Retiring in 2026
Saying a fond farewell to Melissa Maas ’76, Bud Garikes, and Steve Ebner
MELISSA ULSAKER MAAS ’76
Director of Design and Production, 21 Years of Service
For Melissa Maas ’76, much of the work has happened behind the scenes, but its impact has shaped how a community sees itself and how its story is shared.
As a St. Agnes graduate, Melissa has a deep appreciation for the school and a different perspective. “My St. Agnes education not only prepared me academically and ethically, but also taught me that there were no limits to what we could do or who we could become,” she says. “Since returning in 2005, I’ve been given the space and support to grow both professionally and personally—as a designer, photographer, editor, and writer.”
That foundation carried into her work as the director of design and production, where she spent more than two decades telling and bringing the school’s story to life across the community.
Melissa reimagined the school magazine, expanding it to include in-depth stories, alumni features, and a broader reflection of the academic and spiritual experience of the school. She elevated the quality and consistency of school photography, helping to build a comprehensive visual archive of school—from classroom candids to athletics, performances, and milestone events.
At the heart of it all, what she says inspires her, are the relationships.
“The Saints community is truly amazing. I have experienced so many genuine connections with colleagues, parents, students, and alumni,” she says. “I have spent more than 50 years as a member of this community, which is most of my life! My life is a Saints life.”
Her family has been part of that experience as well, her sons, Alex Bloom ’11 and Jameson Bloom ’13, are both alumni. Jameson was a student photographer for the Athletics Office and remains a familiar face on campus, covering athletics, plays, concerts, and events.
“Working together—sharing a love of photography and the school—was especially meaningful for us,” Melissa says.
In the spring of 2020 during the pandemic lockdown, Melissa and Jameson went to every senior’s home to take their traditional college sweatshirt photo outside. They also offered to take family portraits as a gift to them. Driving over 400 miles in three days they gave the gift of their time and talents and warmth during a really difficult time.
Beyond her formal role, Melissa mentored student photographers and seniors completing independent projects, supporting their creative development. She also led two redesigns of the school website, created a site for the Summertimes program, and developed the digital magazine site.
Her impact is perhaps most visible in the way the community sees itself.
“One of my favorite personal Saints traditions is reading The Saints Life magazine cover to cover when it arrives in my mailbox,” says Associate Head of School Bob Weiman. “I feel informed, excited, moved, and proud when experiencing the stories told so beautifully and compellingly through text, graphics, and photographs. I am always grateful for the talented master storyteller and designer who evoked those emotions—Melissa Maas. Melissa’s creativity has impacted each and every Saint—past, present, and future—through the wonderful logos, banners, calendars, brochures, and magazines that she has created.”
What’s mattered most to Melissa? “I believe my greatest contributions have been the photographs I have taken and the school magazine,” she says. “I have truly loved featuring the amazing things our alumni are doing. It has been a privilege to help tell the story of St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes through seasons of growth and change, including milestone moments in our school’s history. If my legacy is that I helped preserve and document it for generations to come, I feel deeply grateful.”
WHAT’S YOUR STORY?
Calling all Saints alumni, students, parents, faculty, and staff! For 21 years, I’ve had the privilege of telling the stories of St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes—its people, its traditions, and the moments that stay with us.
I’ve learned that everyone has a tale to tell and every memory shared helps shape our identity, preserves institutional legacy, and fosters the connections and sense of belonging we feel as a community. So, Saints, my fondest wish before I go is to hear from you!
Have some fun! Please download this fortune teller, make it, pick a prompt, and tell us a story—or two! Use the provided QR code or go to sssas.org/yourstory.
Melissa Ulsaker Maas ’76
The Saints Life Editor
BUD GARIKES
Upper School History Teacher, 25 Years of Service
After 25 years of service, history teacher Bud Garikes is closing a chapter defined by deep dedication to students, thoughtful leadership, and an enduring belief in the purpose of education.
Bud joined the faculty in 2001 following a 20-year career in law—work that included private practice, government service, and political campaigns—and brought that real-world perspective directly into his classroom, where AP Government became a space for thoughtful, often timely conversations about the American political system.
Over the years, he also served as History Department Chair and spent 11 years as Upper School Director, a role in which he found particular satisfaction in hiring and mentoring outstanding teachers, something he still points to as a defining part of his legacy.
While much has changed over time—students, colleagues, even the physical campus—what has stayed constant, Bud says, is the school’s commitment to its mission.
“What stands out most to me is the SSSAS community’s commitment to pursuing goodness, as well as knowledge,” he reflects. “All independent schools promote a rigorous academic environment, but SSSAS strives to live its mission.”
That belief shaped not only his teaching, but also the way he approached leadership and community life. Whether coaching golf, working with the Model Judiciary team, or leading a student trip to Spain, he was fully engaged in the rhythms of school life.
“Bud takes real pride in sharing his knowledge of the law and government with generations of Saints, which he sees it as his contribution to America’s ongoing experiment with democracy,” says colleague Vonnique Van Way. “Generous to a fault, he’s the first to jump in—whether teaching American politics or explaining football to our Normandy exchange students, or grilling for his AP Government classes. Bud is all in.”
At the heart of his teaching is a conviction about civic understanding. He hopes his students leave his classroom with a clear-eyed view of the American political experiment, “fragile, and at the same time magnificent,” and with a sense of responsibility to engage with it thoughtfully.
“Do not be afraid of new ideas,” he says. “Listen to the voices of people you may initially disagree with and respect each individual voice.”
He also emphasizes the value of compromise and character, urging students to “strive to be a person of honor and integrity” and to make good choices.
“Bud is the consummate educator, and his passion for the law, coupled with his ability to make meaningful connections with his students, is unparalleled,” says Tim Doyle, associate director of college counseling. “With his dynamic personality, he has made the Constitution and the complexities of our government come alive for decades of Saints. In 25 years, Bud has left an indelible mark on our school community.”
For Bud, the experience of spending so much of his life in this community has been, in his words, “invigorating, creative, fulfilling and overwhelmingly fun.” He speaks with particular appreciation for colleagues who measure success not by recognition or reward, but by a higher standard: whether they are guiding, teaching, or inspiring young people. His impact on students has been recognized in many ways over the years, including the dedication of the 2013 Traditions yearbook in his honor—a reflection of the lasting impression he has made on generations of Saints.
As he looks ahead to retirement, Bud plans to sleep until 9:00 a.m., hit some golf balls, travel, read, spend more time with his children and grandson, and volunteer with organizations that promote democracy and preserve our political system.
STEVE EBNER
Upper School History Teacher, 23 Years of Service
Working at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes was never just about the material for history teacher Steve Ebner—it was about the people.
“It’s the only thing I ever really wanted to do,” Steve says. “To make a difference in young people’s lives.”
Over 23 years in the classroom, that idea shaped everything from the way he taught American History to the way he showed up for the students day after day. Looking back, he frames it simply: “Have I mattered? Have I made a difference here?”
Since 2003, Steve has taught generations of students, led the History Department for 12 years, and built connections that extended far beyond any single class. He especially valued working with juniors, helping students who may not have initially enjoyed history—or felt confident in their writing—develop both an appreciation for the subject and confidence in their skills.
In 2004, he introduced Practical Economics, a semester-long elective rooted in his experience as a financial attorney. The project-based course gives students a foundation in real-world topics such as budgeting, credit, and investing, and remains a popular offering for seniors.
That same focus on preparing students for life beyond school shaped his work across campus. Steve sponsored and coached the Model Judiciary Team for 22 years, founded the Jewish Affinity Group in 2017, coached football and lacrosse, and served as a faculty representative on the Honor and Disciplinary Board. His impact was recognized early in his career, and again this year, with Upper School yearbook dedications, an honor that reflected the immediate connection he built with students.
“Steve has always had tremendous faith in students, caring deeply about their character and always seeing the best in each of them,” shared former history teacher Kate Hardwick. “Throughout his career, he did far more than teach history—he prepared students for life beyond school and challenged them to become thoughtful citizens.”
Looking back, what stands out most are the people he has encountered along the way.
“It is about the people that I have crossed paths with, some briefly and only tangentially, but most in a much more profound way,” he says. “Whether it’s my students or colleagues or athletes that I have coached, they all had a significant impact on my life.”
“No matter how brief or small the interaction, I am a big believer that God puts us all here to be in relationship with one another,” he adds. “I have had my opportunities to be in relationships with hundreds of good people.”
This was never just a job. “It is my home,” Steve says. His family has been part of that experience as well, including his wife, Terri, and his son Dylan ’15. “I wouldn’t have been able to give it my all without their support,” he says.
As he reflects on his time in the classroom, Steve returns to what has guided him all along: “I hope that I have given my students the tools to be successful in college and beyond in the real world. I hope I have helped them to develop the skills and confidence to meet any challenges and champion any obstacles that they will face. Life is a lot harder, and more important, than any grade they may have earned on any assessment. That is my hope—that my time with them was meaningful and mattered.”