ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University's College of Health and Human Services will dedicate its first named space in the newly renovated Grover Center today.
The Marion Parson Alden Gallery was made possible by a Bicentennial Campaign gift of $100,000 from former Ohio University President Vernon Alden and his late wife, Marion. While part of the gift went to the construction of the gallery, a $25,000 endowment fund was established for gallery maintenance and professional exhibit operations.
The gallery will provide an educational space for the School of Human and Consumer Sciences' Interior Architecture students to display their artwork while being reminded of and inspired by the creativity and life of the late Marion Parson Alden who worked closely with the Interior Architecture program to plan the gallery. The works of professional artists and designers also will be showcased at the gallery.
"We are excited about this beautiful and beneficial addition to our college," said Gary Neiman, dean of the College of Health and Human Services. "Displaying the work of our students, alumni and special exhibitors in a professional way reflects the quality of our programs and provides a chance for students and visitors to the gallery to experience a wide range of professional design and artistic styles."
Located on the third floor of Grover Center near the School of Human and Consumer Sciences, the gallery will honor the life and work of Marion Parson Alden, who served as first lady of the university from 1962 through 1969 and was later president of her own design firm, Creative Concepts, Ltd.
In addition to handling her responsibilities as a university president's wife while at Ohio University, she redesigned the president's home. She also served on the Kennedy Museum Board and contributed to the School of Interior Design, the College of Fine Arts and the athletics programs.
At the university's Alden Library, Marion Parson Alden's name honors the Southeast Asian Fine Arts Collection, the Center for International Collections and the Marion Parson Alden Permanent Endowment, which was established by her husband in her memory.
