Dorothea Shaffer, an honorary member of Syracuse University’s Board of Trustees and alumna of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, died at age 101 on Oct. 17.

Shaffer made one of her biggest contributions to SU in 1990 when she and her husband donated $3.25 million toward building a new facility for VPA’s School of Art and Design. The Shaffer Art Building combined two-dimensional and time-based disciplines to a central location, according to an Oct. 24 VPA press release.

“Dorothea Shaffer was not only an alumna of our college, but a champion of the arts and the education of artists and designers, including those at her alma mater,” said Ann Clarke, dean of VPA, in the release. “In giving back to the University, she helped change the way the arts are viewed and celebrated on campus, and she created new opportunities for faculty and student success.”

The Maurice E. Shaffer and Dorothea I. Shaffer Professorship was also created and funded by the Shaffers, according to the release.

Shaffer was born in 1911 in Tamaqua, Pa. She graduated from what was then SU’s School of Art with a bachelor of fine arts degree, according to the release. During her time at SU, she was a member of the Panhellenic Association Delta Delta Delta sorority and the English Club.

After graduating, she worked as a public school art teacher in Harrisburg, Pa. Shaffer also founded Ilco, a commercial interior design firm in 1933, according to the release.

Shaffer was named an honorary trustee in 1980 after serving on the SU Board of Trustees from 1968-80, according to the release.

Chancellor Nancy Cantor said in the release that Shaffer represented the “pioneering, entrepreneurial spirit” of SU.

“She not only earned undergraduate and graduate degrees at a time when few women went to college at all, but she seized opportunities to launch and lead businesses, as well as assume leadership roles in civic and community life,” Cantor said. “We will miss her greatly, but always cherish her memory as an inspiration.”

Published on October 25, 2012 at 12:24 am

Contact Meredith: mhnewman@syr.edu | @MerNewman93