As St. Stephen’s celebrates its 75th year, Head of School Chris Gunnin inspires boldness in the next generation to be something bigger than themselves, modeling the same courage of the school’s fearless founders.

Head of School Chris Gunnin delivered a moving chapel talk recently, kicking off St. Stephen’s 75th year with students by taking time to reflect on the importance of the brave vision of the school’s Episcopal founders, Rev. William Brewster and Bishop John E. Hines. Gunnin shared that their decision to open the school came after two wars and during a time of intense racial segregation. There was plenty of evidence that their experiment of starting an Episcopal boarding school may not work, but despite the odds, external criticism and doubt, the school opened in 1950.  

“[The founders] believed that a new school in the rugged hill country of Texas was essential for the recovery of humans,” said Gunnin. “As Spartans, we are part of something bigger than ourselves. Seventy-five years later, we are our founders’ dreams still coming true. We stand on the shoulders of giants who came before us. That is a source of pride. And that belief gives me a stronger sense of belonging and a greater sense of purpose."

Modeling Brewster and Hines’ example, Gunnin says the responsibility of realizing their greatness does not solely rest with students, but comes to fruition with the guidance of caring faculty.

“Since 1950, faculty who are true experts in their fields and true experts in inspiring a lasting love of learning have come to this campus to elevate learning, to help students develop sharp minds, compassionate hearts and fierce spirits,” said Gunnin. “[The founders] have built a culture where it’s cool to be smart, it’s cool to fully engage in school and community life, and where good enough is never good enough. We are the beneficiaries of [our founders] wisdom and tireless efforts. Our curriculum, policies, practices and beliefs about what makes a great school were not invented overnight; they have been shaped and intentionally refined for 75 years by caring, committed and wise teachers. Their legacies resonate and live on in the work that is done and in the lives that we live today.”

Gunnin said a recent example of “being something bigger than ourselves” is St. Stephen’s being named one of the top 20 schools in North America by Carfax Education, an educational consulting agency.

“This is great news, and it comes, I think, with a great responsibility,” said Gunnin. “We have inherited this legacy, and we have a responsibility to those who came before us and to those who will follow, to be good stewards of this community, our resources, our core values, our mission and our reputation. We have a responsibility to take full advantage of this moment, this year and the opportunities before us every day.”

Gunnin continued by sharing that the school is in the midst of a multimillion-dollar capital campaign to ensure the future of St. Stephen’s remains true to its mission. Gunnin wanted students to understand the complexity of the true cost of a St. Stephen’s education, and is one that requires, like those of the founders, bold decisions and people who care about something bigger than themselves.

“Tuition dollars have never paid for the land that our campus rests on, it never paid for the buildings we work and play and live in, and tuition doesn’t cover the full cost of operating our school each year. Instead, we are funded by literally thousands of donors who believe in this school, who believe in our faculty and staff, and who believe in you,” said Gunnin. “All of us are the dreams coming true of the donors who support St. Stephen’s. In your time here as students, I look forward to announcing gifts to the school that will provide new spaces for us to enjoy, new resources for financial assistance, new resources for faculty and staff, and new resources for our programs. I hope that you will take pride in the generosity of donors who believe in you and in your school.”

Building on the founders' efforts 75 years ago, Gunnin concluded by motivating the students to realize their opportunity to make an indelible impact at St. Stephen’s.

“We have the responsibility to continue strengthening this community and to serve and lead the communities beyond our gates today and in the years ahead,” said Gunnin. “I am grateful for each one of you. I am grateful for this moment and the opportunities we have together every day. And I hope that you all find meaning, purpose and a deep sense of belonging in the knowledge that as Spartans you are part of something much bigger than yourself."

Read the full transcript.

Learn more about St. Stephen’s 75 year history and celebration.