Mike Kosoff ’56 and Betty Lou Thompson ’56 to Receive Lifetime of Service Award

During Alumni Weekend 2021, George School Board of Trustees members Mike Kosoff ’56 and Betty Lou Thompson ’56 will be honored with the Lifetime of Service Award. This award is given to alumni whose commitment to volunteerism and generosity on behalf of George School make a significant impact on the George School community. This award specifically honors alumni that have already celebrated their 50th George School reunion.

“I am thrilled that Betty Lou and Mike were selected as our Lifetime of Service Award winners,” said Elizabeth Schwartz, Director of Alumni and Parent Programs. “Both are fierce champions of George School, and we are lucky to have been their recipients of their volunteerism and generosity for so many years. Their love for our school and community shines through everything they do.”

Since joining the George School Board of Trustees in 1997, Mike has served on various committees including the Alumni Annual Fund Committee, Athletic Hall of Honor Committee, Institutional Advancement Committee, Governance Committee, Physical Plant Committee, and Reunion Committee. With a long career in the construction industry, Mike has been able to offer his expertise and guidance to several campus projects including faculty housing, Cougar Track and Field, the Mollie Dodd Anderson Library, and the Fitness and Athletics Center.

Mike’s passion for George School stems from his late wife and high school sweetheart, Janet Haines Kosoff ’56. “She loved GS,” said Mike. “Any small thing I have done for our school is attributable to my dedication to Janet.”

After Janet’s death in 2003, Mike started a scholarship fund in her honor.

For Betty Lou, it’s the George School experience that has led her to be such a loyal supporter over the years. “Education is so critical and since George School gave me so much, I am compelled to try and give back in some measure,” she said.

While on the George School Board of Trustees for the past six years, Betty Lou has served on several committees including the Reunion Committee, Governance Committee, and Clerks Committee. She is currently the Clerk of the Institutional Advancement Committee. “I enjoy assisting our terrific advancement team in reaching out to members of our George School family as they show their affection and appreciation in a very tangible way,” she said.

Betty Lou is a career educator and taught both Latin and Spanish to middle and high school students in the Lower Merion School District for nearly thirty years. During her career, she worked with the Language Department at Welsh Valley Middle School to create concepts and methods for teaching Spanish that combined text materials, hands on learning, and new technologies, and also helped with the integration of technology into the curriculum.

“George School was and still is a very important part of my life,” said Betty Lou. “It impacted me in so many ways. This included the friendships that I made and the warmth, support, and encouragement of the teachers. I am constantly amazed by the current students. They are intelligent, friendly and articulate.”

Mike and Betty Lou will accept their awards during a virtual ceremony on Alumni Weekend.