Board of Trustees
Communication to the Fenwick Community
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Memorial of the Guardian Angels
From Peter Tremblay, Board Chair
Dear Students, Parents, Guardians, Faculty, and Staff,
As Chair of the Board of Trustees for Bishop Fenwick High School and St. Mary of the Annunciation School, I share this important update with you.
Our President, Tom Nunan, has informed the Board that the current school year, his seventh at Fenwick, will be his final year with us. After much personal reflection and prayerful discernment, he and his wife Nancy have made the decision to relocate to be closer to family. As Tom shared in his letter to the Board:
“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve as Fenwick’s first president. The Board’s support and stewardship have been invaluable. The supremely talented colleagues on our faculty and staff have been exemplary in their service, and connecting with so many Fenwick parents and alumni has been a wonderful gift. Most importantly, our students have been inspiring. What a grace it is to be invited into their lives, especially at these critical and meaningful moments.”
Tom’s tenure has been defined by extraordinary vision, leadership, faith, and an unwavering devotion to Fenwick’s mission. In close partnership with faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and friends, he has guided our community through significant challenges while positioning Fenwick for continued success. Highlights of his impact and of our community’s momentum include:
Steadfast leadership during the pandemic. When many schools were forced to close, Fenwick remained open thanks to the dedication of teachers and administrators. They not only ensured the continuity of learning but also kept the Fenwick community thriving.
Successful re-accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Fenwick successfully completed the rigorous decennial accreditation process through the Commission on Independent Schools (CIS) of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). This effort required extensive collaboration from faculty, staff, students, parents, and alumni. The Visiting Team’s report and our constituent surveys affirmed Fenwick’s excellence in providing an exceptional education.
Academic expansion and recognition.
Under Tom’s leadership, Fenwick expanded its course offerings, elevated its academic programs and earned College Board AP Recognition at two Gold levels and one Platinum level of distinction. Only four other Catholic schools—and just 9% of all schools in Massachusetts—achieved this honor.
Strengthening community life.
The introduction of Fenwick F.I.R.S.T. now celebrates individuals who embody our values of faith, integrity, relationship, scholarship, and tradition. Tom launched Fenwick Connect, which includes weekly all-school and grade-level gatherings, with a public speaking program requiring each student to deliver two speeches during their Fenwick years.
Transformative campus improvements.
Major enhancements to Fenwick’s facilities include: the massive Crusader Square and Learning Commons project, the new Juffre Plaza entryway, the renovated Courtyard & Grotto, the addition of light poles and banners and front entry markers along Margin Street, and upgraded security systems throughout campus.
Increased support for faculty and staff.
With strong Board support, Tom and team prioritized both improved compensation for and greater retention of Fenwick’s high-quality faculty and staff.
A dynamic partnership with St. Mary of the Annunciation School.
Tom guided the integration of our partner school, St. Mary’s in Danvers. This support, combined with the school’s tremendous leadership and the commitment of its outstanding faculty and staff, have led to extraordinary growth and vitality at St. Mary’s.
Historic growth in philanthropy and alumni engagement.
Working diligently with the members of our highly effective Institutional Advancement team, Tom encouraged a strong culture of philanthropy. Engagement from alumni, parents, friends, and foundations reached all-time highs, ensuring lasting investment in Fenwick’s present and future.
Expanded scholarships and financial aid.
Tom championed broader access to a Fenwick education by empowering the Admissions and Finance teams to expand scholarships and financial aid. New initiatives—such as the Emmaus Scholarship and enhanced Presidential, Board, and Crusader Scholarships— welcomed the next generation of Crusaders.
Looking ahead, the Board of Trustees will move swiftly, thoughtfully, and intentionally to begin the search for Fenwick’s next president. The Board will retain a search firm, form a search committee, and initiate the process. We will communicate regularly with our community - our first update will be on or before October 10. We will seek input from all constituencies—students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni—as we discern together the leader who will carry Fenwick forward.
This transition is both a moment of gratitude and a time of anticipation. With the strength of our mission, the inspiration of our students, the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the continued support of our parents and alumni, Fenwick’s future is bright. Together, we will build upon the foundation Tom has helped strengthen, continuing to enhance and elevate the experience of our students, and provide our Crusaders with an Education for Life.
Thank you for your partnership and your prayers as we move forward with hope and faith.
Sincerely,
Peter Tremblay ’76, P ’08, ’12 Chair, Board of Trustees