CLASS NOTES
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TMI alumna Jacquelyn Nash ‘09 is the founder of Eternal Memories Media. She is offering their tribute video services completely free of charge to to families who have lost loved ones in the recent Hill Country floods. If you lost a loved one in the floods or know someone who has and are interested in this service, give Jacquelyn a call at (210) 876-4114.
Santiago Vigil ’20 was awarded the Outstanding Research & Academic Achievement Award in Psychology from the University of San Diego. Congratulations Santi!
TMI alumna, Susannah Wright ’14, recently had a new verse translation of Virgil’s Aeneid published. The book is co-authored with her mentor-turned-colleague Scott McGill. Susannah recently completed her PhD in Classics at Harvard (May 2024) and is entering her second year as a professor at Rice University. More about the book can be found here.
Tom Turbiville ’66, was a recipient of the 2025 Jefferson Award for Public Service by KBTX-TV in Bryan-College Station. The American Institute for Public Service created the Jefferson Awards in 1972 to honor those who have dedicated time to public service. Since 2004, select local citizens have been honored with the Jefferson Awards for their outstanding public service in the community. (Photo: Tom and his wife Judy)
We’re proud to recognize the Lafreeda family and their Denny’s team for their support and service in the aftermath of the floods in Kerrville, Center Point, and surrounding areas. They helped feed first responders, families, and volunteers––delivering meals to hospitals, fire departments, churches, community centers, and search efforts across the region.
Connor ’22 and Cruise Lafreeda ’22, both TMI alumni, were part of the relief team.
Weston Peters ’22, is a senior at WTAMU majoring in Agricultural Economics with a Minor in Agricultural Business. Weston is also a competitive tie-down roper in the NIRA College Rodeo Caprock Region. Weston was recently named a Scholar American recipient – an award that recognized National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association members who have earned points at sanctioned rodeos, been in college for more than one term and earned a 3.5 cumulative grade point average.
On June 11, 2025, TMI alumnus Allan Rupe ’80 married Katherine Miller in a beautiful ceremony held at All Saints Chapel on the TMI campus. The celebration was a true TMI family affair, with alumni, faculty, and staff in attendance. The wedding party was made up entirely of the couple’s children—all proud TMI alumni.
Pictured in the top photo (L-R) are Fr. Ben Nelson, TMI Chaplain, Alison Miller ’10, Emily Miller ’13, Isabel Miller ’15, Katherine Rupe (Miller), Allan Rupe ’80, Keith Rupe ’18, Simon Rupe ’21, Isaac Rupe ’24, and Fr. Scott Brown, TMI President/Head of School.
Do you have news or announcements you’d like to share with our Alumni community? This can be a major achievement at work, a birth or wedding announcement, or any other great news in your life that you would like to share. Click below to share your announcement.
EVENTS
Honoring
Ernesto Ancira Jr.
Founder and CEO of Ancira Auto Group
Register Today!
October 7, 2025
11:15 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Mays Family Center at The Witte Museum
3801 Broadway
San Antonio, Texas 78209
For more information, please contact the Advancement Office at (210) 564-6241
or advancement@tmi-sa.org.
About the Award
The TMI Entrepreneur & Innovation Award is a prestigious honor celebrating entrepreneurship and innovation in collaboration with the school’s commitment to excellence, service and leadership.
The annual award recognizes an individual who demonstrates success in entrepreneurship and innovation, and the characteristics of TMI’s core values: Wisdom, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Reverence. Past honorees include TMI alumni, the late Robert Ayres ’44, the late Tom Frost ’45, Christopher “Kit” Goldsbury ’61, Scott Petty, Jr. ’55, Dawn Lafreeda, and The Marshall T. Steves ‘40 Family.
About the Award Luncheon
TMI Episcopal is hosting the Entrepreneur & Innovation Award Luncheon on Tuesday, October 7th, at the Mays Family Center at the Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209.
TMI will honor Ernesto Ancira Jr., Founder & CEO of Ancira Auto Group, by celebrating his accomplishments in business, innovation and leadership during the program.
Ernesto Ancira Jr. is a visionary entrepreneur and community leader with a legacy spanning decades. After growing up in Mexico City, he graduated from St. Edward’s University and gained leadership experience at Gillette and Kimberly-Clark. In 1972, while en route to a new corporate role, a stop in San Antonio led him to establish Ancira Enterprises, recognizing the need for Hispanic-owned dealerships in the area.
Starting from a modest location, Ernesto grew the business into a major automotive group with 13 brands, 12 dealerships, and over 800 employees. Ancira Auto became the region’s first Hispanic-owned, Spanish-speaking, and minority-run dealership.
Beyond business, Ernesto has held leadership roles with the Texas Auto Dealers Association, the Texas Department of Commerce, and the San Antonio Economic Development Board. Honored by the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the San Antonio Business Hall of Fame, he exemplifies entrepreneurship and civic dedication. Once a former student of TMI, he now proudly supports the school as a TMI Grandparent.
Innovation & Design Thinking at TMI Episcopal
Since 1893, TMI has been a leader of innovation and design thinking – an approach to learning and serving, reflected in the school’s Episcopal roots, that develops academically prepared and empathetic leaders to their fullest potential. Design thinking gives students a framework for innovating, creating, and solving current-world problems while being centered on empathy, service, and reverence.
Innovation & Design is a mindset that encompasses every aspect of life at TMI. In the spring of 2019, TMI announced its commitment to expanding this approach and additional courses that serve as the foundation for Innovation & Design were added to every grade level during the 2019-2020 school year. In October 2020, we opened the doors to our Walker Innovation Center – a collaborative learning lab space and TMI’s home of creativity. TMI’s Director of Innovation now oversees the growth and development of Innovation & Design throughout all courses as students in all areas come to the Walker Innovation Center to learn, collaborate, and create.
Save the Date
2025 – 2026 Alumni Events
Mark your calendars and reconnect with classmates at these exciting upcoming events!
Be on the lookout for details arriving by mail, email, and social media—including how to register. We can’t wait to welcome you back to campus soon!
TMI Homecoming 2025
October 16-17
HOMECOMING PASS IN REVIEW
Thursday, October 16
9:50 am – 10:50 am
Fondren Stadium
Alumni Reception to Follow in the
Elliott-Stabler Leadership Center. Come hear from our new Deputy Commandant of Cadets, Chief Casey Reed, to hear about the state of the TMI Corps of Cadets.
ALUMNI BBQ AND REUNION
Friday, October 17
5:15 pm – 9:00 pm
Chapel Portico
Come mingle with fellow TMI alumni at this family friendly event and enjoy BBQ (while supplies last), children’s games, face painting, bouncy house, balloon art and other fun prior to the game. This event is complimentary, however, advanced registration is requested.
Football Game Kicks Off at 7:00 p.m.
TMI vs Austin LASA
VIP seating for Alumni
Alumni Homecoming Family Fun Zone
Get ready for even more fun at this year’s Alumni Homecoming and Reunion! We’re thrilled to introduce the Alumni Family Fun Zone — a special celebration just for our future Panthers! Bring the kids along for an unforgettable evening packed with an inflatable bounce house, amazing face painting by pros, incredible balloon artists, and nonstop games and activities! Don’t miss out on the fun! Register now to attend.
Your Decade, Your Legacy
Join a friendly competition to support this year’s Annual Fund. Alumni will be grouped by graduation decade, and each group will compete to see who can raise the most support. The decade who raises the most funds earns bragging rights—and a fun reward. Make your gift, rally your classmates, and represent your decade!
Giving is easy! Simply click the button below to make your gift today.
ALUMNI NEWS
TMI Alumni Association Needs YOU!
TMI is proud of our alumni! All graduates of TMI are automatically members of the Alumni Association, which as no dues. TMI is calling on its alumni to reconnect, re-engage, and reinvest in the community that helped shaped them.
The TMI Alumni Association is actively seeking more alumni involvement to strengthen connections across generations and support the continued growth and success of the school. Whether it’s attending alumni events, volunteering, speaking to our current students, or supporting school initiatives, there are so many ways to stay connected.
Whether you graduated last year or decades ago, your experiences and support can make a lasting impact on the TMI community. To get involved, please email Heather Finerghty, Associate Director of Alumni and Family Engagement, at h.finerghty@tmi-sa.org or the Justin Sanderson, TMI Alumni Association President, at jh.sanderson@outlook.com.
TMI Alumnus John Amini ’09 shared this beautiful reflective narrative about the floods in Kerrville and the surrounding areas. He has graciously allowed us to share this with the TMI Family.
“Dear River, Why Such Pain?”
By: John Amini ’09
You are a beast. A brute. A beauty. A mystery.
As I sit on the banks of one of you, named Taylor, teaming with Brown Trout, filled with river rock, and the edges of the sword that cuts through the Gunnison Valley, another one of you, named Guadalupe, has just taken away indescribable amounts of life.
Now, it is not lost on me that whatever heaviness I feel from the events in the Hill Country in July 2025, is infinitely microscopic in comparison to the pain that so many are feeling. I write this not to put myself in their shoes. I pray to have the opportunities to let them kick off their shoes so that I can carry them for a while. I am not an expert on grief, a theologian, or a first-hand account witness. Frankly, I feel a bit like a fraud and very nearly kept this to myself, but I write this to wrestle with questions, face these lumps in my throat, and hopefully provide just a molecule of comfort.
This chasm between where I sit today on the Taylor River and where so many have fallen at the Guadalupe River has me hopelessly lost in search of the answer to the question: “Why, dear river, create such pain on the Guadalupe, while you create such life elsewhere?”
The Hill Country is where I was formed. Out of its waters, that on July 4th 2025 flooded cabins, campers, and houses, I grew up pulling out perch and large-mouthed bass. On its cypress trees, that on July 4th 2025 bent cars and crashed into bridges, I grew up scaling in search of adventure. In its valleys, that on July 4th 2025 funneled a force that couldn’t be reckoned with, I fell in love with my now wife and mother to my children. It has always been my sanctuary and cradle of magic, but just over a week ago, it was the cradle of devastation and darkness for so many, so I ask: “Why, dear Hill County, bring such darkness when you’ve brought such light?
Earlier today, I watched my soon to be 5 year old roll his shoulders back after a 2 hour white water rafting trip and be the first to put up his hand to say “yes” to the offer of taking a plunge into the Icey cold Taylor River. I cinched up his life jacket and watched him flex his muscles and jump, knowing that his head would promptly bob back above surface with a frigid smile plastered on its face. I want every cell in my body to celebrate his bravery, but in the moment, I can’t help but to ask the question: “Why, dear river, does mine get to have a cinched up life jacket, but theirs drifted away?
My friend Jonathan McComb lost his entire family in a flash flood in 2015. He remembers the hands of his two pajama wearing children and his wife slip through his grasp and into the Blanco River as one by one they fell off a debris pile and into the dark waters. I asked him once, “so what do we do with your story?” “How should we respond?” “Love”, he says through wet eyes, “love your people.” Is this the answer I’ve been searching for?
As Golden hour here in Colorado settles in, I well up as I watch my 3 kids run barefoot in the thick Kentucky Bluegrass chasing after dancing cottonwood seeds. The air is aglow with the gold of mountain-casted shadows and the glisten off the roaring Taylor River. My tears are fueled by gratitude as the swirling wind carries the squealing laughter of my children to my eager ears. Tears then turn into fear. Fear stemming from knowing that those Hill Country waters rose to touch top bunks in the blink of an eye. The feeling isn’t a shuttering kind of fear, its that righteous fear that comes from knowing that even as I stand on the banks of this idyllic snow-melt fed river, I know that I am entirely out of control, but that my God is mindful of me. Gratitude and righteous fear. Is this the answer I’ve been searching for?
I can’t stop thinking about the last line in A River Runs Through It when Norman Maclean writes – “Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world’s great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters.”
I’ve never really understood Maclean’s last line in A River Runs Through It, but I think I get it now.
All things, life’s journey, is a river – rising and falling, moss covered and dry, full of life and full of death. It is unpredictable, uncontrollable, and unbelievable. Our river meanders over and wiggles in-between rocks that are the moments that shape the path of our river. However, I get stuck at “under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs.” But, as I’ve thought about the lives lost amongst the Guadalupe rocks, I think I understand this line now. The words that live under the rocks that shape and lift our river are not just the words of those people who have known and loved us, they are the words of truth spoken by the very trinitarian One who created the river: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Now, when I close my eyes and think of the lives lost in the Guadalupe, I am convinced that the Spirit was moving over the waters plucking these souls out of darkness and into light, not the reverse. I believe that as they were tossed and tumbled towards the rocks, He reached out His hand to meet theirs and whispered their words: “in [my] presence there is fullness of joy” and “[I] will hide [you] in [my] shelther in the day of trouble; [I] will conceal [you] under the cover of [my] tent; [I] will lift [you] high upon a rock” and “[I] have sent from on high, [I] took [you]; [I] drew you out of many waters; [I] rescued [you].”
So, have the answers to my questions revealed themselves?
Why such pain on the Guadalupe when there is such life elsewhere?
Why such darkness in the Hill Country when I’ve only known it as light?
Why their kids and not mine?
I’m not sure if I’ll ever know why you, dear river, created such pain, darkness and death, when you are capable of such joy, light, and life. I’m not sure if I’ll ever know why you took their kids and not mine. The words of the all wise Solomon resonate especially poignantly when he says, “As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.”
I think the dark mystery of ‘dear River, why such pain?’ is meant to be undiscovered on this side of heaven. But, I do think that the tragedy of the Hill Country flood can help us to answer a new question: how do we respond to the uncontrollable reality of life that is represented in your tumultous nature, dear river.
I think the answer lies in the truth of Jonathan McComb’s response to his tragic story: “love.” I think the answer lies in the gratitude sweeping over me as I watch my children barrel roll down Colorado hillsides. I think the answer lies in the righteous fear that bubbles up from knowing that life’s river is unpredictable and uncontrollable, knowing that I am not the master of my fate, but that the story that my God has written for me is perfect. Finally, I think the answer lies in knowing their words that are under the rocks: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
We are not meant to know much, therein lies the necessity of Faith. In dark times as these, that painful reality is as sharp as ever. So, may we cling onto what we know is good, true, and beautiful: Love. Gratitude. Righteous fear. Their Words. May those who are hurting feel the loving embrace of these truths, and may the rest of us respond with tenacious love.
Love,
John Amini, Class of 2009
Nominations are now open for the 2026 TMI Hall of Fame Ceremony which includes Induction into the TMI Hall of Fame as well as the Outstanding Young Alumni awards.
Hall of Fame Induction Criteria
Established in 2015, the TMI Hall of Fame is an honorary society recognizing the exceptional contributions of outstanding alumni, with Distinguished Servant Leader awards for former faculty, staff and friends of the school. Inductees are recognized for exemplifying one or more of the TMI Core Values: Wisdom, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Reverence.
Hall of Fame Induction Nominee Requirements:
- Graduated from or left TMI at least five years prior to nomination.
- Demonstrated excellence in award-related skills and accomplishments, including recognition by athletic conference and/or other external bodies.
- Demonstrated integrity, courage and character.
- Demonstrated achievement as a member of the TMI community and after.
- Former students who did not graduate from TMI are eligible.
- Friends of the school whose contributions have had a major impact on programs at TMI may be considered.
If you know someone who fits this criteria and you would like to nominate them to be inducted into the TMI Hall of Fame, please click the button below.
Outstanding Young Alumni Award Criteria
The Outstanding Young Alumni Award is designed to honor exceptional young alumni from TMI who have made significant achievements in their profession or have made notable contributions to their community. Established in 2025, this award recognizes individuals who are 40 years old or younger and exemplify the core values of TMI: Wisdom, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Reverence.
Outstanding Young Alumni Nominee Requirements:
- Living Alumnus/a: The recipient must be a living graduate of TMI. Nominees must have attended TMI for at least one full academic year, although graduation from TMI is not required.
- Age: The recipient must be 40 years old or younger.
- Professional Achievement: The recipient should demonstrate great promise or have notable accomplishments in their profession or chosen field.
- Exemplification of Core Values: The recipient should embody one or more of TMI’s Core Values—Wisdom, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Reverence.
- Innovation and Success: The recipient must have shown emerging and unique innovation, creativity, and career success.
- TMI Connection: The recipient must have maintained a connection with TMI and has served as an example of how to transition into life after graduation.
This award highlights the remarkable potential and contributions of young alumni, celebrating their early career success and alignment with the values upheld by TMI.
If you know someone who fits this criteria and you would like to nominate them for the Outstanding Young Alumni Award, please click the button below.
For questions, email alumni@tmi-sa.org or call Heather Finerghty, Associate Director of Alumni and Family Engagement, at (210) 564-6244. Nominations close September 31, 2025.
CAMPUS NEWS
2025-2026 School Theme
We are excited to unveil this year’s school theme: All Things Made New.
Rooted in hope, transformation, and grace, this theme reflects a profound truth—that each of us—students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families alike—are being made new every day through the unwavering love of God.
This year’s theme is a daily invitation to embrace renewal—in our hearts, our minds, our relationships, and our purpose. Whether walking into the classroom, cheering on the sidelines, leading from the front, or learning from one another, we are all part of God’s ongoing work of restoration.
As we journey through this school year together, may we be reminded that in Christ, renewal is not a one-time event but a continual transformation. Together, let us celebrate all things made new—in our community, in our calling, and in each other.
Introducing Harthan Hall
What an exciting time to be a Panther! We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of the brand-new Harthan Hall, a state-of-the-art facility that will serve as a cornerstone of our campus for years to come. After a year of construction, Harthan Hall officially opened its doors for the 2025–2026 school year, marking a major milestone in our commitment to academic excellence and student experience.
We invite all alumni to visit campus, reconnect with fellow Panthers, and experience this incredible new space firsthand. Don’t miss the opportunity to join us at one of our upcoming alumni events and take a guided tour of Harthan Hall—we can’t wait to show you what the future looks like.
IN MEMORY
TMI celebrates the lives of members of our alumni family. Here in TMI Today, we pay homage to fellow Panthers who we have received notice that have recently passed away. We are sad to share that the following alumni have recently passed.
Ramon “Ray” Navarro, Jr. ’72
December 17, 1954 – June 18, 2025
From Mr. Navarro’s friends: “Come help us honor one of the best party hosts we’ve ever know. Share stores, memories, and your best laughs with good company, food, and drinks. This is our final farewell to our favorite guy”. The celebration is being held on Saturday, September 20 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm at the Cathedral Art Studio located at 2403 E. 16th St., Austin, Texas 78702.
We invite you to read Mr. Navarro’s full obituary here.
Marrs McLean Bowman ’61
January 2, 1943 – June 30, 2025
Marrs McLean Bowman was born on January 2, 1943 in San Antonio, Texas to Ruth McLean Bowman Bowers and John Tibaut Bowman, Jr., and died on June 30, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. We invite you to read Mr. Bowman’s full obituary here.
Dr. William Darrell Willerson, Jr.
March 23, 1941 – July 6, 2025
Dr. William Darrell Willerson, Jr., born on March 23, 1941, passed away peacefully at his home in San Antonio on Sunday July 6, 2025, surrounded by family. We invite you to read Dr. Willerson’s full obituary here.
Robert Webb Sellers ’73
November 12, 1954 – July 26, 2025
Robert Webb Sellers of Runge, Karnes County, Texas, devoted husband, beloved father, and loyal friend, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025. We invite you to read Mr. Sellers’ full obituary here.
John Hughes
April 4, 1968 – August 21, 2025
With sadness, TMI Episcopal shares that John Hughes, parent of TMI alumni, passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025. We send our condolences to his many friends and family.
John was a proud parent to Elly Hughes Buchanan (Dylan), JuliaGrace Walker ’17, Samantha Hughes, Trinity Walker ’19, Claire Hughes ’20, Theodore Walker, AnnaClare Walker ’25, and Chance Walker ’25, and was married to Gina Hughes. John touched countless lives with his warm smile, big hugs, and animated stories. He will be missed greatly.
We invite you to read Mr. Hughes’ full obituary here.
If you wish to submit information on an alumna or alumnus who has passed away, please email alumni@tmi-sa.org. Please note that all information will be verified before your notice is published.
Update Your Contact Information… It’s Easy!
Have you moved? Changed your phone number or email address? Let us know. As a TMI alumnus/alumna you are important to us! We want to stay in touch with you.
Please take just a minute to complete this form and we’ll make sure to update your information in our records. Do not miss out on events, news about the school, and alumni happenings.
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