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Remembering Julia Alexander VWS ’85
It is with deep sadness that we share news of the untimely passing of alumna and former
member of Webb’s Board of Trustees, Julia Alexander ’85. As many of you may know, the Alexander family was supportive in the founding work and long success of Vivian Webb School. David Alexander, Julia’s father, was a long-serving member of Webb’s Board of Trustees; he also served as President of Pomona College for nearly three decades. David, together with his wife Catharine, advocated for female students at Webb and proudly cheered on Julia as she became one of the founding 34 pioneers of Vivian Webb School. Julia continued their family legacy, serving Webb with enthusiasm and dedication throughout her life.
Julia remained an avid supporter of Webb and served in countless leadership roles. She returned as reunion chair and chapel speaker for many class reunions. She served as a class agent, member of the Alumni Council, hosted an alumni event at the National Portrait Gallery in London, and most recently as an active and impactful member of the Board of Trustees, having concluded her term last June. Julia’s speech at the VWS commencement in 2016 exemplifies her commitment to nurturing bold female leaders, something she championed on the board in service to the broader Webb community.
Julia herself was caring, studious, and involved as a student at Webb—serving on the VWS Honor Cabinet, as junior class president, student counselor, member of the volleyball and swim teams, and worked in theater. She graduated as valedictorian of her class. After Webb, Julia received a bachelor’s from Wellesley College, a master’s in French literature from NYU, and her Ph.D. in art history from Yale University. She held leadership roles at renowned institutions, including the San Diego Museum of Art, Yale Center for British Art, Huntington Library, National Portrait Gallery in London, and the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, where she was the first female to hold the post of Executive Director. She most recently served as the president of the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, which supports the conservation, education, and appreciation of European art and architecture.
Julia is survived by her two children, Jack and Beatrice, her mother, Catharine, and sister,
Kitty. She will be remembered here for her dedication and service to Webb and greatly missed by all who knew her. Our thoughts are with her family and classmates during this very difficult time.
Read her 2016 Commencement Speech
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