and stopped to talk to them in the cafeteria. We
also found a connection by reaching out to the
freshman class, gathering together for breakfast
tacos and to share some brotherly advice. We found
that by drawing closer with those going down the
same path we had traveled, our class also bonded
and drew closer together.
Read by many freshman English classes, Homer’s
The Odyssey speaks to this truth. At one point,
Odysseus descends past the river Styx into the
Underworld. When he reaches the Elysian Fields,
where the fallen heroes reside, he finds his old
friend, the great warrior Achilles. There, Odysseus
tells him of the great fame and recognition the
warrior has gained on earth for his conquests.
Achilles laments that fame means nothing to a
St. Mark’s School of Texas
The Senior
Odyssey
Features
(top)Seniors walk the halls in their blue shirts for the first time
(above)Jalen Lynch’16 with his Lower School buddy
(left)Noah Koecher ’16 shares some advice with two freshmen
dead man because, eventually, everyone will forget
this transient renown. In this regard, a parallel
can be made to the senior class: After we leave,
SPC championships and great academic exploits
will eventually be forgotten. But what can never
disappear is the love we feel for the School, the
efforts we made to connect with younger students,
and the pride that wells up in our chests as we
continue to call ourselves Marksmen.
This pride will stay with us forever, and we hope
that if nothing else, we leave behind a legacy of
caring for this place that has given us so much.
Whether it has been helping a student who’s
struggling, playing tag on the Lower School
playground, or showing up to practice early and
staying late, it’s these little moments of serving
others, of truly caring about our School, that make
a world of difference in the end. Our only real hope
is that we can say we left St. Mark’s better than
when we arrived.
Fall 2016 | Features 73St. Mark’s School of Texas
In May, St. Mark’s added eighty-eight young men to its alumni ranks as the Class of 2016 celebrated its Commencement.
Baccalaureate & Commencement
Features
Fall 2016 | Features 75St. Mark’s School of Texas
The Seniors began their final week as students
with a day dedicated to their youngest Marksmen
brothers. The Class of 2016 joined the first-grade
Class of 2027 for a day at the Dallas Zoo.
Senior Week continued with Baccalaureate, their
final chapel service as students. The boys lined the
hall leading into the Chapel and applauded as the
faculty and staff processed in. The Class selected
Joe Milliet, Thomas B. Walker III ’73 Mathematics
Department Chair, to deliver a parting message on
behalf of the faculty. Joe shared stories from his
favorite sport, baseball, a game where the player’s
goal is to make it home.
“There are many ways to view and build a home.
You can always come home to St. Mark’s,” Joe told
the boys. “No matter how long you’ve been away,
or what your journey may have been, you will never
be stranded. You are St. Mark’s alumni. Whether
you are 20, 40, 60, or 80 years old, you can always
come home to St. Mark’s.”
Speaking for his Class, Drew Baxley ’16 thanked the
parents and teachers who supported him and his
“brothers” on their journey through St. Mark’s. He
also reflected on his own family’s journey and the
lessons he learned along the way.
“The reward isn’t just a diploma at the end of twelve
years of hard work,” Drew said. “The reward is that
you become a good man.”
Following the service, the faculty and staff lined the
walkway outside of the Chapel and applauded their
former students.
(opposite)Seniors reminisce at Baccalaureate
(above)Faculty members applaud the senior class after Baccalaureate
(left)Hunter Alexander ’16 and Brannon Rouse ’16 with JT Sutcliffe
(below)Seniors welcome the faculty into Baccalaureate
St. Mark’s School of Texas76 Features | THE PRIDE
Features
St. Mark’s School of Texas
(above)Seniors sing the alma
mater at the conclusion of Commencement
(far right)Commencement speaker
Jbeau Lewis ’98 shares his experiences
(right)Valedictorian Akshay
Malhotra ’16 speaks at Commencement
(opposite)Seniors walk to the
Commencement stageA few days later, on a cool Friday night, the Class
of 2016 donned St. Mark’s signature white dinner
jackets and walked into the Cecil H. and Ida Green
Commencement Theater to complete their journey
as St. Mark’s students. Senior Class President Philip
Montgomery ’16 shared what Commencement
meant to him: “On this beautiful, bittersweet night,
we well up and overflow with the pride of being
Marksmen and the brotherhood we have shared for
so many years and will continue to share for many
years to come.”
Valedictorian Akshay Malhotra ’16 reflected on the
School’s mission of transforming boys into men
of character: “The Class of 2016 has achieved this
mission. It is not 88 Marksboys that will walk across
this stage in a few minutes but 88 Marksmen.”
“Eighty-eight young men who are scientists, artists,
writers, athletes, and leaders held together by the
common thread of being Marksmen.”
Commencement Speaker and music agent
Jbeau Lewis ’98 shared his own journey through
St. Mark’s and beyond. He spoke of tackling the
unexpected struggles and decisions life threw at
him and the way St. Mark’s prepared him for those
times in his life when he faced challenges.
He urged the graduates to follow their instincts,
find what they are passionate about, and pursue
their goals.
“While we’ll all take different paths from here, we
can all trace our paths back to this incredible place
and all it has given us,” Jbeau said. “I hope you
leave here tonight with a fresh appreciation and
understanding of your education, that you’ll value
your friendships and your experiences just as much
as your grades, that you’ll savor your St. Mark’s
moments forever, and never forget how much this
place means to all of us.”
St. Mark’s School of Texas78 Features | THE PRIDE
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St. Mark’s School of Texas
central characteristics: he leads courageously; he rejects
passivity; he accepts responsibility; and he expects a
greater reward.
The other greatest gift my father gave me was
re-enrolling me at St. Mark’s when we moved back
to Dallas. I cannot express how much it meant to me to
be immediately welcomed back without any reservation
by this class. I realized that I may have lost one brother,
but in coming back to St. Mark’s, I gained 87 new
brothers. I could not imagine a better group of guys to
journey on the path to manhood with. Together we have
laughed, we have fought, we have procrastinated, we
have learned, we have cried, and most important, we
have grown alongside this remarkable campus. Everyday
I look around and realize that the Class of 2016 and the
faculty who guide us is constantly echoing the lessons
of manhood taught to me by my father over eight years
ago. You all may not know it, but every day you remind
me, and everyone on this campus, how one should live.
The Path to Manhood will be neither straight nor
easy. All we must do is make the best decision in each
circumstance, and eventually our actions will lead
us to our goal. Once we arrive, we will raise the next
generation onto our shoulders and teach them to lead
courageously, reject passivity, accept responsibility,
and expect a greater reward.
Many of you know that my
experience in coming to
St. Mark’s was unique.
I entered in the first grade,
bright eyed, fat cheeked, and
excited to be part of a new
community. When I heard the
news that my family would
be moving to Reno, Nevada, for my dad’s new job, I had
conflicting emotions about leaving behind my new
St. Mark’s friends. Yet, the prospect of a new perspective
and new friends excited me.
Skip ahead two years to April of 2007. Everything in the
life of third-grade Drew seemed perfect. Then, in a matter
of months, everything collapsed before me. My brother
Noah was born with a rare chromosomal condition that
took his life only 27 hours after his birth. In the following
months, the housing market crashed, my dad lost his job,
and we moved midway through my fourth grade
year back to Dallas. In a few short months, I had lost
my brother, my new friends, and my sense of security.
These bitter moments were critical in my development
as a man.
During the next few months of painful transition,
despite tragedy, my dad did two things specifically that
I can never repay him for. First, he taught me the most
important lesson I have learned in life so far—he taught
me what a man is. In a time when I hardly knew which
direction was up, my dad was a solid foundation. He
showed by word and action that a good man has four
baccalaureate addressDrew Baxley ’16
Features
Fall 2016 | Features 79St. Mark’s School of Texas
definitions in my speech. So instead, today I choose its
under-appreciated younger brother: the thesaurus. Do
you know what happens when you look up the word
marksmen in a thesaurus? Outside of synonyms for
sharpshooter, nothing. I’d like to think that’s because
there’s nothing quite like a Marksman, no other word
in the English language that really means the same
thing. That the experiences we have shared make us
different. Maybe not better, but different, and maybe
that difference creates a love that we can never forget.
The exact details of our journey together may fade with
time but the love, the love will always stay. On this
beautiful, bittersweet night, we well up and overflow
with that love, with the pride of being Marksmen, with
the brotherhood we have shared for so many years
and will continue to share for many to come. We hope
that this love and pride has translated into something
greater. That we have met our goal. That we have made
a positive difference in the lives of our teachers, friends,
and family who all gave us so much and asked for so
little. There lies the meaning of our experience. On a
night like tonight, you feel that meaning flow through
you and seep deep into your bones. It’s love, it’s pride, it’s
nostalgia, it’s sadness, and it’s joy all at the same time.
These excerpts were taken from Drew Baxley’s Baccalaureate address and Philip Montgomery’s Commencement address. To view their full speeches and see more from both events, visit www.smtexas.org/classof2016
I’ve realized that the real goal
of the Class of 2016 was never
to be the best class — it was to
be the one that made the biggest
difference in the lives of those
around them. Every class has
exceptional athletes, artists and
scholars in its ranks, so as much
as I’m proud of the individual and group achievements of
our grade, they don’t make the Class of 2016 special.
I’ll tell you that we love this school as if it is our own
home. It doesn’t matter if we’ve spent four years, twelve
years, or a lifetime connected to St. Mark’s; it means
something special to each and every one of us. I have the
courage to stand up and talk to you today because I know
that on this stage there are 87 men who share that love of
St. Mark’s with me, who always have my back because of
it. They’re winners, they’re fighters, they’re leaders, and
they’re doers and they sit before you on the last day of
their St. Mark’s journey wondering how it all ended up
so perfectly.
As I was writing this speech, I spent a lot of time thinking
about that. How our experience all came together as if it
was meant to be. How when every door closed, another
opened. How with every success, another challenge
appeared. I believe that it’s a product of the St. Mark’s
environment, and that environment stems from the
impact of all the teachers, family members, fellow
Marksmen, and friends that sit in the audience today.
I promised a friend that I wouldn’t use any dictionary
commencement addressPhilip Montgomery ’16
St. Mark’s School of Texas80 Features | THE PRIDE
Features
St. Mark’s School of Texas
class of 2016 college matriculation
Southern Methodist University . . . . . . . . Bradford Beck
Spencer Bernardo-Cheng
Greyson Gallagher
Graham Gillespie
Jalen Lynch
Charlie O’Brien
PJ Voorheis
University of Texas at Austin . . . . . . . . . . . Jake Byers
Will Clark
Chance Cooley
Mahir Karim
Davis Marsh
Alex Sanchez
Stanford University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Philip Montgomery
Michael Mosle
Zachary Naidu
Mitchell So
Drew Taylor
University of Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sam Eichenwald
Akshay Malhotra
Ammar Plumber
Anvit Reddy
Brent Weisberg
Vanderbilt University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Drew Baxley
William Caldwell
Henry Goldberg
John Landry
Ward Rushton
University of Chicago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill Dannenmaier
Ashton Hashemipour
Cameron Lam
Matthew Lawson
New York University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harrison Chen
Stephen Chen
Will Garden
Link Lipsitz
Texas A&M University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kent Broom
Reid Gaskill
Angel Reyes
John Sadlowski
University of Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Will Diamond
JT Graass
Taylor Rohrich
Washington and Lee University . . . . . . . . Will Hardage
Roby Mize
Max Sadlowski
Washington University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arno Goetz
in St. Louis Kevin He
Kevin Kim
Harvard University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tim O’Meara
Eugene Song
Northwestern University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Graham Kirstein
Avery Powell
Princeton University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parker Dixon
Kevin Wu
Rice University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Johnathon Berry
Justin Berry
University of Southern California. . . . . . Noah Koecher
Leighton Okada
Yale University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jackson Cole
Eric Li
Amherst College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cameron Clark
Arizona State University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jake Curreri
Austin Community College . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harrison Kampf
Carleton College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew Sharng
Columbia University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joshua Choe
Cornell University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grant Uebele
Dartmouth College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bryce Killian
Duke University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tim Skapek
Furman University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hunter Alexander
Georgetown University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jake Galant
Massachusetts Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alden James
of Technology
Oxford College of Emory University . . . Daniyaal Kamran
Pomona College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aidan Maurstad
Purdue University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nico Sanchez
Samford University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brannon Rouse
Santa Clara University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew Placide
St. Edward’s University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mathew Dominguez
Texas Christian University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dan McClain
United States Air Force Academy . . . . . . Albert Thieu
University of Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Niegel Stevens
University of North Carolina . . . . . . . . . . . Philip Smart
at Chapel Hill
University of South Carolina . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Mattingly
University of Texas at Dallas . . . . . . . . . . . . Abhi Thummala
Trinity University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ansh Khullar
Tulane University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corbin Walp
Villanova University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zak Houillion
Whitman College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert Qin
Features
Fall 2016 | Features 81St. Mark’s School of Texas
2012–2016 college matriculation
TEN OR MORE
Dartmouth College
Duke University
Harvard University
New York University
Princeton University
Rice University
Southern Methodist University
Stanford University
Texas A&M University
University of Pennsylvania
University of Texas at Austin
University of Virginia
Vanderbilt University
Washington University in St. Louis
FIVE TO NINE
Columbia University
Georgetown University
Northwestern University
Texas Christian University
University of Chicago
University of Southern California
University of Texas at Arlington
University of Texas at Austin-Plan II
University of Texas at Dallas
Washington and Lee University
Yale University
FOUR
Emory University
THREE
Colgate University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Purdue University
Rhodes College
St. Edward’s University
Texas Tech University
Tulane University
University of Michigan
University of Missouri Columbia
University of Texas at Austin — PACE
TWO
Amherst College
Austin Community College
Baylor University
Brown University
Carnegie Mellon University
Colby College
Colorado State University
Cornell University
Davidson College
Pomona College
Sewanee: University of the South
Trinity College
Trinity University
United States Naval Academy
University of Alabama
University of Georgia
University of Miami
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of Notre Dame
University of South Carolina
Villanova University
Wake Forest University
ONE
American University
Arizona State University
Auburn University
Boston College
Boston University
Bowling Green State University
California Institute of Technology
Carleton College
Case Western Reserve University
Chapman University
Clemson University
College of William and Mary
Furman University
George Washington University
Gettysburg College
Haverford College
Hendrix College
Houston Baptist University
Howard University
Indiana University
Johns Hopkins University
Lehigh University
Louisiana State University
Marion Military Institute
Maryland Institute College of Art
Northeastern University
Oberlin Conservatory of Music
Oxford College of Emory University
Pepperdine University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Samford University
Santa Clara University
St. John’s University
St. Lawrence University
Swarthmore College
Tufts University
United States Air Force Academy
United States Military Academy
University of California at Berkeley
University of Houston
University of Illinois
University of Kansas
University of Minnesota
University of Mississippi
University of New Mexico
University of Oklahoma
University of Oregon
University of Wisconsin
Virginia Military Institute
Whitman College
St. Mark’s School of Texas82 Class Notes | THE PRIDE
1962 | Reunion YearDaVID WaggONER ’62 won his age bracket for the Austin
Marathon in February. At the halfway point, he met up with his
grandson Thomas, who was working the water station. Thomas
then paced David for the next mile.
1970 PETER JUlIaN ’70 was featured in a solo art exhibit in Austin
during November that displayed 53 of his paintings, prints, and
drawings from the 1980s to the present. RObERT SEIDEl ’70,
RIck gEyER ’66, and TOM WISSEMaN ’70 were all able
to attend.
1975 DWIgHT FlETcHER ’75 published Time on the Cross:
A Father’s Tribute on November 8, 2015. The book tells of
the journey his family walked during his son Brian’s illness.
Dwight and his family live in Dallas.
1977 | Reunion YearRaNDy ZISk ’77 and wife Shari are thrilled to announce
the birth of their son Jacob Kai Zisk, born on October 18,
2015, weighing 6 lbs., 14 oz. The happy family lives in Malibu,
California, where Randy is a producer for the popular television
show Bones at 20th Century Fox.
1978DR. RUFFIN gRaHaM ’78 was recently recognized as one
of the “Top Doctors” in the field of diagnostic radiology in
the Cleveland Magazine. He is the Section Head for Thoracic
Imaging at The Cleveland Clinic. Ruffin and his wife Lou Ann,
along with their daughter Emily, live in Pepper Pike, Ohio.
1981 HollerMedia, Inc., founded by cOllIN cOHEN ’81 and DaVID
MaRcUS ’81, recently launched HollerHear, a mobile app in
the fast-growing “social audio” space. HollerHear allows users to
create short audio recordings and post them to their Twitter and
Facebook timelines.
1984VIcTOR VEScOVO ’84 skied the last degree to the South Pole
this winter (72 miles), which now makes him only one step shy
of what is commonly referred to as the Explorer’s Grand Slam.
Victor has already climbed all Seven Summits, and plans to make
the trek to the North Pole in April of next year.
1987 | Reunion Year JOSH cOHEN ’87 recently became the Managing Director
at Paradigm Financial Partners, LLC., a boutique wealth
management firm based in Westport, Connecticut, that is
expanding its operations to Texas. Josh and his wife Ginny,
along with their four sons Ethan, Austin, Jacob, and Luke,
live in Dallas.
1989JaMES HaRlaN ’89 recently joined InterDigital
Communications as its new Director of Standards and
Competition Policy. James and his wife Ellen, along
with their four children Sophia, Cortland, Emma, and Isabel,
live in Plano.
1990 cHRIS gUNNIN ’90 has been selected as the new Head of
School for St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Austin, beginning
in July 2016. St. Stephen’s Episcopal School was founded
in 1949 as an Episcopalian boarding school. The school serves
680 students in grades 6-12. Chris and wife Nancy, along
with children Ellie, Cooper, and Addison, live in Fort Worth,
where Chris most recently served as the Head of Upper School
at Trinity Valley School.
1991 cRaIg UNTERbERg ’91 was appointed to the Citizens
Assistance Panel to help former residents of the Camp Lejeune
U.S. Marine base suffering health problems stemming from
decades of water pollution on the base. Craig works for Haynes
and Boone, LLP, New York as a partner and chair of the firm’s
Prime Brokerage and Equity Lending Practice Group.
Remarks
David Waggoner ’62 Jacob Kai Zisk Victor Vescovo ’84 at the South Pole
Fall 2016 | Class Notes 83
Class Notes
St. Mark’s School of Texas
St. Mark’s School of Texas
ENRIqUE cRIaDO ’99 has recently published his first book,
Cosas que no caben en una maleta, a somewhat humoristic blend
of travel literature and diplomatic memoirs based on his three
years’ experience in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
alExaNDER (alExI) MaNTaS ’99 and wife Megan are excited
to announce the birth of their son Michael Joseph Mantas. He
was born on January 28, 2016 and weighed 7 lbs., 8 oz. The family
lives in Dallas, where Alexander practices as a gastroenterologist
with Digestive Health Associates of Texas.
alEx ScHOENEbERgER ’99, his wife Marie, and son Edward
recently relocated from California back to Dallas. Alex is now
working for Capital One Auto Finance as a Product Manager.
RyaN bRaNNaN ’99 and his wife Jen are thrilled to announce
the birth of their daughter Lillian Myers Brannan. She was born
on December 13, 2015 and weighed 7 lbs., 8 oz. The Brannan
family lives in Austin, Texas.
gREg SUTTON ’99 and wife Marlo are excited to announce
the birth of their third daughter Violet Aveline Sutton, born on
November 4, 2015, weighing 6 lbs., 6 oz. Big sisters Rachel and
Leah were so happy to meet their new sister and love her very
much. Greg and his family live in Plano.
kylE RIcHaRDS ’99 recently was given the title of Vice
President at Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty,
where he sells residential real estate in and around the DFW
area. He also remains an exclusive agent at Museum Tower,
a luxury high-rise in the Dallas Arts District.
alEx gUZMaN ’99 and his wife Bonnie welcomed their
first daughter Rowan Itzela Guzman on January 12, 2016.
The Guzman family lives in Denver, where Alex is a Senior
Lab Technician at the Denver Health Medical Center.
While visiting London, MaTT WallacH ’99 connected with
bEN MaTHEWS ’99 for a pint. Ben has been living in London for
four years as a Senior Engineer for Facebook. Ben is expecting
his first child in August with girlfriend Katie.
Class Notes
84 Class Notes | THE PRIDE
1993MIcHaEl WISENbakER ’93 and wife Lindsey were excited
to welcome their son Whitt Michael Wisenbaker into the world
on April 17, 2015, weighing 8 lbs., 1 oz. The family lives
in Dallas.
1996Toni and DaNIEl HUNT ’96 are thrilled to announce the birth
of their daughter Darlington Hunt. She was born on June 12,
2015, weighing 6 lbs., 9 oz. and was 19.5 inches long. Daniel is a
current St. Mark’s Board of Trustees member. He and his family
live in Dallas.
1998ScOTT DESaNDERS ’98 and wife Evonne are pleased to
announce the birth of their son Gray Samuel DeSanders on
December 8, 2015. He weighed 8 lbs., 9 oz. and was 21 inches
long. They live in Bellaire, Texas.
JUlIaN lEE ’98 was sworn in by the Mayor of Baltimore to
the City’s Ethics Board on October 20, 2015. This came after he
received a Young Lawyer/Future History Maker Award from the
Monumental City Bar Association in April. He was also named
one of Maryland Super Lawyers Rising Stars for 2015.
1999JEREMy ZIDEll ’99 and his wife Meridith welcomed their
second son Oliver Barish Zidell into the world in July of 2015.
Oliver and his older brother Frank, who turned 3 in February,
are getting along as only brothers do.
MaTT aRONOFF ’99, with his wife Gretchen and three sons,
moved to Zurich, Switzerland at the beginning of the year for a
postdoctoral position after Matt finished his PhD in chemistry at
the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
DaNIEl NOVakOV ’99 and wife Sarah welcomed their second
daughter Isabella Jane Novakov into the world on July 28, 2015.
The Novakov family lives in Dallas.
Class Notes
Fall 2016 | Class Notes 85St. Mark’s School of Texas
Whitt Michael Wisenbaker Darlington Hunt Evonne and Scott DeSanders ’98 with Gray Samuel DeSanders Frank and Oliver Barish Zidell Isabella Jane Novakov Michael Joseph Mantas Lillian Myers Brannan Rachel, Leah, and Violet Aveline Sutton Rowan Itzela Guzman
St. Mark’s School of Texas86 Class Notes | THE PRIDE
Class Notes
Kyle Mapes ’00 with his wife, son, and daughter Nash Daniel Schlueter Luke Donald Wagner Audra Brennan Key and
Braxton Maedgen Key Jordan Ramsey ’01 married Brooke Hollimon Jasmine and Collin Lensing ’01
with Elle Rose Lensing Nick Orenstein ’01, Matthew Perkins ’07,
Will Ferenc ’09, and Adam Genecov ’09 Zachary David Bradford
St. Mark’s School of Texas
Class Notes
cHRISTIaN DEaN ’01 finished his family medicine residency
in Dallas and earned board certification in both the American
Board of Family Medicine and American Osteopathic Board of
Family Physicians. He then moved to Jackson Hole, Wyoming,
in July 2015, where he started working in the St. John’s Family
Health and Urgent Care clinic. He is also the team physician for
the local minor league hockey team, the Jackson Hole Moose. In
addition, he is building his concierge consulting practice, My Doc
in Tow, where he helps adventurous patients through prevention,
education, and treatment before, during, and after various travels
and expeditions.
JORDaN RaMSEy ’01 married Brooke Hollimon
(Greenhill ’03) on December 5, 2015 in Austin, Texas. ZacH
RaMSEy ’04, DUNcaN RaMSEy ’99, DaVID MOTTRaM ’01,
and bRaNDON PHIllIPS ’01 were all in the wedding party, and
WIll Slack ’01 was also in attendance during their special day.
The couple lives in Austin, where Jordan is the Controller at
Tiff’s Treats.
cOllIN lENSINg ’01 and wife Jasmine were blessed with their
first child Elle Rose Lensing on May 7, 2015. Collin and his family
live in Dallas, where Jasmine has a private culinary business and
Collin recently made partner with his law firm, Beckmen Law, PC.
Collin manages the firm’s oil and gas and real estate practices,
and he was recently recognized by D Magazine as one the Best
Lawyers in Dallas for 2016 in Energy & Natural Resources.
NIck ORENSTEIN ’01, MaTTHEW PERkINS ’07, WIll
FERENc ’09, and aDaM gENEcOV ’09 got the opportunity to
connect at the November St. Mark’s Alumni event in Los Angeles.
They all work for SpaceX, a company that revolutionizes space
technology, with the ultimate goal of enabling people to live on
other planets.
MaTTHEW bRaDFORD ’01 and wife Rashay welcomed their
second son Zachary David Bradford into the world on September
30, 2015. He weighed 8 lbs., 15 oz. and was 20.5 inches long. The
family lives in Plano.
Fall 2016 | Class Notes 87
bRIaN TaNg ’99 and wife Kia are enduring sleepless nights
with their two toddlers, 4-year-old Wiley and 2-year-old Pepper.
The Tang family lives in North Dallas in the Bent Tree area, and
Brian is gearing up to launch his CO2 gas recycling business
Shockwave CO2 later in 2016.
2000ERIc kUSIN ’00 and wife Irene are thrilled to announce
the birth of their son Preston Levi Kusin. In honor of Eric’s
favorite band—Earth, Wind & Fire—Preston was born on
the 21st night in September, weighing 8 lbs., 9 oz. The family
lives in Dallas.
kylE MaPES ’00 and wife Laura are thrilled to announce the
birth of their first son Hunter Geary Mapes, born on November 4,
2015. He weighed 8 lbs., 11 oz. and was 21 inches long. Kyle and
his family live in Dallas.
bRaD ScHlUETER ’00 and wife Lindsay welcomed their
second child Nash Daniel Schlueter into the world on December
27, 2015, weighing 7 lbs., 5 oz. His parents and big sister Avery
are thrilled with the new addition to their family. The Schlueter
family lives in Dallas.
JakE WagNER ’00 and wife Caroline are thrilled to announce
the birth of their son Luke Donald Wagner, born on November 2,
2015. Luke weighed 7 lbs., 1 oz. and was 19.25 inches long. The
family lives in Dallas, where Jake is the Co-CEO and Partner of
Republic Property Group.
2001kEVIN WalDREP ’01 finished his surgical residency training
in June at the San Antonio Military Medical Center and passed
his board examinations in October. He is deployed to a North
American Treaty Organization hospital in Afghanistan.
bEN kEy ’01 and wife Aimee are pleased to announce the birth
of their twins on October 6, 2015. Their daughter Audra Brennan
Key weighed 6 lbs., 4 oz., and their son Braxton Maedgen Key
weighed 5 lbs., 11 oz. They are happy and healthy babies, and
Ben and Aimee are looking forward to their attending St. Mark’s
and Hockaday in the future.
St. Mark’s School of Texas88 Class Notes | THE PRIDE
Class Notes
2004JOHN lIN ’04 married Yvonne Yang on September 6, 2015.
Marksmen who took part in their special day were John’s brother
EUgENE lIN ’02, MaTT cHaO ’04, STEVE aHN ’04, EDWaRD
cHaO ’02, FREDDy cHaNg ’02, Zac cOx ’04, and MaSON
DEPaSSE ’04. John is an Internal Medicine resident at the
University of California in San Francisco.
2005WIll MckINNEy ’05 was promoted to Marketing Manager at
Legacy Records, the catalog label at Sony Music Entertainment.
Will coordinates with the press, social media, and physical and
digital sales departments to pull together strategic and creative
marketing drivers to maximize exposure for the album and the
artist leading into the album release day. He has worked with
Ozzy Osbourne, Mariah Carey, A Tribe Called Quest, Kansas, The
Scorpions, Billy Joel, the Roy Orbison estate, Sly & The Family
Stone, The Isley Brothers, and more on reissue campaigns.
DaNIEl bRaNcH ’05 married Heather Young on September 12,
2015 in Naples, Florida. Daniel’s brothers SPENcER bRaNcH ’07
and cHaRlES bRaNcH ’10 were best men, while HIll PEROT
’05 and DREW laSSITER ’05 were both groomsmen. baRRy
NEWEll ’05 served as an usher and lUkE klINE ’07 served as a
reader for the wedding. The couple lives in Dallas.
MIcHaEl PERRIN ’05 married Kristy Huynh on November 27,
2015, in Dallas. Michael and Kristy live in Bentonville, Arkansas,
where Michael serves as the Senior Manager of Mergers and
Acquisitions at Walmart.
2006SaM RaMIREZ ’06 was appointed as the Director of Operations
for Black Bear Energy, an energy startup based in Boulder,
Colorado. Black Bear helps large property owners and large
property users procure renewable energy for their buildings.
2002 | Reunion YearWIllIaM WOlcOTT ’02 received the Advocate for Justice Award
at the Innocence Project event. This award was given by the Young
Professionals of the Innocence Project in New York to William for
his commitment to fundraising and awareness.
bEN STEPHENS ’02 and wife Heather are excited to announce
the birth of their son Macklin John Stephens, born on
July 10, 2015, weighing 9 lbs., 3 oz. Ben also recently received
a meritorious promotion to Sergeant in the United States Army.
Ben and his family live in Havelock, North Carolina.
kEITH cOHaN ’02 and wife Lindsey are proud to announce
the birth of their daughter Sydney Krein Cohan, born on
September 28, 2015, weighing 7 lbs., 12 oz. Keith and his family
live in Austin.
bObby cROTTy ’02 and wife Noël are thrilled to announce the
birth of their son Cooper Harrison Crotty, born on October 14,
2015, weighing 8 lbs., 3 oz. Bobby and his family live in Dallas.
2003aUSTIN WONg ’03 married Priya Sequeira on August 8, 2015, in
New York City. Austin’s brother aRT WONg ’03 was the officiant
and best man. ED WESNESkI ’03 also attended the wedding. The
couple met at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern
University while earning their MBAs.
DaVID kEMP ’03 married Charles Binkley at Grace Cathedral in
San Francisco, California, on September 19, 2015. DaNIEl kIM ’03
participated in the wedding as one of David’s attendants. Also
present for the celebration were ZEMED aNTEHUNEgNE ’03,
aNDREW cHaNg ’03, and MaRk DaVIS ’03.
cHaSE PaRk ’03 married Naeun Kim on December 19, 2015
in Dallas. Several Marksmen were in attendance. Pictured in
the photo are DaNIEl kIM ’03, aRISH gUPTa ’03, FRaNcIS
DONalD ’03, DOUg TOUgH ’03, JON PaRk ’05, TRIP NEIl ’03,
and PaUl TREJO ’03. The couple live in Irving where Chase is
working as an Auditor for the City of Dallas.
St. Mark’s School of Texas
Class Notes
Fall 2016 | Class Notes 89
William Wolcott ’02 Macklin John Stephens Sydney Krein Cohan Cooper Harrison Crotty Austin Wong ’03 married Priya Sequeira David Kemp ’03 married Charles Binkley Chase Park ’03 married Naeun Kim John Lin ’04 married Yvonne Yang Daniel Branch ’05 with Spencer Branch ’07
and Charles Branch ’10
St. Mark’s School of Texas90 Class Notes | THE PRIDE
Class Notes
Sam Acho ’07 with the Holtbergs Arheh Gavriel Abramson Ike Crews ’08 Nicolas Richmond McPherson Carl Green ’11 in Antarctica Nathan Ondracek ’15,
Warren Smith ’13, Ben Wilson ’14, and George Lin ’15
2010ERIc WOHlSTaDTER ’10 earned the Charles Paterno
Barratt-Brown Memorial Prize at Columbia University.
This prize is awarded to a student who has excelled in critical
writing. Eric is a book reviewer for the Financial Times and the
cultural journal, Public Books.
2011ROSS yUDkIN ’11 graduated from the University of Texas
in May 2015 and soon after began a job at Goldman Sachs
in Dallas. He is working as an analyst for its Special
Situations Group.
laNDON blaIR ’11 graduated from Rice University in 2014.
Upon graduation he accepted a job as a field engineer at Kairos
Aerospace, a start-up in Silicon Valley that specializes in natural
gas leak detection.
gUS blESSINg ’11 recently graduated from Texas A&M
University and accepted a position at Infosys as a management
consultant. Infosys works with global corporations to solve
business challenges and creates value through technology-based
solutions. Gus focuses on using design thinking to make large
enterprises more customer-centric.
caRl gREEN ’11 studied in Antarctica in the fall as a teaching
assistant to Dr. Andrew Klein. Carl is at Texas A&M University
pursuing his master’s in geography, which he hopes to use
as a teacher someday. His research is focused on climate
change effects on key glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park.
While Carl was in Antarctica, he worked on an environmental
monitoring project titled “Temporal Variability in Natural and
Anthropogenic Disturbance of McMurdo Station.”
2013WaRREN SMITH ’13 competed for Brown University in the
Ivy League Water Polo Championship against fellow Marksmen
NaTHaN ONDRacEk ’15 for Harvard University and bEN
WIlSON ’14 for Dartmouth College. gEORgE lIN ’15 went to
support his fellow Marksmen at the game in Princeton,
New Jersey. Warren and Nathan were both named to the 2015
Men’s All-Academic team by the Association of Collegiate Water
Polo Coaches.
St. Mark’s School of Texas
Class Notes
Fall 2016 | Class Notes 91
2007 | Reunion YearSaM acHO ’07 had the opportunity to connect with former
Eugene McDermott Headmaster Arnie Holtberg and his wife Jan
while they were in Chicago visiting family. Arnie and Jan were
able to watch Sam play in a Chicago Bears game.
DaNIEl cUllINS ’07 became an Associate at Tailwater
Capital LLC in July 2015. Tailwater Capital is a private equity firm
based in Dallas that focuses on the energy sector.
JOSHUa abRaMSON ’07 married Ophira Kopitnikoff on
September 14, 2014, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Joshua’s brother
DaNIEl abRaMSON ’11 served as his best man for the special
occasion. Joshua and Ophira were blessed with the birth of their
son Arheh Gavriel Abramson a year later on September 20, 2015.
Joshua is studying to be a rabbi at Yeshiva University, while
Ophira is an occupational therapist at the Kessler Institute.
The family lives in New York City.
NaTHaN baRNETT ’07 was named Broadcaster of the Year in
the Carolina League for his work as the play-by-play broadcaster
for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, a minor league affiliate of the
Chicago Cubs. Nathan recently moved back to Dallas to become
the broadcaster of the Frisco RoughRiders.
2008IkE cREWS ’08 led the Marksmen choir boys on a tour of the
U.S. Capitol while they were in Washington, D.C. for the North
American Choir Tour last summer. Ike is a member of Dallas
Congressman Pete Sessions’ staff.
2009SHaRaN SHETTy ’09 began working at The New Yorker as an
associate book editor in February 2016. He previously worked
for Slate magazine after graduating from the University of Chicago
in 2013.
MIcHaEl McPHERSON ’09 and wife Roslyn are excited to
announce the birth of their son Nicolas Richmond McPherson,
born on April 26, 2015, weighing 6 lbs., 14 oz. Michael and his
family live in Chesapeake, Virginia.
St. Mark’s School of Texas92 Class Notes | THE PRIDE
Class Notes
2015TIM SIMENc ’15 was one of three water polo players from UC
Berkeley named to the 2015 Men’s All-Academic team by the
Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches. In November,
MaSON SMITH ’15 and MaTT MaHOWalD ’14 went to cheer
Tim on at the Stanford vs. California Water Polo game. Cal took
home a victory, with Tim scoring a goal.
cHRISTIaN cORTES ’15 pitched his idea, Torus, an automated
parking system, in the 2015 Business Idea Competition at
UT Dallas. The annual competition gives undergraduate and
graduate students the opportunity to develop and present
their business ideas to entrepreneurs like Mark Cuban. Torus
came in third place out of more than 100 competitors in the
undergraduate category and also won the People’s
Choice Award.
2014MaTTHEW bROWN ’14, a sophomore at TCU, was one of five
cross-country runners named 1st Team Academic All-Big 12
for 2015.
yIMa aSOM ’14, a forward/midfielder for the Dartmouth
soccer team, helped his team become back-to-back Ivy League
champions in soccer. This is also their second year in a row to
make it to the second round of the NCAA tournament.
Mac labHaRT ’14 was recognized at Texas A&M University’s
football banquet as the “Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year.”
This award is given to the player who maximizes his time during
the previous season on the scout team.
Matthew Brown ’14 Tim Simenc ’15 with Mason Smith ’15
and Matt Mahowald ’14
MaRTIN STEgEMOEllER and Kezia Warner were married on
November 21, 2015 in the St. Mark’s Chapel. Eugene McDermott
Headmaster DaVID W. DINI, Victor F. White Master Teaching
Chair in English DaVID bROWN, bEaU FalgOUT ’09, and
MaRk O’MEaRa ’09 were all a part of their special day. Marty
is the Malcom K. and Minda Brachman Master Teaching Chair
at St. Mark’s and Kezia is Director of Development at the Barack
Obama Male Leadership Academy.
St. Mark’s School of Texas
Class Notes
Fall 2016 | Class Notes 93
FACULTY NOTESalExaNDRa gEORgE married Philip Hughes March 19, 2016, at
the Filter Building at White Rock Lake. Alex is a Communications
Coordinator at St. Mark’s and Philip is a Senior Benefit Analyst at
CVS Health. The couple lives in Dallas.
gayMaRIE kURDI married Daniel Irwin Vaughan, Jr. on
November 30, 2015, in a small ceremony with family at the home
of GayMarie’s parents in Dallas. They met in 7th grade and both
graduated from TCA in Addison. GayMarie is an English teacher
in the Upper School.
Alexandra George married Philip Hughes GayMarie Kurdi married Daniel Irwin Vaughan Martin Stegemoeller and Kezia Warner
Faculty Notes
in memoriam
Alumni: MaRVIN WEaTHERby caRR ’60, November 2, 2015, brother of
William Plack Carr, Jr. ’58.
cHRISTOPHER R. claRk ’01, March 12, 2016.
JaMES H. claRk ’54, January 3, 2016, father of James H. Cullum
Clark ’85, grandfather of Scott F. Palmer ’01.
aNTHONy bRIaN kNaPE ’71, November 22, 2015.
FRaNk S. lETcHER ’59, December 17, 2015, brother of
John H. Letcher III ’53 and William F. Letcher ’67.
JOHN bEVERly MOON, JR. ’49, October 15, 2015.
PaUl I. MUNVES ’65, March 18, 2016, brother of
Sol D. Munves ’67.
JOHN McIVER PacE, JR. ’52, March 2, 2016.
gEORgE FaRREll Ray, JR. ’44, February 26, 2016, father of
Charles H. Ray ’78.
caRl D. REIMERS, JR. ’47, June 17, 2015.
JaMES HOUSTON SHElTON ’62, September 13, 2015.
St. Mark’s School of Texas94 Class Notes | THE PRIDE
Community Members SUSaN bIggERS aDaMS, February 11, 2016, grandmother of
Matthew W. Bryant ’05 and John H. Bryant ’09.
MORRIS aTlaS, October 4, 2015, father-in-law of
Jeffery S. Genecov ’77, and grandfather of
Adam Mitchell Genecov ’09.
MaRy alIcE MaTHEWSON baSS, November 21, 2015, mother of
Robert S. Bass ’72 and Harry W. Bass III ’66 (deceased).
FRED M. bROWNINg, February 7, 2016, father-in-law of Timothy
M. Mank ’87, grandfather of Carter F. Mank ’24 and Maddox T.
Mank ’22.
JaMES allEN bUckNER JR., December 25, 2015, father of
James Allen Buckner III ’93.
glaDyS WEaTHERby caRR, March 2, 2016, mother of
William Plack Carr, Jr. ’58 and M. W. Carr ’60 (deceased).
PaUla JOHNSON claNcy, February 27, 2016, mother of
Andrew O. Clancy ’84.
FlORENcE R. cOHEN, August 4, 2015, mother of
Harlan P. Cohen ’66, grandmother of David K. Cohen ’97 and
Alan M. Cohen ’01.
lOUISE gWalTNEy cRaIg, February 26, 2016, grandmother of
William M. Craig, Jr. ’00 and Robert Sayre Craig ’03.
HOWaRD DOggETT cROW, January 30, 2016, uncle of
Daniel H. Crow ’07, George T. Crow ’14, and Harlan R. Crow ’17.
JOHN WEbSTER cUTlER, December 7, 2015, father of
Robert Winn Cutler ’03 and Holt Squires Cutler ’06
HERbERT EPSTEIN, October 7, 2015, father of
Bruce F. Epstein ’77 and Mark A. Epstein ’82.
WIllIaM a. DExTER, March 19, 2015, former
faculty member.
SaNFORD PayNE FagaDaU, January 4, 2016, father of
Warren R. Fagadau ’70 and Thomas H. Fagadau ’76.
ROSEMaRIE ENRIcO FIRTH, February 24, 2016, mother of
Robert J. Firth ’74.
St. Mark’s School of Texas
Remarks
MaRIaNNE FIScHER, October 29, 2015, grandmother of
William George Marcel Fischer ’05.
MaRy NEll FOOTE, November 19, 2015, mother of
Guy M. Foote ’69 and Kenneth T. Foote ’72.
MaRIO J. FOSTER, December 9, 2015, former faculty member.
PERRy EDWaRD gROSS, December 5, 2015, father of Jonathan S.
Gross ’77.
JOSEPH WIllIaM gEaRy, JR., January 16, 2016, grandfather of
Justin G. Mapes ’95 and Kyle G. Mapes ’00, and Charlie
Mapes ’26, and great-grandfather of Charles Geary Mapes ’26.
ElIZabETH OWENS gOODRIcH, February 14, 2016, wife of
David E. Goodrich ’39, mother of Wade S. Goodrich ’65.
FRaNcES MIllER gUENTHER, October 29, 2015, father of
Peter M. Guenther ’89.
WallacE lEgETTE Hall, SR., March 4, 2016, father of
G. Houston Hall ’78 and Wallace L. Hall, Jr. ’80, grandfather
of Wallace L. Hall III ’10, Kellam A. Hall ’14, and
William H. Hall ’18, step-grandfather of Samuel F. Ewing ’08
and Charles B. Ewing ’10.
JOHN a. HaMMack, February 13, 2016, Emeritus Trustee and
father of John A. Hammack, Jr. ’73.
bETH FRaNkFURT kaHN, January 17, 2016, wife of
Gary L. Kahn ’72, sister of Eric Frankfurt ’78, sister-in-law of
Richard A. Kahn ’69, aunt of Grant K. Frankfurt ’05 and
Ross C. Frankfurt ’07.
EaRl HENRy laUTEN, February 2, 2016, father of
David H. Lauten ’79.
THOMaS laRkIN, March 6, 2016, father of Michael T. Larkin ’81.
JOSEPH W. MckNIgHT, November 30, 2015, grandfather of
Scott K. McKnight ’07.
cyNTHIa H. MORIN, February 3, 2016, grandmother of
Samuel E. Cassell ’13.
Fall 2016 | Class Notes 95
RIcHaRD M. MORIN, December 17, 2015, grandfather of
Samuel E. Cassell ’13.
DaVID caRROll MUSSlEWHITE, December 5, 2015, father of
Robert W. Musslewhite ’88.
DONalD F. PaDgETT, December 4, 2015, father of
Allan P. Padgett ’86.
gERaRD l. REgaRD, February 5, 2016, grandfather of
William G. Hardage ’16.
EDWaRD W. “RUSTy” ROSE III, January 29, 2016, grandfather of
Charles H. Rose ’20.
MURRy DaVID ScHONFElD, February 14, 2016, father of
Alan D. Schonfeld ’77, grandfather of Kevin S. Korngut ’98,
Bryan A. Korngut ’00, and Alex R. Korngut ’06.
STEVEN E. SHOENER, November 30, 2015, father of
Erik M. Shoener ’10.
PaRkER SNEaD, December 8, 2015, brother of
Jonathan Castles Snead ’68.
ROgER baRT STaNlEy, November 13, 2015, brother of
Marc Robert Stanley ’75.
PaTRIcIa F. STRINgER, November 3, 2015, grandmother of
Forrester D. Lensing ’99 and Collin S. Lensing ’01.
kEITH J. STONE, November 12, 2015, father of Oliver K. Stone ’00
and Nicholas J. Stone ’96.
DaNIEl IRWIN VaUgHaN, SR., February 10, 2016, father-in-law of
faculty member GayMarie W. Vaughan.
MaRgOT WINSPEaR, October 20, 2015, mother of
Donald W. Winspear ’77, Malcolm G. Winspear ’78, and
Robert L. Winspear ’83.
MalIETTE laNDaU WOlENS, October 27, 2015, mother of
Steven D. Wolens ’69, Gary A. Wolens ’71, and
Keenan L. Wolens ’76, grandmother of Maxwell S. Wolens ’14.
PaUl l. WOODWaRD, October 4, 2015, father of
Philip L. Woodward ’80 and David Woodward ’82.
St. Mark’s School of Texas96 End Notes | THE PRIDE
ONLINE GIVINGThe St. Mark’s Fund is the School’s most important, ongoing
fundraising priority, providing more than 10 percent of its annual
operating budget. You may give online through our secure server
at www.smtexas.org/smfund. Every gift makes a difference.
ARCHIVESFrom the Terrill School, all the way to St. Mark’s School of Texas, ours is
a school with a long and rich history. If you have something that you
would like to donate to St. Mark’s to be preserved in our archives, please
contact the Office of Development & Alumni Relations at 214.346.8800.
SUBMISSIONSDo you have a great story you’d like to share with your fellow alumni?
Have you made any changes in your life such as a new job, new degree,
marriage, children, or other announcement? Please send your stories, along
with any photos, to the Office of Development & Alumni Relations
so we can include them in our next issue. Submissions may be made
in any of three ways:
• www.smtexas.org
Use our online form to send in your “Remarks.”
• Email | [email protected]
Send your information and high-resolution photos to Alex Eshelbrenner ’04
• U.S. Mail
Send to St. Mark’s School of Texas,
Attn. Alex Eshelbrenner, 10600 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75230-4047
Submissions received after April 1, 2016, will appear in the next issue of The Pride.
THE PRIDE is published twice annually by St. Mark’s School of Texas, Office of Development & Alumni Relations, 10600 Preston Road, Dallas, Texas 75230-4047, and is distributed to alumni, parents, and friends of the School.
In producing this magazine, every effort has been made to ensure that it is accurate. Please report any errors, or receipt of multiple copies, to the Office of Development & Alumni Relations, and accept our sincerest apologies.
St. Mark’s School of Texas does not discriminate in the administration of its admission and education policies on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.
©2016 St. Mark’s School of TexasAn Office of Development & Alumni Relations Publication
THE
PRIDESt. Mark’s School of Texas Alumni Magazine
EDITORKaty B. Rubarth
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONSDavid Carden
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATORAlexandra Hughes
PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTRIBUTORSDrew Baxley ’16Owen Berger ’18 Lynn CaldwellArno Goetz ’16Alden James ’16Deborah JamesChristopher McElhaney ’18Tim O’Meara ’16
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENTJim Bob Womack ’98
DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONSAlex Eshelbrenner ’04
Endnotes
Plan Your LegacyPlease visit our newly launched Planned Giving webpage to learn more about your options for
establishing a lasting legacy in support of St. Mark’s.
www.smtexas.org/PlannedGiving
St. Mark’s School of Texas10600 Preston Road
Dallas, Texas 75230-4047214.346.8000 • www.smtexas.org