George B. Sanderson Fund

George Sanderson informed the Doane Academy Board of Trustees that the 2022-2023 academic year, his eighth year, will be his final as Head of School. Members of the Doane community recognize the many roles that Mr. Sanderson has played in shepherding the school through some of the most transformative – and challenging – periods in our 185-year history. From the moment of the opening of Rowan Hall, and through the adversity of the pandemic, George Sanderson has enriched student life at Doane with his dedication, intellect, and leadership.

As a former college history major, Mr. Sanderson has reveled in the rich history and traditions of this 187-year-old institution – the oldest private school in New Jersey. Founded in 1837 as a girls’ school designed to educate girls on equal footing with the best boys’ schools, Doane is now a co-ed, Pre-K through 12 school. Doane’s mission is to provide an exceptional college preparatory program while cultivating character development and nurturing the emotional maturity essential in preparing students for life. Doane develops intelligent, capable individuals within a community where all are known, loved, and strongly encouraged to discover their unique potential. These words speak to Mr. Sanderson’s ethos as an educator and leader.

The byword of Mr. Sanderson’s time at Doane has been “growth.” His arrival coincided with the inauguration of Rowan Hall as the new center of Doane campus life. He led the school in the reacquisition of the Boudinot School property and formulated plans for its use. Both the student body and the endowment have appreciably increased in size during Mr. Sanderson’s tenure, thanks in no small part to the roles that he played in the development of a new middle school division, the creation of a robust Parents Association, and the hiring of a diverse, talented, and student-centered faculty. Because of Mr. Sanderson’s stewardship of our curriculum, programs, and traditions and his steady leadership through an unprecedented time, Doane Academy is ready to meet the challenges of the next moment, true to our shared culture and values.

As you may be aware, participating in the performing arts was Mr. Sanderson’s major extra-curricular activity while a student. It should not come as a surprise, then, that one of Mr. Sanderson’s first capital projects at Doane was to convert an unused space (formerly used as a gymnasium and library) into a badly needed space for the drama program. He gathered a team to design and construct what is now a superb black box theater. In recognition of Mr. Sanderson’s interest in the performing arts and many accomplishments at Doane, the Board of Trustees would like to name the space the George B. Sanderson Black Box Theater as a lasting tribute to his many achievements as Head of School.

We would be delighted if you would join the Sanderson family, trustees, faculty, parents, and Doane Academy alumni in paying tribute to George upon his retirement from the school and recognizing his numerous achievements. Gifts of any size will be appreciated and recognized.

Kathleen Keays Oliver ’88, Director of Development at Doane, would be happy to speak with you about your gift. [email protected] 609-386-3500 ext. 166