![]() Her humanity and humility influences its direction today. Mary Jo was recruited to the Muscatine Center for Social Action (MCSA) board in its second fledgling year in 1992. Mary Jo and Dick Stanley spent their lives giving a voice to the voiceless here and abroad, while tirelessly building relationships to create lasting change. Melanie Alexander, director, Muscatine Art Center Mary Jo and Dick, like his parents, Max and Betty Stanley, have left a lasting legacy to the State of Iowa and the citizens of Muscatine. Together, the two worked to improve the lives of others, whether through the arts, humanitarian efforts, or social service. To observe Mary Jo and her husband Dick together was to witness a remarkable relationship, and the two are inseparable in my memory. Her dedication and insight were impressive, but I most fondly recall her readiness to laugh and her kindness. For 26 years, she volunteered her time to serve as chairperson for the Muscatine Art Center Support Foundation, combining her love for the arts with careful and thoughtful management. Mary Jo Stanley worked behind-the-scenes to further the missions of many cultural organizations in Muscatine and throughout Iowa. Chuck Swanson, executive director, Hancher But her memory will live on forever at Hancher and beyond. It is hard for me to accept that she will not be in attendance at our events anymore. My greatest memories of Mary Jo are of meeting her and Dick at the west side doors of Hancher, hearing Mary Jo say how much she loved the new building, and watching her greet her friends with such warmth and grace. ![]() She would give them her utmost attention, and they felt comfortable and honored to answer her questions. The artists always responded with such enthusiasm and appreciation for her thoughtful questions and comments. Her zest for knowledge and inquiry were exemplified by the interactions she had with the Hancher artists. At post-performance parties with the artists, I enjoyed seeing Mary Jo interact with performers from all around the world. She loved the Hancher events, and dance performances were probably her favorite. Mary Jo loved to laugh, and I loved more than anything to share a good laugh with her. She would always share with me her surprise that everyone was so nice to her, and I would have to remind her that it was because she was always so kind to everyone else! I also appreciated her keen and special sense of humor. The Hancher family cherished the genuine and heartfelt warmth that Mary Jo radiated when she and Dick attended Hancher performances and gatherings. She was always kind to everyone and found ways to reach out and connect with people from all walks of life. She loved nurturing friendships and cultivating new ones, and I was always in awe of her ability to make everyone feel so special. Mary Jo was a dear friend who brightened my world in so many ways. Lynette Marshall, president and CEO, UI Center for Advancement Her compassion will continue to inspire me in the years to come. We mourn their passing, while at the same time we are grateful for yet another example of their powerful commitment to helping us understand the world and the diverse people in it. Mary Jo’s warm smile and engaging conversations will long be remembered as a beacon of her love. Dick and Mary Jo’s recent magnificent gift to name the UI Stanley Museum of Art was a final tribute to their on-going support of the work of Dick’s parents, Max and Betty Stanley, that Dick and Mary Jo continued through their lives through the Stanley UI Foundation Support Organization. Her commitment to the arts, culture, and international understanding shone through in her activities, her deeds, and the generous philanthropic support that she and Dick shared with so many organizations. Mary Jo exemplified a deep and abiding compassion and curiosity about people she loved, and about causes important to her. UI International Travel Policy for Students.Student, Staff, and Faculty Recognition.English Language Opportunities for Scholars and Spouses.Community, Academic, and Cultural Resources and Training.
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