Hello Sage Ridge Community!
My name is Paul Dolan and I joined Sage Ridge School as Director of Development on 1 July 2021, and have welcomed the chance to meet many of you this fall. I had the pleasure of serving as Dean of Academics at Sugar Bowl Academy in my last role. Living and breathing three distinct ski cultures working with Nordic, Alpine, and Freeride athletes on the historic Donner summit provided me with an immersive experience in the ski world, one I will cherish forever. Let’s meet up for some turns or après this winter!
I am thrilled to be here, and my long-term goal is to elevate the development program at Sage Ridge so that it is as successful as the best programs Sage Ridge offers and rivals the work of development programs across the country. Before moving west in 2018, I worked at boarding schools in New England and witnessed some inspiring philanthropy made possible by healthy cultures of giving.
Annual Fund
In 2017, I served on the accreditation committee at Roxbury Latin School (RL). Since its founding in 1645, RL has been accessible to qualified students irrespective of their ability to pay full tuition. During my campus visit, I asked the Director of Development to explain the magic of RL’s Annual Fund and how it makes it possible for the admissions process to be completely need-blind. Their entire community supports the Annual Fund because they share the collective belief that for RL to fulfill its mission its student body must be inclusive of the brightest minds who want to attend.
Capital Giving
I began my career at Canterbury School in 2007. That fall, a new girls’ dorm opened on campus, which was the first building project to be completed in a new campus master plan that is now nearly finished. Also included in Canterbury’s master plan were several projects that have been completed since 2007: an aquatics center, a dining hall, a turf field for field hockey and lacrosse, and a 22,000 square foot student center. This fall, they are finishing the last building project in that master plan with a football stadium that includes lights, a turf field, and an 8 lane track.
Endowment
I worked at Miss Porter’s School (MPS) from 2015-2018. According to their website, their endowment currently stands at $163.6 Million. I was lured to MPS by all of the ways that generosity, mission, programming and innovation were evident everywhere I turned. A healthy endowment and the culture of giving that needs to be in place to grow is something you experience when you walk on campus. My wife and I were fortunate enough to receive an endowment-funded grant for travel during our first year that enabled our entire family to visit Czech Republic, Hungary, and Croatia. Providing opportunities for travel helps schools to attract and retain talented teachers.
I am not only the Director of Development, I am also a Sage Ridge parent and an employee spouse. My daughter Jane is in 5th grade and my son Buzz is in 7th grade. I am fortunate to be married to Emily Dolan, Upper School Dean of Students. I hope all Sage Ridge families will join my family in giving to Sage Ridge this year. Please start by making the Annual Fund a priority for your family and get involved from there. The Annual Fund is launching in October.
Paul Dolan
Director of Development
