In the sciences, and all across campus, Marksmen learn the value of collaboration. Every member of a team, whether it be on the playing field or in the laboratory, is expected to do their part to move the group forward. The team that led the Science Center Project is no different.

“We have been incredibly fortunate to have an outstanding team leading the Science Center project,” said David W. Dini, Eugene McDermott Headmaster. “From the beginning of our planning more than five years ago, Trustees, faculty, and our professional staff have joined forces with an exceptional team of architects, planners, contractors, and other service providers to ensure that the new Winn Science Center and renovated McDermott-Green Science Building not only meet but exceed our aspirations for the future.”

The St. Mark’s community is filled with experts and leaders in industries from construction and engineering to finance and project management. These individuals have proved invaluable during the multi-year Science Center Project, giving their resources and energy to address the thousands of decisions and details that went into this endeavor. It is nearly impossible to place a value on the untold hours invested by community volunteers.

In 2014, as momentum began building for a new science facility, the Board of Trustees formed the Architecture and Construction Committee. Led by Trustees Jon Mosle ’79 and David Campbell ’86, this group selected and then partnered with Robert A.M. Stern Architects, Hera Labs, The Beck Group, and other companies to design the Winn Science Center and plan for its construction.

As the Science Center has transitioned from planning to construction, volunteers continue to play a major role in leading the Project. St. Mark’s Trustee and parent Steve Rogers had been a key supporter, drawing on his own vast experience as president of a commercial real estate investment firm.

“The Winn Science Center is an extension of the vision set by the McDermotts and Greens 70 years ago,” Steve said. “Thanks to the generosity of the Winn family and many others, we will continue to have incredible educational outcomes for the next 70 years. It’s not just a transformative building for St. Mark’s—it’s a transformative building for the City of Dallas and the State of Texas.”

With the new building steadily approaching completion, Steve has been a constant presence on the construction site, attending dozens of the weekly contractor meetings and reporting regular updates to the Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee.

“Steve has been absolutely integral to our overall progress,” said Suzanne Townsend, St. Mark’s Director of Finance and Administration. “A large part of this project’s successful planning and construction is the direct result of the time, thought, and talent that our Trustee volunteers like Steve have devoted.”

As crews put the finishing touches on the Winn Science Center’s exterior facade, one marvels at every decision required in this project. Across the community, hundreds of individuals have invested thousands of hours into every decision, draft, and blueprint. And yet, there is an unmistakable sense of gratitude among those who gave their time and energy.

Melinda Johnson has been an ardent supporter of the Science Center Project since the very beginning. The mother of Barrett ’06 and Davis ’10, past President of the Parents’ Association, and member of the Board of Trustees, she has invested incalculable time in the St. Mark’s community. Serving on the A&C Committee called for another major investment, and Melinda, like many volunteers, didn’t hesitate.