This summer, Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation’s Patricia Montesino Broxson will begin her retirement after over 12 years serving as SOAFI’s Executive Director, and over 30 years of experience in non-profit management and development. As a mother of two Dreyfoos graduates, Pat has had first-hand knowledge of the positive impact this school has on its students, and her dedication to serving Dreyfoos has been apparent to all of those who have worked with her.

Of working with Pat these past 5 years, Principal Susan Atherley says “It has been truly exciting and rewarding. Pat never gives up trying to do what is best for our students and staff. I have watched her over the years build and strengthen the Foundation to one of the very best in the district if not the state/nation. She works diligently and is passionate to ensure that DSOA continues to serve all students. Pat has created a culture that facilitates equal opportunity for every student and is highly respected by the entire community.”

Dean of the Music Department, Stefanie Katz-Shear says that “It has been an amazing experience working with Pat. Throughout the years, she has had a great way of modulating our stress levels with all of the planning and organization of our events. I will always appreciate (and miss very much) Pat's very contagious, positive disposition and her real love for our students.”

Bruce Linser, Dean of the Theatre Department adds that “Pat is always amazing to work with. She is incredibly calm, reasonable and considered in her dealings with people, and eternally flexible and helpful. I have appreciated and admired her presence and her demeanor.”

Under Pat’s guidance these past 12 years, the Foundation has raised $20 million to support and benefit the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts. Pat has worked hard to secure grants from The Hearst Foundations, Surdna Foundation, Hines Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, the Leonard and Sophie Davis Fund, and countless others. Pat and her husband Doug even donate each year to our Campaign for the Arts to help ensure that our students can continue to receive invaluable instruction from the Artists in Residence.

Simon Benson Offit, the Chairman of the School of the Arts Foundation Board of Directors put it best. “It is the end of an era, but what an era it has been. In her role as Executive Director of the School of the Arts Foundation, Pat Montesino Broxson brought to Dreyfoos a gold standard in fundraising that will long be remembered. Pat’s professionalism and dynamic leadership over the past 12 years garnered Dreyfoos generous grants from many major American corporations and established Dreyfoos as one of the “best of the best” public schools in America according to Newsweek Magazine. While she always demonstrated great leadership in her role as director, it is the intuitive side of Pat that I will miss the most. Our daily phone conversations covering every small detail from planning a major gala, to sending a letter of sympathy, assured me that Dreyfoos was always in good hands. We will miss you Pat, but know that you will always be part of the Dreyfoos family now and in the future.”

In retirement, Pat and Doug plan to spend time more time on their boat, fishing, as well as travelling and they have a long list of sights they hope to see. Here at the Foundation, we wish them all the best, and know for certain that she will be missed.

Dean of Communications, Angela Weber agrees. “Pat has, and I know will continue to be, our biggest cheerleader - always there to offer positive words and a vision for success! She has made an impact on all of us - Dreyfoos, its students, and teachers - and she will not be forgotten for it! Patricia Broxson's legacy will be infinite at Dreyfoos!”