The magnificent rotunda that serves as the main entrance to the West Campus Center will forevermore be known as Martin Hall. Shawn and Susan Martin, parents of Ryan ’17, Cam ’18, Owen ’19, and Emma, dedicated Martin Hall in loving memory of Meghan (Faria) Martin, their sister-in-law, and wife of Shawn’s brother, Patrick ’99. 

The Martin Family’s history with St. Sebastian’s began in the 1990s when Patrick, the youngest of seven, attended the School. Shawn, a current trustee, recalled, “My father had a great fondness for St. Sebastian’s and for Bill Burke and a true recognition of the importance of Catholic education.” When Shawn and Susan’s first son Ryan was old enough to attend St. Sebastian’s, there was no question where he would apply, with Cam and Owen following in his footsteps to become Arrows. The Martins were grateful for the entire experience, from academics to athletics and the community. “The teachers and coaches care so much about these kids and help to guide them through their adolescent years and to develop into strong, confident, moral, and faithful young men. In today’s world, those attributes are ever more important,” noted Shawn. His brother, Chris, also had two sons, C.J. ’17 and Trevor ’19, who attended St. Sebastian’s, increasing the Martin Family’s bonds to the School. 

In 2016, Shawn and Susan pledged to support the Spirit & People Campaign, thrilled by the opportunity to give back to the school that had become such a special place for the entire Martin family. “I give my parents a lot of credit for always instilling in us the importance of giving back to others and to help support things that are good in our community,” shared Shawn. 

When Meghan passed away in the summer of 2019, following a courageous seven-year battle with breast cancer, the decision of how to name the rotunda became clear. Meghan, Patrick’s high school sweetheart and mother of three young sons—JP (who will be a member of the Class of 2026 this coming fall), Connor, and Gavin—was a huge fan of St. Sebastian’s and this felt like the perfect way for Shawn and Susan to pay tribute to her life. “Meghan was so friendly and had the brightest personality. She always lit up a room,” said Susan. “It feels so appropriate and symbolic that this big space that’s welcoming and bright is named after her.” 

On December 23, the Martin and Faria Families gathered in the rotunda to celebrate the dedication of the space in Meghan’s name. Following the official blessing by Fr. Arens, Headmaster Burke shared these words in his remarks about Meghan: “She was and is a force—a preternaturally powerful force for the good, the true, and the beautiful... Her spirit beams brightly in and through her parents, her sister, her husband, her sons, and in all of us who have come to know and so love her. And we will honor her by loving God, working hard, and taking good care of one another. She’ll be with us in this great hall and everywhere we go in spirit.”