ALUMNAE/I &
 DEVELOPMENT

ALUMNAE/I AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

FAQ'S

GIVING TO THE MASTERS SCHOOL

ANNUAL FUND

ONLINE GIVING

“What I remember is the feeling of stretching my wings and being lovingly encouraged by all the teachers at Dobbs to explore the hidden possibilities that lay within me, without judgment or limitation. This is the greatest gift a young person can ever receive, this gift of possibility."

Marin Alsop '73
Music Director and Conductor
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
2005 MacArthur Fellow; Honorary Trustee, The Masters School

Frequently Asked Questions

Following are questions that parents and alumnae/i ask most often when they contact the Alumnae/i and Development Office.

Q. How can I get in touch with my former classmates?
A.   We would love to help you keep in touch.

  • Please contact Mary Ryan '00, Director of Alumnae/i Relations, at 914-479-6433 or mryan@themastersschool.com, with any specific questions about getting in touch with your classmates.
  • If you want to contact all of your classmates, place a notice in the “Class Notes” section of The Bulletin. Please contact Mary Ryan '00 for further information.
  • To get in touch with a particular classmate, simply mail a letter to: Classmate’s Name, Class Year, c/o The Masters School, Alumnae/i and Development Office, 49 Clinton Avenue, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522, and we will pass it along for you, if we have a current address.
Q. I would like to make a donation to The Masters School. What do I do?
A. We appreciate your thoughtfulness! There are several ways to make a gift:
  • You can mail a check to The Masters School, Alumnae/i and Development Office, 49 Clinton Avenue, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522.
  • If you would like to donate by credit card, with stock, or a planned giving vehicle, please call us at 914-479-6440.
  • You can also contribute on-line by clicking here.
Q. I want to make a gift of stock, what should I do?
A. Call us, or have your broker call us, at 914-479-6440 or 914-479-6428, or you may view and print out instructions here. It’s easy to do, and if the gift is appreciated securities, you will also save on capital gains taxes. It is essential to let us know before transferring the gift, so you can be thanked and receive the appropriate IRS tax receipt. Please click here for Stock Transfer Instructions.

Q. What alumnae/i events or reunions are happening this year?
A. Please check out our calendar of events. It’s updated regularly!

Q. What is Annual Fund support and why is it important?
A. The Annual Fund is essential to The Masters School. It is a fund that helps support our operating budget and bridges the gap between tuition revenue and the actual costs per student incurred by the School. So, for example, your gift could provide tuition assistance for outstanding students who have financial need, update computers and purchase library books, or provide unique enrichment activities, such as special events with renowned authors and musicians. for more information, please contact Audrey Jensen, Director of Annual Fund, at 914-479-6576 or audreyjensen@themastersschool.com.

Q. I put The Masters School in my will…should I let you know?
A. Yes, please! Thank you for your foresight and generosity. Please call us, as we have a legacy organization, known as The Estherwood Society, with special benefits to thank you and your family members. Please contact Linda Smith-Shearer, director of planned giving, at 914-409-1015 or lsmithshearer@themastersschool.com.

Q. What are “matching gifts?”
A. Many companies have a policy to match their employees’ contributions, some at double or triple the amount of the original gift. Check with your human resources department or website. If you are still unsure, call us at 914-479-6576 and we will make every effort to find out for you.

Q. I see that several buildings are named for certain people. How much does a building cost and can my parents dedicate one for me, too?
A. Okay, this question has never actually been asked, but we like to believe our students are thinking it. There are many naming opportunities available, especially within our new buildings. Dedicating a building is clearly one of the most significant and permanent ways you can pay tribute to a loved one or celebrate your own life, but there are other meaningful ways to make a significant difference as well, such as a named scholarship fund or a faculty chair. We welcome all inquiries! Call 914-479-6575 for details and a written prospectus.