Pam Bent taught and coached at Graland from 1972 to 1984. The extent of her impact was significant as she taught PE, coached girls' field hockey and lacrosse, and led the Physical Education Department. Pam passed away in December 2016 and the outpouring of appreciation, admiration and grief from alumni, parents of alumni and former colleagues only confirms her incredible influence on more than a decade of Graland.
Coach Bent is remembered fondly as a passionate, talented and giving individual, truly an inspiration to many. As the founder of the Colorado Girls' Lacrosse Association, her role in bringing the game of girls' lacrosse to Colorado cannot be overstated. Pam's joy and contagious confidence are remembered and missed.
Pam was also philanthropic. With foresight and planning she extended her financial impact beyond her death. In her estate plans, Pam left a substantial endowed gift to Graland to be split evenly between the athletics program she loved and the school's greatest priorities.
Pam's sister, Dede, visited with us and toured campus when she was in town last spring for Pam's Celebration of Life at St. Mary's Academy. "Our family is thrilled that Pam has, by this legacy, chosen to support Graland Country Day in a meaningful way and in perpetuity, as I know she strongly believed in the values and mission that Graland embodies. I am well aware of how meaningful Pam's gift will be to Graland's future."
We are grateful. Our only regret is that we were not able to thank her for this remarkable gift in her lifetime. Now a member of Graland's Montem Society, Pam joins 41 others who have designated Graland with a planned gift. These thoughtful gifts make a difference for Graland now and into the future.
"I'm sorry to hear about Coach Bent. I liked her even though I disliked gym class. She was encouraging, fair, firm but kind and smiling."—Mary Peck '87
"Pam was someone I enjoyed and admired for my whole life."—Brooke Bansbach '87 Maloy
"Pam Bent was such a remarkable person. She was ahead of her time, and encouraged all of us to strive, reach, celebrate, and remember to have fun. I am so sorry to learn of her death; I hope she knew how deeply she was loved, and how many lives she touched for the better."—Reed Coleman '80
"To me, she was family. She attended many Grandparents' Days at Graland with my sister and me, and we always went to Casa Bonita afterward, in spite of the horrible food. Her death affected countless people, but she left behind a lasting legacy to all who know her."—Elliot Rutherford '19
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