Susan Adler Thorp

Meet Susan Adler Thorp, native Memphian and avid art collector, owner of Susan Adler Thorp Communications, political commentator on ABC 24 This Week, and former political columnist for The Commercial Appeal. Working with her financial advisor, Susan is crafting an estate plan that will benefit the Dixon and strengthen its mission. By involving her adult children in decisions regarding her estate, she enters the planned giving process knowing that her gift to the Dixon will continue her parents’ legacy and will be supported by her family. Read on to learn more about Susan and her extended support through a planned gift.

Tell us about yourself. (Where you are from, educated, career, hobbies, special interests, etc.?)

I was born in Memphis and have lived here since, except for my college years. I came home after college, drawn by my love for family, for Memphis and, of course, a job.

What first interested you in the Dixon?

My mother and father were very early patrons of the Dixon and as a young woman I often visited the Dixon with them. I’ve had a love affair with most things Dixon for 45 years.

Take a seat in Kevin’s chair. If you were the Director of the Dixon for one day, what would be your first priority?

If I were the Dixon’s director for one day, I would take Kevin’s chair outside to the gardens, enjoy the beauty of God’s art, and let the Dixon staff continue to do a great job without me.

Have you had experiences with other museums from which the Dixon could benefit?

Last summer I visited a museum in Boston where much of the permanent collection was great (I was told), but the lighting was so poor I could not enjoy it. I’ve never had that problem at the Dixon.

As you reflect on the future of the Dixon, what are your hopes?

That the Dixon permanent collection will continue to grow, that its membership roster will continue to grow, and that all people in Memphis will come to realize that the Dixon is one of the city’s great treasures that adds significantly to our enjoyment of life. I am convinced that the future of the Dixon is linked directly to the future of our city.

What are your hopes for the future of Memphis?

Wow. That’s a tough question for someone like me who has spent an entire career commenting on the pros and cons of Memphis. I’ll sum it up this way. Good economy. Good leadership. Good fellowship. Good luck.

You are drafting a provision for the Dixon in your estate plan. Please explain what inspires you to make that gift.

There comes a time in life when I believe I should give back to those institutions that gave so much to me and my family. The Dixon certainly is one of them. My parents paved the way for me in this regard. They gave the first gift of art to the Dixon, and later gave their extensive collection of pewter that is on display in the Winegardner Auditorium. The Dixon not only enhances my love of art, but through the Dixon I have met many wonderful people whose acquaintances and friendships also have made my life better.

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

That’s an easy one. Call Susan Johnson at the Dixon.

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

My parents often told me that philanthropy is the gift one gives for having a good life. It’s the good feeling you get knowing that your gift, regardless of size, will help the Dixon to continue contributing to our city’s quality of life for generations to come.

Thank you, Susan, for your thoughtful responses to our questions. For more information about how you can help shape the future Dixon, please contact the Office of Planned Giving at (901) 312-1243 or sjohnson@dixon.org and your trusted financial advisor.