A record-breaking number of alums–and their families–returned to The Hill for an unforgettable weekend of reconnecting and celebrating the  Spartan bond.

St. Stephen’s celebrated record attendance with nearly 400 people at Reunion Weekend 2025 — an annual three-day event, hosted by the Spartan Alumni Association.

Attendees spanned the classes of 1951 to 2024 and celebrations were planned for students whose graduation year ends in 0s and 5s.

The entire event was co-chaired by Liza Ayres ’14, Louise McNutt Brazitis ’07 and Mallory Boyle ’04. Under their leadership, the Reunion committee planned 16 different meaningful events and activities on campus between Friday and Sunday. In addition, 11 classes and class groups held their own off-campus evening dinners and cocktail parties in various parts of Austin. 

Friday’s festivities kicked off with the Pioneer Dinner under the twinkling outdoor lights of the Bowen Fine Arts Studio, honoring those celebrating 50 or more years as a Spartan alum (classes 1951 to 1975). Alumni enjoyed a beautiful performance by The Madrigals and a toast by Head of School Chris Gunnin.

One of the key figures to attend was Will Brewster ’51, the 91-year-old son Rev. William Brewster, St. Stephen’s co-founder and first headmaster.. It was Will Brewster’s first time back on campus since 2018. While the buildings have changed since he was a boarding student and one of the first graduates, he said the natural beauty and academic experience remains the same. He says his father would be proud. 

“I think he would be absolutely amazed at the expansion, and if he delved into the curriculum he would feel so fulfilled,” said Brewster. “And I think he would smile about the diversity of the campus.”

On Saturday, alumni celebrated at the Spartan Alumni Awards & Leadership Brunch cheering on five 2025 honorees.

Spartan Alumni Association President Shannon Powers Flahive ’96 presented the Founders Award for Distinguished Service to Clarke Heidrick, Jr. ’68. Heidrick has served on the board of trustees, co-chaired the Frame the Future campaign, and currently serves on the Chapel Committee for St. Stephen's comprehensive campaign. During his acceptance remarks, Heidrick gave a nod to several Spartans who made him a better person, including his best friend John MacFarland ’68, Rev. Bob Phipps, Dr. Lawrence Becker and Bishop John Hines. 

Hank Ewert ’70 presented the Spartan Alumni Leadership Awards to Jeannette Schaleben Cook ’58 and Fred Myers ’71. Cook has been a dedicated volunteer for 67 years, has played a key role in planning class parties and has been instrumental in reconnecting classmates and encouraging alumni from the late 1950s to attend Reunion Weekend. 

Myers, who was nominated by 20 of his classmates, has been a dedicated supporter of the school for 54 years and served on the board of trustees from 1997 to 2003. Together, Myers and his wife, Jennifer own Jennifer’s Inn and Gardens in Central Austin, where they have generously hosted numerous Spartan gatherings — including class parties and the Spartan New Year Party.

Alice Nezzer ’87 presented the Spartan Impact Award to author Sallie Smither Crotty ’84. In Crotty’s 2022 memoir “Out of the Ashes: A Story of Recovery and Hope,” she details her midlife mental health struggles, time spent in a psychiatric ward, and how lacking a clear diagnosis almost led to her death. She also explains how proper care and receiving the right diagnosis and treatment can provide hope, stability and a path to happiness.

Louise McNutt Brazitis ’07 presented the first-ever Spartan Young Alumni Achievement Award to Alexandra “Alex” Mauro, M.D. ’07, a physician in the United States Navy who embodies the school’s mission of service and global impact. Mauro is currently stationed in Japan, and her mother accepted the award on her behalf.

Click here to learn more about each award recipient.

Following the brunch, Gunnin delivered a State of the School presentation where he shared about current life at SSES, the school’s vision for celebrating our 75th anniversary during the 2025-26 academic year and important milestones in the comprehensive campaign.

“How do we prepare students for their futures and not our pasts?” asked Gunnin.

New Reunion Weekend events were big hits, including the Parents of Alumni Reception and the Former Faculty Reception. During a classroom activity called Classes without Quizzes, English Department Chair Dr. Colleen Hynes and Dr. Jenneken Van Keppel led alumni in an exercise of analyzing poetry — as if they were students in an Upper School English class again.

For the first time, parents of the classes of 2015 to 2025 alumni were invited to a reception in the Helm Fine Arts Center lobby. Simultaneously, alumni gathered in Bowen for the Decades Happy Hour and the “Taste of Austin” where local food trucks were set up. Families grabbed pizza, burgers and ice cream and enjoyed a lovely evening together.

Closing out the weekend activities, boarding students and alumni came together on Sunday morning for a special chapel service with former faculty member Jim Crosby ’70. He shared about his experience on The Hill where he lived, raised his children and taught as a residential faculty member. His main message to students was that they have so much more to look forward to as a Spartan, and current experiences are setting them up to achieve great things in the future. Crosby ended the service by performing a song he wrote more than 25 years ago called “Other Folks’ Shoes,” which he often performed for his senior Theology students.

The Spartan Alumni Association Board, Director of Alumni Relations Michelle Geo Olmstead and Alumni Engagement Officer David Allen offer a big thank you to all Spartans who returned to campus for Reunion Weekend 2025.

 “We are grateful to the many alumni and community members who joined us on The Hill this past weekend, and we look forward to seeing you next year when we celebrate our 75th Anniversary,” said Olmstead.

Save the date and mark your calendars now for Reunion Weekend 2026, scheduled for April 17-19, 2026.