Marion Jorgensen
Encyclopedia
Marion Newbert Jorgensen (March 18, 1912 – June 18, 2008) was an influential American
civic leader in Los Angeles, California
and a prominent philanthropist
.
, a college-preparatory academy. She obtained her pilot license by the age of 17, and went on to attend the liberal-arts Finch College
in New York City
.
Following her schooling, she returned to Los Angeles and married successful movie producer Milton Harold Bren in 1930. They had two sons: Donald Bren
, Chairman of the Irvine Company
in Newport Beach, California
, and Peter Bren, a senior partner with KBS Investors in New York City. In the 1940s, while Europe was at war
, Marion founded the "Bundles for Britain" organization, which provided non-military aid to the British people
. Women joined the organization and made clothing, which was sent overseas. Upon the entrance of the United States into the war
, Bundles for Britain evolved into the United States Naval Aide Auxiliary. Marion served as president of the organization.
In 1947, the couple divorced. Marion began doing volunteer work for the American Red Cross
, where she met steel entrepreneur Earle M. Jorgensen through Hollywood connections. They were married in 1953.
, where she coordinated events and recruited volunteers. She hosted the dinner for Prince Charles
, as well as the Black and White Ball with Bob Hope
.
The Jorgensens became good friends with Ronald
and Nancy Reagan
in the early 1960s. Earle Jorgensen urged Ronald Reagan to run for Governor of California
in 1966, a position Reagan won. Earle Jorgensen would later become a member of Reagan's White House "Kitchen Cabinet
". The Jorgsensens became very active philanthropists; they donated money to many charitable causes and civic organizations, such as the Boy Scouts of America
, the YMCA
, the Los Angeles Music Center
, and several hospitals.
The Jorgensens supported the California Institute of Technology
, and established the Earle and Marion Jorgensen Scholarship Fund as a means to assist students. It helps undergraduates financially. CalTech President David Baltimore said, "We are truly grateful to Earle and to his wife, Marion, for their many years of friendship and support."
Included among the other philanthropic endeavors that benefited from Mrs. Jorgensen's support over the years were the Los Angeles Orphanage Guild, the ARCS Foundation, the American Red Cross, Loyola Marymount University
, and the Prince of Wales Foundation.
. Additionally, Mrs. Jorgensen was an Honorary Trustee of Children's Hospital Los Angeles
and served on the board of The Colleagues.
After serving with distinction on the Los Angeles World Affairs Council, Mrs. Jorgensen was honored with election as Life Director. She also became the first female to serve as chairman of the board of overseers of the Huntington Library Art Gallery and Botanical Gardens
in San Marino, California
. For her help and service in developing the world-famous botanical gardens, she was elected Trustee Emeritus.
Jorgensen also had musical interests. She served as director of the Los Angeles Symphony Association, on the President's Blue Ribbon 400 for the Los Angeles Music Center, and was a member of the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
. She helped found the James Madison Council of the Library of Congress
, the first-ever national advisory and support group in its 205-year history.
Marion Jorgensen also served as a member of the board of Continental Airlines
and Frontier Airlines
.
of John McCain
. In October of that year, Mrs. Jorgensen was honored by the St. John's Health Center Foundation Board of Trustees with the Spirit of St. John's Award in recognition of her lifelong contributions to the center. The award honors an individual whose vision, determination and generosity of spirit have advanced the mission of St. John's.
Marion Jorgensen died on June 18, 2008 at St. John's Health Center, the very place where she volunteered often. She was 96. Jorgensen is survived by her sons, Peter Bren and Donald Bren
, four Jorgensen children, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
civic leader in Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California...
and a prominent philanthropist
Philanthropist
A philanthropist is someone who engages in philanthropy; that is, someone who donates his or her time, money, and/or reputation to charitable causes...
.
Early life and marriages
Jorgensen was born in Chicago, Illinois to Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Newbert. In 1913, her family traveled west to Los Angeles by private railroad car. Marion attended Marlborough SchoolMarlborough School (Los Angeles, California)
Marlborough School is a private, all-girls, college-preparatory secondary school for grades 7th through 12th located at 250 South Rossmore Avenue in the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, United States. Marlborough was founded in 1889 by Mary Caswell and is the oldest independent...
, a college-preparatory academy. She obtained her pilot license by the age of 17, and went on to attend the liberal-arts Finch College
Finch College
Finch College was a baccalaureate women's college located in Manhattan, New York City, New York. It began as a finishing school for wealthy young women and later evolved into a liberal arts college...
in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
.
Following her schooling, she returned to Los Angeles and married successful movie producer Milton Harold Bren in 1930. They had two sons: Donald Bren
Donald Bren
Donald Bren is an American businessman who is Chairman of the Irvine Company, a US Based real estate developer, which he wholly owns.-Early Life and Education:...
, Chairman of the Irvine Company
Irvine Company
The Irvine Company is a privately held real estate development company based in Newport Beach, Orange County, Southern California. The corporate center of the company lies in Newport Center. A large portion of its operations are centered in and around the City of Irvine, a planned city of 250,000...
in Newport Beach, California
Newport Beach, California
Newport Beach, incorporated in 1906, is a city in Orange County, California, south of downtown Santa Ana. The population was 85,186 at the 2010 census.The city's median family income and property values consistently place high in national rankings...
, and Peter Bren, a senior partner with KBS Investors in New York City. In the 1940s, while Europe was at war
European Theatre of World War II
The European Theatre of World War II was a huge area of heavy fighting across Europe from Germany's invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939 until the end of the war with the German unconditional surrender on May 8, 1945...
, Marion founded the "Bundles for Britain" organization, which provided non-military aid to the British people
Timeline of the United Kingdom home front during World War II
This is a Timeline of the United Kingdom home front during World War II. For narrative and bibliography see Home front during World War II-1939:3 June 193924 August 19391 September 19393 September 19391 October 19396 October 1939-1940:8 January 1940...
. Women joined the organization and made clothing, which was sent overseas. Upon the entrance of the United States into the war
Military history of the United States during World War II
The military history of the United States during World War II covers the involvement of the United States during World War II. The Empire of Japan declared war on the United States of America on 7 December 1941, immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor on the same day. On 11 December 1941,...
, Bundles for Britain evolved into the United States Naval Aide Auxiliary. Marion served as president of the organization.
In 1947, the couple divorced. Marion began doing volunteer work for the American Red Cross
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross , also known as the American National Red Cross, is a volunteer-led, humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief and education inside the United States. It is the designated U.S...
, where she met steel entrepreneur Earle M. Jorgensen through Hollywood connections. They were married in 1953.
Socialite and philanthropy
The Jorgensens were among the social elite of Los Angeles. She began working with St. John's Health Center in Santa MonicaSanta Monica, California
Santa Monica is a beachfront city in western Los Angeles County, California, US. Situated on Santa Monica Bay, it is surrounded on three sides by the city of Los Angeles — Pacific Palisades on the northwest, Brentwood on the north, West Los Angeles on the northeast, Mar Vista on the east, and...
, where she coordinated events and recruited volunteers. She hosted the dinner for Prince Charles
Charles, Prince of Wales
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales is the heir apparent and eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Since 1958 his major title has been His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. In Scotland he is additionally known as The Duke of Rothesay...
, as well as the Black and White Ball with Bob Hope
Bob Hope
Bob Hope, KBE, KCSG, KSS was a British-born American comedian and actor who appeared in vaudeville, on Broadway, and in radio, television and movies. He was also noted for his work with the US Armed Forces and his numerous USO shows entertaining American military personnel...
.
The Jorgensens became good friends with Ronald
Ronald Reagan
Ronald Wilson Reagan was the 40th President of the United States , the 33rd Governor of California and, prior to that, a radio, film and television actor....
and Nancy Reagan
Nancy Reagan
Nancy Davis Reagan is the widow of former United States President Ronald Reagan and was First Lady of the United States from 1981 to 1989....
in the early 1960s. Earle Jorgensen urged Ronald Reagan to run for Governor of California
Governor of California
The Governor of California is the chief executive of the California state government, whose responsibilities include making annual State of the State addresses to the California State Legislature, submitting the budget, and ensuring that state laws are enforced...
in 1966, a position Reagan won. Earle Jorgensen would later become a member of Reagan's White House "Kitchen Cabinet
Kitchen Cabinet
The Kitchen Cabinet was a term used by political opponents of President of the United States Andrew Jackson to describe the collection of unofficial advisers he consulted in parallel to the United States Cabinet following his purge of the cabinet at the end of the Eaton affair and his break with...
". The Jorgsensens became very active philanthropists; they donated money to many charitable causes and civic organizations, such as the Boy Scouts of America
Boy Scouts of America
The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with over 4.5 million youth members in its age-related divisions...
, the YMCA
YMCA
The Young Men's Christian Association is a worldwide organization of more than 45 million members from 125 national federations affiliated through the World Alliance of YMCAs...
, the Los Angeles Music Center
Los Angeles Music Center
The Music Center is one of the three largest performing arts centers in the nation. Located in downtown Los Angeles, the Music Center is home to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theater, Mark Taper Forum and Walt Disney Concert Hall...
, and several hospitals.
The Jorgensens supported the California Institute of Technology
California Institute of Technology
The California Institute of Technology is a private research university located in Pasadena, California, United States. Caltech has six academic divisions with strong emphases on science and engineering...
, and established the Earle and Marion Jorgensen Scholarship Fund as a means to assist students. It helps undergraduates financially. CalTech President David Baltimore said, "We are truly grateful to Earle and to his wife, Marion, for their many years of friendship and support."
Included among the other philanthropic endeavors that benefited from Mrs. Jorgensen's support over the years were the Los Angeles Orphanage Guild, the ARCS Foundation, the American Red Cross, Loyola Marymount University
Loyola Marymount University
Loyola Marymount University is a comprehensive co-educational private Roman Catholic university in the Jesuit and Marymount traditions located in Los Angeles, California, United States...
, and the Prince of Wales Foundation.
Committee and board work
Jorgensen served on the First Step Committee at St. John's and co-chaired the Campaign Cabinet to lead the Campaign for St. John's. She served as a leader on many important committees including the Board Affairs and the Executive Committee. With her assistance, the small community hospital was able to rebuild from a 1994 earthquakeNorthridge earthquake
The Northridge earthquake was a massive earthquake that occurred on January 17, 1994, at 04:31 Pacific Standard Time in Reseda, a neighborhood in the city of Los Angeles, California, lasting for about 10–20 seconds...
. Additionally, Mrs. Jorgensen was an Honorary Trustee of Children's Hospital Los Angeles
Children's Hospital Los Angeles
Children's Hospital Los Angeles, formerly Childrens Hospital Society, is a private, non-profit teaching hospital in Los Angeles. The hospital provides multidisciplinary care to over 93,000 children each year, with physician expertise in over 100 pediatric specialties and subspecialties.The hospital...
and served on the board of The Colleagues.
After serving with distinction on the Los Angeles World Affairs Council, Mrs. Jorgensen was honored with election as Life Director. She also became the first female to serve as chairman of the board of overseers of the Huntington Library Art Gallery and Botanical Gardens
The Huntington Library
The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens is an educational and research institution established by Henry E. Huntington in San Marino, in the San Rafael Hills near Pasadena, California in the United States...
in San Marino, California
San Marino, California
San Marino is a small, affluent city in Los Angeles County, California. Incorporated in 1913, the City founders designed the community to be uniquely residential, with expansive properties surrounded by beautiful gardens, wide streets, and well maintained parkways...
. For her help and service in developing the world-famous botanical gardens, she was elected Trustee Emeritus.
Jorgensen also had musical interests. She served as director of the Los Angeles Symphony Association, on the President's Blue Ribbon 400 for the Los Angeles Music Center, and was a member of the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is a performing arts center located on the Potomac River, adjacent to the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C...
. She helped found the James Madison Council of the Library of Congress
Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the research library of the United States Congress, de facto national library of the United States, and the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States. Located in three buildings in Washington, D.C., it is the largest library in the world by shelf space and...
, the first-ever national advisory and support group in its 205-year history.
Marion Jorgensen also served as a member of the board of Continental Airlines
Continental Airlines
Continental Airlines was a major American airline now merged with United Airlines. On May 3, 2010, Continental Airlines, Inc. and UAL, Inc. announced a merger via a stock swap, and on October 1, 2010, the merger closed and UAL changed its name to United Continental Holdings, Inc...
and Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines, Inc., is an American airline headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. The carrier, which is a subsidiary and operating brand of Republic Airways Holdings, operates flights to 83 destinations throughout the United States, Mexico, and Costa Rica and maintains hubs at...
.
Later life and death
Jorgensen's husband Earle died in 1999. Throughout May 2007, Mrs. Jorgensen donated roughly $7,000 to the 2008 presidential campaignJohn McCain presidential campaign, 2008
John McCain, the senior United States Senator from Arizona, launched his second candidacy for the presidency of the United States in an unsuccessful bid to win the 2008 presidential election. His candidacy, in the works for a number of years, was informally announced on February 28, 2007 during a...
of John McCain
John McCain
John Sidney McCain III is the senior United States Senator from Arizona. He was the Republican nominee for president in the 2008 United States election....
. In October of that year, Mrs. Jorgensen was honored by the St. John's Health Center Foundation Board of Trustees with the Spirit of St. John's Award in recognition of her lifelong contributions to the center. The award honors an individual whose vision, determination and generosity of spirit have advanced the mission of St. John's.
Marion Jorgensen died on June 18, 2008 at St. John's Health Center, the very place where she volunteered often. She was 96. Jorgensen is survived by her sons, Peter Bren and Donald Bren
Donald Bren
Donald Bren is an American businessman who is Chairman of the Irvine Company, a US Based real estate developer, which he wholly owns.-Early Life and Education:...
, four Jorgensen children, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.