Alumni Chapel is one of the long-standing traditions of Alumni Weekend and this year, on May 3, the current Grade 12 class had a keynote address from a familiar face. Chris Bateman '94, a former SMUS student and current Head of Visual Art and Design in the Senior School, spoke to the grad class and fellow alumni about a special project that has been worked on since the start of the year. Five members of the Class of 2025 designed a stained glass window that was installed and unveiled in the chapel. Their piece embodies the vision statement of SMUS, while across from it is another stained glass window, designed by Bateman himself, reflecting the school’s mission.
The two stained glass windows, strategically installed at the south end of the chapel on route to the main entrance and exit to chapel.
“Together, they tell a story about our school—where we come from, where we are, and where we’re going,” said Bateman in his Alumni chapel address. “These windows bring colour and meaning into the space. They invite reflection, celebrate identity, and offer students and visitors a glimpse into the spirit and values of the school.”
The Vision Window was designed by five Grade 12 Advanced Placement (AP) Art and Design students Angel Guan, Caitlyn Mullen, Cindy Huang, Maia Hoechsmann, and Sophia Huang. It reflects the school’s guiding vision: “To Learn, To Lead, To Serve.” Within the design are three hidden faces—one for each campus—looking inward, past the familiar ivy-clad exterior, toward the heart of the school. A symbolic path unfolds: sky-blue hands reaching out in service, three lanterns glowing with leadership, and a vibrant tree growing at the centre, representing the pursuit of learning. Woven through the composition are three martlets flying into the distance—a subtle nod to the school crest and a symbol of graduation. Around the edges, the glass remains clear, allowing the outside world to shine through. It’s a quiet but powerful reminder that every student brings their own identity, and that SMUS is a place where individuality is welcomed, nurtured, and celebrated.
The Mission Window was designed by SMUS parent, alumnus, and teacher Chris Bateman. It is based on the school’s mission: “Our school seeks the excellence in all of us, with passion and compassion. We are a community shaped by the pursuit of truth and goodness, providing outstanding preparation for life.” The design reimagines our school crest through the lens of place and culture. The crest’s heraldic elements—stars, chevron, martlets, target, and open book—are recombined to build a landscape that reflects our environment, our diversity, and our shared values. Waves of knowledge flow before the school’s iconic tree, surrounded by swifts and spindle whorls, and backdropped by mountains. Stars and northern lights guide and inspire—and above it all: VIVAT.
The designers are deeply grateful to Aaron Grayson and Petrina Hinkel for their extraordinary craftsmanship and faithful rendering of these intricate designs. Their work has transformed drawings on paper into permanent, luminous works of art—pieces that will continue to inspire our community for generations to come.
We are also grateful to our generous alumni the Rigos brothers, Tom '61 and Jim '60, who made this project possible through their vision and philanthropic support.
Ali Baggott
