News at St. Catherine's
School Mourns Death of Former Headmaster
Dr. Allen Wilkins Becker, St. Catherine's eighth Head of School, died Saturday morning. A special tribute page has been created.
St. Catherine’s is mourning the loss of Dr. Allen Wilkins Becker, who served as St. Catherine’s eighth Head of School from 1979-1989.
Dr. Becker died at his home in Austin, Texas on Saturday morning, October 29. He was 87.
Dr. Becker’s indelible marks at St. Catherine’s included a strategic plan to attract and hold excellent faculty, to strengthen the mathematics and science programs, to develop a computer literacy program and to provide new programs in economic education in all grades. He sought to develop the dimensions of each student by expanding athletics and extra-curricular activities, building up the community service program and developing current events programs.
Dr. Becker died at his home in Austin, Texas on Saturday morning, October 29. He was 87.
Dr. Becker’s indelible marks at St. Catherine’s included a strategic plan to attract and hold excellent faculty, to strengthen the mathematics and science programs, to develop a computer literacy program and to provide new programs in economic education in all grades. He sought to develop the dimensions of each student by expanding athletics and extra-curricular activities, building up the community service program and developing current events programs.
Dr. Becker insisted on the vital importance of intense recruitment and increasing financial aid in order to attract a bright and increasingly diversified student body. It was his mission, as well, to maintain and enhance the beauty of the campus. Under the leadership of Dr. Becker, endowed chairs were established in English, French, mathematics and economics, demonstrating the School’s commitment to its outstanding faculty.
Dr. Becker was published in the book “Teaching With a Different Slant, Episcopal Church Schools: Their Reasons for Being.”
He wrote, “The hallmarks of character we intend for our students are, I believe, the outward signs of Christian community. A Church school is called to be the best possible school its sponsors and faculty can make it, and it is called to be a Christian community. Students, parents, board members, all share in this calling; but most of this burden (and the joy) falls on the faculty. In a profound way, they will teach community to the degree they are themselves in community with one another.
“If being a Church school makes a difference, that difference will be most evident in the quality of life manifested by those who teach.”
He wrote, “The hallmarks of character we intend for our students are, I believe, the outward signs of Christian community. A Church school is called to be the best possible school its sponsors and faculty can make it, and it is called to be a Christian community. Students, parents, board members, all share in this calling; but most of this burden (and the joy) falls on the faculty. In a profound way, they will teach community to the degree they are themselves in community with one another.
“If being a Church school makes a difference, that difference will be most evident in the quality of life manifested by those who teach.”
Dr. Becker was an eloquent communicator and often shared his thoughts on educating girls and the importance of strong faculty leaders.
“The moral traditions of a school also exert a strong influence,” Dr. Becker wrote. “When an honor code or other standard of behavior is part of the fabric of a school, the young will learn from it. But the most powerful school influence of all are the adults – teachers, administrators, and staff – whom the students encounter everyday.”
Dr. Becker has always held St. Catherine's alumnae in high esteem. In his 1984 commencement address, Dr. Becker shared the following message with the seniors.
“My hope is that in the memories of this day you will recall that you heard the names of Board members who are alumnae," he said. "If that chance comes to you, I hope you will serve; when other opportunities come, I hope you will respond because the future of St. Catherine’s is in the hands of its alumnae. What you have been given here has come in large measure from the women who came before you. You enter today into a new relationship with your school. May God be with you in the building of it.”
Dr. Becker was born in 1924 in Macon, Ga. He received his bachelor of arts in English from the University of South Carolina, his master’s degree in English from the University of Tennessee and his doctorate in English from Johns Hopkins University. He came to St. Catherine’s following five years as headmaster of St. Andrew’s School in Jackson, Miss. and 16 years as headmaster of St. Stephen’s School in Austin, Texas.
“My hope is that in the memories of this day you will recall that you heard the names of Board members who are alumnae," he said. "If that chance comes to you, I hope you will serve; when other opportunities come, I hope you will respond because the future of St. Catherine’s is in the hands of its alumnae. What you have been given here has come in large measure from the women who came before you. You enter today into a new relationship with your school. May God be with you in the building of it.”
Dr. Becker was born in 1924 in Macon, Ga. He received his bachelor of arts in English from the University of South Carolina, his master’s degree in English from the University of Tennessee and his doctorate in English from Johns Hopkins University. He came to St. Catherine’s following five years as headmaster of St. Andrew’s School in Jackson, Miss. and 16 years as headmaster of St. Stephen’s School in Austin, Texas.
He was active for many years in the National Association of Episcopal Schools; the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest; Virginia Association of Independent Schools; the National Association of Independent Schools; and the Episcopal dioceses of Virginia, Mississippi and Texas. He was acknowledged for his research in moral education.
Details of his memorial service in Austin will be announced as soon as we hear from his family. St. Catherine's is also planning a memorial service to be held on campus. Additional information about the school service will be shared soon.
A special tribute page has been created in Dr. Becker's honor. You can visit it at www.st.catherines.org/becker.
A special tribute page has been created in Dr. Becker's honor. You can visit it at www.st.catherines.org/becker.
If you would like to express your condolences, you may send them to:
Stephen and Emilie Becker
2414 Exposition Boulevard, Suite 280
Austin, Texas 78703
Located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia, St. Catherine’s School is a private, all-girls pre-K, kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school. We provide a well-rounded educational experience for girls from communities across Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico and all of central Virginia. St.Catherine’s all-girls educational experience is rooted in more than a century of history and tradition. From our revolutionary past to our dynamic present, St. Catherine’s has always focused on preparing students for a boundless future.
