Remembering Corinne Greenberg, Chair Emeritus of the National Board of Young Audiences Arts for Learning

March 19, 2024 | lauren@ya.org
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Corinne Greenberg outside of the The Rockefeller University, NYC

Dear Young Audiences Arts for Learning Community,

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of Corinne Phyllis Greenberg’s passing. She died in Miami, FL, on March 17, 2024, from natural causes at the age of 95. Corinne was the cherished Chair of the National Board of Young Audiences Arts for Learning and a beacon of philanthropy, education, and arts advocacy.

For decades, Corinne’s passion for the arts, education, and medicine illuminated paths for countless individuals and organizations. Her deep-seated belief in the transformative power of the arts in education led her to dedicate her life to ensuring that children from all backgrounds could experience the joy and enrichment of the performing arts.

Corinne’s tenure on the National Board of Young Audiences Arts for Learning began in 1984, and her leadership, vision, and unwavering support have been instrumental in advancing our mission. Her philanthropic efforts, alongside her husband Maurice R. Greenberg through The Starr Foundation, extended to many sectors, but her heart was especially committed to Young Audiences Arts for Learning. Under her guidance, we expanded our programs, reaching more children nationwide and embedding the arts into their educational experiences. Her contributions were not limited to board meetings and fundraising; Corinne was deeply involved in our work, often visiting programs to witness firsthand the impact of our efforts on young minds.

One of the most significant contributions to Young Audiences Arts for Learning came through the support of The Starr Foundation, spearheaded by Corinne’s passionate advocacy, which allowed us to develop and expand the Arts for Learning (A4L) curriculum. This groundbreaking initiative has transformed classroom learning by integrating the arts with literacy, benefiting millions of students across the nation. Leveraging the creativity and discipline of the arts to enhance student achievement, the A4L program has shown remarkable success in improving literacy and engagement among students, including English language learners, students with special needs, and those performing below grade level.

Beyond her remarkable career and philanthropic endeavors, Corinne was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was the cornerstone of her world, and she infused their lives with the same love, empathy, and dedication that she extended to her charitable work. Corinne’s legacy within the Greenberg family is one of compassion, generosity, and a profound commitment to improving the lives of others.

Corinne’s journey was marked by a spirited love of life, evidenced by her talents in music and her enthusiasm for skiing and tennis. An advocate for lifelong learning, she embraced technology and was at the forefront of computer programming and systems design, showcasing her pioneering spirit and intellectual curiosity.

As we mourn the loss of Corinne Greenberg, we also celebrate her remarkable life and the enduring legacy she leaves behind. Her passionate commitment to Young Audiences Arts for Learning and her profound impact on the arts and education will continue to inspire us. We are planning a tribute to honor Corinne’s memory and her invaluable contributions to our organization and the communities we serve. Details of this celebration will be shared with our community in due course.

In keeping with Corinne’s enduring spirit of giving, her family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Young Audiences Arts for Learning. Through these contributions, we will continue to champion the cause Corinne held dear, ensuring that her legacy of enriching children’s lives through the arts lives on.

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude,

The Staff and Board of Young Audiences Arts for Learning

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