Diane O’Hagan Kolvas ’45†: Bibliophile and lifelong learner
Diane O’Hagan Kolvas’s lifelong love of learning and books was rooted in her Mayfield education. Diane is among the early generations of girls to earn a Mayfield high school diploma and her June 1945 graduation came just months before the end of World War II. With a heart bent on service to her country, Diane moved to Japan and worked as a secretary for the military during the Korean War. She married Angelo Kolvas, settling in West Covina, and had a long career with Xerox in Pasadena. She sustained her love for reading—nurtured so intently during her Mayfield years—and built an expansive personal library. Diane’s generous gift to Mayfield reflects her gratitude for a school that, back in the 1940s, gave young women the knowledge and confidence to pursue their passions and careers.
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.
