The 2020-2021 academic year brought continued transition to the St. Mark’s community. After months of planning, students and faculty returned to campus in early September. While new social distancing measures impacted the physical movement around campus, Marksmen and faculty alike demonstrated tremendous intentionality and support in caring for one another and working together to deliver as complete an educational experience as possible. Guided by the strategic initiatives laid out in Goals for St. Mark’s IV, conversations also moved forward around topics such as Access and Affordability, Athletics Center planning, and Community, Inclusion, and Diversity.  Finally, the spring semester welcomed the return of many end-of-year traditions honoring and celebrating the many accomplishments of all Marksmen.

Twice during this academic year, our St. Mark’s community paused to come together to take time to reflect on the events of the previous 18 months. In October, we reflected on the impact of the 2019 tornado that struck our campus, impacted many St. Mark’s families, and devastated the broader Dallas community. In March, we reflected on the adversity faced throughout a global pandemic and the lessons learned in the determination, resilience, and optimism provided by our boys each day. Through it all, we remained grateful for being a part of a St. Mark’s community that cares for and supports each other through our triumphs and our challenges.

Fostering an inclusive and diverse community is a crucial part of what makes St. Mark's special. On campus, teachers regularly expose students to new, unique points of view and open their eyes to the realities experienced by people across the world. While there has been continuing emphasis placed on the value and importance of inclusion and diversity at St. Mark’s, recent tragic events of discrimination and racial injustice have highlighted the need to bring greater intentionality, resources, and focus to our efforts. Following extensive community conversations over the summer, the School formed a strategic Committee on Community, Inclusion, and Diversity. The purpose of this Committee is to strengthen and improve the overall St. Mark’s experience, and the Committee is currently reviewing, evaluating, and assessing current and prospective programs and activities across campus that support the School’s commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive community for every boy. Additionally, a new senior administrative position was established in 2020. Lorre Allen was appointed to serve as Director of Inclusion, Diversity, and Human Resources and plays an even more important role of supporting both students and employees across the campus.

Click here to read more about Community, Inclusion, and Diversity work at St. Mark’s.