Dorothy D. "Honey" and Ned S. Arbury, for whom the Arbury Fine Arts Center is named, have given generously of their time, talent, and funds to support Saginaw Valley State University's development as an outstanding regional university. Mrs. Arbury was named to the governing board when SVC was established in 1963. She continued to serve in that capacity until 1986. She has always been among the institution's most dedicated supporters.

Mrs. Arbury served on the Board of Directors of the SVSU Foundation since the inception of the University. In the mid-1970s, Mrs. Arbury took an active role in implementing the fundraising campaign that led to the construction of the Pioneer Hall of Engineering and Technology. A decade later, she provided key leadership for the Midland community committee seeking funding for the Arbury Fine Arts Center.

Mrs. Arbury's interest in art was nurtured at Kingswood School. She attended Connecticut College for Women following her graduation from Kingswood. Her interest in art led to a two-year term on the exhibitions committee of the Midland Art Council. She served on the Saginaw Art Museum Board of trustees for two years and on their exhibitions committee for three years. She was the first woman to be appointed to the Board of Trustees of Cranbrook Academy of Art.

Ned Arbury, president of A.S. Arbury & Sons insurance firm, is a native of Midland. He earned his B.A. and M.S. Degrees from the University of Michigan.

Mr. Arbury has a distinguished record of community service. He is past director and president of the Midland Chamber of Commerce, and holds memberships in Michigan and U.S. Chambers of Commerce. He is founder of the Midland County Cancer Society, a past officer of the United Cancer Council, and served on the Presidential task Force, as well as numerous other civic groups.

Ned and Honey Arbury share a deep commitment to higher education. Ned Arbury was the recipient of an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from SVSU in 1983. Honey Arbury received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from SVSU in 1986.

Source: Arbury Fine Arts Center Dedication Program, May 15, 1988.

Credits | Add to these pages | Comments or Questions?
Last modified April 24, 2001