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Gray Colloquium

The C. Boyden Gray Colloquium is designed to engage St. Mark’s students in an exploration of one complex global issue annually.

Students hear from outside speakers with varying viewpoints, participate in small group discussions, write about and debate the issue, and take part in all-community events. The late C. Boyden Gray ’60, former Board president and trustee, committed $1.5 million to fund this annual yearlong learning exercise.

St. Markers, Gray believed, “should think in big terms and be inquisitive about the outside world.” Gray, a former U.S. ambassador to the European Union, White House counsel to the first President Bush, and recipient of the Presidential Citizens Medal, wished that tackling these topics in an intensive fashion would inspire students to serve their country and the world.

2024-2025 Gray Colloquium Series 

Theme: You're Never Too Young to Change the World 

Speakers: 
September 26: Melvin Adams 
October 10: Olmeca
November 7: Robert Anthony
January 30: Nasra Ayub
February 20: Desmond Napoles
April 17: Fatimah Asghar

November 7: Robert Anthony
Robert was born with Fibular Hemimelia, a birth defect that led to his amputation at just 10 months old. Facing numerous challenges throughout his youth, including the absence of a consistent father figure, surviving abuse, and a life-altering house fire, Robert's journey was far from easy. However, these trials only fortified his resolve, transforming his struggles into a powerful narrative of resilience and determination.

Now a devoted father and husband, Robert has turned his hardships into a source of inspiration for others. He has traveled extensively across the country, sharing his message of hope and resilience at conferences, corporations, and educational institutions, reaching over 100,000 students.
Past Speakers

Gray Colloquium Archive