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TASIS Dorado Founders Vision & Legacy

In 1993, Federico “Friedel” Stubbe, award-winning developer of planned communities and Chairman of PRISA Group, approached Fernando González, long-time educator and leader of the TASIS brand, about starting a new school in Dorado, Puerto Rico with the goal of providing a world-class education to Puerto Rico’s future leaders. Immediately seeing the value, potential, and need for the Dorado community, Friedel and Fernando began to build out their vision for the school and its program. Shortly before 9/11/01, Fernando prepared his approach with the TASIS Foundation.

Building A Dream

The Handshake

Leading by Example

Given the timing, the idea was initially faced with hesitation and concern as the Foundation was reluctant to divert energy and funds to a new venture while the world struggled with the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Determined, Mr. González then appealed to TASIS Founder, Mrs. M. Crist Fleming, who at the time was 92 years old. Mrs. Fleming responded, “Fernando, if it is in your heart, you must do this, and if I were ten years younger, I would be right by your side.”

With the support of Mrs. Fleming, the vision and courage of Friedel Stubbe, along with the addition of Louis Christiansen as Head of School and Maritere Matosantos as Founding Principal, the idea of The TASIS School in Dorado became a reality and was officially founded in 2002. The cohesive partnership between Mr. González, Mr. Stubbe, Mr. Christiansen, and Mrs. Matosantos equated to ultimate success. The team oversaw impressive growth and development of the school that earned top accreditation reports from the Middle States Association, established competitive athletic teams, diverse extracurricular activities, and led the school to outstanding test results and college admissions.

In 2016, TASIS Dorado transferred to the non-profit TASIS Dorado Educational Foundation, Inc. and established a new Board of Directors to manage the school. Simultaneously, the campus, valued at approximately $25 million, was transferred to the Priscilla and Federico Stubbe Foundation. These steps were taken to both perpetuate the school and ensure its original purpose remained true to the vision of its Founders.

Today, TASIS Dorado, a community of approximately 900 students from grades PPK to 12, is guided by the policies and strategic plan approved by the Board of Directors, led by President of the Board, Federico Stubbe, Jr. Our school is a dynamic, flourishing, and vibrant community that both current and former students have described as a place they call home and a launching pad for their future.

The Dreamers Who Made It Possible

FEDERICO "FRIEDEL" STUBBE • Founder

Federico “Friedel” Stubbe is the visionary founder of TASIS Dorado and Chairman and CEO of PRISA Group, one of Puerto Rico’s foremost real estate and community development firms. Guided by his conviction that education is the foundation of vibrant and enduring communities, Mr. Stubbe co-founded TASIS Dorado in 2002 to bring a world-class, English-language education to Puerto Rico and provide a transformative learning environment for the island’s future leaders.

Through his foresight, leadership, and steadfast commitment to excellence, TASIS Dorado was established as more than a school; it became a cornerstone of academic distinction, character development, and community connection. Mr. Stubbe’s vision integrated the school’s campus into the broader Dorado community, creating a living model of harmony between education, environment, and human potential.

Mr. Stubbe’s enduring legacy continues to shape TASIS Dorado’s mission of nurturing intellectual curiosity, global citizenship, and integrity. His belief in the power of education to elevate individuals and strengthen society remains at the heart of the school’s purpose and progress.

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ • Co-Founder

In the heart of TASIS Dorado’s founding narrative stands Fernando González, a steadfast member of the TASIS family since 1972. Over more than four decades, his extraordinary journey within TASIS has reflected an enduring commitment to educational innovation and excellence, leaving a lasting mark on the TASIS community worldwide.

A graduate of Phillips Academy Andover and Harvard University, where he earned a B.A. in Visual Studies and pursued architectural studies at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, Mr. González brings a unique perspective that unites education, design, and leadership. Throughout his distinguished career, he has served as Chairman of the Art Department at TASIS, Administrative Director of the TASIS Schools for twenty years, and Interim Headmaster of TASIS England in 2004.

In 2002, Mr. González co-founded TASIS Dorado, helping bring to life Federico “Friedel” Stubbe’s visionary dream of creating an exceptional, English-language school in Puerto Rico. Guided by shared principles of integrity, respect, and a global outlook, he helped establish a thriving learning community where students embrace diversity, critical thinking, and justice.

A former President and current member of the TASIS Dorado Board of Directors, Mr. González also serves on the Boards of TASIS Switzerland and TASIS England. In 2020, he founded TASIS Portugal, where he continues to serve as Chair of the Board of Directors. His steadfast leadership and deep commitment to the TASIS mission continue to inspire generations of students and educators, embodying his belief in education as a transformative force for individuals and society alike.

LOUIS R. CHRISTIANSEN • Founding Headmaster (In Memoriam)

Louis R. Christiansen served as the Founding Headmaster of TASIS Dorado and remains a central figure in its history. A respected educator and visionary leader, he helped shape the school’s character and enduring values through his wisdom, compassion, and belief in the transformative power of education.

Before joining TASIS Dorado, he served as Headmaster of Saint John’s School in San Juan, Puerto Rico, earning recognition for his leadership and integrity. Together with Founding Principal Maritere Matosantos, he established a culture of excellence and community that continues to define the school today.

Mr. Christiansen also conceived the motto “Striving for Excellence within a Culture of Kindness” and chose the Bear as the school’s mascot, symbols of strength, courage, and care. An avid photographer, he captured the beauty of the TASIS Dorado campus and shared his passion for nature through his photography book about the orchids that flourish around the school. A passionate supporter of the arts, his legacy is honored through the Louis R. Christiansen Performing Arts Center, named in his memory. His spirit endures in the values, beauty, and traditions that continue to inspire TASIS Dorado.

MARITERE MATOSANTOS • Founding Principal

Maritere Matosantos served as the Founding Principal of TASIS Dorado, bringing over fifteen years of educational leadership experience and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Handpicked by Fernando González and Priscilla Stubbe, she played a pivotal role in bringing Federico “Friedel” Stubbe’s vision to life.

With her expertise in team management, curriculum design, and student development, Mrs. Matosantos helped establish the school’s foundational blueprint as a non-sectarian institution that values diversity, service, critical thinking, and scholarship. Her collaborative leadership and dedication to nurturing both students and educators shaped TASIS Dorado’s early identity and enduring culture of respect, kindness, and academic rigor.

Over more than a decade of service, Mrs. Matosantos guided the school’s first generation of learners and teachers, laying the groundwork for a thriving academic community. Her legacy continues to live on in TASIS Dorado’s vibrant faculty and its graduates, leaders who carry forward her vision of excellence, compassion, and service in Puerto Rico and beyond.

Founders’ Day 2025: Honoring Vision, Legacy, and Community

Founders’ Day 2025 brought our community together in gratitude and celebration, honoring the vision and dedication that brought TASIS Dorado to life on September 19, 2025. It was a moment to reflect on our shared history and the remarkable individuals who built an institution devoted to shaping generations of leaders and scholars. Founder Federico “Friedel” Stubbe, co-founder Fernando González, and founding principal Maritere Matosantos were welcomed by students and a lively batucada in their honor.

Emceed by JoAnna Eva Raffaele ’26 and Álvaro Díaz ’26, the school assemblies featured an engaging program with student performances and a preview of our upcoming documentary on TASIS Dorado’s history. Board President Federico Stubbe, Jr. highlighted the enduring vision that has guided TASIS Dorado since its founding, linking it to his father’s legacy and the family values central to the school’s mission, further illustrated in the forthcoming documentary.

The program also paid tribute to Founding Headmaster Louis R. Christiansen (in memoriam), whose influence was felt through the voices of our speakers and founders, as well as to Mrs. M. Crist Fleming, founder of TASIS Schools, whose vision inspired the TASIS family and encouraged Fernando González to help establish TASIS Dorado.

Mariela Reyes, Director of Elementary and a founding faculty member, reflected on TASIS Dorado’s transformation since its opening in 2002, alongside fellow founding staff Javi Martínez, Tere Alonso, and Michelle Latour. Alumni voices included a video from Cecilia Joy ’11, TASIS Dorado’s first Presidential Scholar, and remarks from Board member Ceciliana Stubbe on the school’s values of Verum, Bonum, Pulchrum (Truth, Goodness, Beauty).

This inaugural Founders’ Day Assembly establishes a new tradition, honoring our founders’ vision, history, and legacy while reaffirming their dream of shaping the leaders of tomorrow in Puerto Rico. As Board President Federico Stubbe, Jr. reminded us, “We need to understand where we come from so that we can better understand where we are going.”

Next year, as we celebrate TASIS Dorado’s 25th anniversary, we will premiere the full documentary chronicling our school’s journey. Stay tuned for sneak peeks coming soon!

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