Each day at 10600 Preston Road, philanthropic contributions impact campus life. From student programs in academics, arts, and athletics to financial aid, faculty salaries, and much more, philanthropy makes an indelible mark on every Marksman’s experience. The generosity of our community inspires Marksmen to do their best, care for others, and change the world. Your support truly makes a difference and makes the St. Mark’s experience extraordinary.

Last January, the 13th annual St. Mark’s Literary Festival welcomed four distinguished writers to campus. The authors visited with students across campus, discussed their work, and judged a writing contest for Upper School students.

The Literary Festival is a great example of what can happen when student innovation, faculty encouragement, and community support coalesce. After launching in 2008, the Literary Festival quickly became a staple of the Marksmen experience. In partnership with Victor F. White Master Teaching Chair in English David Brown, the Literary Festival has grown over the years and offers a variety of leadership opportunities to students.

Gwen Johnson and her late husband, Paul, established the Brent P. Johnson ’89 Endowment Fund in 2010 in memory of their son, which continues to be supported by the Johnson Family and members of the Class of 1989. In 2015, as the Literary Festival continued to grow, Gwen expressed an interest in directing funds to augment the program after learning of its impact on campus. This coming year, thanks to the generosity of the Johnson Family and others, the Festival’s annual keynote speaker will now be named the Brent P. Johnson ’89 Speaker.

The Literary Festival has invited sixty-four panelists to speak on campus since 2008. Fifteen of those visiting speakers have been alumni. To read more about the St. Mark’s Literary Festival, visit smtexas.org/LitFest.

UNPRECEDENTED ALUMNI SUPPORT DURING UNCERTAIN TIMES

The impact of St. Mark’s graduates on the current Marksmen experience is profound. Alumni support their alma mater by returning to 10600 Preston Road to speak with and mentor students, staying connected to one another and the School, and making a gift to the St. Mark’s Fund, which comprises 11 percent of the School’s annual operating budget.

In a year when the School was forced to navigate a significant tornado recovery effort and a global pandemic, our alumni helped to lead the way. With traditions including Homecoming and Alumni Weekend being postponed, the Alumni Association found new ways to connect and engage with the School. In June, the Alumni Board launched Marksmen Week, providing an opportunity for virtual engagement with special faculty and alumni guest speakers.

“It would be an understatement to say that the last year has thrown a few curveballs at the School we all love. But what defines St. Mark’s is our response to those challenges. The community pulled together after a devastating tornado, followed by a global pandemic, in ways that are truly inspiring.”

Thanks in part to Marksmen Week, more than 900 community members made a gift to the St. Mark’s Fund in the fiscal year’s final month, contributing $480,000 and eclipsing more than 50 percent alumni participation for the twelfth consecutive year. 

2020 challenged the St. Mark’s community in many ways, with one constant holding true. St. Mark’s graduates care deeply for their School.