Celebrating Excellence: 2025 Alumni Awards Honors Outstanding St. Markers

On Friday, April 11, the St. Mark’s community gathered in the Putnam Family Arts Center’s Class of ’45 Hall to celebrate the accomplishments and impact of eight remarkable alumni and induct them into the Cloister of Distinguished Alumni. With fellow alumni, students, faculty, staff, and families in attendance, the event highlighted the profound ways St. Markers continue to lead lives of consequence around the world.

Head of School Dr. Ivory D. Hills opened the ceremony by celebrating the remarkable achievements of this year’s honorees, highlighting how they embody the values of St. Mark’s well beyond their time on campus. Taren Bradley ’93, Chair of the Alumni Awards Committee, followed with a thoughtful introduction of the inductees, reflecting on the committee’s thorough selection process and the meaningful conversations around what it means to exemplify excellence.

Established in 2009, the Alumni Awards Program recognizes graduates who have made significant contributions to their professions and communities, embodying the School’s motto, Age Quod Agis—“Do What You Do Well.” This year’s honorees represent a wide range of achievements in medicine, public service, business, education, sports, and the arts.

2025 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients:

● Cynthia D. McGarey SS’74, P’02, a trailblazer in golf course design and an advocate for women in the field.

● Dr. Michael C. V. Jensen ’82, a leader in pediatric cancer research and a pioneer in immunotherapy treatments.

● Ashley E. Merriman ’94, a renowned chef turned fashion industry innovator, whose work at Bindle & Keep brings visibility and dignity to the LGBTQ+ community.

● Joseph C. Lewis ’97, a leader in the finance industry dedicated to non-profit work in equity and innovation in education.

2025 Lives of Consequence Award Recipients:

● Dr. Aurora N. Quaye ’99, an anesthesiologist focused on opioid use disorder management and sustainable anesthesia practices.

● Bridgette L. Hylton ’02, an attorney and entrepreneur who is a dedicated community leader and social justice advocate.

● Dr. Colin M. Smith ’07, a public health researcher tackling environmental health challenges around the globe.

● J. Peter Kazickas ’11, an entrepreneur whose work has focused on bringing cutting-edge technology to underserved communities.

The evening was filled with gratitude, laughter, and even a few tears as each recipient shared heartfelt remarks about their time at St. Mark’s and the paths they’ve taken since Prize Day. Prior to the ceremony, the award winners connected with current students, whose questions were then answered onstage, offering words of advice and encouragement, and showing that the St. Mark’s bond spans generations.

View photos of the 2025 Alumni Awards Ceremony

Learn more about the 2025 Alumni Award recipients

Watch a recording of the ceremony livestream below.

 

Photograph by Andy Weigl. Top Row (L-R) Dr. Ivory D. Hills, Cynthia D. McGarey SS’74, P’02, Ashley E. Merriman ’94, Joseph C. Lewis ’97, Dr. Michael C. V. Jensen ’82, Taren Bradley ’93. Bottom Row (L-R) J. Peter Kazickas ’11, Dr. Aurora N. Quaye ’99, Dr. Colin M. Smith ’07. Not pictured: Bridgette L. Hylton ’02.