Dedication Ceremonies Highlight Named Spaces at Middle School 

Thayer Academy recently held dedication ceremonies at the Middle School to name rooms and spaces in honor of members of the Thayer community. The celebration also recognized the generosity of donors who made the naming of such spaces possible. 

“I hope you feel great pride knowing that your leadership and commitment helped elevate Thayer to new heights,” Head of School Chris Fortunato P ’26, ’28 told gathered donors at the Sept. 9 event. He added that such support has not only strengthened the school but has served to propel Thayer into a new era of growth and possibility. 

The named spaces mark one component of the The Campaign for Thayer Academy, a five-year fundraising effort which recently concluded as the most successful fundraising campaign in school history; the initiative raised more than $30 million, besting its initial goal by roughly $5 million. A similar celebration of named spaces on the Upper School campus and the Thayer Sports Center took place this past spring. 

Middle School Director Galen Hamann P ’31 welcomed guests and said the Middle School has always been known for its tremendous faculty and staff, its innovative programs, and its connected community. The recent transformation of the Middle School campus, however, has provided a building that shines a light on those people and programs. 

“And I’m so grateful that you made that possible,” she told donors, “because it makes more folks want to join our community and it makes folks excited to return.” 

At the Middle School, the following named spaces were dedicated: 

— The Middle School Faculty Room. The faculty room honors Middle School faculty and staff who served from 2019 to 2022, a time period encompassing both the COVID-19 pandemic and the renovation of the Middle School campus. The naming was made possible by Deb and Dan Budde P ’10, ’12 and the Budde family. 

— The James T. Dowden Science Lab. The lab honors the legacy of lifelong educator James T. Dowden. The naming was made possible by Sarah and Jim Dowden P ’26, ’28, ’30. 

— The Coughlin Family Innovation Lab. The naming was made possible by Kerrie and James Coughlin P ’24, ’26 along with their children, Grace Coughlin ’24 and Will Coughlin ’26. 

— The Stephen J. Sirrico Marine Science Lab. The lab honors the legacy of longtime Middle School teacher and coach Steve Sirrico P ’98, ’03. The naming was made possible by the combined generosity of the Windwer, Childs, and Conroy families. 

— The Charles Castleman ’57 Music Room. The music room honors alumnus and violin virtuoso Charles “Charlie” Castleman ’57 and recognizes his generous donation to The Campaign for Thayer Academy. 

— The Holly & Chris Sullivan ’95 P ’28, ’28, ’33 Artist Studio. The naming recognizes the Sullivan family’s generous donation to The Campaign for Thayer Academy. 

— The Luisa & Brendan McDonough ’87 P ’18, ’22 Patio. The naming recognizes the McDonough family’s generous donation to The Campaign for Thayer Academy. 

— The DeMarco Family Patio. The naming honors the legacy of the DeMarco family at Thayer Academy and was made possible by Kristine & Rob DeMarco ’86 P ’19, ’21, ’26 along with their children Bobby DeMarco ’19, John DeMarco ’21, and Nina DeMarco ’26. 

— The Sandra & Bruce Tuthill P ’85, ’88, ’90, ’92 GP ’25, ’28, ’29 Patio. The naming recognizes the legacy of the Tuthill family at Thayer Academy and was made possible by the Forger family. 

— The Angela Toussaint & Jeff Toussaint ’82 Classroom. The naming recognizes the contributions of the two veteran Middle School faculty members with a combined 50 years of service to the school. The naming was made possible by the Coughlin family.

View photos from the evening HERE.