I had often heard about St. Mark's from my father who was in the Class of 1938. He went on to a career as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer and was frequently posted overseas. He and my mother had always assumed they would send me to a boarding school in the U.S. for high school. Recognizing the fine education and lifelong friendships that St. Mark's had given him, they decided that St. Mark's was the school for me as well.
St. Mark's offered me a top-quality education, especially in English, History and Latin. I was fortunate to have terrific, committed teachers, in particular Messrs. Gula, Engel and Zane, who provided me with a foundation I have used ever since. St. Mark's, furthermore, was a demanding environment with tight schedules, morning work programs, rules and regulations, and countless bells. Navigating all that helped me become far more independent, organized, and self-reliant. I am grateful.
My favorite memories are of my friends and teammates and our tennis matches against other schools. Our tennis team was strong and had a lot of success, although we never beat Groton, something I regret to this day, since Groton was THE ENEMY.
St. Mark's is a much different school now, of course. It is co-ed, dramatically more diverse and international, and more in tune with the world today. It has far better facilities for science and the arts. There are many more students, and the campus has expanded. During our 50th reunion, we were able to attend classes and the teachers and students impressed me enormously.
My wife Mary and I continue to support St. Mark's through our philanthropy because we recognize the extraordinary education St. Mark's offers and want others to benefit as I did. I was fortunate to have been able to go to St. Mark's. Family tradition was one reason, but also, my parents could afford to send me. Not everyone has that opportunity. Providing support, especially with my classmates through the Class of 1971 Scholarship Fund, will help students today have access to an outstanding education the way I had.