Scott: “Colonel B, always with a bow tie and always an amazingly positive influence. You made a difference in my life, Sir.” 

Gary: “I first met Colonel Bondurant years ago while reporting a news story for KENS TV. His demeanor, statuesque persona and charming character made a lasting impression. Through the years I’ve realized that Colonel was a symbol of leadership to be emulated by all the boys who attend San Antonio Academy.” 

Wallace: “There were teachers at The Academy that you liked, teachers that you feared, and teachers you liked to take advantage of, but you respected Colonel Bondurant. He never demanded your respect – he earned it. Over the years Colonel Bondurant has improved and enriched the lives of thousands and thousands of boys from South Texas and all around the world.”

Brett: “I was in the third grade; I was new. About 30 minutes before Chapel, Colonel Bondurant called me into his office and helped me get my uniform together. He spent several minutes shining my shoes. It was a spit shine and they were perfect. Of course, I would spend the rest of my life trying to get my shoes just as perfect as he did in a few minutes. But the biggest thing that happened in those few minutes was how Colonel Bondurant, headmaster and the leader of my world at that time, was a servant, and showed a third grader at the bottom of the ladder how to start preparing for the day and every day that would follow. Colonel, thank you for showing me what it means to be a servant, a leader and a father.” 

Van: “I count you as a blessing in my life, Colonel. I recall fondly your warmth, your kind smile, your warm personality, your firm discipline when it was needed, your encouraging arm around my shoulder and your no-nonsense looks when I was about to get into mischief. Perhaps my favorite memory of you, Colonel Bondurant, is simply that of a friend. What a friend you were to me in difficult years! My mother was seriously ill and my brother-in-law lost his life tragically. In those hard months you were a constant source of comfort, challenge and inspiration. I owe you a debt of gratitude that I can never fully repay.” 

David: “I’m sitting here at my desk in Baghdad, Iraq. Sir, I think back to my first day at The Academy in the fall of 1984. I was very intimidated. I had issues with hyperactivity, and I was so scared as I walked up those stairs into the office. The first person I met was you. You immediately made the fear go away with the calmness and kindness in your voice, and started me on a journey that I still cherish today. And the journey is this: you had the amazing ability to make people see the best in themselves and strive to be the best they can be. You taught me confidence and kindness, compassion and so many other values that I hold dear to this day. Sir, your name is held in such regard that it will be spoken in reverence at The Academy forever. That is the legacy you have created through your example.” 

Brian: “Colonel Bondurant was a strong father figure for all of us through our formative years. He symbolized certain moral and ethical absolutes.” 

Susan (an Academy mom): “You set a standard of excellence that touched the life of my son in behavior, good manners, lasting friendships, love of country and reverence for God. Thank you for making a difference in the life of my son, Kevin.” 

Light: “You are the living embodiment of the values that are The Academy.”

Read entire eulogy here

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Colonel W.T. Bondurant, Jr. Recent Notable Academy Moments

Fall 2001: Colonel Bondurant with son, Tom Bondurant '63, officially open the new Bondurant Library by cutting the ceremonial ribbon.