An open letter to the SMA family - San Marcos Baptist Academy

An open letter to the SMA family –
A couple of months ago, San Marcos Academy was blessed to receive a $1 million challenge grant
from Houston attorney Joe Jamail, honoring his wife, Lee Jamail, a 1944 SMA graduate. This lead gift
was designated for the proposed Lee Hage Jamail Special Event Center, incorporating much needed
facility space for our growing Fine Arts Programs and a new varsity gymnasium for basketball and
volleyball athletes.
As our fundraising success enters the ―public phase‖ to raise the remaining $1.75 million dollars
needed in matching funds to move forward with this project, we are appealing to our entire San Marcos
Academy family to join us in this effort, appropriately commissioned the ―Transforming Lives
Campaign.‖ Why? Because this single project represents a new day for SMA—a vision for a new and
transformational journey of progress, hope, dedication and commitment to future generations of
students. It affords SMA physical space to expand two of our key assets in developing challenging
minds and healthy bodies through the fine arts and athletics. It enhances our mission to educate
students in leadership roles within a nurturing community of faith, discipline, accountability, honor and
trust for the good of all mankind.
It is indeed comforting to have and hold warm memories of ―the good 'ole days,‖ realizing things will
never be the same as they once were. But SMA stands for more than just buildings and a location. The
Academy experience is about maintaining relationships and cherishing moments of the most exciting
times of our lives. Many individuals came before us and afforded us opportunities while we were once
students. Now, we as alums and friends of SMA can provide those same opportunities for future
students by investing in their lives for generations to come.
We are a proud school with a rich tradition. We haven't survived for 104 years by accident. Endurance
is forged by growth; growth begets inevitable change; change brings feelings of anxiety. Presidents,
faculty, staff and student bodies will come and go, but SMA will always be here—with your
engagement, involvement and investment, that is.
We encourage you to make a difference, as we have, through our gifts and commitment to a new vision
of excellence in private, college preparatory education. Together we can—and will—make a
transformational difference in the lives of tomorrow's students. We're different because we are SMA!
Academic excellence is a promise we have always given to our students. Equally important is our
commitment to enrich the lives of our students by building character, inspiring leadership, striving for
excellence and sharing the love of Christ. These are the same principles on which we are building this
campaign. We all ask that you prayerfully consider your participation in this life-changing experience.
Our students need your help NOW. No gift is too small—every gift makes a difference!

If you have any questions about the Transforming Lives Campaign, please feel free to contact Mr.
Bobby Dupree (dupreeb@smabears.org) or Mr. Steve Rowan (rowans@smabears.org) or call our
Development Office at 512-753-8008. Additional information is also available online through San
Marcos Academy's web-page, www.smabears.org.
Warmest regards,
Paul J. Gately, Class of 1969 Patricia Ryan, Class of 1961
Alumni Council Co-President
Alumni Council At-Large member
Paul Wilson, Class of 1976 Claud A. Brown, Sr., Class of 1961
Alumni Council Co-President
Alumni Council At-Large member