St. Andrew’s School plans to build a new squash center

Anonymous donor funding project

Posted 4/7/21

A $1.25-million gift from an anonymous longtime supporter and friend of St. Andrew’s will provide funding for a state-of-the-art squash center at St. Andrew’s School — the …

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St. Andrew’s School plans to build a new squash center

Anonymous donor funding project

Posted

A $1.25-million gift from an anonymous longtime supporter and friend of St. Andrew’s will provide funding for a state-of-the-art squash center at St. Andrew’s School — the centerpiece of several campus building projects that will begin in early April.

The donor designated $750,000 of the gift for construction of the squash center. The remaining $500,000 will go toward the school’s endowment, which supports financial aid, faculty salaries, student programs, and campus operations.

The generous gift enables St. Andrew’s to expand opportunities and support for St. Andrew’s students, said David J. Tinagero, St. Andrew’s Head of School.

“Our school’s mission is to ensure that every one of our students is able to purposefully engage, succeed, and thrive at St. Andrew’s and in life,” Mr. Tinagero said. “By expanding our athletics program and helping to sustain our endowment — our most robust tool for providing access to a broader range of applicants — this generous gift very much enriches our ability to carry out this mission.”

Building projects set to launch in the beginning of April also include improved outdoor athletics facilities adjacent to the squash center, as well as a new residential house for faculty and staff families.

Squash center and improved athletics facilities

The 5,600-square-foot squash center will include four courts, two locker rooms, viewing areas, and facilities for the school’s athletic trainer. The school is currently developing a multi-year plan for a year-round squash program that will attract and support top athletes, while also creating additional club and recreational options for all students.

Squash is a natural fit for St. Andrew’s School’s athletics program, said Mike Hart, St. Andrew’s director of athletics.

“Squash is a game that aligns with St. Andrew’s values of accessibility, sportsmanship, honesty, and integrity,” Mr. Hart said. ”These new facilities, paired with our ambitious plan to create a competitive and recreational squash program at St. Andrew’s, will open up more athletic options for all of our students, and will also attract new applicants to our school.”

Additionally, a new multi-purpose, outdoor basketball court and green space will provide an expanded campus activity area for students to play recreational sports and take part in other community-building events and gatherings. A brick building, currently used as facilities storage space, will be renovated to serve as a much-needed team locker room and meeting space for the school’s girls and boys soccer and lacrosse teams — and will also include restroom facilities that can be used by sports spectators.

Mr. Hart said the new and expanded facilities also provide the ability for St. Andrew’s to strengthen community partnerships and offer auxiliary programs for youth and adults beyond the St. Andrew’s community.

The Squash Center is expected to be open for use in Nov. 2021.

Campus housing

In April, construction will also begin on a 2,150-square-foot single family home located on Federal Road that will be used as a residence for school employees. Currently, nearly half of St. Andrew’s staff, faculty, and administrators live on campus, and 51 percent of the school’s students are boarders.

Expanding staff and faculty campus housing enables St. Andrew’s to enhance the experience of our boarding students — and to recruit highly qualified education professionals, Mr. Tinagero said.

“We offer a dynamic and nurturing environment for our boarders, who come to St. Andrew’s from across the world,” he said. “Increasing the number of caring adults and families on campus makes our school feel more like a home for our residential students; it also helps us to attract highly qualified teachers and professionals who are interested in being part of a close-knit residential community.”

The house will be available for residential use in the fall of 2021.

Generous support

In addition to the lead gift for the squash center, St. Andrew’s has received several substantial gifts from community members and friends that have provided additional funds for the planning, design, and construction of the projects.

Anton P. Giedt, president of St. Andrew’s board of trustees, said the large lead gift, and the ongoing support from the community, are emblematic of the enduring value of a St. Andrew’s education.

“We are incredibly grateful for this very generous donor’s support and vision, as well as that of all the donors who have contributed, and continue to contribute, to these projects,” said Anton Giedt. “As we emerge from this worldwide pandemic, it is clear that the St. Andrew’s community has not just survived; we have thrived — thanks to the dedication of our teachers, the resilience of our students, the legacy of our alumni, and the generosity of our friends.”

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