Elizabeth “Ebie” Nametz Receives Lindabury-Thomas Award

Head of School Sid Rowell presented Honorary Trustee Elizabeth “Ebie” Nametz (P’03, ’09) with the prestigious Lindabury-Thomas Award at the Faculty, Staff, and Board of Trustee Year-End Celebration on Friday, May 13. The award is given annually to a former trustee in recognition of outstanding service to Gill St. Bernard’s and is considered the highest honor that the school confers on a trustee. Named in honor of Richard Lindabury, an original trustee and one of the founders of St. Bernard’s School, and Henrietta “Retty” Thomas, a dedicated trustee and GSB Board Chair, the award recognizes trustees who go above and beyond to support the school.

Ebie Nametz and her family joined the Gill community in 1998, when they enrolled their two boys, Patrick ’03 and Steven ’09, after the family relocated to New Jersey from Texas. Shortly thereafter, Nametz’s oldest son secured a role in the upper school musical as an eighth grader, and within days, she found herself stepping into the role of “theater mom.” Along with a close group of dedicated parents, Nametz spent days and nights painting sets, constructing costumes, and securing props. On the weekends, she’d recruit her husband, Michael, and the theater life became a family affair.

“Gill is a gift,” Nametz said of her time on campus. “It was such a great place to raise a family and such a special community to be a part of. The teachers truly love and support the kids. They set such a wonderful example for the children, and it’s amazing to see the students pass that example on to each other.”

Nametz continued to stay active behind-the-scenes until Steven graduated in 2009, even becoming Performing Arts Chair Paul Canada’s producer for several productions. She also enjoyed volunteering with the Parents’ Association and served as President for one term.

Due to her commitment to the community, Nametz was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2007. She served for nine years, until 2016, even though her children had long since graduated from Gill. While on the board, she served on the Building & Grounds, Advancement, and Capital Campaign Committees. Perhaps unsurprisingly, she was heavily involved in the expansion of the GSB theater program, including the development of Gills’ state-of-the-art Performing Arts and Community Center.

“Ebie was a huge supporter of the arts at GSB, not just the performing arts but also the visual arts. The Parents’ Association Gallery was established during her time as the PA President,” noted Head of School Sid Rowell.

Nametz continues to serve as an Honorary Trustee, and she remains strongly tied to the GSB community. She currently lives with her husband in Houston, TX, and spends her time competing in cattle cutting competitions around the country.

“My oldest son manages large restaurants and bars, and my youngest has recently gone into business with two of his former Gill classmates. They plan to open a brew pub in New Hampshire,” Nametz shared. “Gill was such an incredible opportunity for them, and they took advantage of it. They are both doing so well, and it is all because of Gill.”

Past recipients of the award include:

2021 - Samuel Corliss

2019 - Richard & Susan Markham

2018 - Michael Mandelbaum

2017 - Andrienne Kirby

2015 - Michael Golden

2014 - Brandon Clark

2013 - William F. Conger

2012 - Richard Emmitt

2011 - Joseph F. Behot and Barbara Evans

2010 - Alberta Edwards and Robert Sameth, Sr.