For Alumni Laura Matter ’93, who has long been a devoted member of the Seattle Prep community, education is more than a career or a calling, it is deeply personal and her commitment to education extends far beyond her own alma mater. With three children – Jack ’21, Kate ’23, and Joe ’26 – who are also Prep students, Laura has found multiple ways to give back, both on campus and in the wider educational community, and mostly to ensure that education is more available to all.
“Education is an incredible right,” Matter mentioned. “It teaches people to think critically, to understand others around them, and to reduce inequalities in our world.” Her dedication to making education accessible stems from her own experience receiving a merit scholarship to attend Prep. “As I got older and had my own kids, I realized how financially inaccessible education is to so many, and I wanted to do my part to change that.”
Matter’s devotion to service and her volunteer work spans a wide range of roles. She served six years on the Prep Board of Trustees, currently co-chairs the Advancement Committee, and has been an active participant in the Parent Association for several years. She is also actively involved in fundraising and advancement efforts at Assumption-St. Bridget School and Seattle Nativity School.
“That year I ultimately started a sponsorship program to help underwrite the auction costs and encouraged the school administration to have the school endowment as the auction Fund-A-Need.” Fifteen years ago, Matter “fell into” fundraising when she co-chaired the Assumption-St. Bridget auction. What began as her first experience with large-scale fundraising quickly became a calling, sparking her passion. Launching the school’s first fundraiser for the endowment, a fund dedicated to the future needs of the school and students, helped numerous families better afford education.
“I really love chatting with students and teachers alike, and I know it is something I will truly miss next year,” she shared. While much of Laura’s volunteer work involves raising funds, she treasures every opportunity to engage directly with students and faculty. She often helps at Panther Place in addition to serving lunch to the staff each month, a role she has held for eight years.
Volunteerism is truly a family affair for the Matters. When her children were younger, the family participated in community service projects such as canned food drives and supporting Wellspring Family Services’ toy room at Christmas. Today, they choose activities that “speak to them” – from donating blood to volunteering at Special Olympics events or building houses in New Orleans – carrying forward the values their mother exemplifies every day.
Through her tireless and consistent dedication, Laura Matter shows the profound impact alumni can have in strengthening communities. Her work has strengthened schools, supported families, and inspired many. For her, volunteering is not just an obligation, but an opportunity to expand access to education, exemplifying her belief that every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive. Her work continues to touch and inspire students, families, and educators alike, leaving a legacy of generosity and service for years to come.
