same. Striving to excel, providing leadership and full commitment to all endeavors, and lifting others around you are the hallmarks of that ethos. Such spirit is as relevant in the world today as it was 75 years ago.
So how does Saint David’ s do this? From my experience it starts with the first interactions that each boy has as a student. There is a recognition and a belief that every student in every class matters in equal measure to the next, and that the journey of learning and understanding is a team effort. The competitive spirit – which has always been fostered at Saint David’ s – is not defined as beating the other fellow, but rather performing at the best of your own ability. The commitment to excellence therefore is not a selfish or self-centered exercise, but rather an inclusive approach to every endeavor. This philosophy has been central to me throughout my personal and professional life – and was instilled in me as a Saint David’ s boy. Whether you lived in the time of rotary phones and eight-track tapes or in the digital age with super computers and artificial intelligence, fundamental decency and character remain the steady core values. Saint David’ s has thrived because it has never failed to embrace the modern world or the present moment, while also never wavering from the key architecture that makes a‘ good man.’
At a time when praising tradition and old institutions seems out of vogue or anachronistic, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the opening of Saint David’ s feels particularly special. Everyone who is a part of the community, from the students, to the faculty, administrators, alumni, parents, and grandparents share a deep and abiding affection for the school. Each of us is able to take in our way a piece of Saint David’ s as we go about the business of our lives. When we find ourselves achieving more than we thought possible, or when we turn around and help the next person up to the place where we are, we are exemplifying what Saint David’ s is all about. I am as proud of my affiliation with Saint David’ s as I am about anything in my life, and the fact that my two boys share with me that connection is priceless. It is especially gratifying that as the school passes this important milestone, she is as solid, strong, and relevant as she has ever been – with the promise of educating many additional generations of“ good men.” Excelsior, Saint David’ s! •
Daniel S. Connolly’ 77 is an alumnus, parent of Nick’ 10, and Robert’ 12 and President of Saint David’ s Board of Trustees.
Spring 2026 • 9