Celebrating 20 Years of Service to St. Mark’s

At this year’s opening meetings in the Putnam Family Arts Center’s Class of ’45 Hall, St. Mark’s faculty and staff celebrated three colleagues beginning their 20th year of service to the School.

Head of School John C. Warren ’74 presented framed photographs and Simon Pearce glass bowls to Director of Admission Anne Behnke, English Department Chair Sarah McCann, and Facilities team member Charles (Chuck) Ripley, Jr. P’16, to commemorate their many contributions to St. Mark’s over the last two decades.

Behnke and McCann shared personal reflections, recalling their earliest days at the School and many memorable experiences over the years, while Ripley noted his appreciation for the education his son, Jasen ’16, received at St. Mark’s. All three honorees thanked Mr. Warren and their colleagues for their continued support and friendship.

“I have learned what it’s like to be a part of a loving and forgiving community, an institution where we’re all expected to learn constantly and to be supported in that learning,” said McCann, who currently holds the Sydney Tyler Chair in Creative Writing and coordinates the Gray Colloquium.

“Thank you, everyone here today, and everyone not here, who have been so important to me during my time at St. Mark’s,” McCann continued. “I’m grateful for my English Department colleagues. I absolutely love our English crew, with its many voices. I learn so much from each of you.”

Behnke estimated that during her time at the School, she has read approximately 14,000 applications, interviewed 2,200 applicants, accepted 4,400 students, and enrolled 1,800 St. Markers. “I have interviewed Elle Macpherson, Chief Justice Roberts, Chris Evert’s sister, Cyndi Lauper’s husband, and met the president of Rwanda,” continued Behnke, who has worked in the field of admissions for 42 years.

“I could never do what I do without the amazing team I work with and the incredible students that have walked through these doors in my time here,” she added.

Behnke also recognized her fellow honorees, calling McCann “the best friend anyone could ask for” and thanking Ripley “for always being on the other end of pleas for help!” She said it was an honor to celebrate 20 years with them, and pointed out what St. Mark’s colleagues often say of Ripley: “I have never seen you without a smile!”

As Ripley proclaimed, “I have always been happy to come to work every day!”

Thank you and congratulations on two decades at St. Mark’s, Anne, Sarah, and Chuck!