August 19, 2026

Dear Head-Royce Alumni,

As we start the school year—the 140th in Head-Royce's storied history—I want to introduce myself and share how excited and honored I am to serve as your next Director of Alumni Relations.

Some of you already know me as a classmate. Many of you know me as Mr. Schneider. And more of you still, across generations, are meeting me for the first time.

Head-Royce has shaped my life in profound ways. I arrived in 1994 as an apprehensive 6th grader from an Oakland public school and graduated in 2000 a proud Jayhawk with lifelong friendships—including six classmates who later stood beside me as groomsmen in my wedding—teachers who inspired me indelibly, and experiences in and out of the classroom that helped define who I am.

That transformative experience led me to return to Head-Royce as a faculty member, where I spent 17 years teaching English, journalism, and history, while also coaching, advising, and serving as a college counselor. During that time, I had the privilege of teaching nearly 900 students and advising more than 50 of you in the Upper School. 

After three years as Director of Admissions, 9–12 at Bentley School, I am grateful to return home and do what I love most for a school that means so much to me: build authentic relationships and cultivate community.

At its heart, my role is to bridge Head-Royce’s past and present, and to strengthen the ties that connect alumni to Head-Royce and to each other. Whether you've stayed closely connected or haven't been back in years, I hope you'll always feel that Head-Royce is your community.

Today, more than 5,700 of us living alumni carry the Head-Royce story forward. Every class, every generation, and every journey after graduation adds something meaningful to our community.

In a world that can feel increasingly divided and unstable,

I believe places that foster enduring relationships matter more than ever for a happy, healthy life. My hope is that Head-Royce will continue to be one of those places—a source of friendship, connection, support, and belonging throughout your life. Even as our school continues to evolve, I hope it will always feel like a second home.

I’m grateful to be part of this lifelong community with you.

Jayhawks for life.

Sincerely,

P.S. As I take on this role, I would love to hear from you. Please don't hesitate to reach out at mschneider@headroyce.org or 510-228-1591, whether you'd like to reconnect, share what's new in your life, or simply say hello.

I also encourage you to submit an Alumni Note so that we can share your news in our newsletter and magazines. Thank you.

We have an exciting year ahead with great alumni events...mark your calendars!

October 13: Alumni Reception, Boston

October 14: Alumni Reception, New York City

October 15: Alumni Reception, Washington, D.C.

November 25: Young Alumni Happy Hour, Bay Area

December 18: Holiday Program Pre-Reception, HRS

December 21: Alumni Holiday Party, Bay Area

April 1: Alumni Reception, Los Angeles

April 23–24: Alumni Weekend and Reunion

Alumni can also look forward to special pre-receptions around several of our signature events in sports, fine arts, and more! Invitations and registration information will be sent out about a month before each event, 

Stay connected through our alumni Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn Group, and Alumni Directory.

Whether you're looking for professional connections, interested in mentoring students and young alumni, or hoping to reconnect with classmates, these resources are wonderful ways to stay engaged.

Our alumni community is strengthened by dedicated volunteers—from the 11-member Alumni Council led by Heather Erickson ‘95, to our Student Alumni Ambassadors and more than 90 Class Agents who keep classmates connected. Special thanks to Julie Kim-Beal for her extraordinary leadership over the past 11 years. Her dedication, creativity, and huge heart have been a gift to our alumni community, and created a strong foundation for the future.

Questions? Please contact Mark Schneider, Director of Alumni Relations