Nota Bene: December 20, 2018
From the President
From the Alumni Advisory Council President
Dear Fellow Saint Mary's Hall Alumni,
Happy 50th Birthday Starcrest Campus! On November 22, 1968, Saint Mary’s Hall moved to the Starcrest Campus with more than 300 students (including 119 boarders) and faculty, and the rest is history.
Saint Mary’s Hall celebrated throughout the week of November 12, during Middle and Upper School Advisory and Morning Moments. The students and faculty enjoyed a walk down memory lane with a slideshow of the campus then and now. And what’s a birthday celebration without cake? On Friday, November 16, a special birthday cake was served during all lunches. Many students and faculty participated in an Out-of-Uniform day with special shirts commemorating the 50th birthday! We look forward to honoring the Class of 1969 during Alumni Weekend, as they are the first graduating class from our current Starcrest location.
In October, Head of School Jonathan Eades introduced the school’s new five year strategic plan, A Bold Plan for Excellence, at an All-School Coffee. The boldness and visionary nature of the initiatives in this strategic plan will have lasting impact for decades to come and generations of students to follow. We are ready to write the next chapter with you in the history of Saint Mary's Hall. The latest issue of The Shield outlines this plan. You can also visit our web site for more information about the plan by clicking here.
It seems like just yesterday that we were celebrating the seniors receiving their blue ties, and now the holidays are upon us. There is always something exciting happening on campus. If you are inspired by a story, and want to get more involved with Saint Mary’s Hall, please drop me a line at alumni@smhall.org. We would love to share your story and passion. And mark your calendars now and plan on joining us for this year’s reunion on Saturday, May 18.
I look forward to seeing you on the Saint Mary’s Hall campus soon!
Sincerely,
Katherine (Katy) E. David (Class of 1996, Elliott)
President, Saint Mary’s Hall Alumni Advisory Council
Alumni News
Alumni News
Alumni Lead Capers vs. Elliott Alumni Giving Challenge
Like last year, your gift to our school is your continued participation in a beloved Saint Mary’s Hall tradition: the intramural competition between the Capers and Elliott teams.
Once again, every gift made to The SMH Fund between September 1 and May 1 earns one point for the team you designate. Help your team earn bragging rights and have your team name engraved on the Alumni Bishops’ Cup.
This year we’ve introduced team captains. Allison Reyes (Class of 2006) will lead the Elliott’s comeback attempt. “It’s our year, Elliott! Help your team claim the Alumni Bishops’ Cup and show your SMH support and appreciation!” Luci Leykum (Class of 1989) will rally the Capers toward a repeat. “As an alum and current SMH parent, I have a great appreciation for the SMH community. Stay involved and show your team spirit through participating in the Alumni Bishops’ Cup Challenge – and Go Capers!”
Alumni will be on campus May 1 trying to garner more points for their respective teams. You can also give online. Thank you for considering this investment in the future of our students and our beloved alma mater.
Who will win and be awarded the Alumni Bishops’ Cup at the 2019 Alumni Reunion on May 18, 2019?
Welcome Back Barons Luncheon
We welcomed our young alumni back to campus for lunch on December 15. Members from the SMH Classes of 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 enjoyed Margi’s yummy lunch in the Peggy Pitman Mays Dining Hall, then walked around campus and visited with former teachers and friends.
Donor Honor Roll 2017-2018
Achieving the mission of our school is something we cannot do alone. View our Donor Honor Roll 2017-2018 to see the names of alumni who have generously given to support Saint Mary's Hall during the 2017-2018 school year. We are thankful for your belief in our school, and for helping us to plant the seeds for current and future students.
Distinguished Alumni Award and Momentum Award Nominations
It's time for nominations for our Distinguished Alumni Award and Momentum Award. The distinguished alumni award is presented to an alumna or alumnus whose contributions to Saint Mary’s Hall and the greater community have set a standard worthy of recognition by Saint Mary’s Hall. The Momentum award is presented to an alumna or alumnus, 35-years-old or younger whose professional achievements have set a standard of excellence worthy of recognition by Saint Mary’s Hall (see a list of previous recipients). Nominate an alumna or alumnus for either award! Nominations must be received by January 15, 2019.
Looking Back 50 Years
In November of 1968, SMH moved to a new campus on Starcrest Drive with more than 300 students (including 119 boarders) and faculty. Visit our Happy 50th Birthday Starcrest Campus web page, and to learn more about our history, visit Our Story page.
In this photo, SMH students Maggie Parker, Nancy Wroe, June Hall, and Chula Reynolds study the site plans of the Starcrest Campus. The building in the background is the gymnasium. This photo was featured on the cover of the October 1967 Nota Bene.
There was still a lot of construction on campus and students had fun exploring the campus. In this picture, senior boarders from the Class of 1969 posed near the senior dorms. This picture, “The Boarding Department … Seniors,” was published in the 1969 issue of La Reata, the school yearbook, as well as The Shield, Fall 2014. Standing in the hole (l to r): Gail Anderson Cowper, Mary Frances “Francie” Brown Shanks, and Miriam “Mimi” Mead.
Around the Hall – Alumni Give Back
As this year’s Blue Tie speaker, Joseph Shields (Class of 2009), remembered sitting as a senior, waiting for his sister to put his blue tie around his neck. He reaffirmed that the blue tie is a symbol of school successes, as well as future responsibilities as leaders of the school. Thinking beyond today’s festivities, Joseph encouraged all seniors to view this year as a stepping stone into their future, deciding who they are and what they stand for. He encouraged everyone to pursue whatever gifts and passion the Lord has given them, and to grow them in a way to give back to others. He closed by offering congratulations, and reminded all to enjoy their senior year!
On November 12, our Upper and Middle School Chapels celebrated Veterans Day in honor of our veterans. SMH “lifers” Breanna-Lynn Montalvo (Class of 2013), and Aubree Lee (Class of 2014), gave presentations on Patriot Paws and the difference it is making in many veterans’ lives. Breanna-Lynn’s father, Master Sergeant (Retired) Edwin Montalvo, along with his beautiful service dog, Annie, spoke very movingly about his 25-year career in the Army, the immense challenges veterans face after separating or retiring from the military, the great support provided our Veterans by Patriot Paws, and how his own life has been changed for the better by Annie. Breanna-Lynn spoke equally movingly about what it is like to be the child of a veteran as her father was deployed seven years total before she was 15 years old. Aubree presented a fantastic overview of Patriot Paws since she has been volunteering with them for several years. Thank you to all our service members!
Megan Hoffman Steves (Class of 2000) helped plant and label this year’s Montessori Room 4 garden with various types of plants, flowers, and herbs. Megan is a former Room 4 student! It is wonderful having multiple generations of families at Saint Mary’s Hall!
Luis Garcia (Class of 2013) spoke to Upper School Math Teacher Jose Molina's Principles of Finance and Investing classes on November 8. Luis is an associate at REATA Real Estate. His talk focused on the commercial real estate industry. Luis educated the students on duties of a commercial real estate broker and why he chose to pursue a career in this arena. He also discussed the evolutionary state of the commercial real estate industry. He ended his presentation by discussing how one could invest in commercial real estate with less than $1,000.
Upper School Mathematics Teacher Jose Molina invited Fiona Mohamed (Class of 2014), who is sister to current SMH senior Tanzil Mohamed, to speak to his Investment class on September 27. She talked about her upcoming consulting job at Oliver Wyman and her process in choosing a career in business. Oliver Wyman is a leading global management consulting firm that combines deep industry knowledge and expertise, with close partnerships and relationships.
Keep In Touch
Keep In Touch
Stay Connected Through Saint Mary’s Hall Connect
Once a Baron, always a Baron!
We hope you will stay connected with your alma mater and fellow alumni, no matter where you live! This user-friendly platform gives you, as alumni, the ability to communicate with one another, network based on interests and careers, and help recent graduates land a first job. Our alumni platform, Saint Mary’s Hall Connect, is a great way to network with other Saint Mary’s Hall alumni! Signing up is quick and easy…just visit Saint Mary's Hall Connect today!
Rhonda Vasbinder
Director of Philanthropic Engagement
alumni@smhall.org
(210) 483-9243
Laird Loomis
Assistant Director of Alumni Relations
alumni@smhall.org
(210) 483-9243
Share Your Story
Do you have great news to share with your fellow SMH alumni? Maybe you landed your dream job, got married, had a baby, or went on an amazing vacation.
Tell us about it! Fill out this online form with your name, class year, latest news, and even upload photos. Your story may be highlighted in an upcoming issue of the Alumni Class Notes section of The Shield.
Do you receive The Shield?
The Fall 2018 edition of The Shield focused on our strategic plan, A Bold Plan for Excellence (read our digital edition). If you are not receiving The Shield and would like a printed copy or the digital edition, email us at editor@smhall.org.
Connect with SMH on Social Media
Get Involved
Get Involved
Would You Like to Help With Your Reunion?
Each year, we seek alumni volunteers to help coordinate class attendance at Alumni Weekend. Would you like to help with Alumni Reunion 2019?
Alumni are needed from the classes of 1969, 1994, and 2009. If you are interested in reconnecting with your classmates and helping with next year’s reunion, please email us at alumni@smhall.org.
Save the Date!
Alumni Reunion will be held on May 18, 2019. More details coming soon ...
In Memoriam
In Memoriam – Alumni
Mrs. Woodward Woodson Altgelt, Jr.
nee Dolly Celeste Morrow
Class of 1942
May 14, 2018
Mrs. Robert B. Mitchell
nee Joan Valdez
Class of 1942
June 19, 2018
Mrs. Michael M. Kemp
nee Mary Olney Alexander
Class of 1943
September 13, 2018
Mrs. Marshall T. Steves, Sr.
nee Allierose Patricia (Patsy) Galt
Class of 1943
February 18, 2018
Mrs. Albert J. Marucheau
nee Jacqueline (Jackie) Cosner
Class of 1944
July 18, 2018
Mrs. Donald Harrell
nee Betsy Fenstermaker
Class of 1952
January 7, 2018
Mrs. Donald C. McDonald
nee Carol Straus
Class of 1952
March 28, 2018
Mrs. Seth A. Newberger
Nee Kaye Lynn Epstein
Class of 1957
December 10, 2018
Mr. Edward Douglas (Doug) Muir, Jr.
Class of 1958
November 8, 2018
Mrs. Benjamin C. McPherson, Jr.
nee Marie Lois Leopold
Class of 1959
February 13, 2018
Mrs. Mary Lou (Molly) Burke
nee Mary Lou (Molly) Porter
Class of 1961
November 7, 2018
Mrs. Robert L. Schumacher, Jr.
nee Cora Susan (Suzy) Smith
Class of 1962
June 19, 2018
Ms. Clare Judd Moore
Class of 1965
August 27, 2018
Ms. Diane Irwin Grant
Class of 1966
October 14, 2018
Mrs. Nicholas Rasmussen
nee Julia Spencer Tucker
Class of 1966
October 5, 2018
Mr. Douglas Vachel McNeel
Class of 1970
October 5, 2018
Mrs. William Jones
nee Adreon B. Leslie
Class of 1971
March 19, 2018
Mrs. Donald Green
nee Kay Meriwether
Class of 1972
October 6, 2018
Mrs. Henry Monroe Sapp
nee Edith (Edie) Sugden Durham
Class of 1973
October 8, 2018
Mrs. Dennis Wayne Stacy
nee Julia Gage Kelleher
Class of 1975
April 12, 2018
Mrs. Laura Kirby Schoppe
Class of 1977
October 23, 2018
Mrs. Thomas Ike Pipes
nee Megan McKay Gardner
Class of 1981
September 2, 2018
Mrs. Dan Laws
nee Brooke O. Howe
Class of 1989
Former SMH Spanish Teacher
August 17, 2018
Mr. Randall (Randy) Hunter House, Jr.
Class of 2004
November 20, 2018
Mr. James Larkin Alcorn Crow
Class of 2017
September 12, 2018
Sympathy To
Sympathy To
Gloria Galt ’41, Marshall Terrell Steves, Jr. ’68,
Edward Galt Steves III ’70, Sam Bell Steves II ’73,
Sarah (Sera) Elizabeth Steves ’00, Megan Hoffman Steves '00, Gloria Galt Steves Dilley ’00, Sam (Tres) Bell Steves III ’03,
Lida (Emily) Wilhelmina Emilia Steves ’09, Sam
Bell Steves (Montessori), Edward Steves Dilley
(Montessori), and Michael Galt Steves
on the loss of a sister, mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother, Allierose Patricia (Patsy) Galt Steves ’43
Barbara Ballard Wommack ’50
and Carroll Wommack Andrews ’78
on the loss of a husband and father, Mitchell Campbell Wommack
Joan Negley Kelleher ’50, Ruth Kelleher
Agather ’79, and Kevin Gage Stacy ’10
on the loss of a daughter, sister, and mother,
Julia Gage Kelleher Stacy ’75
Patricia (Pat) Shield Ayres ’51 and Florence (Bitsy) Ayres Rubsamen ‘53
on the loss of a husband and brother, Richard Moss Ayres, Jr. and
on the loss of a brother and brother-in-law, George C. Ayres
Jane Bickham Benesch ’53
on the loss of her husband, Thomas (Tom) Richard Benesch
Mildred (Mimi) Beach Weber ’53 and Atlee Weber McCauley ‘89
on the loss of a husband and father, Donald E. Weber
Elizabeth (Betty) Lawrence Calvert ’55, Blair
Calvert Fitzsimons ’78, Sarah Calvert Doerr ’80,
Mollie Calvert Messari ’82, Fay Fitzsimons ’05,
Kate Fitzsimons ’11, and Spencer Doerr (Form 10)
on the loss of a husband, father, and grandfather,
Jonathan C. Calvert
Frances (Bobbi) Kallison Ravicz ‘56
on the loss of her husband Richard Lee Ravicz
Anita Ruth (Sugar) Smith ’56
on the loss of her sister, Cora Susan (Suzy) Smith Schumacher ’62
Linda Ann Lewis McSween ’57
on the loss of her husband, Paul Everette McSween, Jr.
Mary Vance Tucker Cassell ‘58
on the loss of her sister, Julia Spencer Tucker Rasmussen ’66
Carol Muir ’59 and Sabin Muir Nelson ‘62
On the loss of their brother, Edward Douglas (Doug) Muir, Jr. ’58
Brooke Rumsey Allison ’61
on the loss of her mother, Jean Browne Rumsey
Georgia Khym-Heath ‘63
on the loss of her mother, June V. Khym
Amanda Ochse MacDaniel ’63
on the loss of her mother, Amanda Hurst Ochse
Henry Pennell (former SMH Headmaster 1961-1966), Evelyn Pennell Breeden ’63, Betsy Pennell Bedrosian ’64, and Linda Pennell ‘69
on the loss of a wife and mother, Marion Pennell
Frances F. Chamberlain ’65
and Georgia Chamberlain ’66
on the loss of their mother, Mary Magdalene Anthony
(Maggie) Flannery
Celeste Altgelt Dullnig ’65, Christine (Tina) Altgelt
Haynes ’69, and Loyd Walter (Walt) Powell ’96
on the loss of their mother and grandmother, Dolly Celeste Morrow Altgelt ’42
Gay Meriwether Holt ‘66
on the loss of her sister, Kay Meriwether Green ’72
Neel McNeel Scott ’66, Maury Scott Oliver ’90, Nena McNeel Scott ’91, and Amy Rachal Scott ‘94
on the loss of a brother and uncle, Douglas Vachel McNeel ’70
Vivian Wood Dugger ’69
on the loss of her husband, Wylie Benjamin (Ben) Dugger
Lynda Jane Welch Lewis ’70
on the loss of her mother, Mabel Jane Welch
Hindi Lee Bergmann Wilson ’71
on the loss of her mother, Eleanor Lifshutz Bergmann
Clayton Gruy Erikson ‘72
on the loss of her mother, Beverly Timberlake Abbey
Deborah (Debbie) Yancy ’73
and Corinne Mani Yancy ’75
on the loss of a mother and mother-in-law, Lois Foster Yancy
Martha Kirby Capo ‘76
on the loss of her sister, Laura Kirby Schoppe ’77
Mary Durham Clark ’76, Peter John Holt ’05, Corinna Holt Richter’03, Hazel Ann Holt (Montessori), and James Holt Richter (Montessori)
on the loss of their step-father, grandfather, and great-grandfather,
Benjamin Dean (BD Peter) Holt, Jr.
Mary Durham Clark ’76
on the loss of her sister, Edith (Edie) Durham Sapp ‘73
Ellenore (E-Ore) Knight Baker ’82
on the loss of her mother, Anne Earle Knight
Abigail Ellen Reiner ‘83
On the loss of her mother, Kaye Epstein Newberger ‘57
Lindsey Howe Parham ’87
and John (Hort) Prentice Howe IV ’92
on the loss of their sister, Brooke Howe Laws ’89
Trustee Emerita Karen Hixon, George (Timo) Hixon ’89, Ashley Solcher Hixon ’94, Gideon (Foster) Hixon (Form 7), Clayton Elizabeth Hixon (Form 4), and Bryan Simpson Hixon ‘98
on the loss of a husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather, George C. (Tim) Hixon
Roxana McAllister Smith ’90, Courtney Solcher Marcus ’91, Alexander Scott McAllister ’92, Ashley Solcher Hixon ’94, Whitney Solcher Miller ’97, and Katherine (Kati) McAllister ’01
on the loss of their grandmother and aunt, Edith McAllister
Karin Marie Armstrong ’93
on the loss of her father, Dr. Raymond Gordon Armstrong
Melissa Marie Coindreau ‘95
on the loss of her father, Lawrence D. Coindreau
Arthur C. (Carson) Rubey IV ’96
and Shell Munro Koontz ’11
on the loss of a father and grandfather, Arthur C. (Casey) Rubey III
Houston Frost ’99, Josephine (Josie) Frost ’15,
and Julia Frost ’16
on the loss of their grandfather, Thomas (Tom) Clayborne Frost
Brandon Thomas Swift ’00
and Nicole (Nikki) Earleen Swift ’05
on the loss of their grandmother, Helen Louise Mowers
Alan Jonathan Holden ’01
on the loss of his mother, Josephine Arredondo Holden, Ph.D.
Tiffany Laurel House ’01 and Andrea Rachelle Faris ‘03
on the loss of their brother, Randall (Randy) Hunter House ’04
Kenneth Adams IV ’03 and Barclay Adams ’06
on the loss of their grandfather, Andrew Jackson (Jack) Lewis, Jr.
Christopher Bankler ’04 and Lauren Bankler ’05
on the loss of their grandmother, Luise Bankler
Henry Clay Johnson ’05
on the loss of his grandfather, Thomas Davis Stribling
Satchie Leighton Seidlits ’07
on the loss of her mother, Satchie Dolan Leighton
Whitney Lynn Larson ’08
on the loss of her father, Keith Douglas Larson
Kathleen Strauss ’11 and Coleman Patrick Staruss ’15
on the loss of their grandfather, Jack Woods Coleman
Heather Owings ’14, Katie Owings ’18,
and Alexandra Owings (Form 11)
on the loss of their grandmother, Mary Olney Alexander Kemp ’43
Cathy Leavitt ’15, Jackie Leavitt (Form 12),
Maggie Leavitt (Form 10), and Andy Leavitt (Form 8)
on the loss of their father, James W. Leavitt
Andrea Sala ’16, Isabel Sala (Form 11), and Daniela Sala (Form 8)
on the loss of their grandfather, Oscar V. Sala
John Stanton (Jack) Fisher ’17 and Andrew Bradley Fisher (Form 9)
on the loss of their sister, Katherine Ashley (Kate) Fisher