2020 Ellen Kelley Award Winner – Jane Clark
The Ellen Kelley Volunteer of the Year Award is given in recognition of outstanding service to the Houston Symphony League. This year’s winner is Jane Clark.
Jane has been a member of the Houston Symphony League for more than 20 years. Jane is a past President of the League and has served in numerous board positions, including Ima Hogg Competition Chair, Junior Patrons Chair, Recording Secretary and B Sharp Brunch Chair. She has also chaired the League’s Spring Luncheon and Holiday Luncheon and continues to open her home to host board meetings and offer support and guidance to League presidents. Jane has been a leader in other charitable organizations, serving as PTA President and President of Bayou Villages Chapter of National Charity League. She also enjoys being a member of Memorial Drive Garden Club and two local book clubs.
Jane was born in Atlanta, Georgia. Her parents served as a lasting influence on her. Her mom was a volunteer in many areas of their community. Her father was a lover of all the arts, including classical music. She remembers clearly when he took her to see the Nutcracker ballet as a child and her first school orchestra concert (Peter and the Wolf at the Atlanta Symphony). She was a member of her church choir and her high school choir.
She attended Emory University and earned an undergraduate degree in business. She then moved to New Orleans and met her husband, Jerry. Soon after they were married, they moved to Chicago. Here Jane went back to school and earned her MBA . Jane and Jerry have also lived in New Orleans, Denver and London. Along the way three children were born: Christine, Daniel and Russell. Jane and Jerry are the proud grandparents of Alex, Samuel and newborn Eli. Jane is sharing her love of music with her grandchildren and loves bringing 4-year-old Alex to Saturday Family Concerts.
Jane feels that while she has had many different arts /musical influences in her life from jazz in New Orleans, to blues in Chicago and classical and opera in London, it was not until she moved to Houston that she found her musical home. It was in Houston that former Symphony League president Shirley Pearson persuaded her to join the League, and her love of music has grown ever since. Jerry and Jane enjoy their symphony evenings together as a stress free time. Jane loves volunteering and the friends she has made through the Houston Symphony League. Jane Clark is a worthy recipient of the Ellen Kelley Volunteer of the Year Award. Her positive nature and good humor are evident in everything she does and make her a joy to work with.
