Giving Back: A 45th Reunion to Remember

For the Class of 1980, Fort Worth Country Day is more than a school – it’s a bond that has endured for nearly half a century. When it came time to mark their 45th reunion in Fall 2025, they found a meaningful way to celebrate that connection and give back.

Classmate Jim Fleming made that opportunity possible, challenging his classmates to raise $45,000 in honor of their 45th reunion and pledging to match the gift dollar for dollar if they reached their goal. They did just that, turning a milestone reunion into a $90,000 gift to FWCD. 

Reunion planning began in May 2025. At the helm was former Student Body President Parker Schenecker, who had diligently stayed in touch with classmates to keep the spirit of ’80 alive. When asked about giving back to FWCD, Schenecker said, “We gladly give to Country Day because it’s part of my family’s heritage; it’s in my blood. All the way back to the original Founding Board of Trustees, the Scheneckers have been interested in and involved with FWCD. Entire generations of leaders who make a difference in today’s world are Country Day alumni, and that’s pretty cool!”

Joining him in planning the reunion festivities were John Brookman, Lauris Hillard Gibson, Andrée French Griffin, Shannon Young Ray and Bill Runyon. Together, they were a group united, in part by loss, but with a shared determination to do something truly meaningful for the School and their class. The Class of 1980 has said goodbye to several beloved classmates over the years, including Captain David R. “Chip” Herr, Jr., whose memory lives on through his military service, as well as an FWCD lecture series and a scholarship, both bearing his name. In their planning, they also remembered classmates Clint Hardy, Pam Hodges, Jerry Lamensdorf, and James Lewis, Jr.

Tanya and Bill Runyon hosted a gathering unlike any typical reunion dinner. They started the weekend by connecting with classmates, their parents, and former teachers. FWCD educators Dan Bloch H’06, Art Burke, Sharon Foster H’05, Sharon Hamilton, Debby Jennings, Dianne Orr, Nancy Schenecker, Norma Wilkerson H’07 and Wayne Wilkerson were present, all holding court in their iconic ways. Alumni parents present included Mary Corley, Janet and Bob Judd, Lynny Sankary, Nancy Schenecker and Marian Ward. 

Saturday brought the group together for lunch at Angelo’s, the legendary Fort Worth barbecue institution that has fed generations of alumni, locals and regulars alike. On Saturday evening, Brad Corbett hosted the 45th reunion party at his home. As a fun touch, the reunion planners assembled name tags for every classmate, each featuring a photo from their school days. It was the kind of detail that stopped people in their tracks and sent the room back in time. There, Head of School Eric Lombardi joined the fun and shared an update on the state of the School.

When Fleming was asked why he gives so generously, he replied, “Education is the great equalizer in life. Through the generosity of others, I was able to attend FWCD on a scholarship from sixth grade through high school. It changed the trajectory of my life, and all the incredible opportunities I have been so fortunate to have emanated from my incredible education at Country Day. My wife and I are humbled to be able to give back and help others less fortunate experience the life-changing FWCD education that was so graciously afforded to me.”

No previous reunion class in FWCD history has accomplished what the Class of 1980 did. It was a reunion that went above and beyond; a testament to a class that has never stopped showing up for one another, or for the School that brought them together.