By Jackie Huang ‘24
October 1st, 2022 officially marked the end of Lives of Consequence: The Campaign for St. Mark’s School. A grand closing ceremony was held on Belmont field. This fundraising initiative took place over the course of around ten years and has helped complete several significant capital projects and contributed greatly to the enrichment of academic and community life.
According to the school website, the “Lives of Consequence is a comprehensive $110 million fundraising initiative that will empower St. Mark’s School to deliver an education focused on the intellectual, character, and leadership development of our students—enabling them to grow into citizens who not only do well but who also assume a lifelong commitment to doing good.”
The projects that the campaign has helped created include The Burgess Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning, The STEM Center, Space for Burnett House, Athletic facility renovations (Sargent Family Field, Elkins Field House, Armor Cage, the T. Jefferson Coolidge Jr. ’50 Athletic Performance and Wellness Center, the Wiedergott Fitness Room, and the hockey shooting room) and the development of Global Citizenship Program. Current and ongoing projects include the Residential Life Initiative (construction of the new dorm to transform the living and learning experience) and continued support for the Faculty Excellence Fund and investment in Financial Aid.
On the day of the closing ceremony, under a heated, colorful, and thoroughly decorated tent, the many alumni, trustees, parents, teachers, and other attendees were full of excitement. Apart from the speeches and accounts given by Mr.Warren, Rev. Solter, Ms.Finn, Ms.Bates, Mr. Burgess, and others, the ceremony also featured student-built robots and performances. The Choir and some Acapella group members entered the stage for a countdown to the reveal of the new Patterson-Sculley house which soon turned into a singing performance of “Welcome to My House” and a light show played on the new building. The evening reached its climax when the Monitors and Pathways prefects revealed the final fundraising total of $112,042,614, as confetti filled the air. Afterwards, attendees enjoyed great conversations and delicious food. There were many memorable photos taken at the photo booth and great moves were seen on the dance floor!
Though the campaign has come to an end, its impact continues to highlight the bright future ahead for St.Marks School!