Saundra Thomas ‘80

Alumni Voices

Saundra Thomas ‘80

Beaver Reflections:
I graduated from Beaver in 1980 and had a wonderful experience. I played field hockey and basketball throughout high school and was very involved in different clubs/organizations. I was in student government, the Black Student Union, and I also worked on the yearbook during my senior year. I loved Beaver’s diversity and how people came from different backgrounds. Beaver provided so many opportunities to explore different passions, and the teachers were amazing. The Black Student Union, led by Sandy Hans, had a significant impact on my time there. My favorite teacher was Mrs. Skiotis. She taught Spanish, put up with my antics, and helped me love the language.

What is #happeningnow in your life:
After Beaver, I studied journalism at Rutgers University. In the summer going into my senior year, I got an internship at a television station in New York which turned into my first job. I then moved to Brooklyn and went to The New School to get my master’s in media studies. I then went to work at ABC at the local affiliate in New York. I started as a sales assistant and then worked on writing and producing. In 2001, I became the VP of Community Affairs at ABC and did that for 17 years. I produced public service announcements, held town hall meetings, ran the internship program, and worked on the strategic plan for community work. I currently serve on three non-profit boards and work as an executive coach to both non-profit leaders and business leaders.

“My experience at Beaver learning how to work with all kinds of people set me on my path to success.”
– Saundra Thomas ’80

Advice to Beaver students:
Take advantage of everything you’re interested in. Get involved and seize the opportunities presented to you. If you are having trouble at school, look back on the valuable lessons Beaver taught you.

Beaver Country Day School admits qualified students of any race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, creed, handicap status, national origin or ethnicity to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, creed, handicap status, national origin or ethinicity in the administration of its educational, admission, financial aid, athletic or other school-administered programs or policies.