Muriel Humphrey Brown

2006 Louise Whitbeck Fraser Award Recipient

Muriel Humphrey was comfortable in the spotlight because of her husband Hubert H. Humphrey's political career. Throughout her life, Mrs. Humphrey used the spotlight to benefit many. She worked tirelessly on behalf of children and individuals with special needs, was a volunteer for the March of Dimes, a fundraiser for the Cancer Society and a board member of the National Symphony.

This work was given special personal meaning when her granddaughter, Vicky, was born with Down syndrome. In 1963, Vicky was enrolled at Fraser School and Mrs. Humphrey became one of its biggest supporters. Fraser School began experiencing dynamic growth and, in 1967, Mrs. Humphrey spoke at the dedication when the school moved to its current location. The Humphreys helped to build services available to families by securing a grant from The Phillips Foundation to provide the school's first speech therapist.

When the Fraser organization expanded into residential services, they were named the Muriel Humphrey Residences after one of their biggest champions. At Muriel's request, Lady Bird Johnson donated landscaping for these facilities and President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter were among the many dignitaries who visited.

With this award, we put the spotlight back on Muriel Humphrey Brown. Her personal commitment improved the lives of many and helped Fraser to build a strong foundation for the future. May her works inspire others to live the philosophy that she and Louise Whitbeck Fraser shared, "You can do it, have faith, it will get done."

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