8 | University School
Dan Moore, who, in overcoming the grief of
his daughter who tragically died in a skiing
accident, went on to invent high-tech pad-
ding now found in helmets used in the mili-
tary.
In reflecting on these names and count-
less others who are today fulfilling impor-
tant leadership roles in their respective ca-
reers and communities, Stephen Murray
(University School Headmaster since 2005)
says many alumni often return to share their
stories on how University School equipped
them with not only the skills, but the confi-
dence needed to succeed in life.
THE ONLY QUESTION THAT
BEGS ANSWER - HOW DO
THEY DO IT?
In response, Murray focuses on the
school’s mission statement, which is more of
an operational mandate to develop “promis-
ing and motivated boys into accomplished
and independent young men who aspire to
make a difference in the world.” The state-
ment acknowledges the rigorous nature of
the programs, facilitated by supportive fac-
ulty striving to promote excellence, but it ad-
ditionally notes, “We believe these goals are
best achieved in a diverse community where
tradition is valued and where every boy is
known and loved.”
“That is really at the forefront of our
minds here, and it is not just something that
sounds nice when you read it like a quaint
line,” says Murray. “For us, it means much
more than that... it’s what drives good teach-
ing, mentoring and role modeling... charac-
ter development all starts with a caring and
trusting relationship with an adult.”
