Fessenden Announces Next Director of Athletics
2/6/2023
A Message From Head of School Steve Armstrong
I am pleased to share the news of an administrative appointment at Fessenden. Rory Sanborn will become Fessenden’s Director of Athletics beginning July 1, 2023.
For the past eleven years, Rory has been a teacher, coach, and a valued member of Fessenden’s residential program. In 2017, he was appointed as the Middle School Dean of Students as well as the Middle School Athletics Coordinator. Highly respected by students, parents, and colleagues, Rory has been caring for Fessenden’s fifth and sixth graders and our boarding students in and out of the classroom for many years. An ardent supporter of Fessy boys, his passion for the program, community, and especially the students, is evidenced daily. Rory shared, “Physical education and athletics provide opportunities for development of character and skills and also for promoting healthy mental, physical, and social development so boys can grow as individuals, team members, and leaders. I am passionate about this school and community and couldn’t be more excited to lead the Fessenden Athletic program.” Rory holds a Bachelors of Arts in Economics from Middlebury College, where he was also a member of the varsity lacrosse team. He and his wife, Greta, a Fessenden Kindergarten teacher, and their two young children, Lincoln and Wells, live on campus.
At this time, I want to offer sincere appreciation to Pete Sanderson for his 35 years of leadership as the Director of Athletics and his service to Fessenden. Pete and his wife Sue, Admissions and Placement Coordinator, Director of Financial Aid, and Learning Resources Academic Tutor, are the parents of Cory ’03 and Scott ’06, and share a deep love for and commitment to the School. Pete’s leadership has demonstrated his values of broad participation and healthy competition and ingrained the School’s core values of honesty, compassion, and respect into the program. The strength of athletics at Fessenden is a true reflection of his time leading the program, and he will leave a lasting legacy. We are grateful for Pete’s many contributions to the Fessenden community.
Please join me in congratulating Rory on his appointment. We also extend our appreciation to Pete for his many years of leadership—we look forward to the opportunity to celebrate his years of service as the year continues. Fessenden is fortunate to hold and continue such a strong and proud tradition of athletics.
Sincerely,
Steve Armstrong
Head of School