This annual event celebrates our school’s founders whose generosity made Thayer Academy possible. On this day, we continue the tradition of honoring their contributions by making our own, carrying on their legacy in support of the next generation of Thayer students. 

Please consider joining our efforts by making your Founders Day gift on or before March 1.

This year, our community has come together in so many ways to continue to provide the best educational opportunities and experiences to our students. Your Annual Fund gift helps us keep this momentum going and provides much-needed resources to finish the year in strong fashion.

Two anonymous donors are generously sponsoring a challenge grant. For every gift of any amount, Thayer will receive an additional $50 donation, up to a maximum of $50,000.

If you've already supported Thayer this fiscal year, thank you!
We hope you'll consider an additional gift of any size to help us reach
1,000 gifts for Founders Day to unlock $50,000 for Thayer.
Every donor who participates with a gift of any amount has a SIGNIFICANT impact!

 

Participate in a challenge!

In addition to the donor-sponsored challenge grant, your gift can contribute towards one of the day's challenges, such as:

Upper School Parent/Guardian Challenge
250 gifts from Upper School parents/guardians unlocks a dress down day for Upper School students

Middle School Parent/Guardian Challenge
100 gifts from Middle School parents/guardians unlocks a pajama day for Middle School students

Alumni Reunion Challenge
Each alumni class with 50 or more Founders Day donors will unlock complimentary tickets for every member of the class for their next reunion!

Senior Legacy Challenge
For each senior parent/guardian who makes a gift to Senior Legacy today, Senior Legacy Co-Chairs Kevin & Rita Gill P ’11, ’13, ‘22 will contribute $500, up to $25,000

...and many more challenges that will be revealed. You can also create your own giving challenge! Stay tuned for more details.

Join us for a Zoom Room!

11 a.m.: Coffee with Connie
A conversation with Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Connie Yepez. Bring your questions about Thayer Academy’s Strategic Plan for Racial Equity and Justice and DEI education at Thayer. 
Click here to register

12 p.m.: Introduction to Thayer's New Master Class on Leadership and Communications
Join Head of School Chris Fortunato P '26, '28 and Scholar-in-Residence for Leadership and Communications Timothy McCarthy for an overview of their newly launched master class on leadership and communications. This year they are offering sessions on topics such as: finding your voice and values; mapping and managing your audience(s); framing the debate; telling your story; handling conflict; showing compassion; owning and sharing the room; and being vulnerable and brave.
Click here to register

3 p.m.:  Engaging Girls in STEAM
A conversation with female faculty members teaching STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) about how they inspire young women to pursue these fields of study. Faculty members Kiley Horne '08, Erin McGurn, Paula Collins P '10, '21, Karen Jodoin P '22, and Marie Jimenez will discuss the importance of STEAM education at Thayer. 
Click here to register 

6 p.m.: Making the Athletic Leap
A conversation with coaches and student-athletes about the evolution of the college athletics recruitment process. Join Anni Zukauskas '94 P '28, '29, Jeff Toussaint '82, Brandy Fisher-Bailey P '28, '29, Brandon Odom '04, and Billy O'Dwyer '02 along with several student-athletes.
Click here to register


Spread the word!

Encourage your friends and family to join you in making a gift.

Post on social media why you supported Founders Day using the graphics below (right click or long press to download); use #thayerdayofgiving