Donor Stories
Barbara and Jack Weiss
For more than three decades, Barbara and Jack Weiss have been steadfast friends, donors, and advocates of a host of initiatives for EMU and the Ypsilanti community. Barb graduated from EMU in 1950 with a B.A. in music education and a master’s in music in 1969. Jack earned his bachelor’s degree in 1950 as well.
Barb started her career in the Wayne Public Schools from 1950-1953, as a vocal and instrumental teacher, and transferred to Ypsilanti Public Schools, teaching string instruments from 1964-1985. During that time, she was a trustee of the Ypsilanti First Presbyterian Church, a member of their choir, and choir director from 1950-1959.
She was the principal violinist in the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra from 1985-1999. In 2000, Barbara founded the Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra, where she continues to play the violin.
Arguably, Barb’s greatest achievement at EMU was her contribution to the Pease Auditorium Restoration Campaign, representing the Friends of Pease on a university-wide committee. Serving as co-chair for the Pease Renovation Campaign, she ran volunteer meetings, organized materials, and kept accurate records of their activities. In 1995, largely because of her leadership and private fund-raising, Pease Auditorium and its 4,000-plus pipe organ were fully restored.
Jack, who met and proposed to Barb at EMU, also remains involved in his alma mater. A World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient, Jack enrolled after the war at the encouragement of a friend. Though wounded in action, he wanted to play football, health permitting. And play he did. He was a “60-minute man,” playing both sides of the ball as center and linebacker. Jack was also persuaded by legendary coach George Marshall to compete in track, where he set school records in shot put. Jack recalls receiving personal, congratulatory notes from another legend, Dean Bingo Brown, on his athletic accomplishments and was inducted into EMU’s Hall of Fame in 1987.
Jack enjoyed a successful, varied career as a high school teacher and coach, independent contractor and, most recently, as director of property management for Washtenaw County.
Barb continues to be part of the Friends of Chamber Music at Pease, and each year they organize and fund a set of world-class, free chamber music concerts with region-wide attendance. Barb also serves on the College of Arts and Sciences Resource Development Board. Recently, she and Jack established a significant gift annuity at EMU.
