Dear St. Markers,
Since last spring, School leaders have been strategizing to create the safest learning environment possible, continually adapting to an ever-changing situation while keeping an eye on what might lie ahead. St. Mark’s has also been grappling with its own identity and what it means to be an antiracist school.
Our approach to these challenges is included in this issue of Lion’s Pride, the quarterly newsletter that keeps parents and alumni informed of what’s going on at St. Mark’s.
I consider these stories success stories, because despite the challenges thrust upon us, they show what faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the entire St. Mark’s community have always done when faced with diversity—we persevere, we become resilient, and we support and care for one another. I hope you find these stories inspiring and uplifting.
All My Best,
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Lindsay Allen
Chief Advancement Officer
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P.S. Be sure to check out our special October events below. |
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Responding to Today’s Challenges |
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Confronting History, Looking Ahead
The tragic death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others, along with nationwide Black Lives Matter protests, and postings on the Black at St. Mark’s Instagram account, prompted School leaders to do a deep introspective on how St. Mark’s can become a truly antiracist school.
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There's much work to be done, but St. Mark's is coming together to focus on this issue thanks to the time and effort of parents, alumni, and school leaders, including Director of Community & Equity John Daves. Take a look below at some of the meetings we've had so far.
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Around the Quad and Beyond |
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Convocation Ceremony
On September 11, 2020, St. Mark's officially opened the 2020-2021 academic year with its traditional Convocation ceremony, this year shared virtually via Zoom. Read more.
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John Daves
Director of Community and Equity Affairs
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New Faculty for 2020-2021
St. Mark’s welcomed its 156th academic year with 11 new faculty. In addition to the new director of Community and Equity Affairs, five members are teaching STEM subjects, four joined the Modern Languages Department, and one has joined the admission team. Read more.
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Student Emotional Wellness
As part of the School’s commitment to Global Citizenship and the well-being of its Asian international students, St. Mark’s kicked off its third year working with the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Cross-Cultural Student Emotional Wellness. Read more.
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Standing Up, Speaking Out
The St. Mark’s community has been responding to current events by speaking out and standing up to make a difference in these challenging times. Their voices are varied, but their messages uniformly powerful.
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Health and Safety Focus
On September 26, boarders and some day students returned to campus, while others continued to take classes remotely. Meanwhile, Head of School John C. Warren ’74 spelled out preparations undertaken for a safe and healthy return. Read more. See photos from the first day on campus.
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Dr. Laura Appell-Warren
Director of Global Citizenship
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Global Citizenship Update
In 2011, the Board of Trustees presented St. Mark’s 2020, a strategic plan for the future, focusing on increasing STEM opportunities, advancing global education, and creating a center for innovation in teaching and learning. Now those goals have been accomplished.
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October 27, 12:00 p.m EDT |
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Estate and Charitable Planning in Challenging Times |
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This one-hour, online event is presented by the School’s Planned Giving program specifically for St. Mark’s alumni.
David Stack ’75, P’18, partner at McLaughlin & Stern LLP, and Brad Bedingfield, partner at Hemenway & Barnes LLP, will discuss financial planning tips and ideas.
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Preserving our School’s academic mission and living and learning community have always been top priorities. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, St. Mark’s is committed now more than ever to ensuring our students have the level of education they deserve to lead lives of consequence.
We can only accomplish this with the care, dedication, and resilience our St. Mark’s community consistently shows. That’s why we’re inviting you to a very special opportunity to join us for St. Mark’s Philanthropy Days from October 27 to 29.
During these three days, we look forward to our community coming together to show its support. We’re already off to a great start! To inspire your philanthropy, an anonymous donor has dedicated an additional $50 for the first 200 gifts received during the campaign. Will you be one of the first 200?
Stay tuned next week for your opportunity to participate in St. Mark’s Philanthropy Days. In the meantime, please help us spread the word about this upcoming initiative.
Inspired to give now? You can do so here, and your gift will still count toward the incentive. Thank you for your support!
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NHL, Yale Come Calling
Recent alumni have contributed to St.Mark’s tradition of hockey success. Ian Moore ’20 was selected by the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks, while Sean Farrell, ’17 was chosen by the Montreal Canadiens. Also, Tucker Hartmann ’20 committed to Yale. Read more.
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Korea-China Competition
Junseok Jason Hwang ’19 sang pieces from Franz Schubert’s 19th-century song cycle, Winterreise, and arias by Rossini and Tchaikovsky to earn second place in the International Korea-China vocal competition.
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Lacrosse All-American
Corrigan Sports Enterprises, in conjunction with Inside Lacrosse, selected Sophie Student ’20 as a Senior High School Lacrosse All-American. She will receive her game jersey from Under Armour to commemorate her selection as an All-American. Read more.
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Exploring China
Allan Maca ’83 hosted the National Geographic television series, "Ancient China from Above," which made its U.S. debut August 11. Dr. Maca is an archaeologist specializing in ancient cities and empires, the rise and fall of civilizations, and more. Read more.
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Lions Helping Lions
The Benefits of Your St. Mark’s
Alumni Network
The success of SM Lions Connect, our alumni online network, depends on your support and involvement.
If you haven’t already, please join today, and stay active in the network by posting to the news feed, joining a group, adding photos to the gallery, and more.
Some of the benefits of joining SM Lions Connect include:
- Connecting with your classmates and fellow graduates. See what they’ve been up to, reminisce, gather, and stay in touch.
- Leveraging the history you have with thousands of alumni to expand your professional networks.
- Continuing the tradition by engaging with St. Mark’s alumni who are following in your footsteps.
SM Lions Connect is a closed platform just for alumni. Learn more about SM Lions Connect here.
With questions or ideas, please contact Annie Pfaff, Associate Director of Alumni and Parent Programs & The Annual Fund, at anniepfaff@stmarksschool.org.
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Twice a week, we gather for prayer, meditation and reflection, St. Mark's School style.
The Chaplains at St. Mark's would like to offer that same kind of reflection to you, twice a week, by email. Reflections will be short and inclusive: mindful of the present, but rooted in the eternal.
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Tag us: #LivesOfConsequence #SMalumni #SMlions
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