The Bolles School welcomed the Shad family to the Bolles Upper School San Jose Campus April 25 for a ceremony celebrating their generous $1 million gift for the newly dedicated Shad Robotics Lab in the Frank R. Sanchez & Hope and Dana E. Fender Center for Innovation.

Bolles President and Head of School Tyler Hodges said the state-of-the-art lab, which opened last fall, is designed with collaboration and creativity at the forefront, providing educators and students an unmatched setting for specialized, hands-on and project-based learning in robotics and engineering.

“The Shad Robotics Lab has already made an undeniable impact on the Bolles Robotics program – with teams breaking world records and competing on an international stage. It’s also enhancing lessons for students taking Robotics and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Engineering courses at the upper school,” Hodges said. “We are beyond grateful for the Shad family’s support throughout the years and look forward to seeing how the Shad Robotics Lab will continue to shape the trajectories of current and future students.”

Bolles Associate Head of School Andrew Forrester kicked off the intimate event honoring the Shad family by acknowledging the three generations that have walked the halls of Bolles and the Bartram School for Girls, including Harold “Mike” Shad III ’64, Jennie Shad ’65 Bartram, Harold “Bill” Shad IV ’91, Piper Moyer-Shad ’91, Jack Shad ’93, Lori Shad ’92 and Scott Shad ’01. Three of the Shad grandchildren, who are current students at Bolles – Michael Shad ’26, Jane Shad ’29 and Harper Shad ’31 – beamed with pride throughout the program and stopped to take pictures with the new signage now installed outside of the lab.

Bolles upper school robotics teacher and instructional designer Gloria Wood shared her perspective with attendees, reflecting on the growth of the School’s offerings during her 29 years teaching technology-centered subjects at Bolles. She said the Shad Robotics Lab has been truly transformational for her teaching this school year, giving her more tools and opportunities to engage with students.

Moyer-Shad also delivered remarks as a member of the Shad family and Bolles alumna, parent and faculty member, recognizing her father-in-law and mother-in-law’s passion for giving back to the community and highlighting the valuable experience her nephew Michael and niece Jane have specifically gained through the Bolles Robotics program.

“In light of [our family’s deep connection to Bolles] and Mike and Jennie’s generous nature, it is no surprise to me that they have decided to donate these funds to the School,” Moyer-Shad said. “I cannot express my gratitude enough. This gift helps to ensure that current and future students continue to thrive and learn here.”

Thank you to the entire Shad family for making All Things Possible for our students!