Charles Bondurant - Class of 1961 (Alumni Monday Speaker) and Martha O'Neill

On March 31, 2025, San Antonio Academy welcomed back esteemed alumnus Charles Bondurant, class of 1961, and his niece, Martha Spencer O'Neill, to share their experiences and reflections on the school’s enduring impact. Their heartfelt recollections offered the boys a glimpse into The Academy’s rich history and the values that continue to define it today.

Martha shared a unique perspective as one of the very few young women to have attended The Academy. In 1973, she and another girl were allowed to enroll in kindergarten due to special family circumstances. Though their presence proved to be a novelty that would not be repeated, Martha fondly recalled the sense of community and support she experienced. She emphasized the lessons she learned about manners, kindness, and always doing the right thing—values that remain integral to The Academy’s mission.

Charles provided a historical overview of The Academy’s evolution, tracing its roots to 1886 when it was founded by Dr. William Seeley. He highlighted the school’s merger with West Texas Military Academy in 1926 to form Texas Military Institute and detailed the involvement of his own family in The Academy’s administration. Recalling the significant improvements in facilities over the years, he noted that, in his time, students practiced basketball on an outdoor asphalt court and had no air conditioning—stark contrasts to the modern amenities students enjoy today.

Throughout the discussion, Charles underscored The Academy’s long-standing commitment to scholarship, leadership, integrity, and brotherhood—values that have shaped countless successful graduates. He proudly listed notable alumni from his class, including Congressman Lamar Smith and business leaders from esteemed companies like Labatt Food Service and Vulcan Materials. He credited the faculty, both past and present, for instilling a sense of discipline, responsibility, and perseverance in students, emphasizing that the habits learned at The Academy serve as a foundation for lifelong success.

As he and Martha concluded, Charles left students with words of wisdom: be prepared, treat others with respect, and always strive to be the best version of yourself. Their stories reinforced The Academy’s legacy of excellence and the unwavering commitment in shaping young men into principled leaders of tomorrow.

About Alumni Mondays: Each Monday, we welcome an Academy alumnus to speak to SAA boys during chapel. During this presentation, our alumni speakers share meaningful stories and lessons from their days at SAA. View Alumni Monday Showcase