Marilyn Glick was only seven years old when she became the youngest volunteer for the Jewish National Fund's "Flower Day," thus beginning a commitment to community service that continues to this day. Marilyn Glick has always had a deep interest in the arts and began collecting art glass in the 1970s. She is now one of the nation's most noted collectors, and part of her magnificent collection is on display at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. In 1990, Governor Evan Bayh appointed Mrs. Glick to the Indiana Arts Commission on which she served for eight years. In 1997, she received the Sagamore of the Wabash from Governor Frank O'Bannon, and in October of 2003, Marilyn and Eugene Glick received an Indiana Governor's Arts Award.
She and her husband, Indianapolis businessman Eugene Glick, are among the most generous philanthropists in Indiana. Glick charitable funds have supported Indiana educational institutions, arts organizations, hospitals, and the Pro-100 program, a leadership program for underprivileged youth. Grant recipients have included the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, and the Indiana Authors Award.
During the groundbreaking ceremony for the Click Eye Institute in 2008, President McRobbie honored Marilyn and Eugene as recipients of the President's Medal for Excellence; recognizing the Glick Family Foundation's wonderful and generous gift of $30 million, which enabled IU to build the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute.
Mrs. Glick died in March 2012.
