Campus Visitors

(top and above) Students talk with Cornel West and Robert George at Upper School Assembly

(top right and right) Students learn from visiting authors at the Literary Festival Cornel West and Robert George

In a world of increasingly polarized viewpoints, two world-renowned professors are on a mission to promote civil discourse. Cornel West of Columbia University and Robert George of Princeton University consider each other close friends and respected colleagues, even as they identify on opposite sides of the political spectrum. The pair returned to St. Mark’s and presented a special Upper School Assembly titled “TruthSeeking, Democracy, and Freedom of Thought and Expression.” In their talk, the duo discussed the importance of respecting others and learning to listen. As Professor George told the students, “Let’s get back to fundamentals here: virtues like openness of mind, willingness to acknowledge one’s own fallibility, and the recognition that one could be wrong, even about deep, important things.” In addition to their Upper School Assembly, the pair also had lunch with members of the Senior Class and visited Lower School classrooms. Literary Festival

St. Mark’s hosted five incredible writers at the 15th annual Literary Festival: • Journalist Josh Harkinson ’95 • Bestselling science writer Sam Kean • Novelist Christopher Boucher • Slam poet Sherrie Zantea • Bestselling memoirist Rhoda Janzen (2022 Brent P. Johnson ’89 Guest Writer)

The writers spent two days visiting with classes across campus, from Journalism to Environmental Science. During a special Upper School Assembly, the five writers also delved deeper into their inspirations, writing processes, and the steps that led each down their career paths. The broader Dallas community also had the chance to hear from these special guests at the evening Writers’ Forum.

Taylor Jenkins ’03

Taylor Jenkins ’03, Head Coach of the Memphis Grizzlies, spent an afternoon sharing his life and NBA experiences with students and coaches while his team was in town. He shared lunch with the captains of the Lions’ varsity sports teams and then chatted with members of St. Mark’s coaching staff. Taylor’s visit also included a special reunion with his own St. Mark’s basketball coach, Scott Jolly, who now serves as Assistant Headmaster for External Affairs. SSG Moises Rangel

Army Ranger, Staff Sergeant Moises Rangel, spoke with Mrs. Santosuosso’s class, "A History of Special Ops since 1945." SSG Rangel shared his experiences serving as an infantryman with the 75th Ranger Regiment and as a defense contractor in Iraq and Afghanistan, answering questions about recent events in both areas of conflict. SSG Rangel also discussed his current role as a Psychological Operations Specialist in the Army Reserves.

(top left and bottom left) Visiting authors speak to students

(top right) SSG Moises Rangel

(bottom right) Taylor Jenkins ’03