Strengthening Kinkaid's Future

Jim and Francita Ulmer (center) with their children, Frances Koelsch Jefferies and Robert Koelsch

Francita Stuart Koelsch Ulmer ’49 declares that, "It does not seem possible that I have been at Kinkaid for almost eight decades. But I have!" Truth is, she has been an integral part of the Kinkaid family and a vital resource to preserving Kinkaid's history. She shared her love of The Kinkaid School and love of history with her children, Robert Koelsch ’78 and Frances Koelsch Jefferies ’85.

Francita was pleased to honor the request of former Headmaster John Cooper to write an account of the School's early days. She personally interviewed students, parents, teachers, and other acquaintances of Mrs. Kinkaid to meticulously account and record the history. It resulted in one of her proudest accomplishments, The Kinkaid School: First Fifty Years, published in 1956. In addition, she attained a Texas Historical Marker in 1981 to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the School.

Francita greatly values her "Kinkaid friendships that have lasted a lifetime," and a strong education. "I have always been impressed with the quality and variety of educational opportunities offered to Kinkaid students where the curriculum has been adjusted to changing times." A lifelong learner, she enjoys attending lectures at Christ Church Cathedral and researching historical houses and gardens. She has twice been a member of the Alumni Association Board and delights in attending Alumni Interim Term continuing education classes arranged by the Board each year.

Francita recently made Kinkaid the beneficiary of an insurance policy with "the intentions to help the School continue its excellent educational opportunities. I believe that the loyal support of alumni has been a very important factor in the continuing strength of the School."

To learn more about ways you can support Kinkaid's future, like Francita, contact Lisa Wood at lisa.wood@kinkaid.org or (713) 243-5023.