Alfred J. Marrow

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_J._Marrow

Family’s Gift “A Perfect Match” in Honoring

The Life and Work of Alfred J. Marrow

Describing the CCL mission as a “perfect match for the myriad range of projects that were important to Dad,” the family of Alfred J. Marrow has made a substantial gift to support the Center in honor of the renowned organizational psychologist. The $200,000-plus contribution from Paul and Naomi Marrow and Marjorie Marrow Samberg will make possible the creation of the Alfred J. Marrow New Directions in Leadership Series. The series will comprise forums, conferences and other events that explore new directions in leadership and help keep the spirit of innovation alive and well in the CCL community.

“I can think of no better place for this gift,” said Paul Marrow. “I can say with complete confidence that my dad’s work is a significant underpinning for the work of CCL today.” Naomi Marrow, a current member of the CCL Board of Governors and a longtime supporter of the Center, said the family was gratified that the contribution will be used for specific works that clearly meet the spirit of the gift — targeting areas in which her father-in-law had devoted his life.

“We are very pleased that this gift will be used by the Center to continue to reach out and collaborate with other thought leaders in the field, as well as in the business, not-for-profit, government and educational sectors,” she said. “It will allow for greater percolation of ideas and a broader, deeper reach.”

Alfred J. Marrow was a key and early leader in the field of organization development, pioneering the theory of participative management and putting it into practice within his manufacturing company. In this regard, he broke important ground, putting theory into practice and demonstrating results directly attributable to solid behavioral science. On the academic side, he also worked closely with the institutions of his day that were devoted to the study and understanding of leadership in all sectors of society. His contributions to this niche are reflected in his many books and publications, notably Making Management Human, Behind the Executive Mask, Management by Participation, The T Group Experience, and Making Waves at Foggy Bottom.

In recognition of the family’s generous gift, the Center proudly named its largest meeting area on the Greensboro campus the Alfred J. Marrow Room and inducted Paul, Naomi and Marjorie into the John W. Red Jr. Circle. The Circle is named for CCL’s founding president in honor of those qualities that were so admired in Mr. Red — leadership, loyalty and exceptional lifetime commitment to the Center and its mission. The Circle recognizes individuals who have made cumulative contributions of $10,000 or more.

Naomi Marrow lauded the Center for its professionalism in targeting how gifts are used. “One thing that sets CCL apart as an institution is its diligence in working with the family to implement the intent of the gift,” she said. “Donors can have confidence that their gifts will be managed with great sensitivity.”