The Shady Side Academy community is saddened by the news that alumnus Peter Sauer '95 passed away on the evening of Sunday, July 8. Sauer was an active member of the Shady Side community, including serving as a member of the Board of Visitors since 2003. Sauer was best known during his days at SSA for his athletic abilities, playing on the PIAA State Champion basketball team his senior year and was named one of the "Fabulous Five" by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in 1994 and 1995.
After graduating from Shady Side Academy, Sauer attended Stanford University, where he continued his basketball success as the captain of the Cardinal, leading the team to four NCAA tournaments and winning the Pac-10 title in 1999.
"Peter was the ultimate class act and the kind of person and student-athlete we all strive to be and want our students and children to emulate. We were grateful to have him as a leader and as a member of our national Alumni Board of Visitors. He will be sorely missed by Shady Side Academy and by all of us. Our hearts go out to the entire Sauer family, his wife Amanda and children, and his classmates, contemporaries and friends," said Jeff Day, Vice President for Development.
In 2007, Sauer reflected about his experience at Shady Side Academy during the 125th Anniversary year: "One of the best experiences of my life growing up came as a senior, when I was a member of our state championship basketball team with my brother Alex and a group of guys that fought together to become champions. I will always be a proud member of the generation of student-athletes to establish the school as a sports powerhouse and I will follow the future generations of stars on the court, on the fields and in the pool for all of my life."
Sauer is survived by his wife Amanda (Swank) Sauer, three daughters, parents Mark and Georgia Sauer, and brother Alex Sauer '97.
Our deepest sympathies go to Sauer's family. Information regarding a memorial service will be updated here as it is made available by the family. Please contact Jeff Day, Vice President for Development, with any questions or requests at jday@shadysideacademy.org.
Share Your Memories and Condolences with Peter's Family
Members of the Shady Side community are invited to share their memories of Peter and condolences to the family at rememberingpeter@shadysideacademy.org or by mail:
The Sauer Family
c/o Office of Alumni & Development
Shady Side Academy
423 Fox Chapel Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
All submissions will be shared with the family.
Guest Book
Leave a message in honor of Peter on the Legacy Guest Book.
Obituaries
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Peter Sauer / Shady Side Academy basketball star went on to captain Stanford
Associated Press: Peter Sauer
Read more about Sauer, including interviews with Shady Side coaches and friends.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Former Shady Side Academy basketball player Peter Sauer dies suddenly
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Former Shady Side star Sauer dies
Stanford University: Remembering Peter Sauer: 1976-2012
