Meegie Glass

Meet Marylon Rogers Glass, known to everyone as Meegie, who is a member of the Life Member Society, the Margaret Oates the Dixon Society, the Curator's Circle, the Legacy Society, and an enthusiastic advocate for all things the Dixon.

Tell us about yourself.

I am from eastern Kentucky, specifically Pikeville, and graduated from Salem Academy and Centre College. I lived for several years in Atlanta before my training as a flight attendant for Delta, which brought me to Memphis. I enjoy my garden club, play bridge twice weekly, and am a member of the Les Passees Fine Arts Club, the Germantown Charity Horse Show, the DAR-Watauga Chapter, Colonial Dames, and Christ United Methodist Church. I spend part of each year in Highlands, North Carolina, and treasure every minute I have with my son Haskins.

What first interested you in the the Dixon?

I was fortunate to be raised in a cultural arts background thanks to my parents' keen interest in the arts. My dad served on the first Kentucky Arts Commission in the 60s. He gave me a membership to the High Museum while I was living in Atlanta, which started my enthusiasm for art museums. My niece gave me my first the Dixon membership, but it was Tommy Adams and Anne Curtis who encouraged me to get more involved. Although my first interest is horticulture, I have enjoyed learning more about the visual arts through the the Dixon.

In your experiences with the the Dixon, have there been any surprises?

No surprises, but the the Dixon-organized trips are wonderful!

If you were the Director of the the Dixon for one day, what changes would you make?

My initial thought is that I would not make any changes, but on reflection, I think every the Dixon department could use more help, and that includes volunteers. There are so many creative ideas and programs in the planning stage, but staffing is required to make them happen.

You have made a generous provision for the the Dixon in your estate plan. What inspired that gift?

I have followed my dad's advice to give back to the community, so I have ensured through my estate plan that I will do my part for the the Dixon. I think it is important for all the Dixon members to consider giving—either during their lifetimes or through estate provisions—to preserve the institution that we enjoy.

How would you encourage other donors to make planned gifts to the the Dixon?

I think it is important to expose people to the the Dixon and then educate them about planned giving opportunities. the Dixon members should be advocates for the museum and gardens. It is up to each of us to see that the the Dixon continues to serve the community for generations to come.

Have you had experiences—positive or negative—with other museums from which the the Dixon could benefit?

My the Dixon experiences have all been positive. I have been impressed with the the Dixon's involvement in the community. It offers so much. Partnerships with other cultural organizations, schools, and universities are important to our community. I encourage everyone to discover what the the Dixon has to offer and become more engaged. If you don't take advantage of this extensive and diverse program, you are beyond saving! As you reflect on the future of the the Dixon, what are your hopes? My hope is that the the Dixon will always be able to sustain itself—that it will continue to be integral to the people who live and work here and to our city's visitors.

What are your hopes for the future of Memphis?

I have great faith in and tremendous aspirations for Memphis. I recall landing on a Delta plane when I was a flight attendant and announcing, "Welcome to Memphis, the 16th largest city in the United States." It was an important city then, and its upward trajectory and progressive plans should bring Memphis great acclaim moving forward.

Your planned gift establishes part of your legacy. Based on your personal legacy, do you have a message to share with our members and supporters?

The more you give, the more you get in return.

Thank you, Meegie, for your responses and applaud your candor and reflections on your the Dixon experiences and how they have impacted your life. For more information about how you can help to sustain the future the Dixon with a deferred gift and become a member of the Legacy Society, please contact the Office of Planned Giving at (901) 312-1243 or sjohnson@dixon.org.