PAULA BENSON BROTHERS '65

A "Legacy for Laurel" Profile

For Paula Benson Brothers ’65, Laurel School is more than just an alma mater— it is the foundation upon which she built a life of leadership, service, and curiosity. Decades after graduation, Paula remains deeply connected to Laurel, giving back in ways that honor the institution that shaped her into the confident and engaged woman she is today.

Reflecting on her time at Laurel, Paula recalls an environment that instilled in young women the belief that they had every right to seize opportunities and lead with confidence. "We were taught that we had as many rights and opportunities available to us as anyone else—we just had to go out and find them," she says. Through academics, the arts, and service, Laurel prepared her to navigate the world with a sense of purpose and an eagerness to explore new ideas. "We learned to ask questions, to challenge ourselves, and to always be prepared to change the world."

She remembers many snapshot moments of her Laurel years, including the rich and meaningful dialogue her English class undertook in the wake of the Kennedy assassination. She also remembers the conversations her classmates would have at the Junior Hall Table and in the Senior room. While she admits that sometimes those conversations centered on topics like fashion or dating, they often spent time learning about each other's religious and cultural differences, which she believes helped deepen her understanding of the world around her.

That spirit of inquiry and engagement has guided Paula throughout her life, taking on leadership roles in many civic institutions. She served in several capacities with the Columbus Symphony and the Columbus Museum of Art, despite not being formally trained in music or art. "Being involved in these organizations broadened my perspective and sense of self," she notes. "I learned about things I never expected to be involved in, like negotiating with musicians' unions."

Paula’s commitment to service extends well beyond the arts. She was deeply involved with the Childhood League in Columbus, working directly with children with multiple learning disabilities. She enjoyed the work because it was not just about fundraising, but about getting to know and support children and their families.

A proud animal lover, Paula’s passion for animals led her to the Naples Zoo, where she served as board president and oversaw major projects. She is still a frequent visitor to the zoo, and proud of the learning opportunities it provides to children through camps, school visits, and classes.

A dedicated traveler, Paula has visited 90 countries and all seven continents, making it a priority to expose her family to different cultures and ways of thinking. She credits Laurel with nurturing this curiosity. “Travel isn’t necessarily about having money—it’s about making it work with your budget and time. Laurel encouraged me to be resourceful and open to new experiences,” she notes.

Through all of her endeavors, Paula’s love for Laurel has never waned. She remains committed to supporting the school that gave her the confidence to embrace challenges and say yes to new opportunities. “During those formative years, Laurel molded me into who I am today,” she says. “It gave me the confidence to be myself, to speak up, and to grow.”

Paula is a proud member of Legacy for Laurel, a group of Laurel alumnae and friends who have made provisions for Laurel School in their estate plans.

Her hope for future generations of Laurel graduates is simple yet powerful: that they leave feeling confident, unafraid to voice their opinions, and ready to take on the world—just as she did.

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Membership in Legacy for Laurel is extended to all alumnae, parents, parents of alumnae, faculty and friends who make a provision in their estate plans to benefit the school.

For more information about joining Legacy for Laurel contact Maegan Ruhlman Cross ’03, Director of Development, at mCross@LaurelSchool.org or 216.455.3031.