Arthur Ross Gallery

Susan T. Marx Distinguished Lecture Series

The Arthur Ross Gallery is very pleased to announce an important new initiative– the establishment of the Susan T. Marx Distinguished Lecture Series that 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 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 to the University of Pennsylvania from Susan T. Marx (CW’66) to fund the lecture series over the next 5 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, donor’s guests, and the greater Philadelphia and New York art communities.

Marx is a cum laude graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and attended New York University School of Law.

She is President of the Penn Club of New York, is a member of the Trustees Council of Penn Women (TCPW) and has served on the Advisory Board of the Field Center for Children's Policy, Practice and Research.  She is also the Co-Chair of her class’ 50th Reunion.  Susan received the Alumni Award of Merit from the University of Pennsylvania for her outstanding service - the highest honor bestowed by Penn Alumni.

As President of the Penn Club, Susan spearheaded the recent 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.

As a member of the Trustees' Council of Penn Women. Susan 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.

Susan 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 served as a long time member of the Board of Women in Development, New York and has facilitated its strategic planning retreat. Susan also served on the Board of Transfair, USA, an organization, which works toward community empowerment for farmers and consumers in developing regions through fair trade product certification.

In her spare time, Susan 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.  We will announce the first speaker for the Susan T. Marx Distinguished Lecture Series later in the Spring.