It was a pleasure to be joined by Christian Palmer, PhD, Class of 2007, as our Alumni Monday speaker on March 18, 2024. He shared his accomplishments throughout his journey since leaving SAA and how The Academy, along with its faculty and staff, helped prepare him for a bright future. 

Christian began his presentation with photos of his most fond memories while attending SAA, such as Cowboy Breakfast, choir performances, athletics, and, of course, drill. After leaving The Academy after 5th grade, Christian attended Alamo Heights for junior and high school before attending the University of Alabama, where he studied biochemistry and biology. He then obtained his Ph.D. in chemical and biomolecular engineering from Vanderbilt University and is now a government contractor at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute. 

"The reasons why I have been able to accomplish all this and why any of this is even possible is because of what I learned here at The Academy," Christian explained. He mentioned several teachers, such as Ms. Cathy Baumgardner, Coach Mike Heineman, Ms. Moye Mullins, and Dr. Owen Duggan, and the profound impacts they each had on him that helped him grow and nurture his character.

He concluded by speaking of the value of the school motto, similar to his college fraternity motto, and how it has guided him throughout his entire life. He encouraged the boys to apply and push themselves as far as they could, which would, in turn, push them farther in life than they could ever imagine.

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