Commencement Speaker Announced

Eugene McDermott Headmaster David Dini recently announced that legendary musician and St. Mark’s Distinguished Alumnus Steve Miller ’61 will return to campus later this month to give the Commencement address for the Class of 2026. 

“Steve Miller is a devoted alumnus who cares deeply about the faculty and the boys. He has always made St. Mark’s a priority in his life and consistently supported the School’s mission and values, from mentoring young Marksmen and supporting our music programs to helping with our tornado recovery efforts and much, much more. Many of us vividly recall his extraordinary concert in Hunt Stadium in front of thousands as we marked the School’s 100th anniversary during Centennial Weekend in 2007,” said Headmaster Dini. “I am so pleased that the Class of 2026 wanted to invite Steve, a great friend of the School, back for this year’s Commencement; it’s going to be special.”

Some of the earliest foundational experiences in Miller’s music career actually began in the St. Mark’s Choir where he fondly remembers being a corner boy. It is at St. Mark’s that he also birthed his first performing band, the Marksmen Combo, a group that quickly garnered attention across the city,  He carried these experiences to the University of Wisconsin, then to Europe, and soon after launched the Steve Miller Band which went on to achieve world-wide success with signature hits like “The Joker,” “Fly Like an Eagle,” “Rockin’ Me,” “Jet Airliner,” “Jungle Love,” “Take the Money and Run,” and many others. The Steve Miller Band’s Greatest Hits remains one of the top selling albums of all time. He has toured on and off for much of his life and earned notable acclaim for both his songwriting and performing. A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, his career has spanned more than six decades. While never losing sight of his roots at St. Mark’s, he frequently references the life changing impact of his teachers at 10600 Preston Road. He also serves on the Board of Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Musical Instruments Collections at the Metropolitan Museum in New York City.

“My experience at St. Mark’s turned out to be the very best experience of my life and formed the basis of my success – how I run my band, my business, how I conduct my life, my ethics, my morals, my vision; all of these things were developed here,” said Miller. “I was learning music I had never thought of. It was an opportunity to do something that I wouldn't have otherwise found. This is where character and intelligence are built.” 

Reflecting on St. Mark’s growth and progress over time, he focused on the School’s consistency. “When I came to St. Mark’s, it was just a one-building campus with a dormitory. Then we built the Chapel, then the science building. A student asked me if it felt different today, but it honestly feels the same. There's still that strong tradition of education.”

Senior Class President Andrew Zhang ’26 spoke to what Miller's participation means to the Class of 2026. “Mr. Miller’s graciousness in agreeing to address our class is a clear testament to the lifelong impact St. Mark’s has on all its students. Even after such a long and successful career, it is clear that Mr. Miller considers himself a proud Marksman at heart. As we move beyond St. Mark’s, we will be eager to hear his perspective and advice when it comes to approaching this next phase of life.” 

Steve Miller will deliver the Commencement Address to the Class of 2026 on Thursday, May 28.