If the epic trip across Asia could be summed up in one word, it would be gratitude. In Chinese, the word doesn’t translate exactly as it does in English, but guanxi — the concept of relationships and connections — captures the spirit and purpose of the journey, which was 18 months in the making.

As part of St. Stephen’s 75th anniversary celebration and in recognition of the school’s 40-year-old International Program, Head of School Chris Gunnin, Director of the International Program Sarah Todd, Associate Director of the International Program Hai Zheng Olefsky and Director of Advancement April Speck-Ewer visited Taiwan, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing.

“In a year when we’re celebrating the school’s history, it didn’t feel appropriate to stay put in Austin,” said Gunnin. “We believe in how important our international families and students are to our community. It was necessary and worthy and beautiful.”

The group met individually with nearly 60 St. Stephen’s current parents, parents of alumni and alumni families, and visited with more than 150 members of the Spartan community at receptions in each city. From families hosting small gatherings to alumni traveling long distances to attend events, the group shared one common goal: celebrating their connection to St. Stephen’s through stories, memories and hopes for the future. 

“I feel very honored and privileged to be part of this Asia trip team, and it was a memorable experience to engage with and renew bonds among the wonderful St. Stephen’s communities in those four cities,” said Zheng Olefsky. “Mrs. Todd has been going for years, but what I really admired on this trip was how much she cared — and her commitment over the past 30 years to build up these relationships and friendships.”

Todd, who has traveled to Asia for the school for three decades, said the trip felt especially meaningful.

“We were celebrating the achievements of people who’ve been here,” Todd said. “Besides gratitude, we want the families to know how important it was to us that they came and gave their time, their energy, their thoughts, their resources. For me, there was a whole new level of positive energy.”

The historic trip represents years of intentional work to build relationships and create a campus that welcomes students from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

“I was so touched by the level of appreciation and gratitude,” said Gunnin. “Part of my job was to convey our school’s gratitude for them taking this leap of faith and sharing their children with us. I truly believe we can’t be the school we aspire to be without a significant number of our students coming to Austin from other countries. There is a real level of sacrifice that these parents and students make.”

In the end, the trip was not only memorable and deeply meaningful — it also offered unmistakable evidence of the mutual gratitude that continues to strengthen long-lasting relationships.

“Every person we met with asked us to express their deep gratitude to the faculty, staff, host parents and members of the greater St. Stephen’s family for helping our international students feel so at home on The Hill,” said Speck-Ewer. “Our international alumni consistently thank the school for equipping them for college and career success and for helping them establish lifelong friendships and global connections.”

This story was originally published here in the Winter 2026 Spartan Magazine.

Learn more about St. Stephen's International Program
Learn more about St. Stephen's 75th Anniversary Celebration