The first-ever virtual Visionary Woman Awards Gala, held Wednesday, October 7, raised nearly $290,000 to support scholarships for Moore’s undergraduate students who are members of the Visionary Honors Scholars program.
Supporters joined Moore College of Art & Design President Cecelia Fitzgibbon on Zoom from their homes to honor the 2020 awardees, photographer Susan Unterberg and interior designer Barbara Eberlein.
Following a video presentation featuring Unterberg, Eberlein and students who have benefited from scholarships, the honorees were presented.
Eberlein was introduced by her friend Peter Lyden, president of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, who praised her contribution to Moore students as a mentor.
Eberlein, president and creative director of Eberlein Design Consultants Ltd. in Philadelphia, urged Moore students to take the detours in life and discover.
"These are the explorations that lead to unexpected connections, and these are the sorts of unique insights that we as artists can add to the world," she said.
Unterberg, who was the founder of Anonymous Was A Woman, was introduced by Kathy Butterly '86, who was a recipient of one of those grants. Unterberg encouraged students to nurture connections they have made and look for new communities going forward.
"Our individual accomplishments can only been see in relation to others," she said. "A vision is defined as much by its content as by who it affects. As you develop your own visions, think about who you will share them with."
Unterberg and Eberlein then participated in the Elizabeth Greenfield Zeidman Lecture, moderated by WHYY journalist Tracey Matisak, and took questions from the audience.
Fitzgibbon thanked those who helped fund the scholarships, saying, "In 2020, as (the students) navigate socially distant or hybrid learning and new economic realities, your contributions are telling our students, 'We believe in you and your power to make a contribution and a difference.'"
The president paid special tribute to Jane Walentas '66, a member of the Board of Trustees and Managers, who passed away in July. She and her husband, David, gave a historic $5 million gift to establish the Walentas Visionary Woman Scholars, providing scholarships each year to 10 non-Pennsylvania residents who are accepted into the Visionary Honors Program.
Instead of dinner and drinks in Moore's Great Hall, gala attendees were treated to an "at home gala box" containing a welcome message from Visionary Woman Awards Gala chair Meg Johnson; the 2020 program brochure; six post cards of the honorees’ works; sweet and savory snacks; wild blackberry sauce, a key ingredient for three recipes of the signature VWA gala cocktail; an English breakfast tea bag; and a VWA sticker with Moore's new logo.
