Laura Coats†: Former teacher and Trustee leaves Mayfield's largest-ever planned gift
Laura Coats was the English teacher her students never forgot. In the classroom she gave girls the building blocks to important life skills—the ability to write and be a critical thinker. Outside the class, she was a dynamo gymnastics coach. Her commitment to “Actions Not Words” service and her fondness for the Society of the Holy Child Jesus also extended to her support of the Cornelia Connelly Law Center.
After leaving the classroom, Laura’s 40-year relationship with Mayfield included service on the Board of Trustees from 1992-1998. In 1990, Laura and her husband, Thom Schulz, instituted the Coats Family Scholarship in memory of her late husband, former trustee Roy Coats (Virginia Coats Ashworth ’74 and Nancy Coats Roth ’78). This scholarship supports the daughters or relatives of alumnae, passing the Mayfield family connection on to future generations. In life, Laura uplifted all those she touched and the education of future Mayfield students will likewise be uplifted by her generosity. Laura’s bequest is the largest planned gift and endowment gift in the history of the school and ensures a full scholarship will be awarded in perpetuity.
After leaving the classroom, Laura’s 40-year relationship with Mayfield included service on the Board of Trustees from 1992-1998. In 1990, Laura and her husband, Thom Schulz, instituted the Coats Family Scholarship in memory of her late husband, former trustee Roy Coats (Virginia Coats Ashworth ’74 and Nancy Coats Roth ’78). This scholarship supports the daughters or relatives of alumnae, passing the Mayfield family connection on to future generations. In life, Laura uplifted all those she touched and the education of future Mayfield students will likewise be uplifted by her generosity. Laura’s bequest is the largest planned gift and endowment gift in the history of the school and ensures a full scholarship will be awarded in perpetuity.
Established in 1931, Mayfield Senior School in Pasadena, CA is a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school for young women grades 9-12. Noted for its rigorous academic program, which includes 28 Advanced Placement and Honors courses, Mayfield’s curriculum is underscored by a philosophy of educating the “whole child,” which also encourages commitment to and excellence in the arts, athletics, community service and spiritual growth. The nurturing environment at Mayfield Senior School allows each student to flourish in an atmosphere of personal attention.
