Beloved Faculty Members Honored at Faculty-Trustee Dinner

Our annual Faculty-Trustee Dinner is a great opportunity for St. Sebastian's employees and board members to strengthen the bond that ties us and celebrate outstanding service to our School. On Thursday, November 7, three beloved members of our faculty were honored for their 25 years of service to St. Sebastian’s: Greg Wishart, Dean of Enrollment; Chris Lynch, English Department Chair; and Dave Thomas, science teacher and hockey and tennis coach. Science teacher John Ryan, who also achieved this milestone but was unable to attend due to a special family event, will be celebrated at next year’s Faculty-Trustee Dinner!  

After faculty members and trustees had the opportunity to mingle during the cocktail hour in Ward Hall, the formal event began with a prayer from Fr. John Arens. Board of Trustees President Devin Condron ’92, P’29,’29 began his remarks by proposing a toast: “To St. Sebastian’s – Let us celebrate the purchase of the East Campus – a remarkable milestone in our school’s history, providing us with an exciting opportunity to advance the School for future generations!” He also thanked the trustees, faculty and staff for all they do to support and build up St. Sebastian's, with a special nod to Brendan Sullivan for his tremendous dedication to his job as our new Head of School. 

Brendan followed with words of praise for Greg, Chris and Dave, recognizing them as “great fathers, community builders, and exceptional teachers, coaches, and mentors.” He also shared tributes to each of the three men from their colleagues, ranging from heartfelt to humorous. 

Greg, Chris, and Dave also took the podium to deliver fantastic speeches, each with their own clever theme, recalling memorable moments and thanking their fellow faculty members and respective families.

Brendan closed the night with special thanks to the group of alumni who formed St. Sebastian’s Board of Trustees in 1972 and then had the vision to move our campus to Needham in 1983, especially acknowledging Jack Birmingham ’59 whose wife Karen was in attendance at the Dinner. 

From all of us at St. Sebastian's, we thank Greg, Chris, Dave, and John, for their many years of devoted service to our School and congratulate them on joining the Wall of Honor!