2007 RECIPIENTS—SUSAN BROTMAN & JENNIFER DUNN


In 2007, the Junior League of Seattle was proud to acknowledge two women in the community, Susan Brotman and Jennifer Dunn, deceased, who exemplified a commitment to volunteer service, the Junior League and their community at large.

SUSAN BROTMAN

In 1980, Susan Brotman’s Provisional Advisor noted that Susan was “…very enthusiastic about the League and very committed. She is interested in serving in an arts capacity and wants more community involvement.” Susan has taken that enthusiasm and commitment and made an indelible mark on her community through her volunteer activities.

During her years as an Active member her placements included Culture Cube, Puget Soundings, Northwest Art, Nominating Committee, and serving as a Placement Advisor. Susan also served on the Junior League of Seattle’s gift mart, Kaleidoscope, planning committee, and as special events co-chair. She successfully co-chaired the entire Kaleidoscope project, raising needed funds for community involvement, and increasing the visibility of the League.

A Sustainer member since 1989, Susan has generously given her time and talent over the years to a number of organizations, most notably the Pacific Northwest Ballet, University of Washington Foundation, the recently expanded Seattle Art Museum, and the SAM Olympic Sculpture Park. As Marli Iverson, 2006 Dorothy Stimson Bullitt Award Recipient stated, “Susan has a wonderful ability to see a community need and dedicate herself to a cause, she is always willing to give and expects no recognition in return.”

Susan has a daughter, Amanda, and a son, Justin. She resides in Medina with her husband, Jeffrey.

SOME OF SUSAN’S COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

  • Seattle Art Museum Board of Trustees since 1990

  • President 2001–2007

  • Co-Chair Transformation of SAM Campaign 2003–2008

  • Pacific Northwest Ballet Board of Trustees since 1989 Chairman, 1992–1996

  • Pacific Northwest Ballet Endowment Campaign Chairman 1996–1999

  • Pacific Northwest Ballet Foundation Board, Chairman since 1996

  • University of Washington Board 1992–present; Chairman, 1995–1996

  • Seattle Center Performance Hall Campaign Committee, 1999–2003

  • YWCA Nominating Committee

  • Washington Women’s Foundation Member

  • School of American Ballet Advisory Council NYC, 1995–present

  • United Way of King County Ambassador, 1997–1999

  • Children’s Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees, 1993–1997

  • Artist Trust Board of Trustees, 1988–1990

  • Pilchuck Glass School Board of Trustees, 1987–1997

AWARDS INCLUDE:

  • Women of Influence—in recognition of outstanding business and Philanthropic Contributions to the Puget Sound Community, 2006

  • Seattle First Citizen Award, 2005—Susan and Jeffrey Brotman

  • ArtsFund Award for Lifetime Dedication to the Arts, 2004—Susan and Jeffrey Brotman

  • Washington Philanthropy Award—Outstanding Philanthropists, 2003—Susan and Jeffrey Brotman

  • YWCA Isabel Coleman Pierce Award for excellence in community service, 2002—Susan and Jeffrey Brotman

  • Kappa Kappa Gamma Mary Maxwell Gates Award for Volunteerism, 1999

  • University of Washington Recognition Award, 1998—Susan and Jeffrey Brotman

JENNIFER DUNN

Jennifer Dunn first joined the Junior League in 1968. She was active on the Community Research committee, which assessed potential community partners, where she was known for her ability to investigate and understand how to assess the budget, and getting to the heart of what was needed.

She served on the Board three times, spent a year as LeagueSheet Chair, and also served on the Finance and Nominating committees before going Sustainer in 1982. As a Sustainer and member of US Congress from 1992–2004, Jennifer returned to the League multiple times to speak to Actives and share in her passion for advocacy. She repeated reminded Active members how we all can make a difference. Sustainer Sue Mecklenburg notes that “Jennifer leveraged her Junior League of Seattle experience as a volunteer and, more significantly throughout her career as a public servant…she used her role to improve her community.”

Jennifer Dunn is survived by her husband, Keith Thomson, her sons Bryant and Reagan Dunn, their wives Jessica and Paige, stepson Angus Thomson and grandchildren Madeline and Amanda Dunn.

SOME OF JENNIFER’S COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

  • HELP Commission (Helping to Enhance the Livelihood of People Around the Globe), 2006

  • National Trust for Historic Preservation Member, 1986–1989

  • Epiphany School Board Member, 1976–1979

  • King County United Way Allocations Panel Member, 1974–1975

  • Seattle Art Museum Docent, 1967–1971

  • Metropolitan Opera National Council Member

  • Seattle “Close Up” Advisory Board Member, 1977

  • Overlake Republican Women, Member

  • Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, Member