DALLAS, April 19, 2023 — St. Mark’s School of Texas is proud to announce that alumnus Dr. David Vanderpool has been named the first recipient of the “Lee S. Smith ’65 Courage and Honor Award.”
The award recognizes a graduate of the St. Mark’s community who demonstrates courage, honor, perseverance and justice in the communities to which they belong by using his voice and actions to affect measurable change to elevate humanity.
A 1978 graduate of the prestigious college-preparatory school for boys, Dr. Vanderpool, M.D., went on to become a successful and highly esteemed surgeon. Following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, he felt called to abandon his private practice and move to the suffering nation and lend his support. With the shared commitment of his family, they established LiveBeyond, a nonprofit dedicated to creating change for at-risk populations through healthcare, nutrition and education.
“He’s a really remarkable individual who embodies everything that we were looking to recognize in this award,” notes Michael Flanagan, Chair of the Lee S. Smith ’65 Courage and Honor Award committee and 1990 graduate of St. Mark’s. “It’s really his life’s mission. The commitment he has shown and the impact he’s had on thousands over his time [in Haiti] is truly remarkable.”
Dr. Vanderpool will address students, faculty and alumni at a special Upper School assembly on Friday, April 21, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. Later that evening, at the annual Spring Alumni Dinner, he will be formally recognized and celebrated by his St. Mark’s peers and faculty members.
To learn more about the award and Dr. Vanderpool’s inspiring and life-altering acts of service, visit https://www.smtexas.org/alumni/alumni-awards/lee-s-smith-65-courage-and-honor-award.
About LiveBeyond
LiveBeyond is a faith-based humanitarian organization bringing medical and maternal health care, clean water, education, orphan care, community development and the gospel of Jesus Christ to the oppressed in Thomazeau, Haiti. After 20 years doing volunteer medical missions work, and following the devastating 2010 earthquake, Dr. David and Laurie Vanderpool sold everything, purchased 63 acres in this region outside of Port-au-Prince and moved to Haiti full-time. The LiveBeyond compound consists of a medical clinic, a teaching center and school, a training farm, a worship center and a guest house.
About St. Mark’s School of Texas
Founded in 1906, St. Mark’s School of Texas is a nonsectarian, college-preparatory, independent day school for boys in grades one through twelve. The School’s charter states that it is “designed to afford its students well-rounded physical, intellectual, moral, and religious training and instruction.” St. Mark’s is intended to be a diverse community of teachers and students who share a love of learning and who strive for high achievement in whatever they undertake.