Jennifer A. Webley
Philanthropist/Arts Patron
Sonoma State University
Joan and Sanford I. "Sandy" Weill's lives can be characterized by their extensive business and philanthropic work in myriad areas with a dedicated personal focus on education, healthcare, culture and the arts. They strongly believe that the arts are a very important part of the growth and understanding of young people and should always be a part of the fabric of their lives. The Weills' involvement, experience and generous gifts have made that possible for many, and they believe it can help bridge cultural divides that exist throughout the world.
As major donors to the Joan and Sanford I. Weill Hall, Lawn & Commons at the Green Music Center at Sonoma State University, they have shared not only their resources but the strength of their leadership and experience. They are a united duo, thoroughly complementing one another, as evidenced by their 56 years of marriage.
As a tireless supporter of several cultural, philanthropic and civic endeavors, Joan Weill commits a great deal of her life to public service and education.
She is the chairperson of the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation. Under Mrs. Weill's leadership, Alvin Ailey has earned a reputation as one of the most acclaimed international ambassadors of American culture. The Joan Weill School of Dance at Alvin Ailey is the nation's largest facility dedicated to dance. Mrs. Weill is the past chair of Paul Smith's College of the Adirondacks; honorary board member and president emeritus of Citymeals-On-Wheels; co-chair of the New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center's Women's Health Symposium; co-chair of the Advisory Committee of the Weill Music Institute at Carnegie Hall; a member of the Green Center of Music Board of Advisors at Sonoma State University; and a member of the Executive Committee of New York Presbyterian's Lying-In Hospital.
The Weills are recipients of the 2009 Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy Award in recognition of their strategic philanthropic efforts.
In recognition of her many contributions to her communities and to her promotion of education and the arts, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and Sonoma State University are proud to confer upon Joan Weill the honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts.