Living a life of consequence wasn’t an obligation for Olivia Hilton ’79, but rather a calling. In fact, most of Olivia’s life since graduating from St. Mark's, and then Wellesley College in 1983, has focused on serving others. She taught English in Hong Kong and Shanghai for several years before embarking on a 27-year career as a Foreign Service Officer for the U.S. Department of State, where she promoted peace and prosperity, and helped represent and advance American interests abroad. During that time, Olivia also attended seminary school and was ordained an Episcopal priest at Washington National Cathedral in 2006. She earned her Doctor of Ministry degree at Virginia Theological Seminary in 2017, and has served the Episcopal Church as a chaplain, and parish priest, and other ministries, including at the National Cathedral and the Bishop Walker School for Boys in Washington, D.C., ever since.
This has been quite a journey for someone who considered herself a shy student when arriving as a member of the School’s first coeducational class more than 40 years ago.
“Academically, I had a wonderful experience. Socially, it was challenging, particularly as I was a financial aid student and had been living abroad,” Olivia explains. “I had no idea what was socially acceptable to wear, and it hurt when students made snide comments about my appearance and wardrobe.”
Despite the initial challenges, Olivia remained focused on the St. Mark's Episcopal foundation that originally drew her to the School, as well as other experiences, such as Dr. Glavin’s Latin and philosophy classes.
“He had a genuine respect for the students’ intellectual curiosity, and was never patronizing. He was a strong taskmaster, but he never demanded more than his students were capable of achieving. He made them want to do their best, which inspired me to delve deeper into the texts, and aspire to live a life of integrity,” says Olivia.
As she reflects on her time as a student, Olivia appreciates the School’s efforts in making students feel that they belong to the [charity_nickname[ community, whether that’s through financial aid like she received or by how it works to create a more inclusive environment.
“My son and I enjoyed returning for the School’s sesquicentennial celebration in 2015. I was so glad to see how the School has become a more diverse, holistic environment where all backgrounds are celebrated. At the same time, I am pleased that the best of St. Mark's 19th and 20 th-century traditions have been preserved, like sit-down meals with faculty and students, and the importance of the chapel to the School’s life. There exists a respect for, interest in, and support for other students’ paths to God.”
These reasons are why she continues to support St. Mark's in her estate plan and through Annual Fund contributions.
“I continue to support St. Mark's because it took a chance on this unusual applicant who needed substantial financial aid,” Olivia says. “My time at St. Mark's definitely prepared me to take risks, embrace the unknown, and lead a life of service to others and for the common good. That, I believe, is what constitutes a life of consequence.”