Dorothy "DD" Alexander Matz ’81

Dorothy Alexander Matz ’81, or “DD” as she is called by family and friends, was named the recipient of the 2022 Distinguished Alumna Award on April 21 at the Reunion Weekend Alumnae Association Dinner. DD has worn many Foxcroft hats; alumna, parent of two alumnae (step-daughter Michelle Matz Hyland ’00 and daughter Lucy Matz ’16), Trustee, and search committee member to name just a few. Her devotion to Foxcroft is evident in the work she has done and continues to do for the School, whether it be in recruiting new students, leading the Board of Trustees in governance education, committee work, or as Secretary of the Board or philanthropically supporting many essential Foxcroft projects. Her family and Foxcroft share a connection that spans three generations.

When not focused on Foxcroft, DD is active in many other organizations close to her heart. She has served as President of the United States Equestrian Team Foundation (USET), Vice-President of the Board of Upland Country Day School, and Vice-Chairman of the Brandywine River Museum and Conservancy, a position she still holds today. 

She has also managed her family farm, Buck and Doe, where she is able to fulfill her passion for riding and racing and where she raised her four children. Competitive riding is in her blood as well as her family's and they can often be seen at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington or other A-rated shows. 

But to the Class of 1981, she is a beloved classmate who is authentic, inclusive, and supportive. In her acceptance remarks, delivered by dear friend Dell Hancock ’71 as DD was unable to attend the presentation in person, DD shared “I really enjoyed those marathon [Board of Trustees] meetings with so many other great Foxcroft ‘girls’ and a few good men sprinkled in; getting a chance to see what was happening at the School, learning more about education, and at the end of a long day, kicking up our heels a little was very satisfying work. We all were so passionate about Foxcroft; it was very fulfilling and hopefully, beneficial to the School.
 
The bonds that I have built among my Foxcroft family run very deep and I am humbled to be singled out amongst such a fabulous, incredibly bright, and capable group of women. My classmates all know I have pretty strong convictions, but I also prefer to fly under the radar. I can never thank that group of ladies enough, as they really helped shape the person I am today. In so many ways, we raised each other, and no one got away with too much bad acting! Who knew you could get such great advice from your 16-year-old peers?

I hope all of you getting ready to graduate so soon will cherish and nurture the bonds that Foxcroft helped form. Your friends are the pillars that give you the strength, integrity, and conviction you will need in life to accomplish your goals, whatever they may be. A life of purpose, a love of friends and the beauty in the world around us, service to others, and a lot of humor have provided me with a wonderful life. So much of that was rooted in my time at Foxcroft. I am humbled to be honored tonight. Thank you all and I miss you.”

For these and so many other reasons, we are thrilled to recognize Dorothy “DD” Alexander Matz ’81 as our 2022 Distinguished Alumna.