successful passing of the torch:
TRANSCRIPT
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Summer 2014Volume 19, Issue 3St. Mark’s School of TexasAlumni Magazine
Also in this issue:
Alumni Weekend: Marksmen honor the Holtbergs
Spotlight on Philanthropy: Legacies recognized on campus
Successful Passing of the Torch: David Dini sets his sights on a
bright future
Save the Dates2014 ALUMNI CALENDAR OF EVENTS
October 6–9 East Coast Alumni Events
October 17 Homecoming Kick-Off Party
November 9–11 West Coast Alumni Events
November 26 Young Alumni Holiday Party
December 11 Alumni Holiday Luncheon
December 18 College-Age Alumni Holiday Lunch
January 3, 2015 Alumni Soccer & Basketball Games
February 12–13 Austin & Houston Alumni Events
April 23–25 Alumni Weekend 2015
May 22 Commencement and
Senior-Alumni Luncheon
See the full Calendar of Events at www.smtexas.org/AlumniEvents
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | Contents 1
60
58
48
30
12ON CAMPUS 2 | In Retrospect 3 | Letter From the Editor 4 | College Matriculation 6 | Student Art 8 | Sports News 12 | St. Mark’s Armed Forces Club 14 | 25 Years in the Wild 16 | Student Accolades 22 | Distinguished Speakers 26 | Holiday Traditions 30 | Baccalaureate and Commencement 36 | Retiring Faculty 38 | Retiring Trustees ALUMNI NEWS 40 | Alumni Board Report 44 | Alumni in the News 48 | Alumni Weekend
SPOTLIGHT ON PHILANTHROPY 58 | Cementing New Legacies
FEATURES 60 | The Eighteenth Headmaster NOTES AND REMARKS 66 | Class Notes 77 | Faculty Notes 78 | In Memoriam 80 | Endnotes
ABOUT OUR COVERNewly appointed Eugene McDermott Headmaster David Dini
and Headmaster Emeritus Arnie Holtberg walk through campus.
ContentsSt. Mark’s School of Texas Alumni Magazine
Volume 19, Issue 3 • Summer 2014
THE
PRIDE
St. Mark’s School of Texas2 On Campus | THE PRIDE
in retrospect
A Time for FunThe 1965 Marksmen yearbook contains this photo of boys and girls twisting
and shouting at the 1964 Homecoming Dance. The caption below the photo
reads “A Time For Fun.” If you can help identify or have a good story about
this group of students, please let us know. Send information to Katy Rubarth,
St. Mark’s School of Texas, 10600 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75230–4047 or
email her at [email protected].
On Campus
eginnings and endings, endings and
beginnings. At this time last year we
celebrated the successful conclusion of
The Centennial Challenge, a Campaign that
both honored the first 100 years of St. Mark’s
and sought to ensure that excellence
continued for the next 100 years. Last year
we also celebrated a different, bittersweet
milestone: the end of Arnie Holtberg’s tenure
as Headmaster of St. Mark’s. On campus
and across the nation, hundreds of alumni
and friends turned out to say thank you to
Arnie and Jan during their Farewell Tour.
As the 2014–2015 school year begins, St. Mark’s
now looks ahead to a new beginning with a
new leader. The enthusiasm for David Dini’s
appointment has been overwhelming,
and the excitement generated by the
implementation of new projects and programs,
due to the success of the Campaign, is palpable.
For me, David’s appointment is especially
exciting; I have had the honor to get to
know him as a parent, a team member,
and a friend.
For the past five years, I’ve collaborated
with David on a wide array of School
projects and watched him work tirelessly
to ensure that St. Mark’s is able to sustain
its mission. David brings out the best in
those with whom he works, nurturing their
abilities and modeling the ideals of servant-
leadership, all with warmth, good nature,
and infectious energy for his work. David is
all that a Marksman represents and a perfect
role model for our boys.
I know you join me in wishing David, Nancy,
Caroline, Megan, Thomas, and Claudia the
very best as they move onto campus and
further into the hearts of our community.
Here’s to new beginnings,
Katy B. Rubarth
Director of Communications
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | On Campus 3
Letters
from the editor
B
St. Mark’s School of Texas4 On Campus | THE PRIDE
2010–2014 college matriculation
On Campus
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 Southern California
University of Texas at Austin
Vanderbilt University
Washington University in St. Louis
FIVe To nIne:
Columbia University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Northwestern University
Texas Christian University
University of Chicago
University of Miami
University of Missouri—Columbia
University of Virginia
Yale University
FoUr:
Boston University
Brown University
Northeastern University
Texas Tech University
University of Michigan
University of Texas at Austin—Plan II
THree:
Baylor University
Colgate University
Davidson College
Emory University
Georgetown University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Pomona College
Purdue University
St. Edward’s University
Trinity University
United States Naval Academy
University of Notre Dame
University of Texas at Dallas
Wake Forest University
Washington and Lee University
TWo:
Carnegie Mellon University
Cornell University
Haverford College
Hendrix College
Indiana University
Rhodes College
Trinity College
University of Georgia
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of Oklahoma
University of Texas at Arlington
one:
Amherst College
Arizona State University
Auburn University
Bates College
Bowdoin College
Bowling Green State University
Bucknell University
California Institute of Technology
Chapman University
Clemson University
Colby College
College of William and Mary
Colorado School of Mines
Colorado State University
Franklin & Marshall College
Franklin Olin College of Engineering
Furman University
George Washington University
Gettysburg College
Hampshire College
Houston Baptist University
Howard University
Johns Hopkins University
Lehigh University
Marion Military Institute
Middlebury College
Oberlin Conservatory of Music
Occidental College
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rhode Island School of Design
Rollins College
Schreiner University
St. John’s University
St. Lawrence University
Swarthmore College
Tulane University
United States Air Force Academy
United States Military Academy
University of Alabama
University of California—Berkeley
University of California—Santa Barbara
University of Colorado at Boulder
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Kansas
University of Minnesota
University of Oregon
University of Pittsburgh
University of Richmond
University of Rochester
University of South Carolina
University of Texas at San Antonio
University of Wisconsin
Villanova University
Virginia Military Institute
Virginia Polytechnic Institute
Williams College
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | On Campus 5
On Campus
class of 2014 college matriculation
Southern Methodist ....................... Anthony Garcia University Paul Herz
Michael Murphy
William Nelson
Joshua Perkins
Chase Squires
Brandon Sung
University of Texas at Austin ......... Ali Ahmed
Cole Gerthoffer
Kellam Hall
Daniel McNamara
Blake Robins
Aarohan Burma (Plan II)
Kobi Naseck (Plan II)
Dartmouth College ......................... Yima Asom
Robert He
Harrison Perkins
Michael Perkins
Benjamin Wilson
Princeton University ...................... Thomas Addy
Dylan Altschuler
Samuel Perkins
Vincent Shia
Victor Zhou
Duke University .............................. John Caldwell
Nikhil Jain
Carson Pate
Jeffrey Wu
Harvard University ......................... Dylan Clark
Aidan Dewar
Alexander Munoz
Ryan O’Meara
Stanford University ........................ Creed Lowry
Matthew Mahowald
Jack Pigott
Maxwell Wolens
new York University........................ Vincent Chen
Samuel Khoshbin
Johnathan Kim
northwestern University ............... Malcolm Bowman
Nabeel Muscatwalla
Phillip Osborn
rice University ................................ Andrew Gatherer
Vishal Gokani
Harrison Lin
Vanderbilt University ..................... Conner Gregory
Clayton Roberts
John Webb
Washington University ................... Juan Chavez in St. Louis Bradley Mankoff
Woo Jae Shin
St. edward’s University ................... Jassiel Roman Israel Soto
Texas A&M University .................... Victor Calvillo
Mac Labhart
Texas Christian University ............ Matthew Brown
Jack Mallick
University of Chicago ..................... Tabish Dayani
Charles Marshall
University of Pennsylvania ............ Halbert Bai Charles Golden
University of Southern ................... Nicholas Brodsky California Martin Tirmenstein
University of Virginia ..................... James Diamond
Lucas Williams
Auburn University .......................... David Bentley
Baylor University ............................ Mark Burton
Brown University ............................ Jacob Wilner
northeastern University ................ Oliver Ness
Pomona College .............................. Luke Munson
St. Lawrence University ................. Alexander McKenna
Trinity College ................................. Winston Brewer
Trinity University ............................ Daniel Solis
United States naval Academy ........ Cameron Baxley
University of Georgia ..................... Ford Robinson
University of Kansas ....................... Reid Stein
University of Miami ........................ Richard McCants
University of Missouri— ................ Andrew Hatfield Columbia
University of north Carolina ......... Riley Graham at Chapel Hill
University of notre Dame .............. Teddy Edwards
University of oklahoma ................. John Garnsey
University of oregon ...................... Andrew Balog
Villanova University ....................... Dean Addy
Wake Forest University .................. Richard Eiseman
Washington and Lee University .... Zachary Papin
Yale University ................................ Jonathan Ng
(above)George Lin ’15
(above right)Arno Goetz ’16
(right)Adam Merchant ’15
St. Mark’s School of Texas6 On Campus | THE PRIDE
On Campus
Award-Winning Student Art
state of the arts
(above)Wesley Cha ’15
St. Mark’s School of Texas8 On Campus | THE PRIDE
On Campus
sports news
Cross CountryThe weather at Ft. Worth Trinity Valley was
perfect for the SPC Cross Country Championship
race. Led by team captain Matthew Brown ’14,
six Marksmen placed in the top 20 and were
named All-SPC. Matthew finished sixth, followed
by JT Graass ’16 (seventh), Nick Buckenham ’15
(ninth), Daniel Cope ’17 (thirteenth), Harrison
Perkins ’14 (fourteenth), and Rishi Kshatriya ’15
(eighteenth). The team scored a conference best
of 49 points and won the SPC Championship,
its first since 2007.
Volleyball Returning to SPC as defending champions,
the varsity volleyball team beat both Houston
Kinkaid and Greenhill 3–0 in early matches.
Those victories set the Lions up for a showdown
with the Casady Cyclones. St. Mark’s gained an
early 2–0 lead thanks to captain Carson Pate ’14
and the powerful hitting of Timothy Simenc ’15,
Teddy Edwards ’14, Harrison Lin ’14, and Parker
Dixon ’16. Despite winning set three, the
Cyclones fell to blockers Tabish Dayani ’14 and
Blake Spangler ’15, and the Lions successfully
defended their title as SPC Champions.
(above)Coach John Turek with
the 2013 SPC Champion cross country team.
(right)The cross country
team hoists its SPC Championship trophy.
(far right)Varsity Captain
Teddy Edwards ’14 spikes a ball during the
volleyball team’s SPC Championship run.
(opposite top)Swimmers Jack Pigott ’14
and Eric Li ’16 stand on the medal podium.
(opposite bottom)Swimmers celebrate their
Championship by throwing coach Mihai
Oprea into the pool.
Crew Hull Dedication
On Tuesday, January 7, 2014, members of the varsity
crew gathered alongside faculty, staff, and friends of the
crew program to officially christen the newest addition
to the St. Mark’s fleet of crew shells. The quad is named
2013 in honor of the 2013 varsity crew team, and is
the generous gift of the Quarls family: Harry, Karen,
and Harrison ’13.
Varsity crew coach Pitts Yandell and Eugene McDermott
Headmaster Arnie Holtberg both spoke, praising the
dedication of the boys, celebrating the team’s decorated
history at St. Mark’s, and thanking the Quarls family.
Then the members of the varsity crew officially
christened their new vessel, pouring the traditional
bottle of “champagne” over its hull.
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | On Campus 9
SwimmingVarsity swimming took home SPC gold in one
of its most impressive showings in the School’s
swimming history. The Lion swimmers held
more than three-fourths of the best times in the
championship meet. The team won all of the
relays, and also placed first in the 50m freestyle,
100m butterfly, and 100m breaststroke. The team
broke both School and SPC records in the
200m free relay (Jack Pigott ’14, Richard Jiang ’15,
Eric Li ’16, and Kevin Kim ’16) and the 400
Free Relay (Jack Pigott ’14, Mason Smith ’15,
Kevin Kim ’16, and Eric Li ’16). At the end of the
day, the Lions got out of the water with 187.5
points, more than any SPC Championship to date.
St. Mark’s School of Texas10 On Campus | THE PRIDE
On Campus
Water PoloThe water polo team finished off an incredible
season by clinching the Texas State Water Polo
Championship. Having won the north region for
the thirteenth year in a row, the “Sea Lions”
were poised to compete at the state level. In a
tense championship game against defending
state champions Clear Creek, the Lions fell
behind early but pulled ahead in the second
quarter and never looked back, winning 12–5.
Timothy Simenc ’15 was selected as the State
Tournament MVP, the top honor in the sport of
water polo, making him the second consecutive
Marksman to win MVP (after Warren Smith ’13).
Jack Mallick ’14 and Nathan Ondracek ’15 were
named First Team All-State. Matt Mahowald ’14,
Bradley Mankoff ’14, and Mason Smith ’15 were
named Honorable Mention All-State. Coach
Mihai Oprea was also named the Texas State
Water Polo Coach of the Year.
(above) The State Championship
water polo team celebrates with head
coach Mihai Oprea.
Class of 2014 College Signing
Yima Asom
Soccer – Dartmouth College
Cameron Baxley
Crew – United States Naval Academy
Malcolm Bowman
Football – Northwestern University
Winston Brewer
Wrestling – Trinity College
Matthew Brown
Cross Country/Track – Texas Christian University
John Caldwell
Football – Duke University
Sam Khoshbin
Tennis – New York University
Zach Papin
Wrestling – Washington & Lee University
Jacob Wilner
Football – Brown UniversityCross Country 1st Football 2nd Volleyball 1stSwimming 1stWrestling 2nd Soccer 5thBasketball 6th
Overall SPC Rankings
Water Polo (State) 1stTrack & Field 4thTennis 5thBaseball 4thGolf 3rdLacrosse 2nd
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/smtexas
Do you St. Mark’s?
For a school whose motto is “Courage and Honor,” it should come as no surprise
that numerous Marksmen choose to dedicate their lives to serving our country
both at home and abroad.
St. Mark’s School of Texas12 On Campus | THE PRIDE
With so many alumni enlisting in every branch
of the military, students Jake Holder ’15 and
Travis Nadalini ’15 wanted to do something to
honor those serving the United States while
simultaneously educating current students
about military culture, ethics, and leadership.
In the fall of 2012, the boys formed the St. Mark’s
Armed Forces Club with a little help from Scott
Hunt, Arnold E. Holtberg Master Teaching
Chair, photography instructor, and Texas Army
National Guard 2nd Lieutenant.
To fulfill the first half of their mission, the
club adopted a Texas Army National Guard
unit in Afghanistan and began raising money
to send supplies. Through fundraisers and
donations, the club was able to assemble care
packages containing ordinary, though vitally
important, supplies like coffee, games, hand
warmers, toiletries, clothing items for the troop’s
interpreters, and boxes of magazines donated
by the St. Mark’s library. The club then boxed up
all of the supplies and shipped them overseas to
the troops. The final item in their care package
was a blue and white St. Mark’s flag. According to
club co-founder Travis Nadalini, the troops were
so excited to receive the supplies, that the club
decided to sponsor them again the following year.
Courage & Honor
As for the flag, the unit members hung it in their
forward operating base, but when the unit
rotated home, the flag was placed in a shipping
container with many of their other supplies
and essentially lost. Imagine Jake’s and Travis’s
surprise when, this past fall, Scott Hunt came
to school with the flag, signed by the unit.
“Getting the flag back from them was awesome,”
said Travis. “The most rewarding part of the club
is seeing the positive impact of our efforts to
support our troops. It made us feel
very appreciated.”
Scott Hunt hopes to have the flag framed and
displayed on campus.
“The club’s motto ‘Courage, Honor, Duty’ builds
upon the foundation set forth by the St. Mark’s
motto,” Scott said. “Helping boys to accept duty
and responsibility for something bigger than
themselves is what the club seeks to instill and
demonstrate amongst its members and
in the community.”
On Campus
(opposite page)The Armed Forces Club poses with its care packages before sending them overseas.
(above) The Texas Army National Guard Unit that received the care packages sent this photo back with the signed flag.
This past summer marked the twenty-fifth year that Frank Jordan
(Mr. J) has organized and led rising fifth-grade boys and their
parents on the St. Mark’s Wyoming Trip to Yellowstone National
Park and Grand Teton National Park.
St. Mark’s School of Texas14 On Campus | THE PRIDE
Not only was this year’s trip historic due to
Mr. J’s quarter century of leadership, it was also
the largest group that he has ever taken:
24 rising fifth-graders, plus staff and parents,
including eight dads who themselves are
Marksmen. It is hard to explain how truly
memorable the experience is unless one spends
the week together with the entire group. As
fantastic an adventure as we all experienced,
what stood out was how truly committed
Mr. J was to ensuring that each and every boy
and his parent had the time of their lives.
As a former student of Mr. J from 38 short years
ago, I never forgot the persona of Mr. J’s
third-grade class. He is the epitome of a master
teacher and a master father figure to his
students. He is ever present to guide and teach
the boys about wildlife, nature, working
together as a group, and just plain life in general.
His unwavering loyalty to St. Mark’s, the boys,
and their parents is undeniable. He seemed to
never tire and to never lose his patience and
yet Mr. J always appeared to push the boys just
a little bit more, so we could see a few more
animals or get that perfect view of a snow-covered
mountain. I am truly grateful for having had Mr. J
as a teacher many years ago and for experiencing
the overwhelming beauty of the Tetons and
Yellowstone with Mr. J as our leader and guide.
by Lawrence Piccagli ’85
On Campus
The trip also teaches the boys how to live together
and depend on one another. Mr. J ensured that
he would keep us on a tight schedule throughout
the trip. But the boys had to look to one another
to stay organized and “with it” even if things got
tough. This is where relationships are strengthened,
and this is why, for so many years, the Wyoming
trip has been a mainstay at the School. Where
the Pecos trip is the “official” rite of passage for
Upper School boys to become young men, the
Wyoming trip is a similar accomplishment for
many of our boys moving into middle school.
Living among wildlife, sleeping in tent cabins,
and hiking long days across many miles truly
gives the boys a sense of accomplishment.
On the Wyoming trip, Mr. J builds multiple
attributes that are cornerstones at St. Mark’s for
boys becoming young men.
To read additional reflections on the
Wyoming trip from other Marksmen dads,
visit smtexas.org/wyoming.
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | On Campus 15
St. Mark’s School of Texas16 On Campus | THE PRIDE
On Campus
Marksmen Making News On Campus
student accolades
Publications Win Triple CrownFor the second year in a row, all three of the
School’s major Upper School publications
received a prestigious Gold Crown Award from
the Columbia Scholastic Press Association.
The ReMarker student newspaper, The Marque
literary magazine, and the Marksmen yearbook
were among the 66 publications awarded Gold
Crowns out of more than 1,200 nationwide
submissions for the 2012–2013 school year.
Publications were judged by a panel of industry
experts, and the final awards were announced
at the Association’s annual convention at
Columbia University on March 21, 2014. These
awards continued the winning streaks for each
publication, marking the sixth straight Gold
Crown for the Marksmen, the second for
The Marque, and the eleventh for The ReMarker,
the longest successive streak by a secondary
school in the 89-year history of the organization.
Earlier in the school year, The ReMarker also
received its fourth Pacemaker award in nine
years, the highest honor awarded by the National
Scholastic Press Association.
The ReMarker and Marksmen are sponsored by
Ray Westbrook, Gene and Alice Oltrogge Master
Teaching Chair, and The Marque is sponsored
by Lynne Weber, Trustee Master Teaching Chair
in Humanities.
Senior Named Journalist of the YearRyan O’Meara ’14 was named the 2014 Texas
High School Journalist of the Year by the Texas
Association of Journalism Educators. His win
elevated him to the National Scholastic Press
Association’s nationwide competition, in which
he placed second. For the competition, Ryan
prepared a 50-page portfolio, highlighting his
work in writing, design, photography, and
multi-media projects over the three years he
served on The ReMarker newspaper staff. Ryan
is the second consecutive St. Mark’s journalist to
win the state title. Last year, Daniel Hersh ’13,
now a student at the Medill School of Journalism
at Northwestern University, was named Texas
High School Journalist of the Year and went
on to place third in the national competition.
Additionally, Sam Khoshbin ’14 placed second
in the statewide competition.
New Cum Laude Members InductedOn Wednesday, April 23, 2014, St. Mark’s inducted
nine members of the Class of 2014 and ten
members of the Class of 2015 into the Cum Laude
Society. The students were inducted based
on academic achievement and selected by a
committee of student and faculty Cum Laude
members. As per the society’s constitution, up to
one-fifth of the senior class and one-tenth of the
junior class can be inducted.
(above) Riley Graham ’14, Sam Perkins ’14,
Matt Mahowald ’14 and Carrington Kyle ’15 with the Gold Crown plaque
awarded to the 2013 Marksmen yearbook.
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | On Campus 17
On Campus
This year’s inductees included seniors Nicholas
Brodsky, Aidan Dewar, Harrison Lin, Jackson
Lowry, Matthew Mahowald, Charles Marshall,
Luke Munson, Kobi Naseck, and David Perkins;
and juniors Case Brabham, Christopher Carter,
Raymond Guo, James Kyle, George Lin, Nathan
Ondracek, Vikram Pattabi, Mason Smith, William
Sydney, and Darwin Yang.
After the new members were inducted, Lee S.
Smith, J.D. ’65 addressed the students, faculty,
and parents, recounting his experience as the
first black student enrolled at St. Mark’s.
Six Seniors Named YoungArts WinnersThe National YoungArts Foundation named six
St. Mark’s seniors as winners for its 2014 season:
Thomas Addy (visual arts), Cameron Baxley
(visual arts), Wesley Cha (visual arts), Andrew
Gatherer (photography), Harrison Lin (visual
arts), and Blake Robins (photography).
These seniors were selected from a pool of more
than 10,000 applicants nationwide to be among
the 687 winners honored for their work in
the arts. At the request of The Commission on
Presidential Scholars, which is appointed by
the president of the United States, YoungArts is
also the exclusive path to the U.S. Presidential
Scholars in the Arts awards.
(above)The 2013–2014 St. Mark’s Cum Laude members.
(left)Lee S. Smith, J.D. ’65
St. Mark’s School of Texas18 On Campus | THE PRIDE
On Campus
National Merit Students HonoredNineteen Marksmen from the Class of 2014 were
recognized as Semifinalists in the 2013 National
Merit Scholarship program: Dylan Altschuler,
John Caldwell, Dylan Clark,Tabish Dayani, Aidan
Dewar, Cole Gerthoffer, Vishal Gokani, Charles
Golden, Robert He, Samuel Khoshbin, Creed
Lowry, Charles Marshall, Alexander Muñoz, Luke
Munson, Jonathan Ng, Ryan O’Meara, Samuel
Perkins, Vincent Shia, and Victor Zhou.
Twenty-nine seniors were also recognized as
Commended Students. Congratulations to:
Halbert Bai, Cameron Baxley, David Bentley,
Aarohan Burma, Mark Burton, James Diamond,
Charles Edwards, Richard Eiseman, Andrew
Gatherer, Kellam Hall, Harrison Lin, Nikhil Jain,
Johnathan Kim, Matthew Mahowald, Bradley
Mankoff, Michael Murphy, Nabeel Muscatwalla,
Kobi Naseck, Norman Ness, Phillip Osborn,
Carson Pate, Joshua Perkins, Michael Perkins,
Jack Pigott, Laurence Roberts, Woo Jae Shin,
Nicholas Squires, Lucas Williams, and Jeffrey Wu.
National Organizations Honor SeniorsSix Upper School students were recognized
for their academic achievements by the
College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition
Program and the National Merit Scholarship
Corporation’s National Achievement
Scholarship Program.
Alexander Muñoz ’14 and Aidan Dewar ’14
were named Scholars by the National Hispanic
Recognition Program, which recognizes the
top 2 percent of Hispanic/Latino students who
take the PSAT/NMSQT in their junior year.
Additionally, Jassiel Roman ’14, Victor Calvillo ’14,
and Anthony Garcia ’14 were awarded
Honorable Mention by the organization.
Lucas Williams ’14 was named a semifinalist for
the National Achievement Scholarship Program,
an academic competition organized by the
National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which
recognizes academic achievement among Black
American students. As a semifinalist, Lucas
placed in the top 1 percent of applicants.
(above) The nineteen seniors
named National Merit Semifinalists.
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | On Campus 19
On Campus
Photography Program Named Best in TexasSt. Mark’s photography program has been
named “Top Program” for the eighth consecutive
year by the Association of Texas Photography
Instructors (ATPI). Students submitted ten-image
portfolios in Landscape, Still Life, Architecture,
and Thematic categories, winning first place in
every category for the first time.
(above)Photo by Alden James ’16
(above left)Photo by Mason Smith ’15
(left)Film studies students Cole Gerthoffer ’14 and Harrison Chen ’16 attend the South by Southwest Film Festival.
Additionally, four students were named to the
ATPI Texas Imagemaker Team: Halbert Bai ’14,
Mason Smith ’15, Arno Goetz ’16, and Alden
James ’16. The Texas Imagemakers are the top
ten photography students in the state based
on awards received in state and national photo
contests during the school year.
Student Films Selected for SXSW Two film studies students screened their short
films at this year’s South By Southwest Film
Festival. Cages by Harrison Chen ’16 and Spark
by Kunal Dixit ’15 were shown as part of the
festival’s Texas High School Short Film category.
Several film students attended the premieres at
SXSW in Austin this March, where they had a
chance to answer questions from the audience
after screening their films. This marks the
School’s second appearance at SXSW. In 2012,
the student film Drawings by Christian Larrave ’11
and Alex McKenna ’14 was screened.
St. Mark’s School of Texas20 On Campus | THE PRIDE
On Campus
Woodworking Students Receive National AwardsSeveral Marksmen were recognized at the 2014
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards at both the
national and regional levels. Three woodworking
students received national medals: Drew Balog ’14
and Ben Wilson ’14 each won a Gold Key, and
Conner Olson ’15 was awarded a Silver Key.
The national winners were among 1,800 young
artists chosen from more than 255,000 submitted
works of art and writing. These students join
the ranks of prestigious past winners, including
Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote,
Robert Redford, Ken Burns, Zac Posen, and
many others.
National medalists were honored at the 2014
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards National
Ceremony in New York City on June 6, 2014.
Their work was displayed at the Art.Write.Now.
National Exhibition at the Sheila C. Johnson
Design Center at Parsons The New School for
Design and Pratt Institute’s Pratt Manhattan Gallery.
Sixth-Grader Helps Create First-Responder AppFor the civilian first responders of Plano’s
Community Emergency Response Team, finding
one another and communicating during a crisis
can be difficult. But now, thanks to a team of
ingenious sixth-graders, there’s an app for that.
Sahitya Senapathy ’20 and a team of students
from area schools worked together to create
a smartphone app aimed at supporting Plano
CERT. Once signed in, CERT members can keep
track of one another’s location and contact
information, making it easier to coordinate
during an emergency.
(right) Woodworking project
by Drew Balog ’14
(far right) Woodworking project
by Conner Olson ’15
(bottom right)Sahitya Senapathy ’20 stands with his team.
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | On Campus 21
On Campus
The team decided to help Plano CERT while
researching first responders, and entered the
app into two science fair competitions: the
Christopher Columbus Science Awards and
the eCybermission Student Competition. “The
fact that this app, which is an excellent product
with real-world potential, has been developed
by sixth-graders is mind boggling to many of us
who will actually benefit from this technology,”
said Ron Moore, Plano CERT coordinator, in an
interview with the Plano Star Courier.
Middle School Students Awarded U.S. PatentOn October 15, 2013, a device created by the
Middle School robotics team was granted Patent
No. US 8,558,702 B2 by the United States Patent
and Trademark Office. The team members were
in fifth grade when they applied for a patent on
their device, which is described as an “apparatus
and method for preventing pressure injuries and
circulatory problems in sedentary patients.” The
idea stemmed from a project the team created
for the First Lego League Robotics competition,
which focused on health and wellness.
(above)Choir Director Tinsley Silcox stands with the Upper School Choir moments before they sing the national anthem at Globe Life Park in Arlington.
The seventh-grade robotics team consists of
Kyle Smith, Ruoming Fan, Sahit Dendekuri,
Kamal Mamdani, and new members Jack Katz
and Harrison Lee. Eighth-grader Dalton Glenn
and former student Joseph Vetoretti ’19 also
worked on the patented project.
Choir Performs Anthem at Rangers GameThe Upper School Choir sang the national
anthem to open the Texas Rangers game on
April 19, 2014. No doubt inspired by the Choir’s
performance, the Rangers then took the field
and defeated the Chicago White Sox, 6–3.
This is the second time that the Upper School
Choir has opened a national sports game. In
2012, the choristers sang the anthem at a Dallas
Mavericks game, which also resulted in a victory
for the home team.
St. Mark’s School of Texas22 On Campus | THE PRIDE
On Campus
distinguished speakers
Every year, St. Mark’s hosts dozens of
extraordinary guest speakers, from astronauts
and soldiers to authors and professors.
This year was no exception as students had
the opportunity to hear from a wide range
of guest speakers, brought to St. Mark’s by
four unique programs.
STEM FestivalOn October 25, 2013, St. Mark’s hosted its first
annual STEM Festival, which highlights the
fields of science, technology, engineering, and
math. By inviting professionals in these fields
to visit St. Mark’s, the festival seeks to broaden a
greater understanding of these topics and ignite
passion for careers in the STEM disciplines.
The inaugural festival welcomed guest speakers
Dr. Brett Giroir, biomedical researcher;
Dr. Michael Gould, agricultural engineer;
Dr. David Genecov ’82, craniofacial and
cosmetic surgeon; and Dr. Alan Stern ’75,
planetary scientist.
The scholars conducted a panel session at
Upper School Assembly, sharing their wisdom
about the sciences, and encouraging students to
keep an open mind and pursue their interests.
Each of them also visited various Upper School
science classes throughout the day, where they
spoke on topics ranging from growing stem cells
and optimizing world food production, to deep-
space exploration and robotics design.
The STEM Festival was chaired by Andrew
Gatherer ’14 and Jonathan Ng ’14 and sponsored
by Fletcher Carron, Stephen M. Seay ’68 Science
Department Chair.
Literary FestivalOn Friday, January 10, 2014, St. Mark’s held its
seventh annual Literary Festival, welcoming
visiting writers from a diverse range of
backgrounds. Upper School students had the
opportunity to hear from Ron Koertge, young
adult novelist and poet; Jill Sobule, acclaimed
(above) Dr. Alan Stern ’75,
Dr. Brett Giroir, Dr. Michael Gould, and Dr. David Genecov ’82
field questions at Upper School Assembly.
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | On Campus 23
On Campus
singer-songwriter; Jim Holt, mathematician
and nonfiction contributor to The New Yorker;
Lev Grossman, best-selling novelist and TIME
magazine writer; and Evan Daugherty ’00,
blockbuster Hollywood screenwriter.
On Friday, the five writers spoke at a special
assembly, sharing their own experiences and
advice with the students. Each writer then
spent the day visiting classrooms, talking with
students in a more intimate atmosphere, and
answering specific questions.
At the end of the day, the writers gathered with
students and teachers for a special reception
in the Green Library, where they announced
the winners of the annual writing contest.
Numerous student entries were judged by a
panel of Upper School teachers and the five
visiting writers. Cole Gerthoffer ’14 won first
in fiction, Michael Perkins ’14 won first in
nonfiction, and Gopal Raman ’17 won first
in poetry.
The Literary Festival was run by student chair
William Sydney ’15, vice-chair Will Garden ’16,
and faculty sponsor David Brown, Victor F. White
Master Teaching Chair in English.
Robert E. Dennard Visiting ScholarOn October 9–10, 2013, Dr. Robert M. Sapolsky,
biologist, neuroscientist, writer, and stress
expert, took a break from his fieldwork and
neurological research to educate Upper
School students about the biology of stress,
individuality, memory, and mental disease.
Dr. Sapolsky shared a unique mixture of
anecdotes and research data through a
combination of storytelling and humor that
was perfectly suited to his St. Mark’s audience.
Sapolsky conducted five small Q&A sessions
with students in AP Biology, Sociobiology, and
AP Psychology, as well as with alumni.
(above)Dr. Robert Sapolsky discusses neuroscience with AP Biology students.
(above left)Jill Sobule serenades students with songs and stories from her career.
(lower left)Author Jim Holt signs a copy of his book for Nabeel Muscatwalla ’14.
During these sessions, he imparted his
knowledge of the evolution of the human brain,
neurobiology, individuality, the relationship
between age and openness to novelty, and
human behavior with respect to brains, genes,
and hormones. Speaking in his concluding
session, Sapolsky’s humor, humanity, and
rapid-fire delivery made the weightiest topics
accessible to all and allowed students to engage
with him concerning stress in their lives.
Dr. Sapolsky is a MacArthur “Genius” Fellow,
professor of biology and neurology at Stanford
University, and research associate with the
Institute of Primate Research at The National
Museum of Kenya.
Willard E. Walker, Jr. ’66 Visiting ScholarDuring their visit on February 26–27, 2014,
The Celebration Jazz Orchestra dazzled students
with musical selections and explained the
structure of jazz music. Working intensively
with the St. Mark’s Studio Band, The Celebration
Jazz Orchestra conducted two full days of
small-group sectionals, large-group rehearsals,
and demonstrations. Comprising former high
school and college musicians, music educators,
and professional musicians, the 17-member
Celebration Jazz Orchestra plays for the love of
music. Their love of music, especially big-band
jazz, easily spread to St. Mark’s students, faculty,
parents, and staff.
Taking a break from their busy schedules, The
Celebration Jazz Orchestra spent two days on
campus and, after intense sectional rehearsals
during the first day, Studio Band members
immediately recognized the impact of their visit.
On their final evening, the intense sectionals,
rehearsals, and Q&A sessions culminated in a
joint concert with the St. Mark’s Studio Band.
The Band impressed the audience with songs
featuring soloists Jack Pigott ’14 and
Nick Buckenham ’15.
Afterward, The Celebration Jazz Orchestra
took the stage, offering selections dear to the
hearts of jazz purists.
In addition to being a member, St. Mark’s band
director Tim Hicks co-founded The Celebration
Jazz Orchestra in 1985.
(above) Members of The Celebration Jazz
Orchestra perform for Upper School
Assembly.
(right)St. Mark’s band
director Tim Hicks performs with
The Celebration Jazz Orchestra, which he
co-founded.
St. Mark’s School of Texas24 On Campus | THE PRIDE
On Campus
Lead | Inspire | Be Counted
Thank You from the students, faculty, and staff of St. Mark’s School of Texas for making a gift to the 2013–2014 St. Mark’s Fund. Together with more than 2,600 alumni, parents, and friends of the School, you helped us raise a record $3.16 million for current Marksmen and their teachers. These gifts are critical in providing our faculty and students with the necessary support to sustain excellence at 10600 Preston Road. 54% of all alumni contributed a record $1.7 million to the St. Mark’s Fund, exceeding 50%
participation for the sixth consecutive year. The 10 Reunion classes raised more than $651,000 of the total and broke five Reunion giving records.
90% of current parents contributed $1.56 million to the Fund, setting new records for giving, with three classes reaching 100% participation.
100% of the Class of 2014 participated in their Legacy Gift to support the St. Mark’s Fund, the Jan and Arnold Holtberg Family Scholarship Fund, and recognition items on campus.
Thank you for being part of an extraordinary year of support at St. Mark’s.
Thank You!
St. Mark’s School of Texas26 On Campus | THE PRIDE
holiday traditions
Community ServiceIn the season of giving, Marksmen made a concerted effort to give back.
In November, Marksmen and Hockadaisies packed the McDonald’s
parking lot at Preston/Royal to raise money for Austin Street Center.
In December, the Community Service Gift Drive collected gifts for
children all across the Dallas area.
(clockwise from top left) Marksmen and
Hockadaisies come together to support Austin Street Center.
Students organize gift drive donations.
Upper School elves greet children before their visit with Santa.
Santa (Jack Mallick ’14) hands out gifts at
Jubilee Center.
Students compete in an epic dance-off during
McDonald’s Week.
On Campus
(clockwise from top left)Carrington Kyle ’15 and Canyon Kyle ’18 stand with their grandparents.
Students and grandparents attend Lower School Chapel.
Lower School Music Teacher Mary Ann Livengood leads her students in a song and dance for their grandparents.
Middle Schooler Albert Luo ’19 with his grandparents.
A Lower Schooler and his grandfather peruse the library book fair.
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | On Campus 27
Grandparents’ DaySt. Mark’s welcomed more than 500 grandparents and guests to campus
for Grandparents’ Day. Boys brought their special guests along for the day
to experience life as a Marksman.
On Campus
St. Mark’s School of Texas28 On Campus | THE PRIDE
Lessons & CarolsThe St. Mark’s community came together to celebrate A Service of Nine
Lessons & Carols on Tuesday, December 17, 2013. The St. Mark’s Choir has
sung this candlelit service since 1951.
(clockwise from top left)The Choir sings A Service
of Lessons & Carols.
Ken Hersh ’81 reads a lesson.
Verger Cameron Baxley ’14 and crucifer
Cameron Hillier ’13 lead the recessional.
On Campus
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | On Campus 29
On Campus
All-School Christmas PartyHours before the start of Christmas Break, the entire school packed into
the A. Earl Cullum, Jr., Alumni Commons for the All-School Christmas
Party. In what has become an iconic tradition, the senior class entered
the Great Hall carrying their Lower School buddies on their shoulders to
decorate the Christmas tree. Afterward, Student Council President
Charlie Golden ’14 announced that the Community Service gift drive had
broken its previous record, collecting 3,304 gifts.
(clockwise from top left)Jacob Wilner ’14 carries his Lower School buddy into the All-School Christmas Party
Victor Calvillo ’14 with his Lower School buddy.
A Lower Schooler places his ornament on the Christmas tree.
Baccalaureate & Commencement
On Campus
The Class of 2014 finished their
student careers at St. Mark’s with
a week full of bittersweet tradition.
As the sun set on Tuesday, May 20,
the senior class gathered to attend
the Baccalaureate service and their
final chapel as students.
For many seniors, this experience is a deeply
emotional and rewarding conclusion to years
of hard work. The small Baccalaureate service,
attended only by seniors, their parents, the
faculty, and the choir, featured several choral
performances and remarks from Arnie Holtberg,
Eugene McDermott Headmaster, whom the
class chose, and Cole Gerthoffer ’14, whom the
faculty chose.
Class President Harrison Perkins ’14 gave a
heartfelt introduction to Mr. Holtberg in which
he called him “the epitome of an accomplished
and respected Marksman and champion of the
St. Mark’s community.”
The retiring headmaster exhorted the seniors to
“consider doing what you feel you have to do, not
just what you want to do.” Arnie’s speech ended
with the words, “Remember that we love you;
that I love you.”
After he finished speaking, Arnie was given a
standing ovation honoring him for his 21 years
of service as Eugene McDermott Headmaster.
Baccalaureate was bookended with a show of
mutual respect between the seniors and faculty.
Before the service, the Class of 2014 lined the
hallway to the Chapel and applauded the faculty
as they processed in. As the service concluded,
the faculty returned the favor, lining the
walkway outside the chapel and applauding the
seniors as they recessed.
St. Mark’s School of Texas30 On Campus | THE PRIDE
Seniors share a laugh at their last chapel service
as students.
St. Mark’s School of Texas
(above)John Webb ’14 walks to the Commencement Stage.
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | On Campus 33
Three days later, the Class of 2014 returned to
campus, this time donning the traditional white
dinner jackets. The Class marched down the
Perot Family Quadrangle to the Ida M. & Cecil H.
Green Commencement Theater and graduation.
Class President Harrison Perkins ’14 and
Valedictorian Halbert Bai ’14 spoke for the class.
“All 86 of us put the Class of 2014 first,” Harrison
said. “By putting our class first we also put the
needs of the entire St. Mark’s community before
our own.”
Halbert spoke of the emotional journey he
and his father took, from learning English to
enrolling at St. Mark’s in sixth grade.
“I stand here today knowing that my story is
only one of the many that make up the larger
St. Mark’s story, knowing that whatever
successes we have achieved have been made
on the shoulders of others, and convinced that
St. Mark’s is one of the few institutions where
building not just a community but a family is
essential to its mission,” Bai said. “Our collective
stories make up the St. Mark’s family.”
Navy SEAL Commander Rorke Denver then
delivered the Commencement address. Denver
starred in the hit film Act of Valor and has
overseen all stages of SEAL training. The Class
of 2014 requested Denver to be their speaker
after he visited the campus more than a year ago
and gave a memorable speech about leadership
and life lessons to students.
In his Commencement speech, Denver gave the
graduates advice for the future with a focus on
the choices they will make. “Find what moves
you, throw your hat in the ring, and pursue it,”
Denver said. “The school of hard knocks still
exists, and it is a degree you absolutely want in
your quiver. Challenge the world and those in it.
Most folks are bystanders. They never enter the
arena, and you need to get in the fight. Be kind
and just and, please, stand for something.”
On Campus
(clockwise from top)Seniors take a selfie before Commencement.
Friends and family listen to the address by Eugene McDermott Headmaster Arnie Holtberg.
Class President Harrison Perkins ’14 speaks at Commencement.
St. Mark’s School of Texas34 On Campus | THE PRIDE
Cole Gerthoffer ’14:Response of the Class
The following excerpts were taken from Cole Gerthoffer’s Response
of the Class at Baccalaureate and Halbert Bai’s Valedictorian
Address at Commencement. View their full speeches and more
from both events at www.smtexas.org/classof2014.
Every day we step onto this campus to learn.
We sit in chairs and learn how to differentiate
exponential functions, and how to appreciate
Melville, and how to say “I forgot to do the
reading” in Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, and
Latin. But I think I speak for all of us when
I say the most important lessons we learned
were never part of a curriculum or given to us
on a test.
We learned empathy. We learned self-confidence.
We learned that procrastination will kill you if
you let it. We learned how to care about the things
that matter and how to not worry about the
things that don’t.
And for that we have to thank the amazing,
dedicated, inspiring community at this haven
of a school. For I’ve found teachers in the actual
brilliant minds who run our classrooms,
I’ve found teachers in cafeteria staff members,
and I’ve found teachers in fellow students.
Tonight, tomorrow, or whenever the graduation
adrenaline leaves your system long enough to
find some temporary peace, take a second to
really think about the things you’ve learned here.
Really learned.
Deep down, some part of me doesn’t want to
cross that stage on Friday, but rather float quietly
past any and all sense of finality. I want to begin
another stage of this amazing life, but ending this
stage is more than a little crushing.
By accepting that diploma, we all cut the cord
once and for all. Why can’t the warm glow of
comfort and youth linger just a little longer?
Because that’s not how real life works. We move
on. But we never, ever forget.
Mr. Holtberg, when you graduate with us,
you will no longer be our headmaster. You will
instead be just a dear, dear friend.
We all move on. Don’t resent that. Time rockets
forward and, as some have said, it keeps on
slippin’ slippin’ slippin’ into the future. But don’t
let it slip on past you.
“I’ve found teachers in the actual brilliant minds who run our classrooms, I’ve found teachers in cafeteria staff members, and I’ve found teachers in fellow students.”
On Campus
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | On Campus 35
Halbert Bai ’14:Valedictorian Address
Tonight is a particular honor for me because my
presence on this stage is unlikely.
From the time I was eighteen months old, my dad
raised me. A single father with one boy. At first, we
had no furniture and no car. The only things we
had were a mortgage on our house, a refrigerator,
a stove, and a lone mattress. Barely making ends
meet, my dad worked fifty to sixty hours a week
in his small medical clinic. In the evenings, he
made our meals and washed our clothes. During
the nights, I remember how I rested my head
against his shoulder as he walked me around our
house, comforting me.
There were times when I did not know who I
was and where I belonged. But my dad was
always there for me; he took me up in his arms
and carried me forward, looking back only to
appreciate how far we had come.
My dad often said that I was a late bloomer.
When I entered the first grade at Plano’s Daffron
Elementary school, my English was so bad that
my teacher sent me to ESL class. Late into the
night, my dad would teach me the alphabet and
eventually how to read.
Despite these early hurdles, I reached fifth grade
and entered the advanced English class. It was
then that my homeroom teacher, Mrs. Irving,
encouraged me to apply to St. Mark’s. That winter,
our class learned that she had breast cancer.
On her deathbed, she wrote the recommendation
letter that got me into St. Mark’s. She opened
the seemingly bolted gates of opportunity and
gave me a place at this hallowed institution.
In the spring, we learned that she had passed
away. A few days later, I received my acceptance
into St. Mark’s.
This is my story. But I stand here today knowing
that my story is only one of the many that make
up the larger St. Mark’s story, knowing that
whatever successes we have achieved have been
made on the shoulders of others, and convinced
that St. Mark’s is one of the few institutions where
building not just a community but a family is
essential to its mission.
As we embark on our next great adventure,
let’s set sail with the spirit of Marksmen
inside us, those who have preceded us and
those yet to come.
“This is my story. But I stand here today knowing that my story is only one of the many that make up the larger St. Mark’s story.”
On Campus
St. Mark’s School of Texas36 On Campus | THE PRIDE
On Campus
retiring faculty
Thelma Levells & Lucy Sheppard | 42 yearsLucy Sheppard and Thelma Levells didn’t know
anyone when they started working at St. Mark’s
in the autumns of 1971 and 1972, respectively,
but that didn’t deter them from quickly making
the School their home. Forty years later, the
two, along with the late Maxine Cantley, were
honored at the 2012 Alumni Dinner for their
impressive tenures at the school. Maxine,
who came to the School shortly after Lucy in
1971, passed away later that year and was the
recipient of the 2013 Marksmen dedication.
Director of Food Services Sally Stephens points
out how intertwined Thelma and Lucy were with
the St. Mark’s community: “The other staff look
up to them and treat them with respect for all
of their years here. There is not a position in the
kitchen that they have not worked.” The two
have certainly been here long enough to affect
many generations of Marksmen.
Both of these icons of the cafeteria have had
careers defined by dedication and loyalty. Their
smiles have brightened many a Marksman’s
day, and their growth with the School has been
remarkable; so much so that as they move on
to their lives after St. Mark’s, they’ll always stay
part of the family. As Stephens puts it, “Their
retirement is like the passing of an era.”
Bobbi Mailer | 41 yearsBobbi Mailer joined the faculty in 1973, and
in addition to teaching English to ninth and
tenth graders, she has served as secretary for
the Cum Laude Society, faculty sponsor of the
St. Mark’s Book Club, faculty advisor to the
St. Mark’s Literary Festival, and as the Director
of the St. Mark’s Visiting Scholars Programs.
Throughout Bobbi’s tenure at St. Mark’s, she
has seen the School merge into a place of
learning with greater diversity that offers a
broader range of experiences. Bobbi attributes
this to not only the times, but also a foward-
looking Board of Trustees and Headmaster.
Bobbi said her fondest memories will remain
the “aha moments” when students have insights
into literature: “When those lights go on, they
beam from the eyes. Those are the greatest
moments of teaching.”
(above)Thelma Levells serving
hungry Marksmen.
(right)Lucy Sheppard preparing
her famous salad bar.
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | On Campus 37
On Campus
Bill Marmion | 29 yearsBill Marmion joined the St. Mark’s faculty in
1985 to teach history and economics and to
coach football and basketball. After five years,
he rose to Chair of the history department.
Prior to moving to Texas, Bill attended a
boarding school in the Northeast, earned
degrees from Washington & Lee University and
Harvard, and taught at an independent school
in North Carolina.
As a third-generation teacher, the career path
was an easy choice. Bill had heard of St. Mark’s
before, and as soon as an opening became
available, he moved to Dallas. According to Bill,
what has been most fulfilling is being able to do
exactly was he set out to do — coach and teach.
“I like the subjects I teach, and when you’re a
history teacher you get to tell a lot of stories,
and I love to tell stories and work with the kids.”
Bill is not ready to completely give up teaching
and, while working on his golf game, he hopes
to continue teaching one class part-time.
Coaching was a highlight of Bill’s career. “There’s
nothing like standing on a sideline and winning
a football game,” he said. “That’s just a real thrill.”
Sharon Hiner | 14 years After teaching Spanish in Fort Worth, Dallas,
and Richardson public schools for 28 years,
Sharon Hiner arrived at St. Mark’s in 2000 ready
for a new challenge. Upon arrival, Sharon was
immediately impressed by how much more time
she could spend with her students and the sense
of community she felt. As she described it,
St. Mark’s was “a school that ran the way schools
should be run.”
While at St. Mark’s, Sharon taught introductory
and advanced Spanish courses and sponsored
the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, a national
honor society for Spanish students. Professional
development funds gave her the opportunity to
travel to Chile, Bolivia, Guatemala, Spain, and
Argentina to enrich her classroom.
Sharon said the feeling of camaraderie among
faculty is part of what makes St. Mark’s a great
place to be. “I’ll miss the people, the students,
and their youthful enthusiasm,” she said. “These
are my friends and this is my family.”
(clockwise from top)Bobbi Mailer with Jake McAuley ’08, Arnie Holtberg, and Rishi Bandopahay ’12 at the 2011 Literary Festival.
Sharon Hiner receiving honors for her service at the 2014 end-of-year faculty/staff luncheon.
Bill Marmion teaching AP Economics.
St. Mark’s School of Texas38 On Campus | THE PRIDE
On Campus
retiring trustees
Richard Squires Richard Squires, father of Chase ’14, retired
from the Board after nine years of dedicated
service. Richard was an active participant on
the Trustees, Investment, Finance, Audit, and
Executive Committees and served as Chair
of the Development Committee during The
Centennial Challenge. He has been among
the School’s most productive fundraising
volunteers, helping advance not only the
St. Mark’s Fund and the Campaign, but also
the overarching goals of the School.
Mary Beth MarshallMary Beth Marshall retired after six years
on the Board. She served on the Facilities,
Education, and Executive Committees and
was the Chair of the Development Committee
from 2009 to 2011. She is the mother of two
Marksmen, Max ’12 and Charlie ’14. Her
involvement in The Centennial Challenge, the
largest fundraising campaign in the School’s
history, was enormously important to the
achievement of our ambitious goals.
Michael PeguesThe father of Marksman Toussaint Pegues ’18,
Michael Pegues joined the Board in 2008.
During his six-year tenure, he has been an
active member of both the Education and
Development Committees. He has also
participated on the Finance, Long Range
Planning, and Executive Committees. His
level of enthusiasm, commitment, and passion
inspired fellow Board members to be their very
best for St. Mark’s.
Bob McClainRetired after six years on the Board of Trustees,
Bob McClain, father of David ’12 and Dan ’16,
has been an important contributor to the
Board throughout his tenure. He has been an
active participant on multiple committees,
including Investment, Finance, and Audit.
Bob’s extensive business experience and
thoughtful perspective were vitally important
and enabled him to make meaningful
contributions to the stewardship of the
School’s resources.
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | On Campus 39
On Campus
Wallace Hall, Jr. ’80Wallace Hall, Jr. ’80, the father of Getty ’12,
Kellam ’14, and William ’18, has retired after
20 years of devoted service. During his tenure
on the Board, Wallace has served on nearly
every Committee. In addition, he was a
member of the Alumni Board for many years,
serving as its President from 1994 to 1996.
In 2009, he was awarded the Alumni Service
Medal by the Alumni Association and more
recently he served as one of three co-chairs
of The Centennial Challenge, the largest
campaign in the School’s history.
Mike AndersonMike Anderson, father of Hayden ’10 and
Connor ’12, joined the Board in 2000. During
his 14-year tenure, he has been an active and
contributing member on two key committees:
Finance and Investment. While drawing no
attention to himself, Mike has been one of the
School’s strongest champions, helping advance
the goals and aspirations of St. Mark’s in
every way possible. He has quietly led behind
the scenes, contributing mightily to the
School’s mission.
Leslie Diamond Leslie Diamond, mother of James ’14 and
Will ’16, and wife of George Diamond ’83,
joined the Board in 2011 as President-Elect
of the Parents’ Association. During her
tenure on the Board, Leslie has been a very
active member of the Audit, Education, and
Development Committees. Leslie has been a
devoted and thoughtful Trustee, contributing
to every aspect of School life.
St. Mark’s School of Texas40 Alumni News | THE PRIDE
Alumni Newsst. mark’s alumni associationBoard Report from David Campbell ’86
As the 2013–2014 school year comes to an end,
the Alumni Board is pleased to share a final
report outlining the remarkable year it has been.
The Board’s steadfast mission remains its focal
point —to become the best independent school
alumni association in the country. The Board,
in partnership with the Office of Development
& Alumni Relations, continues to drive success
by concentrating on three key areas: (1) Dallas-
based programming, with a focus on Alumni
Weekend, (2) the growth of the Alumni Network
through the expansion of regional activities, and
(3) maintaining our high standard of more than
50% alumni participation in the St. Mark’s Fund.
With more than 4,000 alumni calling various
parts of the globe home, our community
continues to find ways to engage and strengthen
our school.
Dallas-Area ProgrammingThe Alumni Leadership Speaker Series engaged
alumni and community members with several
events throughout the year. This past fall, the
Alumni Board hosted an Alumni Breakfast and
Discussion with Dr. Robert Sapolsky, the Robert
E. Dennard Visiting Scholar.
(top left) Alumni Association President David Campbell ’86.
(top right) Dennard Visiting Scholar Dr. Robert Sapolsky talks
about his work in biology research.
(right and bottom right) Alumni gather at
Arlington Hall for the Holiday Luncheon.
Dr. Sapolsky, a science and nature writer,
biologist and neuroscientist, and stress expert,
gave a fascinating lecture, “Sushi and Middle
Age,” examining why we are less interested in
novelty as we grow older. The Alumni Holiday
Luncheon has become an annual tradition,
with seven decades of alumni represented at
Alumni News
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | Alumni News 41
the December 2013 Luncheon. More than 125
alumni enjoyed a holiday meal at Arlington Hall,
while Eugene McDermott Headmaster Arnie
Holtberg gave the State of the School address.
Marksmen alumni rang in the New Year with the
annual Alumni Games, competing against the
varsity basketball and soccer teams. More than
50 alumni athletes took to the court and field to
enjoy competition against their Upper School
opponents. The alumni defeated the varsity
soccer team, while the varsity basketball team
won by a narrow margin.
Young Alumni also gathered several times
throughout the year. In November, a group
of 75 alumni and guests gathered in Dallas at
the annual Young Alumni Thanksgiving Party.
College-age alumni returned to campus in
December to connect with faculty and friends
at the largest College-Age Holiday Luncheon
to date. Finally, the year closed with a Young
Alumni Community Service event celebrating its
ongoing relationship with Austin Street Center.
2013–2014 Retiring Members
Tom Landry, Jr. ’67
Bruce Jolesch ’73
Will Montgomery ’76
Mike Weinstein ’88
Gregory Sudbury ’94
2014–2015 New Members
Randy Ackerman ’68
Sandy Campbell ’76
Dave Stager ’83
Miles Lamont ’98
Jake Wagner ’00
(left, top left, and top)Young alumni serve meals and perform at Austin Street.
(above) The alumni basketball team.
Alumni Board
St. Mark’s School of Texas42 Alumni News | THE PRIDE
The Farewell Tour, Across the NationThe Farewell Tour honoring Jan and Arnie
Holtberg made its way across the country,
stopping in New York, Los Angeles, San
Francisco, Houston, and Austin, before finally
culminating at the Spring Alumni Dinner in
Dallas. The unique events offered a setting for
Marksmen to get a rare behind-the-scenes
glimpse of Arnie’s tenure as Eugene McDermott
Headmaster. From coast to coast, more than
300 graduates, parents, faculty, and guests made
it a priority to say farewell to a man who has
honored and preserved the School’s history and
traditions while transforming St. Mark’s into an
institution prepared for the next 100 years.
St. Mark’s Fund ParticipationThe Alumni Board measures the engagement of
our Association members through participation
in the St. Mark’s Fund, our annual giving priority.
For the sixth year in a row, our Alumni exceeded
50 percent participation. Fifty-four percent of us
contributed more than $1.7 million, representing
more than half of the total given. These
incredible milestones are unique to our School
and should be something we all take pride in.
Our collective impact is felt on campus every
day, and I want to thank you for your ongoing
support as we strive to strengthen our school.
My thanks go out to the 33 other members
of the Alumni Board for their tireless efforts
to strengthen the Alumni Association. In
particular, I would like to thank the members
of the Executive Committee who help lead this
amazing organization: Alan Schoellkopf ’91
(Vice President), Perch Nelson ’79 (Secretary),
Jeff Genecov ’77, Paul Genender ’87, Jon Morgan ’90,
Carl Sewell ’02, Gregory Sudbury ’94, and
Chris Winn ’99. Thank you to the Reunion
Committees, Class Agents, and other members
of our community for their ongoing dedication
to making St. Mark’s a better place. I look forward
to serving alongside each of you in the 2014–2015
school year.
David Campbell ’86
Alumni Association President
Alumni News
(top left) In Los Angeles,
Taylor Hamra ’95 shares some memories with
the Holtbergs.
(top right) In San Francisco, Michael
Merrill ’72 presents a framed bowtie to Arnie.
(right) Farewell Tour emcee Scott
Jolly interviews Arnie.
Alumni News
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | Alumni News 43
The Alumni Board officially welcomed the
Class of 2014 into the Alumni Association just
hours before graduation at the 11th Annual
Senior Alumni Luncheon. More than 450 alumni,
faculty, seniors, and their families attended the
celebration. Eugene McDermott Headmaster
Arnie Holtberg, Director of Alumni Relations
Jim Bob Womack ’98, and Alumni Association
President David Campbell ’86 expressed the
importance of staying connected to one another
and the School.
The Class of 2014 President Harrison Perkins,
along with Outreach Committee members
Richard Eiseman, Zach Papin, Ben Wilson,
Jack Pigott, and Sam Khoshbin, presented their
Class Gift, which included a $2,014 donation to
the St. Mark’s Fund, to be completed over the
next four years, bringing their participation in
the St. Mark’s Fund to 100%.
They also placed $5,000 into the Jan and Arnold
Holtberg Family Scholarship Fund in recognition
of the class’s close relationship with Mr. Holtberg.
The Class of 2014 also placed a banner with the
words of the St. Mark’s Alma Mater in the
Great Hall and a plaque with the words of the
Alma Mater in Centennial Hall. Their remaining
money went into The Senior Support Fund.
On behalf of the class, Harrison Perkins said,
“These gifts reflect the excitement we share for
joining the Alumni Association and pay tribute
to the faculty and staff who have dedicated their
lives to strengthening our School.”
class of 2014 legacy gift
(above)Members of the Class of 2014 pose with the Alma Mater plaque in Centennial Hall.
(right)Class President Harrison Perkins ’14 presents part of the class gift to Headmaster Arnie Holtberg.
Steve Miller ’61Rock legend and St. Mark’s Distinguished
Alumnus Steve Miller ’61 recently completed a
cross-country summer music tour with Journey,
playing for thousands of fans across more than
thirty cities. As the tour kicked off in California,
Steve released The Joker Live, featuring nine of
his greatest hits performed in concert. During
the tour’s stop in Dallas on May 25, Steve had
a chance to reconnect with former classmates
and St. Mark’s friends during the concert at Gexa
Pavilion. As the tour neared completion, Steve
had more reason to celebrate as he married
Janice Ginsberg on July 31, 2014.
Despite his busy schedule, Steve has been
a regular presence at 10600 Preston Road,
performing in a surprise concert at Alumni
Weekend 2011 and donating a pair of guitars at
last year’s Celebrate St. Mark’s auction.
alumni in the news
Robert Edsel ’75This past February, Robert Edsel ’75 joined
some of the top talent in Hollywood for the
premiere of The Monuments Men, based on
his 2005 book. Directed, co-written by, and
starring George Clooney, the movie follows an
unlikely band of soldiers, art historians, and
museum curators who attempt to save priceless
works of art from the Nazis during World War II.
The movie also stars Matt Damon, Bill Murray,
John Goodman, and Cate Blanchett.
Ross Perot, Jr. ’77The September 23, 2013 issue of Forbes featured
Ross Perot, Jr. ’77 and his father as its cover story,
“Reinventing America.” The magazine profiled
Perot’s success in creating Ft. Worth’s Alliance
Airport and transforming it into a central
transportation hub and the nation’s first large-
scale “inland port.”
This spring, Ross visited the St. Mark’s
Investment Club, where he told stories of his
(above) Steve Miller ’61
performs with St. Mark’s students and faculty.
(right)Robert Edsel ’75 with
the star-studded cast of The Monuments Men.
Alumni News
St. Mark’s School of Texas44 Alumni News | THE PRIDE
business ventures with Tesla, Amazon, and
Dell, shared advice for breaking into the
business world, and reinforced the importance
of the St. Mark’s focus on ethics.
“If you want to get into business, find a business
you like and find a business that has men and
women of great integrity,” he said. “Go back to
your St. Mark’s training where you learned to
do it right, to do it the best you can, and to get
better every day.”
Doug Mankoff ’81Film producer Doug Mankoff ’81 scored a
critical and commercial hit last year with
Nebraska, which was nominated for six
Academy Awards including Best Picture. The
film follows a son (Will Forte) who drives his
father (Bruce Dern) to Lincoln, Nebraska, to
claim a $1 million sweepstakes prize that might
be a scam. While the film is directed by
two-time Academy Award winner Alexander
Payne, Paramount Pictures was wary of
investing in a black-and-white film with no
A-list stars, so Doug’s Blue Lake Fund and a
partner helped finance the film’s foreign release.
“Our role was to step in and to help give
Paramount the confidence to green-light the
film by taking on a lot of the financial burden,”
Doug told The ReMarker in February.
The investment paid off, with Nebraska grossing
double its budget and earning a slew of award
nominations. Doug also served as a producer on
two other films last year: The Numbers Station
and a new adaptation of Romeo & Juliet.
“My love of stories started at St. Mark’s,” Doug
told The ReMarker. “I remember digging very
deeply into Oliver Twist in Dr. Freeman’s English
class. I love to talk about story, and we did that
at St. Mark’s in a wonderful way.”
Keith Goodnight ’82After a successful academic career, Keith
Goodnight ’82 is branching out into the realm
of science fiction, authoring his first novel in
a planned series. The Child, the first book in
The Red Light and Shadow series, follows a
scientist researching a new energy source who
accidentally unlocks the basis of psychic powers.
A biology major and animal behavior Ph.D.,
Keith had completed a stint teaching at SMU
when he decided to flesh out the stories he had
always thought about writing. While he focused
mainly on the sciences at St. Mark’s, Keith still
remembers the support he received from one
English teacher:
“Curtis Smith was always very supportive looking
at the stories I started writing, and he gave me a
lot of encouragement along the way.”
(left)Ross Perot, Jr. ’77 speaks to the St. Mark’s Investment Club.
Alumni News
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | Alumni News 45
The Child hit bookshelves in November 2013
and a second book is already underway.
David Bartholow ’98For the first time, the organizers of the
Wimbledon tennis championship opened the
field of its 120-year-old poster design contest to
include submissions from North America and
South America. After several rounds of voting
by the public, the poster designed by David
Bartholow ’98 was selected as the winner.
David’s poster draws on inspiration from the
London summer light, the mystique of
Wimbledon, and the hues and geometry of
Centre Court. Now the owner of a boutique
marketing and design consultancy, David still
recalls the impact that St. Mark’s had on his
formative years.
“It’s easy to connect the dots and understand
how many great members of the St. Mark’s
community helped tap passions and wells of
curiosity while instilling crucial discipline and
self-belief,” David said. “They made you want
to try harder and harder, to deal with and
address challenges head-on, and I’m grateful for
their examples and influence to this day.”
The official poster has been an important part of
Wimbledon history ever since 1894, and became
particularly famous when it was featured
throughout the London Underground network.
Evan Daugherty ’00This summer saw two blockbuster films with
scripts written by Evan Daugherty ’00. His
adaptation of the young adult bestseller
Divergent and his reboot of Teenage Mutant
Ninja Turtles both took the summer box
office by storm. Divergent, starring Shailene
Woodley, Theo James, and Kate Winslet, was
a worldwide hit, already spawning a sequel.
(right)Keith Goodnight ’82 with his new book, The Child.
(far right) The 2014 Wimbledon
poster designed by David Bartholow ’98
Alumni News
St. Mark’s School of Texas46 Alumni News | THE PRIDE
Evan’s reimagination of the classic children’s
cartoon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles earned an
impressive $65 million in its opening weekend
as the nation’s #1 movie. Evan is now hard at
work producing a television series based on
The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Just before
Divergent’s release, Evan visited campus as part
of the Literary Festival, where he shared some
Hollywood secrets with Upper School classes.
Ty Montgomery ’11Wide receiver and kick returner Ty Montgomery ’11
enjoyed another outstanding year as a Stanford
Cardinal, culminating in a tense Rose Bowl game
against Michigan State. The junior led the nation
with 1,091 kickoff return yards in the season,
making him only the second player in Stanford
history to finish a season with more than 1,000
return yards. Ty was also named to the American
Football Coaches Association 2013 FBS
All-America Team.
Alumni News
(far left) Screenwriter Evan Daugherty ’00 speaks at the 2014 Literary Festival.
(bottom left)The poster for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, for which Evan wrote the screenplay.
(immediate left)Ty Montgomery ’11 in the Rose Bowl.
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | Alumni News 47
Arnie Holtberg is presented with a parting gift from the Alumni Association.
St. Mark’s celebrated its largest Alumni Weekend to date,
welcoming more than 1,000 alumni and guests to campus
for three days of recreation and reconnecting.
AlumniWeekend
spring alumni dinnerThis year’s Spring Alumni Dinner was one of the largest to date, packing
the W. W. Browning, Jr., Great Hall with more than 420 alumni, guests,
faculty, and staff. The evening started with the announcement of the
Alumni Award winners and Ralph B. Rogers Alumni Award finalists.
Marietta Johnson was then honored for her forty years of service to the
School. In his remarks, St. Mark’s Alumni Association President David
Campbell ’86 said, “Whether in her classroom in Centennial Hall, in the
Texas Hill Country, or with her large family, which includes 4 children
and 8 grandchildren, Marietta brings an enthusiasm for life everywhere
she goes.” The evening concluded with a special tribute to Jan and
Arnie Holtberg as David Campbell ’86 made a surprise announcement
and Assistant Headmaster David Dini regaled Arnie with a collection of
accolades gathered from the students and faculty.
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | Alumni News 49
Alumni News
St. Mark’s School of Texas50 Alumni News | THE PRIDE
Alumni News
Honoring the HoltbergsDuring this year’s Spring Alumni Dinner,
the Alumni Association honored Jan and Arnie
Holtberg for their 21 years of service to the
School. First, Alumni Board President David
Campbell ’86 paid tribute to Jan, the “first lady
of St. Mark’s.”
“Jan has been an integral part of the life of the
School in myriad ways,” Campbell said. “For
the last 21 years, she has invested her time and
resources in caring for our boys.”
Then, Jan received a surprise honor: The Alumni
Board unanimously voted to name Jan Holtberg
an Honorary Alumnus of St. Mark’s. She is the
first individual to receive this distinction since
1991 and only the sixth in the School’s history.
Newly appointed Headmaster David Dini then
took the stage to honor his friend, colleague,
and mentor, Arnie Holtberg. David began by
reading a list of words he had gathered from
faculty and students to describe Arnie. The
faculty’s list of adjectives included honorable,
inspiring, iconic, ambitious, and courageous.
Drawing from a different vocabulary, the
students described their Headmaster as wise,
friendly, honest, commanding, tall, and, from
the third grade, snappy-dresser.
“Arnie truly represents the excellence of this
School, in the way he lives his life and comports
himself in the world,” Dini said. “He has
demanded the best from himself and everyone
around him and has ensured that character is
front and center, serving as an example of what
real leadership looks like.”
As a parting gift and to commemorate his
dedication to shaping the whole boy, the Alumni
Association presented Arnie with a scale replica
of the Path to Manhood statue, depicting a
senior carrying his little buddy on his shoulders
in one of the School’s most iconic traditions.
Alumni Service MedalThe Alumni Service Medal is St. Mark’s highest
volunteer service award.
Casey McManemin ’79 has been a key member
of the Board of Trustees since he joined in 1995.
As Chair of the Centennial Goals Committee
and Co-Chair of The Centennial Challenge, he
led the School’s most recent strategic planning
initiative. A champion for and grateful beneficiary
of financial aid, Casey and his family made the
lead gift to establish the Alumni Financial Aid
Challenge, resulting in more than $10 million
of new financial aid funding. His passion and
leadership has strengthened the St. Mark’s
experience for generations to come.
Young Alumni Service CitationThe Young Alumni Service Citation recognizes
the outstanding service of an alumnus prior to
his 15th reunion.
Ed Wesneski ’03 has been an integral member
of the St. Mark’s Alumni Association, serving
faithfully on the New York Alumni Club
Committee for the past seven years. In 2010,
he co-created the annual New York Young
Alumni Networking Event. He served on the
Centennial Challenge East Coast Launch
Committee in 2010 and has been a Class Agent
for several years. Last year, he Co-Chaired his
10th Reunion and helped lead his classmates to a
record-setting year by raising more than $40,000
for their Class Gift.
Ralph B. Rogers Alumni AwardThe 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
confines of the job description. At the Spring
Alumni Dinner, finalists David Brown, Marion
Glorioso, and Dwight Phillips were honored.
The following month, at Upper School Final
Assembly, Dwight Phillips was announced as the
winner of the 2014 Ralph B. Rogers Alumni Award.
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | Alumni News 51
(top left)Casey McManemin ’79 receiving the Alumni Service Medal.
(top right)David Campbell ’86, Ed Wesneski ’03, and David Dini.
(left)Dwight Phillips receiving the Ralph B. Rogers Award.
St. Mark’s School of Texas52 Alumni News | THE PRIDE
Alumni News
golf tournament
The weekend kicked off with a trip to Prestonwood Country Club and a
gorgeous afternoon on the links. More than 100 alumni, faculty, and staff
teed off across eighteen holes before sitting down for dinner. As Alumni
Association President David Campbell ’86 remarked, “Judging by the
scorecards, Marksmen are as creative as ever.”
friday on campus
As students arrived at school on Friday morning, more than 200 alumni
and guests were right behind them, ready for a day of classes and nostalgia.
After a welcome and State of the School address from Arnie Holtberg,
Eugene McDermott Headmaster, alumni had the chance to attend
special faculty classes. Master Teacher Emeritus Tom Adams reviewed the
twentieth century, throwing in some key dates in baseball; in a unique
display of technology, John Mead, Eugene McDermott Master Teaching
Chair in Science, addressed alumni from New York via Skype, discussing
how the science classes are using technology to connect with scientists
on the other side of the world. Co-teaching the class in person, Middle
School science teacher Lukas Rahlson used Google Maps to take alumni
on a virtual expedition; later, David Brown, Victor F. White Master Teaching
Chair, discussed how manhood is taught through Shakespeare, prompting
some spontaneous recitations from some of his former students.
At Alumni Chapel, students and alumni had the opportunity to hear from
Life Trustee Robert Decherd ’69 as homilist. Afterward, alumni mingled
with students over burgers and hot dogs on the Green and had a chance to
tour the campus. Rhett Miller ’89 closed out the day with a special concert
for the Upper and Middle School assemblies.
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | Alumni News 53
saturday bbq
A record number of alumni families turned out on Saturday morning
for games, food, and fun on campus. In the planetarium, Dr. Steve Balog,
Cecil H. and Ida Green Master Teaching Chair in Science, showed off
some of the planetarium’s new features, while across the hall, chemistry
teacher Ken Owens ’89 made a bang with explosive demonstrations.
In the gym, Doc Browning led games of kickball and dodgeball, while the
Upper School studio band entertained visitors on the Green.
St. Mark’s School of Texas54 Alumni News | THE PRIDE
Alumni News
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | Alumni News 55
Alumni News
class reunions(from top to bottom)Class of 196450th Reunion
Class of 196945th Reunion
Class of 197440th Reunion
Class of 197935th Reunion
St. Mark’s School of Texas56 Alumni News | THE PRIDE
Alumni News
class reunions
(from top to bottom)Class of 1984
30th Reunion
Class of 198925th Reunion
Class of 199420th Reunion
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | Alumni News 57
Alumni News
(from top to bottom)Class of 199915th Reunion
Class of 200410th Reunion
Class of 20095th Reunion
Thomas S. Adams Master Teaching ChairAt a special event with campaign donors in
February, Arnie Holtberg officially announced
the creation of the Thomas S. Adams Master
Teaching Chair. Mr. Adams was in attendance at
the event, but was unaware that longstanding
efforts to honor his years of service to the
School had come to fruition. A sizeable group
of alumni, parents, and friends were on hand to
surprise Mr. Adams with this tremendous honor.
The Thomas S. Adams Master Teaching Chair is
one of eleven newly endowed faculty positions
that resulted from The Centennial Challenge.
Arnold E. Holtberg Master Teaching ChairAt the Annual Trustee Dinner this past April,
Board President Randall Fojtasek ’81 announced
that a new endowed Master Teaching Chair had
been established and named in honor of the
School’s 17th Headmaster.
The Arnold E. Holtberg Master Teaching Chair
was endowed by Howard and Rory Meyers,
along with their sons Craig ’94 and Kevin ’98,
as part of The Centennial Challenge. At the final
faculty/staff meeting on June 2, 2014, Arnie
announced that photography instructor Scott
Hunt would be the first holder of the Holtberg
Master Teaching Chair.
Honoring a Commitment to ExcellenceJust as Master Teaching Chairs ensure quality
inside the classroom, endowed facilities
ensure quality across campus. This spring, new
signage was installed at 10600 Preston Road in
recognition of the unwavering support that is
vital to advancing the mission of St. Mark’s.
(above) Tom Adams is
recognized after the Thomas S. Adams
Master Teaching Chair was named in his honor.
(right)Scott Hunt was named the first holder of the
Arnold E. Holtberg Master Teaching Chair.
St. Mark’s School of Texas58 Spotlight | THE PRIDE
Though the books officially closed on The Centennial
Challenge at the end of June 2013, the improvements and
enhancements made possible through the Campaign are
still happening across campus. Indeed, the support and
dedication of the St. Mark’s community has not waned in
the slightest. This past spring, several significant gifts were
made that both ensure long-term excellence and honor
longtime supporters of the School.
Spotlight
At the main entrance of campus, new signage
marks the Perot Family Quadrangle, which links
the north and south ends of campus and honors
a family whose impact has been instrumental
in shaping the history and future of St. Mark’s.
Likewise, the newly dedicated Fojtasek Family
Lower School honors the family of Board of
Trustees President Randall Fojtasek ’81 for
their unwavering support of St. Mark’s. Randall
shared, “The opportunity to give back to
St. Mark’s in a significant way, and to name
the Lower School in honor of my late father,
seems fitting—after all, he and my mother
sent my brother and me to the School almost
40 years ago so that we could get the best
education possible.”
With graduation exercises now taking place at
the far end of The Perot Quadrangle, new and
expanded signage was installed for The Ida M.
and Cecil H. Green Commencement Theater.
The in-ground recognition sits in the paved
walkway that connects the Chapel tower to the
A. Earl Cullum, Jr., Alumni Commons. Carved in
granite and installed flush with the brick pavers,
facing Centennial Hall, it serves as the formal
entrance for the Commencement processional.
This installation is a permanent reminder of the
vitally important role that Ida and Cecil Green
played in the founding and development of
St. Mark’s School of Texas.
For more than one hundred years, St. Mark’s
has benefited from the foresight, vision, and
commitment of leaders who set the highest
standards for our School. These signs and chairs
serve as another important reminder that it
takes intentional effort and sacrifice to advance
our mission.
(above left)The Perot Quadrangle.
(below left)New signage for the Ida M. and Cecil H. Green Commencement Theater.
(above)The newly named Fojtasek Family Lower School.
Spotlight
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | Spotlight 59
On July 1, 2014, the change became official.
David W. Dini became the Eugene McDermott
Headmaster and began his journey as the leader
of the school he loves so much.
here was no fanfare or ceremony. In fact, David was at the 21st
Annual International Boys’ School Coalition Conference in
Nashville, Tennessee. Fittingly, the conference was titled “Building
Boys into Good Men.” The conference started June 29, giving David
an apparent two-day head start on his mission to make the School
the best place it can be for its most important asset—the boys.
But after serving as former Headmaster Arnie Holtberg’s right-hand
man since 1994, David really has had a 20-year head start. He’s ready.
David is already a regular fixture of campus life.
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Summer 2014 | Features 61
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St. Mark’s School of Texas62 Features | THE PRIDE
“David’s accomplishments at St. Mark’s have been
outstanding, but perhaps his greatest quality is his
patient, humble, and professional approach.”
—the Search Committee announcement letter
ver two decades, David Dini has cemented
a legacy in creating one of the most
impressive development and alumni programs in
the nation. Under his leadership, the School has
ignited its alumni program, tripled its endowment,
and completely transformed the face of campus.
When the Board of Trustees tasked the Head of
School Search Committee to find the next Eugene
McDermott Headmaster, the committee did an
extensive, nationwide search. It turned out that the
man for the job was already working on the second
floor of Nearburg Hall.
“David’s accomplishments at St. Mark’s have been
outstanding, but perhaps his greatest quality is his
patient, humble, and professional approach,” the
Search Committee said in its announcement letter.
A Marksman Through and ThroughEducation has been a part of David’s life from
the very beginning. Growing up in Houston, he
graduated from Strake Jesuit College Prep before
moving to Dallas and earning his undergraduate
and graduate degrees from SMU. From an early
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advancement program. To bolster alumni
involvement, David began forming what is
now the Office of Development and Alumni
Relations. In the two decades since, alumni
have a much more rewarding experience after
graduating from 10600 Preston Road.
While the Office of Development is responsible
for fundraising, money has never been the
central mission under David’s leadership. Rather,
relationships are the real goal. Members of the
St. Mark’s community know that David’s blood
runs blue and gold. He is a familiar sight at any
School event, from the playing fields to the
performance halls. He has even taken his lion
pride global, chaperoning international student
trips to England and South Africa.
age, David participated in almost every sport
imaginable from baseball to hockey, eventually
settling on tennis. Throughout his high school
career, David played in tournaments all over
Texas. Later, he coached the St. Mark’s tennis
team for more than a decade.
In 1994, newly appointed Headmaster Arnie
Holtberg saw an opportunity: The School needed
to do more to build and maintain relationships
with its alumni and, as a result, the School had
a great opportunity to move its mission forward.
David was charged with developing a program
that would bring the St. Mark’s community
together, when Arnie recruited him to serve as
Director of Development. David’s hiring marked
the beginning of a renaissance in the School’s
(far left)David and Arnie Holtberg at the 2001 International Boys’ School Coalition in London.
(below) David with his wife and children.
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St. Mark’s School of Texas64 Features | THE PRIDE
grow to their full potential. David prefers to
approach each employee not with the question
“How can this person help me?” but “How can
I help this person grow and strengthen St. Mark’s?”
Still, under David’s leadership, the School has
seen its financial situation improve dramatically.
As a direct result of improved alumni relations,
the St. Mark’s Fund has regularly hit 50 percent
alumni participation, an almost unheard-of feat
for independent day schools. David has helped
lead two campaigns for the School, which
have completely transformed the campus.
Funding for every major initiative, from master
teaching chairs to student financial aid, has
seen healthy growth in the past two decades.
In short, David’s leadership has ensured not
only the financial security of the School, but
more important, it has helped strengthen
connections among students, parents, faculty,
and alumni, all to make 10600 Preston Road a
place unlike any other.
ne noteworthy aspect of David’s role at
St. Mark’s is his strong connection with
the student body. He gives ample attention and
candid interviews to The ReMarker, he delighted
in the Class of 2014’s “Childhood Nostalgia”
senior prank, and he is known for his propensity
to join a game of Wiffle ball or Frisbee on
the Perot Quadrangle on a Friday afternoon.
At times, he seems to be just one of the boys.
As an administrator, David has always been a
strong subscriber to the notion of “servant
leadership.” Rather than commanding from the
top of the pyramid, David has focused on hiring
strong, capable professionals and ensuring they
“His leadership style is marked by his belief in the
importance of empowering others. His easy manner makes
those around him comfortable, and his passion and hard
work inspire all of us to go that extra mile.”
—the Search Committee announcement letter
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St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | Features 65
The Next Eugene McDermott Headmaster On March 11, 2013, when Eugene McDermott
Headmaster Arnie Holtberg announced his
impending retirement, two things became clear.
First, Arnie’s twenty-one-year tenure had left
an indelible mark on the School that would
ensure excellence for many generations to come.
And second, finding the next Headmaster would
be no simple task.
The Board of Trustees formed a Head of
School Search Committee, which immediately
assembled a list of qualifications and began
fielding applicants from across the globe.
As stated in the official Opportunity Statement,
the next Headmaster would have to be someone
with an unwavering commitment to education.
He would need to be someone of the highest
moral character, a strong leader who is also
warm and personable and can easily connect
with students, faculty, parents, and alumni.
He would have to understand the prudent
business of running a school and balancing
excellence with fiscal responsibility. And most
important, he would have to love the boys.
But, as it turned out, the Search Committee was
most gratified to learn that the right man for
the job was already on campus. In fact, he had
already been serving the School for almost 20
years. Eight months after Arnie announced his
retirement, the Board of Trustees appointed
David W. Dini to serve as the next Eugene
McDermott Headmaster.
In the days after David’s appointment was
made public, the word around campus was
excitement. Students and teachers alike agreed
that he was the obvious choice to take the reins
of the School. Every qualification the Search
Committee put forth, David met and surpassed.
Despite being a man of immense talent and
responsibility, David always greets coworkers,
students, and visitors with a warm smile, light-
hearted attitude, and humble demeanor.
Into the FutureNow the real work starts. In August, 855
Marksmen returned to campus full of memories
of their summer adventures. David was among
them, ready to get down to business and work
for the boys.
The smooth transition will allow him to continue
to make the School’s mission his foremost
priority as the new era seamlessly begins. With
boundless love for the School, a commitment
to integrity and skillful, compassionate leadership,
David Dini is well poised to take St. Mark’s to new
heights as he sets his eyes on a very bright future.
(opposite)David addresses the Class of 2015 on Blue Shirt Day.
(above) Marksmen and Hockaday cheerleaders celebrate with the newly appointed Headmaster.
(below) David shares a laugh with friend and mentor Arnie Holtberg.
Features
St. Mark’s School of Texas66 Class Notes | THE PRIDE
1950BoB CHILTon ’50 continues
his competitive drive in a dozen
croquet tournaments each year.
In December 2013, he won
the National Masters Doubles
Championship in Florida and
was recently named to the U.S.
Croquet Hall of Fame. Bob also
continues his philanthropy
by donating $2.5 million to the
YMCA in Dallas, which is the second-largest such gift ever
received. In recognition, the rebuilt Rockwall YMCA has been
renamed the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA.
1965 | 50-Year ReunionDAVID LAWrenCe ’65 and his wife Judy recently relocated
from Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to
spend more time with family. While in Mexico, five of David’s
photographs were featured on NatGeo.com, the website
for National Geographic. David now takes photographs and
creates prints for sale online through his website.
A photo by David Lawrence ’65 titled “Hummingbird at Lunchtime”
1967rICH BArreTT ’67 will retire from government service in
September 2014, having served more than 47 years in the
Reserves, on Active Duty, and as a Department of the Army
Civilian. He and his wife, Meg, will remain in Copperas Cove,
Texas, where Rich will continue to serve as sacramentalist at
St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.
BenneTT CULLUM ’67 was selected for inclusion in the
2014 Best Lawyers in America publication. Bennett is an
attorney at Bell Nunnally & Martin LLP, where he focuses
on estate planning, probate, real estate, and civil litigation.
Bennett and his wife, Betsy, reside in Dallas.
PAUL FIGLeY ’67 was named Professor of the Year by
the students of American University’s Washington College
of Law, where he is the Associate Director of the Legal
Rhetoric Program. Paul and his wife, Marty, reside in
Annandale, Virginia.
1976 roBBY DenTon ’76 and his wife, Kathy, took their third
Lindblad National Geographic Expedition in July 2013 to
Iceland and Greenland on the NGS Sea Explorer. Robby and
Kathy enjoyed exploring the Arctic, and were able to witness
humpback and killer whales in their native environment.
DAVID MALDonADo ’76 recently relocated to Houston,
where he opened his own law firm in January 2014, focusing
on estate planning and personal injury. As avid runners,
David and his wife, along with their two dogs and a cat, love
living near the Memorial Park running trail, and have already
encountered both St. Mark’s alumni and former faculty there.
WILL MonTGoMerY ’76 was appointed to the Cancer
Prevention Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) Oversight
Committee by Texas House Speaker Joe Straus in November
2013. Will is honored to have the opportunity to serve the
state and to help accomplish CPRIT’s mission to educate,
prevent, and discover causes and possible cures for cancer.
Will and his family reside in Dallas, where he is a partner
in the office of Jackson Walker LLP. His eldest son,
Remarks
BLAKe MonTGoMerY ’10, and daughter, Daly (Hockaday
’12), attend Stanford University. Will’s younger son,
STUArT MonTGoMerY ’15, is a senior at St. Mark’s.
1977 JIM BASS ’77 and his son, KeVIn BASS ’13 attended the 2013
Stanford football game against the University of California,
where they had the opportunity to watch fellow Marksman
TY MonTGoMerY ’11 score five touchdowns, matching a
school record. Kevin is a sophomore at Stanford, and Jim and
his wife, Hong, reside in Dallas.
JeFF GeneCoV ’77 successfully completed his first
Ironman in Tempe, Arizona, in November of 2013.
Fellow Marksman ZeV SHULKIn ’98 also completed
the race. Jeff’s friends and family, including his brother
DAVID GeneCoV ’82, cheered him on throughout the
competition. Jeff raised more than $9,000 for his charity
partner, Smile Train, an organization in which doctors
perform repair surgeries on children with cleft lip and palate
in underdeveloped countries.
Zev Shulkin ’98 and Jeff Genecov ’77
Don LInDSLeY ’77 recently became the Vice President
of Finance for the SPCA of Texas, a local, nonprofit animal
welfare organization that recently celebrated its 75th
anniversary. Don would enjoy giving a full tour of the
facilities to any St. Mark’s families. Don’s daughter, Jennifer,
attends the University of Mississippi, and his son, JACK
LInDSLeY ’12, attends Texas A&M University. Don and his
wife, Cindy, reside in Dallas.
1978HAroLD MonTGoMerY ’78 is the Chairman and CEO of
Calpian, the company that controls Money On Mobile, which
was featured in The New York Times in December 2013 for
its innovation and expansion in the mobile money market.
Money On Mobile is the largest mobile payments network
in India and has 80 million unique users. Harold and his
wife Kaysie reside in Dallas with their two children, Molly
(Hockaday ’14) and PHILIP MonTGoMerY ’16.
1983 CrAIG BUDner ’83 was featured in The Dallas Morning
News for his work in founding and chairing the Board of
Directors of the Dallas Urban Debate Alliance with his wife,
Dawn. The organization works with high schools and middle
schools in the DISD to make competitive debate an academic
option. Craig manages the Dallas and Houston offices of K&L
Gates and is the Firmwide Hiring Partner. Craig and Dawn
have two sons, WILL BUDner ’13, a sophomore at Rhodes
College, and Ben BUDner ’17, a sophomore at St. Mark’s,
and a daughter, Lily, a fifth-grader at Parish Episcopal School.
1984VICTor VeSCoVo ’84 rang the closing bell at the New York
Stock Exchange on August 27, 2013, to celebrate Emerge
Energy Services’ initial public offering. Victor is a member of
the board of directors and helps to oversee the management
of Emerge (ticker: EMES), which exceeded $1 billion in
revenue during 2013. Victor resides in Dallas and New York,
where he is the Chief Operating Officer and a co-founder of
Insight Equity.
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | Class Notes 67
Class Notes
St. Mark’s School of Texas68 Class Notes | THE PRIDE
Class Notes
1985 | 30-Year ReunionSCoTT MCeLHAneY ’85 was inaugurated as the 105th
President of the Dallas Bar Association on January 11, 2014.
Scott is a partner at Jackson Walker L.L.P., where he focuses
his practice on commercial litigation and labor and
employment law. Scott and his wife, Allison, reside in Dallas,
where their two sons, CHrISToPHer ’18 and HenrY ’21,
attend St. Mark’s.
1987roBBY GooDMAn ’87 was named Senior Director of
Foundation Relations for the American Heart Association’s
Southwest Affiliate, which encompasses Arkansas, Colorado,
New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wyoming. Previously,
he was a Director of Development at Texas Health Resources
Foundation. Robby resides in Dallas.
ToDD HoWArD ’87 was recognized by the Dallas Chapter
of The American Institute of Architects with the 2013
President’s Medal, an annual award presented to an
individual who has provided a consistent and substantial
record of accomplishment on behalf of the Dallas chapter.
Todd and his family reside in Dallas, where he is President
of t. howard + associates. Todd’s son, BoYD HoWArD ’17,
is a sophomore at St. Mark’s.
1988ArIC SHorT ’88 was appointed interim dean of Texas
Wesleyan University School of Law in June 2013. Over the
past year, he led the law school’s internal efforts to prepare
for its acquisition by Texas A&M University. On August
13, 2013, the law school began operations as Texas A&M
University School of Law, where Aric remains as interim
dean. Previously, Aric served as the associate dean for
academic affairs at the law school. Aric and his wife, Tanya,
reside in Fort Worth with their three children, Zachary, Piper,
and Dylan.
MIKe WeInSTeIn ’88 was inducted into the Institutional
Investor’s Hall of Fame, following recognition in the
Institutional Investor’s annual survey over the past 15 years.
In the history of Wall Street, there are only 54 members out of
more than 15,000 nominees. Mike is a Managing Director
at JP Morgan, where he heads the firm’s healthcare team.
He and his wife, Alison, reside in Dallas with their two
children, Carter (11) and Ashley (7).
1989Anne Clayton and JACqUeS “BUnKY” VrooM ’89 announce
the birth of their Wonder Twins, Sabine Ware Vroom and
Sloane Mildred Vroom, born on September 17, 2013. Anne
Clayton and Bunky’s oldest daughter, Ellie (9), received a
Christmas puppy as compensation. The family resides in
Dallas, where Bunky is President of the Vroom Group.
Sabine Ware Vroom and Sloane Mildred Vroom
1990 | 25-Year ReunionroYCe PoInSeTT ’90 has been elected President of the
Board of Directors of the Ronald McDonald House Charities
of Austin and Central Texas. Royce is a government relations
attorney at the Austin office of Baker Botts L.L.P.
Lee and BrAD WHITe ’90 are excited to announce the
newest addition to their family, Vivian Royal White, born
on June 14, 2013. She weighed 6 lbs., 14 oz. and was 19.75
inches long. Vivian joins older
brother, Sebastian, who is
now 2 years old. The family
resides in New York, where
Brad is a portfolio manager
for Carlson Capital. Brad
currently serves on the Board
of Trustees at St. Mark’s.
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | Class Notes 69
Class Notes
1991Catherine and roBerT
eInSPrUCH ’91 are pleased
to announce the arrival of
their third daughter, Eleanor
Joan Einspruch. She was born
on September 7, 2013, and
weighed 7 lbs., 1 oz. Eleanor was
welcomed by big sisters Mila (7)
and Ingrid (4). The family resides
in Oakland, California, where
Robert develops casual, family-friendly mobile games for
PopCap Games, a subsidiary of Electronic Arts.
1993Adrienne and BrenT JACKSon ’93 are proud to announce
the arrival of their son, James Augustus Jackson, on August
1, 2013. Gus weighed 8 lbs., 4 oz. Brent and his family
reside in Dallas, where he is the Founder and President of
Oaxaca Interests, LLC, a development, leasing, and project
management company.
Several members of the “Print Shop Posse” recently gathered
at Joe PrUITT’S ’93 lake house in Canton, Texas, to catch
up and exchange stories about “the good ol’ days.” The
weekend’s activities included grilling by MArWIn BroWn ’90
and oTIS JennInGS ’90, golfing at the Twin Lakes Golf
Course, fishing, and table games. Other Marksmen in
attendance included KeVIn FoSTer ’93, PALMer
JoHnSon ’92, JoHnnY JoneS ’93, CHrIS TUrner ’91,
and St. Mark’s Athletic Equipment Manager ron TUrner.
From left to right: Johnny Jones ’93, Palmer Johnson ’92, Otis Jennings ’90, Joe Pruitt ’93, Chris Turner ’91, Ron Turner,
Kevin Foster ’93, and Marwin Brown ’90.
1994SCoTT LInCICoMe ’94 was named an Adjunct Scholar at the
Cato Institute, a free market think tank in Washington, D.C.,
where he writes and speaks on international economic
policy. In the fall of 2013, he became a Visiting Lecturer at
Duke University, and now teaches an undergraduate course
on International Trade Policy and Politics. Scott was also
promoted to counsel in the International Trade Group at
White & Case, LLP in December 2013. Scott and his wife
Elizabeth reside in Raleigh, North Carolina, with their
1-year-old daughter Eve and their vicious guard dog Ivey.
1995 | 20-Year ReunionBecky and CHrISTIAn
CULLUM ’95 joyfully welcomed
their first child, Andrew Pierce
Cullum, on September 3, 2013.
Andrew weighed 8 lbs., 9 oz.
and was 21.75 inches long. The
family resides only blocks from
St. Mark’s, where Christian works in commercial real estate
investments and development.
1996Sara and CrISTIAn
HInoJoSA ’96 are thrilled to
announce the birth of their first
child, Max Carpeaux Hinojosa,
born on November 5, 2013, at 5:02
p.m. at Presbyterian Hospital of
Dallas. Max weighed 7.2 lbs. and
measured 19 inches long. Mom
and son are absolutely healthy
and recovering splendidly. Sara and Cristian look forward to
introducing Max to their extended Lion family!
CeDrIC Lee ’96 was featured in a photograph on the
front page of the Wall Street Journal on November 29, 2013.
The photograph captured Cedric and his team in Kabul,
Afghanistan, praying over their Thanksgiving meal.
Cedric is the lead campaign planner for the International
Security Assistance Force.
St. Mark’s School of Texas70 Class Notes | THE PRIDE
Class Notes
1997Bethany and CHrISTIAn KeLSo ’97
welcomed Campbell Sterling Kelso
into the world on December 20, 2013.
She weighed 8 lbs., 4 oz. and was
just shy of 21 inches long. Little
Campbell joins big brother Preston,
who is eagerly awaiting the
opportunity to join the St. Mark’s
Class of 2030. A charter member of
the Menter B. Terrell Society at St Mark’s, Christian and his
family reside in Dallas, where he is a tax and estate planning
attorney at Malouf Lynch & Jackson, P.C.
JonATHAn STeIn ’97 founded the online wealth
management company, Betterment.com, which now
manages over half a billion dollars, and recently announced
a $32 million round of venture capital investment.
Betterment counts dozens of St. Mark’s alumni as clients.
Jonathan resides in New York.
1998SCoTT CUnnInGHAM ’98 made the annual “50 Most
Beautiful People of Capitol Hill” in the Washington newspaper
The Hill. Scott serves as both legislative director and
scheduler for United States Congressman Kenny Marchant.
Kim and HeB JAMeS ’98 welcomed their first child, Nora
Madeline James, on August 20, 2013. Nora weighed 7 lbs., 8 oz.
and was 21 inches long. Heb and his family reside in New York
City where he is a Principal at Southfield Capital Advisors, a
private equity firm in Greenwich, Connecticut.
Nora Madeline James and parents.
Joni and ALLen Lee ’98 were blessed with a baby boy, Jack
Lee, born September 19, 2013. Jack weighed 6 lbs., 8 oz. Allen
and his family reside in Dallas, where he is a vascular surgery
fellow at Baylor University Medical Center.
JULIAn T. Lee ’98 has been selected for the 2014 Maryland
Super Lawyers Rising Stars list. Super Lawyers recognizes
attorneys who have distinguished themselves in their
legal practice. Julian resides in Baltimore, where he is a Tax
Controversy Associate at Rosenberg Martin Greenberg.
Leslie and DAVID MArCUS ’98 are thrilled to announce the
newest addition to their family, Matthew Reid Marcus, born
on December 14, 2013. Matthew weighed 6 lbs., 6.8 oz. at
birth and is growing quickly. Big sister Elizabeth (2) is sharing
her toys with remarkable grace. David recently finished his
residency in Radiation Oncology at Emory in Atlanta, Georgia.
David and his family will be relocating to Glenwood Springs,
Colorado, this summer, where he accepted a job.
Ashley and JeFF rAY ’98 welcomed their second daughter,
Vera Gene Ray, on September 3, 2013. Jeff and Ashley, along
with big sister, Emma (2), praise God for such a precious
blessing! Jeff and his family reside in Coppell.
Vera Gene Ray
ZeV SHULKIn ’98 completed his first Ironman and second
triathlon in 11 hours and 47 minutes in November 2013. Zev
resides in Dallas, where he specializes in ocuplastics, orbital,
and pediatric ophthalmology at the International Craniofacial
Institute. (Photo: See Jeff Genecov ’77)
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | Class Notes 71
Class Notes
Megan and TreY WILSon ’98
became the proud parents of Jack
Thomas Wilson on September 16,
2013. Trey reports that Megan and
Jack are doing great. The Wilsons
reside in Atlantic Beach, Florida,
where Trey is a shareholder at Smith
Hulsey & Busey.
1999rYAn BrAnnAn ’99 and his wife
Jen welcomed their first child,
Tennyson Rose Brannan, on March
7, 2014. Tennyson weighed 5 lbs.,
15 oz. and was 19.25 inches long.
Mom, dad, and daughter are all
doing well. Ryan and his family
reside in Austin, where Ryan works
as Commissioner of Workers’
Compensation at the Texas Department of Insurance.
Sarah and DAnIeL noVAKoV ’99 are thrilled to announce
the arrival of their daughter, Marilyn Rose Novakov, on
October 1, 2013. Marilyn Rose weighed 6 lbs., 2 oz. and was
19 inches long. The family resides in Dallas.
Marilyn Rose Novakov
JAMeS WAnG ’99 and Tim Patriarca were married on August
11, 2013. James and Tim reside in San Francisco, along with
their dog George.
PreSTon ZAPFFe ’99 and his wife
Whitney welcomed their second son,
William Preston Zapffe, on February
15, 2014. He weighed 7 lbs., 1 oz.
and measured 19.5 inches long.
William shares the same birthday as
older brother Benjamin (2), and all
members of the Zapffe family are doing great. Preston and
his family reside in Dallas.
Meridith and JereMY ZIDeLL ’99
welcomed Frank James Zidell into
the world on February 11, 2013.
Frank weighed 7.13 lbs. and was
20.25 inches long. The family resides
in Dallas, where Jeremy is a Senior
Vice President of Brokerage at The
Retail Connection.
2000 | 15-Year ReunionBrAnDon CASTILLo ’00 recently opened Deep Ellum
Postal and Grocer in August 2013. As an urban activist and
supporter of the redevelopment of Deep Ellum, Brandon
advocates walkability, the densification of Dallas, and
weaning ourselves off car dependency. He also runs the
Deep Ellum Outdoor Market, which gives local artists and
musicians a venue to expose their talent, and businesses and
restaurants to promote their services.
Michael Kinley Ruggeri was born on October 1, 2013, to
Ashley and AnTHonY rUGGerI ’00. Michael weighed 8 lbs.
and was 20 inches long. The family resides in Dallas, where
Tony is Co-President of Republic Property Group.
Michael Kinley Ruggeri
St. Mark’s School of Texas72 Class Notes | THE PRIDE
Class Notes
2001The 2001 ReMarker team ventured to Roswell, New Mexico,
for its annual campout in August 2013. BrIAn BeneKe ’01,
MATT BrADForD ’01, STePHen MArKUS ’01, and
nICK orenSTeIn ’01 spent the trip seeing aliens, rockets,
and rodeos.
The 2001 ReMarker Team
MATTHeW eSHeLBrenner ’01 and his wife, Nicole, are
excited to announce the birth of their son, Gavin Arthur
Eshelbrenner, born on February 5, 2014. Gavin weighed
6 lbs., 10 oz., and was welcomed into the family by big sister
Violet. Matthew and his family reside in Columbus, Ohio.
Gavin Arthur Eshelbrenner
CrInnY DeAn ’01 and JoHn WILSon ’01 gathered to
celebrate the upcoming nuptials of classmate JAMIe
HeLWIG ’01 in September 2013 in Dallas. Cross country and
track coach JoHn TUreK was also in attendance for the
celebration. Jamie married Tara Geesaman in May 2014 in
New York City.
John Turek, James Helwig, Jamie Helwig ’01, and Crinny Dean ’01
2002Chantel and JoSe CorDoVA ’02 are proud to announce the
birth of their second son, Lucas Cordova. Lucas was born
on October 14, 2013, and was also welcomed into the family
by big brother Maximo (3). Jose and his family reside in
Medfield, Massachusetts, where he is an accounting manager
in Waltham.
MICHAeL MArTIn ’02 married Jessica Elena Shaefer
on September 14, 2013, on the Polo Fields at Conyers
Farm in Greenwich, Connecticut. Groomsmen included
Marksmen CHrIS BLACK ’02, KeITH CoHAn ’02, MATT
WALLenSTeIn ’02, and JIM MorAn ’01. The couple resides
in San Francisco, where Michael is General Manager of the
San Francisco office of Code and Theory, a 200-person digital
agency with offices in New York, San Francisco, and Asia.
Michael Martin ’02 and Jessica Elena Schaefer
JUSTon JoHnSon ’02 recently returned to the United States
after working for nearly three years as Manager of Global
Strategy for Samsung Electronics in Korea. He will now be
taking a more active role in developing future products for
Beats by Dre. Juston currently resides in Los Angeles.
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | Class Notes 73
Class Notes
In March 2014, BrYAn MonIer ’02
performed leg surgery on cousin
JoHn MonTGoMerY ’10, who
broke his fibula after slipping on
an icy sidewalk. Brian is in his
third year of orthopedic residency
in Burlington, Vermont, and
John graduated from Middlebury
College in May 2014.
MICHAeL PrenTISS ’02
was married to Stefanie Dee
Kronemeyer Coppel in Mazatlán,
Mexico, on November 30, 2013.
Fellow Marksmen in the wedding
party included groomsman
WILLIAM WoLCoTT ’02 and best
men CArL SeWeLL ’02 and
PeTer LYnCH ’02. Also in
attendance were roBBIe BATY ’02, SeTH CoLLInS ’02,
ALAn eBerSTeIn ’02, nICK enGLISH ’02, MILeS FISHer
’02, roBY MIZe, Jr. ’83, and CArL SeWeLL ’61. Michael and
Stefanie spent their honeymoon in Thailand, the Maldives,
and Hong Kong. The couple resides in Dallas, where Stefanie
runs her travel advisory firm, Posh Voyage, and Michael
works for the private equity firm Argenta Partners.
WILLIAM WoLCoTT ’02 was
married to Liz Simmons on
April 5, 2014 in Clearwater Beach,
Florida. Classmates in the
wedding party included the best
man, CArL SeWeLL ’02, and
MICHAeL PrenTISS ’02, a
groomsman. Fellow Marksmen
in attendance included ALAn
eBerSTeIn ’02, HILL PeroT ’05,
BrIAn PrYor ’02, and CArL SeWeLL ’61. Following the
wedding, William and Liz spent their honeymoon in Belize
and Mexico. The couple plans to reside in Greenwich,
Connecticut, where William works in financial services.
2004Joe LAUInGer ’04 married
Patty Murphree (Hockaday ’03)
on October 19, 2013 at First United
Methodist Church Richardson,
followed by a reception at
Northwood Club. Marksmen
groomsmen included Joe’s
brother and best man, GeorGe
LAUInGer ’07, Patty’s brother,
GArreTT MUrPHree ’98, DreW MCDonALD ’04,
and KACe PHILLIPS ’04. Classmates also in attendance
were nICK CASSAVeCHIA ’04, ALex eSHeLBrenner ’04,
MArCeLLo orTeGA ’04, rYAn SABLoTnY ’04, and
BLAKeLY THornTon ’04. Following their honeymoon in
Thailand, Joe and Patty now reside in Dallas.
KYLe SInGHAL ’04 won first place in the 64th Annual
Jacob Burns Van Vleck Constitutional Law Moot Court
Competition in January 2013. The competition is the largest
and longest-running upper-level advocacy competition at
George Washington University, where Kyle is a third-year
law student.
2005 | 10-Year ReunionGrAHAM M. rADMAn ’05 married Erica Joan Fencil on
October 5, 2013, at First United Methodist Church in Dallas,
followed by the reception at the Adolphus Hotel. Classmate
ALex MAnn ’05 was a groomsman in the wedding, and
JoSHUA TAn ’05 served as an usher. Erica and Graham
reside in New Jersey. Graham works for Pine River Capital
Management in New York.
St. Mark’s School of Texas74 Class Notes | THE PRIDE
Class Notes
2006DAVID UnWIn ’06 was married
to Emily Barnicle in Durham,
North Carolina, on August 10, 2013.
Fellow Marksmen in attendance
included WALTer FoxWorTH ’06,
rYAn LYnCH’06 and eVAn Lee ’06.
Emily and David spent their
honeymoon in Seaside, Florida.
The couple resides in Houston,
where David works for the Texas First Court of Appeals.
2008JAMeS BLAIr ’08 was married
to Laura Schalkle on February 2,
2013, at Watermark Community
Church in Dallas. James and Laura
met at Baylor University, where
they both graduated in 2012.
James recently sold his company,
Karbon Speed, which produces
high-performance aerodynamic
carbon wheels and components for cyclists. James and Laura
reside in Richardson.
JorDAn BLUMenTHAL ’08 is the Marketing Director at
Dipont Education Management Group based in Shanghai.
Jordan handles the marketing for the English-language
debate program, where he travels throughout China and
introduces the idea of debate programs to parents, schools,
and students. While on a trip to Hong Kong, Jordan met
with fellow Marksmen MArC rUBInSTeIn ’87, who is the
Managing Director and General Counsel at Asia Pacific Land.
Marc Rubinstein ’87 and Jordan Blumenthal ’08
After graduating from Boston University in May 2013,
FLorIAn DHonDT ’08 was accepted at The Graduate
Institute Geneva, where he will complete his master’s degree
in development & sustainability.
CoDY DUnLAP ’08 accepted a position this spring with
ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut. Cody will be working full-
time as a Production Assistant on multiple ESPN shows and
programs in a variety of roles.
2009AnDreW P.W. GonZALeS ’09 graduated Magna Cum Laude
from Harvard University in May 2013. Andrew majored in
Molecular and Cellular Biology and minored in East Asian
Studies with a Language Certificate in Japanese. One of the
highlights of his Harvard experience was his travels to major
Asian cities as the Director of Corporate Relations and
Chief Financial Officer of the Harvard Project for Asian
International Relations. His interest in Asia has its beginnings
from his wonderful Japanese teachers at St. Mark’s. Andrew
is currently conducting neuroscience and genetics-related
research at Massachusetts General Hospital for the next two
years, after which he plans to attend medical school.
Andrew P.W. Gonzales ’09
nATHAn LonG ’09 graduated Cum Laude from Yale
University in May 2013. Nathan double-majored in
electrical engineering and economics, earned distinction
in the electrical engineering major, and received the Franz
Tuteur Memorial Prize for his research on using nano-scale
transistors to help diagnose medical ailments. Nathan
joined Bain & Company’s headquarter office in Boston as an
Associate Consultant in September 2013.
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | Class Notes 75
Class Notes
eLI rAMIreZ ’09 was recently promoted to Senior Solar
Adviser after six months with the solar company One Block
Off the Grid. In his new position, Eli helps homeowners
through the entire solar process, demonstrating saving
opportunities with clean energy. Eli welcomes St. Mark’s
families to contact him with questions about going solar.
Eli lives with his brother, SAM rAMIreZ ’06, in
San Francisco.
JACeK ZAPenDoWSKI ’09
graduated from the United
States Military Academy in May
2013, and was commissioned
2nd Lieutenant in the Army.
Following graduation, Jacek will
attend Infantry Officer training
and Ranger School training, and
will be assigned to the 101st Airborne Division as Infantry
Platoon Leader in Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
Palo Alto young alumni gathered together for dinner in
February 2014 with Malcolm K. & Minda Brachman Master
Teaching Chair Dr. Marty Stegemoeller. KeVIn BASS ’13, LUIS
CArrILLo ’08, CHrIS eUBAnK ’09, ADAM GeneCoV ’09,
BLAKe MonTGoMerY ’10, MArK o’MeArA ’09, and
eLI rAMIreZ ’09, enjoyed reconnecting with one another
and reminiscing about their times at St. Mark’s.
Palo Alto Alumni
2010 | 5-Year ReunionClassmates CHArLeS BrAnCH ’10 and DAnIeL rAFKIn ’10
were selected for positions in the new Financial Institutions
Group of the Corporate Client Banking division at J.P. Morgan
in New York City, starting in summer 2014. Charles and
Daniel graduated in May 2014 from the University of Texas
and Harvard University, respectively.
LYLe MCDonALD ’10 graduated from the United States
Naval Academy in May 2014 and began training as a
submarine officer. Lyle married Alexandria McIlveene
on June 7 at Highland Park United Methodist Church in
Dallas. Alexandria is a premedical student at the University
of Mississippi.
JoHn MonTGoMerY ’10 graduated in May 2014 from
Middlebury College with a degree in international politics
and economics. Following graduation, John relocated to
Houston, where he has accepted a job in energy-investment
banking with Credit Suisse. (See also Bryan Monier ’02)
SLoAn rUDBerG ’10, DeAn BUTLer ’11, GArreTT
WATUMULL ’12, STePHen rAMBIn ’13 , and KeVIn
BASS ’13 returned to 10600 Preston Road in December
2013 to share insights from their college experiences with
members of the Student Alumni Association. Students were
eager to get their advice on a variety of topics, including the
internship process, time management, and the transition
from high school to college. The young alumni emphasized
the uniqueness of the St. Mark’s community and the faculty,
who extend their time and devotion beyond the classroom
for students.
2011JoHnATHAn CHen ’11 is the Founder and CEO of
OneReasonRecordings, a music-based, nonprofit
organization that works on fundraising campaigns focusing
on a different charity and social justice topic every year,
through music. OneReasonRecordings will be working with
Children’s Medical Center in Dallas for its 2014 Miracles
Campaign. Johnathan is currently a senior at New York
University and is majoring in Food Studies.
St. Mark’s School of Texas76 Class Notes | THE PRIDE
Class Notes
ALex MILeS ’11 spent the summer of 2013 in Berlin working
for a member of the German Bundestag. Alex was the
research assistant for the foreign policy spokesperson for the
current political union in Germany. Alex is currently a senior
at Northwestern University majoring in political science.
2012JASon ALTSCHULer ’12 accepted a summer internship
at Google in its New York office. He worked on machine
learning and artificial intelligence algorithms. Jason is
currently a junior at Princeton University, where he is
majoring in computer science.
2013TrAVIS GArZA ’13 and rAFFY SALCeDo ’13 gathered
together with Director of Academic Information Systems
Paul Mlakar at the Ohio State versus Purdue football game
in November 2013. Travis and Raffy are both sophomores at
Purdue University, and studying nuclear engineering and
industrial engineering, respectively.
Travis Garza ’13 and Raffy Salcedo ’13 with Paul Mlakar (center)
The St. Mark’s Hockey Association hosted their annual
Alumni Game on December 23, 2013, at the Dr. Pepper Stars
Center in Farmer’s Branch. Following the game, the players
and their parents enjoyed catching up at a post-game meal at
Snuffer’s.
back row: Cole Wright ’12, Nick Dyslin ’08, Tanner Montgomery ’11, Anthony Masucci, Eric Rawot ’15, Thomas Brown, Rishi Kshatriya ’15,
and Austin Healy.
front row: Jackson Stager ’12, Arya Mehrabanzad ’10, Connor Theilmann ’11, Elliot Chang-Tung ’10, Dustin Hesseltine ’07, Gus
Blessing ’11, Jordan Dyslin ’11, Greg Kinman ’12, and Alex Shelton.
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | Faculty Notes 77
Faculty Notes
FACULTY NOTESStephen M. Seay ’68 Science Department Chair
FLeTCHer CArron, his wife Paige, and daughter
Eleanor (3), welcomed Fletcher Morrow Carron
into the world on February 8, 2014. He weighed 6 lbs.,
4 oz. Fletcher also coaches basketball and is the
Robotics Club sponsor.
Fletcher Morrow Carron
Spanish teacher and
Community Service Director
JorGe CorreA translated
the book Struck by Living by
Julie K. Hersh into Spanish.
In the book, Julie chronicles
her journey from depression
to hope with humor and
brutal honesty. As Jorge
explains, “When I read
Struck by Living, I decided
right away that Spanish-
speaking people should be able to read her book in their
native language.” The Spanish translation, Decidi Vivir, will
be on sale this fall. Julie is the wife of Ken HerSH ’81 and
mother of DAnIeL HerSH ’13.
Melissa and CASeY GenDASon are the proud parents
of Zachary Reid Gendason, born November 18, 2013.
Zachary weighed 6 lbs., 9 oz. and was 20 inches long.
Melissa, Casey, and big sister Sophie (2) are excited about
their new addition to the family. Casey is the Associate
Director of College Counseling.
Zachary Reid Gendason
Lindsey and nICK SBernA
welcomed Griffin Nicholas Sberna
into the world on May 21, 2014.
Griffin weighed 7.6 lbs. and was
19 inches long. Big sister Hadley (3)
was excited to greet her little
brother. Nick is the Humanities
Department Chair and the
Wilderness Program Co-Chair.
KArAn WInDHAM became a grandmother again on March
31, 2014, when her son, Jordan, and his wife, Samantha,
welcomed Parker Andrew Windham into the world. Karan
shares that the family is doing well and that big sister
Madilyn (3) is excited to have a little brother. Karan teaches
5th grade science.
Faculty Notes
in memoriam
FreDerICK M. ADDInGTon, Jr. ’62, September 17, 2013.
WILLIAM “TIGer” B. ALLYn, Jr. ’74, December 8, 2013.
roBerT F. AMUnDSen, March 6, 2014, father of
Paul W. Amundsen ’75 and Robert F. Amundsen, Jr. ’72 (deceased).
Anne CHrISTY FAIreS ATWeLL, January 28, 2014, mother of
Anthony Atwell, Jr. ’78 and Christopher D. Atwell ’84.
MArIe GILeS BALDWIn, November 5, 2013, mother of
James L. Baldwin, Jr. ’79.
SUe CHen BArBer, March 27, 2014, mother of Colton S. Barber ’19.
MoUZon BASS, Jr., March 20, 2014, father of Mouzon
Bass III ’84, grandfather of former student Blake L. Beckham ’15.
ISrAeL r. BerGer, October 20, 2013, grandfather of Seth D.
Berger ’89 and Ari D. Berger ’94.
LLoYD W. BIrDWeLL, Jr. ’60, January 9, 2014.
DrUrY SHeLTon BLAIr, M.D., February 13, 2014, father of
Joseph D. Blair ’73.
JoHn F. BLoCKer ’62, April 2013.
WYLFA ALexAnDer BoWLeS, December 19, 2013, grandmother of
E. Ryan Bowles ’90 and great-grandmother of Christian A. Bowles ’22
and Gavin R. Bowles ’25.
Dr. CHArLeS L. BrAnCH, December 6, 2013, grandfather of Daniel
H. Branch ’05, Spencer A. Branch ’07, and Charles V. Branch ’10 .
JeAneTTe HArrIS SCHneIDer BUrneTT, November 14, 2013,
wife of Judge Joe Burnett ’49.
THoMAS H. BUTLer, December 1, 2013, grandfather of Alexander
Brooks Jones ’12.
CArL L. CoTTen, Jr., October 13, 2013, grandfather of Jacob S.
Vandermeer ’08.
orA Lee CLAYTon, January 14, 2014, mother of Gary R. Clayton ’74
and grandmother of Gary Sean Clayton ’98.
SHerrY KnoPF CrASILneCK, October 7, 2013, mother of Jonathan
C. Knopf ’73.
eTHeLMArIe CronHoLM, November 4, 2013, grandmother of
Trenton M. Cronholm ’07.
JeWeLL BeLL CULPePPer, November 17, 2013, former
staff member.
KATHLeen M. DenMAn, October 14, 2013, grandmother of
Peter S. Denman ’05.
CorrIne eBner, March 6, 2014, mother of Louis E. Ebner ’68 and
Thomas A. Ebner ’75.
THoMAS o. eVrArD, January 8, 2013, grandfather of
Jackson F. Cole ’16.
eLIZABeTH “PInKIe” PInKSTon FeIGL, January 17, 2014,
grandmother of Allan Wesley Hibbs ’17.
GerALDIne FAYe ForreSTer, November 6, 2013, mother-in-law of
Assistant Director of Development Janet L. Forrester, grandmother of
Matthew A. Forrester ’93.
LeAVenWorTH MCGILL FerreLL, December 14, 2013, father of
Leavenworth M. Ferrell II, Head of Upper School.
reV. Dr. SAMUeL GAMADIA, January 21, 2014, grandfather of staff
member Amee McGough.
St. Mark’s School of Texas78 Class Notes | THE PRIDE
St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer 2014 | Remarks 79
Remarks
MUrrAY A. GoLDenBerG, February 13, 2014, stepfather of
Gil I. Wolfe ’81, father-in-law of Clifford L. Friedman ’76, and step-
grandfather of Zachary P. Wolfe ’10.
CLIFForD rAY GoLDSMITH, January 10, 2014, grandfather of
William C. Moor III ’13.
ZAne BrUCe HALL, September 13, 2013, father of
Donald R. Hall ’81.
ronALD G. HoneA, October 27, 2013, grandfather of Luke W.
Jacobs ’20.
PeTer K. LUTKen, Jr., January 13, 2014, Trustee Emeritus, father
of Peter K. Lutken III ’67 and David M. Lutken ’75.
SAMMIe L. MACK, February 28, 2014, father of former faculty
member Valencia Yarbrough and former student Al Mack,
grandfather of Korey D. Mack ’00.
LeonArD LInCoLn MADISon, M.D., March 27, 2014, father of
Scott R. Madison ’70.
LAWrenCe e. MArCUS ’34, November 1, 2013, Trustee Emeritus,
father of Cary S. Marcus ’64.
rAYMonD MArLoW, October 11, 2013, grandfather of
Cole A. Marlow ’11 and former student, Christopher C. Marlow ’14.
DAVID HArLeY MArSHALL, March 30, 2014, grandfather of
Jake Morris ’16 and father of staff member Anna Morris.
oLIVer r. MATTInGLY, October 18, 2013, grandfather of
Thomas U. Mattingly ’16.
THe reVerenD FATHer G. C. MCeLYeA, January 1, 2014,
Trustee Emeritus.
CArMen MILLer MICHAeL, December 1, 2013, mother
of Andrew J. Michael ’76.
JoY eLAIne MITCHeLL, October 23, 2013, mother
of Robert P. Mitchell ’92.
GeorGe e. MooerS, July 24, 2013, grandfather of
Paul A. Ockelmann ’08.
roBerT T. Moore ’56, January 29, 2014.
roBerT orr MULLInS, December 16, 2013, grandfather
of Daniel C. Burkert ’08, Thomas C. Burkert ’02, David C. Mullins ’80,
and William P. Hickox ’03.
roY MArVIn PArKS, February 16, 2014, father of
Robert B. Parks ’71.
A. W. PATTerSon, Jr., December 20, 2013, father
of Sam H. Patterson ’78.
JACqUeLIne KenneDY PLoTT, August 6, 2013, former
staff member.
GeorGe GArrISon PoTTS, February 1, 2014, father
of Garry Potts, Jr. ’71.
MArY JoSePHIne VAUGHn rAUSCHer, January 5, 2014, mother
of Jack C. Vaughn, Jr. ’72, Robert C. Vaughn ’74, and David C. Vaughn
’80, stepmother of John H. Rauscher III ’67, and grandmother of Jake
M. Vaughn ’17.
roBerT e. rAWITSCHer, October 16, 2013, father of
Lee A. Rawitscher ’84 and Michael J. Rawitscher ’86.
roBerT W. rICKeTTS, October 10, 2013, father
of Shelby Ricketts ’86.
PeArL F. SeGAL, November 12, 2013, mother of
Scott H. Segal ’82.
roY L. TAYLor, Jr. ’49, December 9, 2013.
MArGAreT TUGGLe, November 7, 2013, grandmother of
Steven D. Feinberg ’96.
eLIZABeTH UnDerHILL, December 5, 2013, mother of
A. William Underhill ’72.
FrAnK P. YATeS III ’51, March 26, 2014.
LInY LeAH PAJGIn YoLLICK, January 31, 2014, mother of
Eric L. Yollick ’79.
St. Mark’s School of Texas80 End Notes | THE PRIDE
ONLINE GIVINGThe St. Mark’s Fund is the School’s most important, ongoing
fundraising priority, providing more than 10% of its annual
operating budget. You may give online through our secure server
at www.smtexas.org/smfund. Every gift is appreciated.
ARCHIVEFrom 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
• U.S. Mail
Send to St. Mark’s School of Texas,
Attn. Alex Eshelbrenner, 10600 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75230-4047
Submissions received after July 1, 2013, 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.
© 2014 St. Mark’s School of TexasAn Office of Development & Alumni Relations Publication
THE
PRIDESt. Mark’s School of Texas Alumni Magazine
Printed on paper containing 10% Post-Consumer Waste.
EditorKaty B. Rubarth
Communications CoordinatorsDavid CardenAlexandra George
Editorial ContributorsDylan Clark ’14Charlie Marshall ’14Ryan O’Meara ’14Harrison Perkins ’14Lawrence Piccagli ’85
Photographic ContributorsBrianna BrownAlden James ’16
Director of DevelopmentJim Bob Womack ’98
Director of Alumni RelationsAlex Eshelbrenner ’04
FPO
Endnotes
In 1997, Leonard and Peggy Riggs decided to make
a planned gift to St. Mark’s, thereby becoming charter
members of the Menter B. Terrill Society. For Leonard and
Peggy, their rationale for making this decision was simple:
“We loved the School and everything about it.”
The Riggs’ two sons are both alumni, Preston ’04 and
Jason ’07, and Leonard joined the Board of Trustees in 1996,
ultimately serving as Board President from 2002–2004.
“After our sons enrolled at St. Mark’s, we saw what a wonderful place it was, and we saw
the things it does for boys, including those who are there on financial aid. We just wanted to
help perpetuate that and to give our support.”
Leonard and Peggy made their planned gift to the School in the form of a Charitable
Remainder Trust, one of a number of vehicles that individuals can use for planned giving
purposes. Leonard commented, “For us, setting up a Charitable Remainder Trust and
including St. Mark’s as a beneficiary was a great way for us to prepare a legacy of long-term
giving. It’s a great way for someone who has some assets that they’d like to use the income
from, but then have an institution receive the benefit after that.”
Leonard added that the peace of mind that he received from setting up this gift was
gratifying, as his contributions will help St. Mark’s well into the future. “In making a planned
gift, you know that the School is going to get something important. Institutions like St. Mark’s
are going to go on in perpetuity—this is infinite—and a gift like this allows the School to think
long-term. The School has always demonstrated excellent stewardship of its resources, and it
makes me feel good to give to a place that I know will be dealing with it properly.”
Leonard and Peggy’s generosity has already made a major impact on campus and will
continue to do so, well into the future. For the Riggs Family, the decision to give to St. Mark’s
was based in part on the terrific experiences that their sons had at 10600 Preston Road.
“At St. Mark’s, it truly is ‘all about the boys.’ Not only is St. Mark’s a terrific preparation
for life and the eventual path to college, but the leadership and the values portion of the
experience that our sons had was simply terrific.”
With their commitment, Leonard and Peggy Riggs have made an important gift for the
long-term benefit of the School. A Charitable Remainder Trust is one of many options that
an individual can choose to make a planned gift. Other options include life insurance,
retirement plans, and/or gifts of real estate. For further information on including St. Mark’s
in your estate plans, please contact Scott Jolly in the Office of Development at 214.346.8132
Leonard and Peggy Riggs: Menter B. Terrill Society
St. Mark’s School of Texas10600 Preston Road
Dallas, Texas 75230-4047214.346.8000 • www.smtexas.org