St. Margaret's Mourns the Loss of Former Headmaster Markham B. Campaigne

Dear St. Margaret’s Community,

I’m deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Markham B. Campaigne on Wednesday, May 28. Mr. Campaigne served as Headmaster at St. Margaret’s from 1986 to 2003, and remains the longest-serving head in school history. His loss is immense and will be felt throughout the St. Margaret’s community, as we take time to reflect on his remarkable life and his immeasurable contributions to our school.  

Mr. Campaigne was instrumental in St. Margaret’s growth and transformation into the leading independent school that it is today. Under his leadership, St. Margaret’s student body doubled in size to its current level of more than 1,200 students. The campus footprint grew to nearly 20 acres during his tenure, including the addition of space that became the Early School and the Performing Arts Center. 

Mr. Campaigne was proud of St. Margaret’s growth, remarking that “together we have built a world-class school while remaining true to our spiritual, caring and integrity-based roots.” 

Yet Mr. Campaigne’s legacy is just as evident in the lives he impacted over his many years in education. He was a beloved school leader who had a reputation for listening carefully to faculty, staff, students, parents and Trustees. He showed an unwavering support for the arts and athletics, and was a constant presence at school activities and events.

A total of 748 students graduated from St. Margaret’s during his tenure, and Mr. Campaigne was frequently present at alumni reunions and school events as recently as last year, catching up with former students, faculty and staff who were always so happy to see him. 

Mr. Campaigne was a pillar of the St. Margaret’s community and one of the most influential figures in the history of our school. We will miss him, yet we will remember his visionary leadership, his thoughtfulness, his strong faith and his love and care for the Tartan community. 

Please join me in expressing our love and prayers to the Campaigne family, including wife Mary Ann and their four children who all graduated from St. Margaret’s—Mark Jr. ’87, Dann ’90, Sarah ’00 and Deborah ’02. We will share more information on Mr. Campaigne’s remarkable legacy, as well as plans for a memorial service, in the days to follow.  

Sincerely,

Jeneen D. Graham, Ed. D.
Head of School