Helen Foresman Spencer


Year Inducted

1981

Career Field

Art

Highlights

  • One of nation’s greatest philanthropists and collectors
  • Namesake of KU Art Museum, and donor for Kenneth A Spencer Research Library
  • Dispensed more than $18 million to universities, museums, and art groups in the Midwest
  • Major benefactress of the Nelson Art Gallery in Kansas City
  • 1968: received Distinguished Service Citation, highest honor awarded by KU
  • 1976: received Fred Ellsworth Medallion, highest honor from KU Alumni Association
  • 1977: winner of the Higher Education Leadership Award