Robert S. Vernon – 50th Reunion Essay

Robert S. Vernon

1607 Glenbrook Ter

Nichols Hills, Oklahoma 73116-5621

bvernon@westminsterschool.org

405-833-4480

Spouse(s): Lissa Vernon (1970 and still married)

Child(ren): Rebecca Skarky (1977); Michael Vernon (1981)

Grandchild(ren): Kate Skarky (2004); Jack Skarky (2009); Will Skarky (2009); Kevin Vernon (2017)

Education: Yale, BA 1969; University of Oklahoma, MEd, 1971

National Service: Teacher Corps, 1969–1971

Career: Teacher, Coach, Division Director, Head since 1977 at Westminster School (OKC)

Avocations: Family and work

College: Ezra Stiles

Having looked back at our 25th Reunion Class Book, not much has changed. I’m certainly older, slower, and grayer and our family has grown, but, as I wrote in 1994, “I have been very fortunate.” I’ve been happily married for nearly 50 years, and my wife Lissa and I have a daughter and son who with their spouses and four children live close by. I’ve worked at Westminster School in Oklahoma City for over 40 years.

My children both graduated from the school, my grandchildren all attend the school, and I’ve taught all 2,200 students who have graduated from the school. It’s been a wonderful life, richly satisfying, and Yale was hugely instrumental in my good fortune. I credit Yale with developing my ability to think—critically, creatively, independently—and my independence and those abilities continue to serve me well. One of my few regrets is that I’ve never been able to attend a class reunion. I would love to spend time with those whom I remember so fondly and who helped me develop and mature during our years together at Yale, but Westminster’s graduation is always the same weekend and I can’t miss saying good-bye to the kids. So I’ll miss you again next year but do wish all of my classmates from Yale ’69 and their families many happy and healthy years together.