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Kress News
May 09, 2025

STATEMENT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE SAMUEL H. KRESS FOUNDATION 

On the Passing of President Dr. Julia M. Alexander 

 

On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, I want to express our heartfelt sorrow at the sudden loss of our dear President, Dr. Julia M. Alexander. Julia’s energy, vision, and humanity shone through in her six months of leading the Foundation. We are deeply grateful that she and Lisa W. Schermerhorn, who served as the Foundation’s Vice President, had an opportunity to engage our constituencies actively and jointly craft a new vision for the Foundation’s work.  

The Board has named Lisa Schermerhorn Interim President, and we are assured of her steadfast commitment to the further development and implementation of the plans she and Julia had been formulating together.  

While we are still reeling from our loss, with our full sympathies extended to Julia’s many friends and family, we consider ourselves fortunate to have known Julia, to have witnessed her leadership in action. Dr. Alexander’s gusto, her engaging spirit, her perspicacity, and her productive partnership with our dedicated staff continue to inspire us as we carry on the work of the Foundation.  

__________________________ 

Dr. Camela Vircillio Franklin, Chair 

Samuel H. Kress Foundation