Arthur Ross Gallery: Susan T. Marx Distinguished Lecture Series
The Arthur Ross Gallery is pleased to announce an important new initiative—the establishment of the Susan T. Marx Distinguished Lecture Series, which will feature a major and exciting figure (museum director, curator, gallery owner, artist) in the art world to address timely issues in the arts. Through this annual lecture series, Susan T. Marx, CW’66, and the Arthur Ross Gallery seek to inspire Penn students across disciplines to develop an interest in or a passion for art and to attract regional and national attention. This lecture series will bring prominence to the Arthur Ross Gallery and the University.
Funding for the Susan T. Marx Distinguished Lecture Series is provided by a gift of $25,000 to the University of Pennsylvania from Ms. Marx to fund the series over the next five years. The lectures will be presented in the Gallery, followed by a reception. Invitations will be sent to Penn students, faculty, ARG donors, regional alumni, donors’ guests and the greater Philadelphia and New York art communities.
Ms. Marx founded S.T. Marx + Associates in 1980 after working at a variety of non-profits, which included the Legal Aid Society and Recording for the Blind. Since that time, her company has raised millions of dollars from foundations, corporations and individuals for the benefit of social service, health, education and arts organizations.
She is a cum laude graduate of Penn and she attended New York University School of Law.
She serves on the Advisory Board of Penn’s Field Center for Children’s Policy, Practice and Research. Also in a volunteer capacity, she serves as president of the Penn Club of New York. She recently spearheaded a year-long celebration of the Club’s 20th anniversary, with a successful membership drive, revitalization of programming and member benefits and a renewed sense of community.
She was chosen for membership in the Trustees’ Council of Penn Women. She has been the Council’s Fundraising Committee Chair and has chaired its Grants Committee as well. This Committee considers myriad requests and awards grants, which have made a lasting impact on student initiatives, faculty retention and the quality of life on campus.
She served as a longtime member of the Board of Women in Development, New York, and has facilitated its strategic planning retreat. She also served on the Board of Transfair, USA, an organization that works toward community empowerment for farmers and consumers in developing regions through fair trade product certification.
She received Penn’s Alumni Award of Merit for her outstanding service—the highest honor bestowed by Penn Alumni.
In her spare time, she is an avid sculptor and stone carver.
In the fall of 2016 the Susan Marx Distinguished Lecture will focus on Penn’s theme of the Year of Discovery and Penn’s 2020 goal of impact and accessibility.