Malvern Prep Celebrates Newest Wall of Distinction Inductees

Malvern Prep Celebrates Newest Wall of Distinction Inductees

 

On Wednesday, October 9, Malvern Preparatory School inducted three members into the James H. Stewart IV Wall of Distinction during a school-wide ceremony. The Wall of Distinction was unveiled in 2021 and is displayed in Malvern’s St. Augustine Center for Social Impact because the building provides a location and programming for students to solve problems affecting humanity now and in the future.

The award is named to honor the legacy of Jim Stewart P’86’94 PT Hon, a member of the Wall of Distinction Committee who passed away in August 2020, prior to the announcement of the inaugural class.

This year’s inductees were Mr. Fran J. Dunphy Jr. ’66,  Mrs. Martha W. Gillin GP'19, and Mr. Leo Kindon P’12, all of whom were honored by proud family and friends at the ceremony.

Fran Dunphy shared that he was humbled to “go on a wall that has Jim Stewart's name on it — it is pretty special for me.” He continued by sharing with the faculty, staff, and students that, “Jim Stewart was a true leader in everything that he did. If the world was more like Jim Stewart, we'd be safe and secure, would be nicer to be more sympathetic and empathetic. Everyone would feel that they had value.” Not only did Dunphy attend Malvern Prep, but he also coached basketball for a time at the urging of Jim Stewart. Dunphy closed his talk by sharing a story of a player who had reached out to help a student in need and he reminded all Malvern Prep students, “If you think life is about you, you're in for a boring existence. If you think life is about others, you're going to have the time of your life. You're going to feel good about yourself, and you're going to work hard.”

Martie Gillin, the second recipient, spoke about how she came to establish SpeakUp!, noting that it was her son’s dying wish that she and her family work with young people and adults to destigmatize “whispered issues.” Speaking directly to students she said, “Sometimes it's hard to reach out for help, but it's the smartest thing we can do. And you're in a role and surrounded by people to help you. You have teachers. You have counselors. You have each other. Maybe one of your cherished friends can really help you. Take off the ‘mask’ and find out the wonderful person that you are within, with all your gifts and all your talents, and let you be just you. That is the gift.” 

The final recipient, Mr. Leo Kindon, sadly passed away in March 2024. Honoring his legacy as a teacher, Brendan Kelly ’26, spoke on behalf of the students who Leo has taught over the years noting that, “He was a guiding light for all of the students, consistently pushing each of us to our full potential.” Leo’s brother, Fr. Fred Kindon, also spoke on behalf of Leo. “He always tried to learn more and more — looking for as many ways as possible to help people of all ages. He was a great husband. He was a great dad. He was a great brother,” shared Fr. Kindon. He mentioned how meaningful our Augustinian Values of Faith, Unity, and Love were for Leo, noting that they were already part of Leo before he came to Malvern, but that Malvern helped draw those virtues out. “If Leo were here today,” shared Fr. Kindon “he would say, ‘Pay it forward.’ As he did. Mentor other people.

ABOUT THE INDUCTEES

Mr. Fran J. Dunphy Jr. ’66
Mr. Fran Dunphy, a graduate of Malvern Prep and La Salle University (class of 1970), has done tremendous work in helping to raise money and awareness in efforts to cure cancer. Fran Dunphy and his friend, Phil Martelli, started the Philadelphia chapter of Coaches vs. Cancer in 1996. Since that time, the organization has raised over $21 million to help fund life saving research and improve the lives of those affected by this disease. 

Fran currently serves as head basketball coach at La Salle University and is the all-time winningest coach in Big 5 history with 611 career wins that span his tenures at the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, and La Salle University. A member of the Big 5 Hall of Fame and the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame and recipient of the John Wanamaker Award in 2019, he is most proud of what he has achieved off the court - the relationships he has established and nurtured in life, most especially his wife and son, J.P.

Mrs. Martha W. Gillin GP'19
Mrs. Martha “Martie” Gillin is the mother of 10 children and the founder of SpeakUp! — a powerful movement that promotes open, honest communication about the challenges facing today’s youth. In 2000, Martie Gillin created SpeakUp! to partner with schools to bring their students, educators, and parents together for courageous conversations where young people could be themselves and find guidance and support. The work Martie began has helped transform the lives of 5,000 youth and families speaking up each year, including thousands of Malvern Prep students over the last 24 years of her work. “We don’t judge,” she says, “we need to give young people the opportunity to be their fullest selves, where they feel comfortable being themselves and following their passions.” 

Mr. Leo Kindon P’12
Mr. Leo Kindon embraced his vocation as an educator with a passion and a sense of purpose. He taught students how to write, read, and think critically. While he used English as his platform, Leo taught the young men at Malvern Prep how to be good people who put the needs of others first. He was not just a teacher, he was a mentor. Leo’s 38 years of teaching impacted hundreds of students and he was always one of the first teachers any visiting alumnus made a point to see when they were back on campus.

Leo Kindon once shared: “Some of my students said that because of what they learned in the Middle School, the Upper School was a breeze. I had a ball; the kids learned. When my kids left my class, they knew their stuff.”  Leo’s enthusiasm was infectious, igniting a love for learning in all the young men he worked with.