Portland Adventist Academy (PAA) welcomed a new development department to the school. Directed by Dan Patchin, the department members are excited to provide opportunities for the school’s growth and strengthen its mission to the local youth of Portland and surrounding areas.
Patchin has volunteered with fund raising and marketing for the school for several years, including extensive work with the PAASS worthy student fund and the SOS (Save Our School) campaign. His tireless dedication and Christian spirit is just what the school needed.
A retired obstetrician/gynecologist, Patchin brought many of these children into the world. He believes that these students deserve the very best Christian education possible. He will be working with the alumni association and various donors to meet many of PAA’s goals for the future.
Associate director Linda Hill joined the development team in October and has worked diligently expanding and facilitating the Feature Church program, updating the database, and assuming many other hats wherever needed. Her genuine smile and jar of treats cause many students to pop their heads in just to say “hi.”
The development team most recently added personal relations by Heather Fowler. New to the area, Fowler greatly enjoys working with young people and highlighting their achievements. She feels the students have so many great things going on and is excited to work with such a committed team.
Portland Adventist Academy has specific goals for the development department however. First, the school needs a solid financial basis to eliminate the threat of cutting teachers and raising tuition.
Second, plans are being made for a possible new school plant. The school is sitting on prime real estate. These students deserve the best school possible.
Finally, the school needs to build an endowment fund to keep tuition affordable to students. Many bright, talented and committed students do not have the financial means for private education. With God's guidance, the staff remains committed to giving quality education for everyone.
PAA development staff, from left: Dan Patchin, director; Linda Hill, associate director; and Heather Fowler, personal relations.
