Dan Bouchard P'10, '14, '15
Champions of Giving: Dan Bouchard
Meet the Donor
Dan Bouchard has been part of the Austin Prep community for nearly two decades. A parent of three alumni – graduates in 2010, 2014, and 2015 – Dan has witnessed firsthand the transformation of students into confident, accomplished young adults. Today, both of his sons are Harvard and Brown graduates, and his daughter graduated from Elon. Beyond their college paths, what matters most to Dan is the character they developed along the way. “It’s great that my kids went to the colleges they wanted to,” he reflects. “But I’m even more proud of the people they’ve become. That’s why I give back.”
The Inspiration to Give
The Bouchard family’s journey began when Dan’s oldest son decided to transfer from another Catholic school. His daughter also followed, leaving her all-girls school in Wakefield to join with her brother at Austin Prep. Their decision set the stage for more than a decade of connection to the school.
Dan credits Austin Prep’s culture with shaping his children’s character. “It’s the way teachers engage with students, the respect older teammates show younger ones, the encouragement to be their best selves. It’s a culture that develops not only college- ready graduates, but genuinely good human beings.”
That culture inspired his first act of giving. In the mid-2000s, the lower athletic fields offered little more than rough baseball diamonds with no dugouts. Together with other parents, Dan helped raise the funds to build proper dugouts and create two separate fields. “The kids finally had a cover over their heads and protection from the sun, the rain, and stray baseballs,” he recalls. “It was a quick and visible way to make a difference – and my youngest son, a baseball player, was able to benefit for all seven years he was here.”
The Bouchard Pavilion
Years later, when the school redeveloped the lower fields, the Bouchard family made a transformational gift that helped create the Bouchard Pavilion. For Dan, it was deeply personal: “The Pavilion resonates with me because that’s where my journey started – on those rough fields where we built the first dugouts. To now see these beautiful facilities and know our family helped make it possible is incredibly meaningful.”
His philanthropy extends beyond facilities. After joining the Board of Trustees in 2017, Dan was soon named Chair, a role in which he gave not just financially but through leadership. “The operating budget takes care of the day-to-day,” he explains. “But it’s philanthropy that allows Austin Prep to grow. I believe in the school’s potential, and that’s why my family and I give.”
Reflecting on Austin Prep’s direction, he adds: “We continue to build on successes we’ve had in the past, and we’ve made very good strategic decisions. Those are playing out for the kids and for their experience. That’s what excites me.”
The Bouchard Pavilion: Located at Austin Prep’s Lower Fields Athletic Complex, the Bouchard Pavilion provides a welcoming space for athletes, families, and fans to gather. Its elevated patio offers panoramic views of the surrounding fields and tennis courts, creating a vibrant setting that celebrates community, sportsmanship, and school spirit.
Why Giving Matters
From building dugouts to establishing the Bouchard Pavilion, from sending his children into the world to guiding the school as a Trustee, Dan’s story reflects how generosity can shape lives. His gifts were never just about facilities or recognition — they were about ensuring that future students would experience the same opportunities and culture that shaped his own children.
As Dan explains, “The operating budget does a great job of taking care of the day-to- day stuff, but it’s philanthropy that allows for the additional items and to allow the school to grow.”
His example shows that philanthropy at Austin Prep is more than a contribution. It’s a way to extend the values of veritas, unitas, and caritas to the next generation. Each gift, large or small, helps students grow into thoughtful scholars, compassionate leaders, and engaged citizens. When families invest in Austin Prep, they are investing in a community where character and learning go hand in hand.
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Become a Champion of Giving
The article above is part of our Champions of Giving series, which highlights the individuals and families whose generosity transforms student lives and strengthens the Austin Prep experience. You too can be a Champion of Giving by supporting our students through annual giving, memorial scholarships, or campaign contributions. Your gift helps students learn boldly, lead with purpose, and serve with compassion — creating a lasting impact for generations to come.
Austin Prep Fund
The Austin Prep Fund strengthens every part of school life, providing vital annual support for academics, arts, athletics, and student programs. Each gift empowers teachers, enhances learning spaces, and expands opportunities for students to grow in faith, knowledge, and leadership.
