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Love of Learning: a Legacy
Foundation Gift Reflects Decades-Old Friendship
 Peter Lutken III, a teacher at the Episcopal School of Dallas, brought students to Crow Canyon for school group programs from 1997 to 2005. But long before then, when Peter was a high school student at the St. Mark’s School of Texas, he became friends with fellow student Steve Seay. After college, both returned to the school as teachers. Steve taught at St. Mark’s through 2002, and Peter instructed there for 12 years before moving on to the Episcopal School.
“Steve was extremely interested in hands-on learning,” Peter said. “And he was very popular with the students—each year he took kids on field trips to places like Texas, Alaska, and Colorado.” Steve taught earth science, geology, astronomy, life science, physics, and scientific photography and served as chairman of the science department for seven years.
In 2009, Steve established the Stephen M. Seay Foundation after the death of his parents, Charles and Sadie Seay, as a way to continue the couple’s lifework of philanthropic activism. The foundation has a strong focus on creative and effective educational programs, institutions, and initiatives. Peter was appointed a codirector of the fund. “Steve loved experiential education, and one of the main goals of the foundation is to support this type of learning,” Peter noted.
Not surprisingly, Peter saw an opportunity to match the foundation’s goals with Crow Canyon’s powerful hands-on educational programs. The foundation’s recent gift will support the Center's 2012 annual fund for current operations and Jim’s Kitchen Project. (Peter is a fan of chef Jim Martin’s cooking.)
We offer our condolences to Steve’s family. We also thank Peter and the foundation for their generous support.
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