Philanthropist, life-long friend of the arts, and proud Idahoan Velma Morrison died last week in Boise at the age of 92. A former board member of the American Council for the Arts, one of the founding organizations of Americans for the Arts, Morrison’s commitment to the arts in Boise was perhaps unparalleled.

"Velma Morrison was a good friend to Americans for the Arts and a trusted adviser for me," said Robert Lynch, President and CEO of Americans for the Arts. "Her wise counsel and vision will be missed."

As chair of the Harry Morrison Foundation, Velma Morrison lead a funding campaign that raised nearly $15 million from the Foundation, the Idaho Legislature, and the community, to build a performing arts center on Boise State University’s campus. The Velma V. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts opened in 1984 at the University and Morrison was awarded the Silver Medallion by the University that same year, the highest honor it awards for service.