UVM’s 1956 Ariel yearbook has Sally B. Weinstock well represented in its pages.

Here is her portrait with a quiet look of curiosity and attention, listing her as a Brooklyn, New York native. And there she is, the president of the National Collegiate Players. Then posing with a group from Hillel, and another with the University Players. And again, as part of UVM’s Round Table.

The way Sally lived while on campus pointed towards the life she would lead beyond it – active, interested and involved. And it even foreshadowed the ways that she and her philanthropy would enrich the lives that came after hers.

She returned to New York with her English degree to become an assistant editor with Esquire magazine’s book division, and then joined Weinstock Brothers, the family’s Manhattan-based industrial hardware business.

The curious and energetic career woman never stopped taking part in New York’s nearly endless offerings of art and culture. She frequented museums, theater, dance performances, and live music (including the storied Beatles concert at New York’s Shea Stadium!). She was a devoted volunteer with public television pledge drives.

Through it all, she regarded her years at UVM as some of the happiest of her life.

But those fond memories weren’t enough. She wanted to make sure that the following generations would be able to have their own rich discoveries and deeply enjoy their undergraduate years.

Accordingly, when it came time to consider her philanthropy and her legacy, she established scholarships for students in her beloved College of Arts and Sciences (with a special consideration for students majoring in art, classics, music, and English or Holocaust Studies).

When that didn’t feel like quite enough for her, she went on to give generously to the Robert Hull Fleming Museum and to the UVM Fund (which makes possible scholarships, career development, and academic support for students). And then she even created the Sally B. Weinstock Visiting Artist Endowment Fund for the Theatre Department.

That last item has brought something special and uniquely Sally to life, said program head and theatre faculty Robert Shimko, reflecting on what Sally’s involvement and commitment have meant to the experience of today’s theatre and dance students.

“Sally was one of a kind and is deeply missed,” Shimko states. “But her care for UVM’s Theatre Program endures. Thanks to her, every year, the fund allows us to invite nationally prominent guest artists to contribute to our season plays and to connect with students through master classes. Her spirit and preferences guide our careful choices of Weinstock Fund guests. The Fund has let us bring a range of designers, playwrights, choreographers, and music directors for musicals. And we seek to honor Sally’s particular interest in developing career pathways for young women entering the theatre field. The Fund has made it possible to bring Susan Smith Blackburn Prize-winning playwright Sarah Mantell and Broadway costume designer Sophia Lidz into our most recent season, as specific stand-out examples.”

Thanks to supporters like Sally, he says, “UVM’s Theatre Program is in a bright new era. The ability to attract and support outstanding students via endowed awards is an essential part of what we will offer our students for many years to come.”