Olga Dworkin Papers

Collection

Identifier: WSP002733

Staff Only

Olga Dworkin Papers Series 1: 1944-1986

Dates

1944 - 1986

Creator

Dworkin, Olga (Person)

Language of Materials

Material mostly in English with one news article in Slovenian.

Access

Collection is open for research.

Use

Refer to the Walter P. Reuther Library Rules for Use of Archival Materials. Restrictions: Researchers may encounter records of a sensitive nature – personnel files, case records and those involving investigations, legal and other private matters. Privacy laws and restrictions imposed by the Library prohibit the use of names and other personal information which might identify an individual, except with written permission from the Director and/or the donor.

Extent

2 Linear Feet (1SB, 1 OS)

Additional Description

Abstract

Olga Frances (Gorup) Dworkin (1925-2015) was a Wayne State alumna (BA, Education, 1946) who was active in her sorority (Alpha Theta Sigma), Wayne State University’s (WSU) Alumni Association, the Wayne State Fund, where after her tenure as President (1968-1969), she became Chairwoman of the WSU Campus Beautification Committee for seventeen years. Dworkin was a member and President of the Understudies, and helped spearhead Detroit Receiving Hospital’s Art Project in 1983.

History

Olga Frances (Gorup) Dworkin graduated from Wayne State University (Wayne University at the time) in 1946 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and married fellow alumnus Irving Dworkin. Dworkin was an active member of Wayne State University’s (WSU) Alumni Association, where she served as a Board member (Secretary) and Committee Chairman, and was a founding member of the Women of Wayne alumnae organization. She served as President of her sorority, Alpha Theta Sigma, which she represented for many years on Wayne State University’s Alumni Advisory Council. In 1966, Dworkin received the WSU Alumni Award. Dworkin served on the Wayne State Fund (WSF) as Secretary, Vice President and President (1968). During her tenure as Fund President, WSF’s Board of Directors pledged to raise over two million dollars for WSU’s Campus Beautification Campaign. As Chair of the Campus Beautification Project for seventeen years, Dworkin was instrumental in getting the support of corporate donors and fellow alumni, which resulted in the transformation of the campus into landscaped, pedestrian-friendly areas, such as the Ferry and Gullen Malls. Dworkin was also an active member of the Understudies, a philanthropic group that supported the Hilberry and Bonstelle Theatres; she served as Understudies’ President for four years and together with her husband established an endowment fund for students. In 1983 she helped spearhead the Detroit Receiving Hospital’s (DRH) Art Project, fundraising for and commissioning art installations to beautify DRH, both inside and out. Dworkin and her husband were also members of the Anthony Wayne Society, a key WSU donor organization. Olga Dworkin passed away on October 4, 2015.

Arrangement

Arranged in 1 series – Series 1 (Box 1-2) Folders are arranged somewhat chronologically, based on Olga Dworkin's involvement with Wayne State University.

Acquisition

The Olga Dworkin Papers were donated by her daughter Debra Dworkin Partrich in October 2017.

Related Materials

Wayne State University Campus Beautification Committee Records, Wayne State University Alumni Relations Alumni Giving Council Records, Wayne State University Historic Advisory Committee Records, Wayne State University Alpha Theta Sigma Records