A SUDDEN LOSS

Mr. Benjamin G. Cottrell V passed away on Friday, July 16, just shortly after entering his third year serving as Norfolk Collegiate’s Board of Trustees chairman. He was married to his wife Rebecca Decker Cottrell, and was father to daughter Sarah Cottrell Russell and son Gray Cottrell ’14 Cottrell’s journey with Collegiate began as a student along with his siblings, sister Pace Edwards ‘80 and brother James Merrill Cottrell ’84. His larger-thanlife personality and generous spirit were evident in his daily conversations and philanthropic efforts, including his commitment to Norfolk Collegiate’s most recent capital and annual campaigns. He was also involved with other community organizations, including The Williams School, The Hermitage Museum and Gardens, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Virginia Military Academy Keydet Club and the Church of the Good Shepherd. “Ben was an invaluable part of our Norfolk Collegiate School community throughout his life as a student, a parent of a student, and as chair of our Board of Trustees,” said Lang Williams, Board of Trustees vice president and current parent. “Ben truly defines the meaning of giving time, talents, treasure and leadership to the school we all deeply love. His leadership and dedication will be sorely missed.” Always a supporter of Collegiate, Cottrell joined the board in 2012 and became board chairman in 2019. His leadership, thoughtful counsel and commitment to the school will be missed by the entire Collegiate community. “It was an honor to serve under Ben’s leadership on the Collegiate Board,” said Trustee Taylor Franklin ’00. “Ben’s love for Norfolk Collegiate secured the school’s future for the next generation of Oaks. On a personal note, I will truly miss my good friend,

Ben’s focus was always on providing the best experience for our students. He was “ dedicated to our school, believed in our mission and worked tirelessly to advance

Collegiate. As board chair, he supported the school and led the Board of Trustees during a time when the school navigated unprecedented challenges presented by the pandemic. Scott G. Kennedy, Head of School “ and I will ensure that his vision for Collegiate is implemented and continued well into the future.” Professionally, Cottrell served as president of Cottrell Contracting Corp. for the past 30 years. He also served as president of The Dredging Contractors of America during his career. When not working, he was a dedicated family man and avid sportsman. “Ben’s focus was always on providing the best experience for our students,” Head of School Scott Kennedy said. “He was dedicated to our school, believed in our mission and worked tirelessly to advance Collegiate. As board chair, he supported the school and led the Board of Trustees during a time when the school navigated unprecedented challenges presented by the pandemic. I could always rely on Ben for sound advice and thoughtful guidance as we worked together on the school’s behalf. I will miss his friendship and partnership. The school is stronger because of his work.”