This past weekend was a special one for Mary Institute, St. Louis Country Day School and MICDS alumni as they returned to campus to reconnect and reminisce during their Reunion Weekend. Festivities kicked off with the Golden Ram Luncheon and a reception for the 25th Reunion Class of 1994 on Thursday. The 50th Reunion Classes of 1969 gathered for a reception Friday evening before the main event – the Reunion Celebration Dinner Friday night in the MAC. Over 400 guests gathered for this event, representing 32 different states. Alumni from MI, CDS and MICDS all celebrated their reunions together under one roof. Check out the highlight video below and a photo album on our Facebook page.
The MICDS Class of 1994, celebrating their 25th reunion, was recognized and applauded for their fundraising efforts resulting in over $100,000 towards the Tuition Benefit Fund, which has been an important priority for MICDS during outgoing Head of School Lisa Lyle’s 12-year tenure. The MI and CDS 50th Reunion classes joined forces to give back to their Class of 1969 James A. Baur Financial Aid Fund. This fund was established at the time of their 25th reunion to honor Jimmy Baur ’69, who passed away a year after graduating from Country Day.
During her remarks, Head of School Lisa Lyle shared gratitude for her tenure, which will soon come to a close, and for the welcoming MICDS alumni community. “I am going to miss this community. I love the close intergenerational ties that bind so many to this fine school. We have made so many wonderful friends and felt so welcomed in this School community.” She also introduced the incoming Head of School Jay Rainey, who was in attendance, and the alumni crowd warmly welcomed him and his wife Ruth with applause. “With fond memories and a deep love for the MICDS community, I will soon hand over the baton to the next Head of School, Jay Rainey…The School is in great hands and MICDS’ future is bright under Jay’s leadership. I have gotten to know Jay fairly well as we’ve prepared for this leadership transition. He is kind, welcoming and super smart, and he is a well-respected leader in the independent school world. And also, he’s quite funny – my guess is that you will be roaring with laughter as he makes his remarks at your next Reunion.” Ms. Lyle then shared some of the traditions that were cherished by alumni during their school days and endure as honored experiences for MICDS students today.
Alumni Association leaders, Kevin Coombs ’05, McKay Baur Mills ’92, and Steve Hughes ’84 closed the program with a beautiful flower bouquet gift to Ms. Lyle, thanking her for her steadfast leadership. They then lead their respective alumni groups in singing our school songs.
To all the alumni in our community – welcome back and thank you for your continued engagement with MICDS! We salute you all as you celebrate fond memories, lasting School ties and enduring friendships. These were tenets of your school experience, and they remain tenets of the School today.