A Commitment to Perseverance: Dr. Neal Stone ’70 Leaves a Legacy for Future Lions
For Dr. Nelson “Neal” Stone ’70, the decision to include St. Mark's in his estate plans was rooted in gratitude—for the values instilled in him as a young student and the confidence he gained through perseverance.
“I arrived at St. Mark's with a strong interest in science but poor writing skills,” he recalls. “English was especially hard. I remember turning in a short story to Mr. Jay Engel, which he praised—but still gave an ‘F’ because of a single punctuation error. Years later, I took Shakespeare with him, and we bonded over our shared love of the plays. It was a reminder that growth is possible—and that success isn’t linear.”
By the time Neal entered college, something had shifted. “I became a literal embodiment of age quod agis—do well whatever you do. I truly believed I could master anything if I was willing to work hard and persevere.” That mindset carried him through a distinguished career as a urologic oncologist, educator, and entrepreneur. Today, he’s authored more than 500 academic publications and continues to stay current, reading 10 scientific articles a week—at age 73.
His philanthropy, like his career, is intentional and impact-driven. “I give where I can see tangible outcomes,” he explains. “St. Mark's fosters values I care deeply about: resilience, responsibility, and collaboration. I want to ensure that continues.”
By naming St. Mark's as a beneficiary of his estate, Dr. Stone is making a lasting investment in the School’s future. “AI may transform education, but it can’t replicate the boarding school experience—living and learning together. That’s something special.”
To students forging their own paths, he offers this: “Don’t stereotype yourself. The journey matters more than the destination. Keep learning, stay humble, and always remember—success is a team effort.”