Regis Celebrates Anthony J. DiNovi ’80 at 2024 Deo et Patriae Reception

Regis presented Anthony J. DiNovi ’80 with the 2024 Deo et Patriae Award during a reception at the New York Athletic Club on Wednesday. DiNovi, the Chair of the Regis Board of Trustees, was celebrated for his immense devotion to his alma mater and his tireless work to advance its mission.

The Deo et Patriae Award is presented annually to a person who has served Regis and the community in a distinguished capacity during the course of his or her life.

During his remarks, DiNovi described growing up in Queens and being able to attend a Catholic high school only because of Regis's lack of tuition. Attending Regis, he said, opened up a world to him that he didn't know existed.

"My story is not unique," he said, "It is the embodiment of the Regis mission."

DiNovi also encouraged those gathered to celebrate Regis's success and work hard to fulfill its mission.

"The opportunity to serve a place that I love, that has done so much for me and transformed the lives of so many people, is the greatest gift I will ever be given," he said.

Presenting DiNovi with the award, President Rev. Christopher Devron, SJ, described him as as a trusted leader and "partner in mission" who is deeply committed to Regis and has mentored countless Regians over the years.

"For so many young Regians, and I talk to them often, they tell me, Tony, how much your care and your thoughtfulness has meant to them," said Fr. Devron.

DiNovi was introduced by Trustee Fabian Fondriest '79, who described his friend as a true man for others with an unwavering commitment to Regis.

"I truly believe that Regis is a better place because of Tony," said Fondriest.

DiNovi has served as the Chair of the Regis Board of Trustees since 2019 and is Chairman of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., a Boston-based private equity firm that invests in middle market growth companies across financial services and technology, healthcare, and technology and business services. He joined THL in 1988 and led the firm as Co-President until 2021. Prior to joining THL, he worked in the corporate finance departments of Goldman Sachs and Wertheim Schroder.

During his career, he has invested in and served as a director of numerous public and private corporations, including Dunkin’ Brands, Encoda Systems, Endurance Specialty Insurance, Experian Information Solutions, Eye Care Centers of America, FairPoint Communications, First Alert, Fisher Scientific International, The Learning Company, Michael Foods, National Waterworks, Nortek, and THL Credit.

In addition to serving as the current Chair of the Regis Board of Trustees, DiNovi served as a Regis trustee from 2002–2008 and 2018–2019. He serves on the President’s Advisory Council for Brigham & Women’s Hospital and the Harvard University Boston Major Gifts Committee. He previously served as Vice President of the Board of Trustees of Noble & Greenough School in Dedham, Mass., and as a trustee of Boston Children’s Hospital Trust and Dexter Southfield School. He actively supports educational access and healthcare programs, including Teach for America, Khan Academy, the Achieve Program, and Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

In 1984, he graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College with an AB in social studies, and in 1988, he earned an MBA with high honors as a Baker Scholar at the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration.