4 minute read
Sustainer Spotlight Cynthia Murray & Thille Newton
For many, membership in the Junior League is a lifelong journey. From time spent as a new member and the transition to the active member years to becoming a sustainer, the League has seen scores of women through various seasons and phases of their adult lives. Recently, we had the opportunity to chat with Cynthia Murray and Thillie Newton, who are both sustainer emeritus members – sustaining members who have reached the age of 80. CYNTHIA MURRAY Any fond memories you have of your time in the League? Any placements that you recall were you favorites? I worked in the Bright Shawl Tea Room and served as the cochair and chair for the annual Rummage event. One year during Rummage, which was held at the convention center, there was a dog that was roaming around during the sale. Well, I ended up taking the dog home. Any other thoughts or advice to give to prospective JLSA members? INTERVIEWS BY RIA PATEL
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Make the most of the opportunities that the League gives you. It is so important to get to know one another. Junior League gives women the chance to think outside of the box, build relationships, become ready for new employment or career opportunities, and develop skills for any stage in a woman’s life. I still keep up with a few friends from my new member year. I love the direction the League is taking for the future—moving with the times of increased development and technology. The fact that the Junior League is expanding membership opportunities is amazing.
Cynthia, why did you join the Junior League?
When I was in high school, I was heavily involved with volunteering for the American Red Cross. Back then, I was the only student director of the American Red Cross from Texas. Naturally, volunteering has always been a big part of my life. I was still involved with the American Red Cross, even as a military spouse, as well as other volunteer organizations. It was just natural for me to join the Junior League when I did in the 1960s.
Did the League help you gain skills for your career?
Yes. My time in the League helped me gain the confidence and clarity that I needed to succeed as a real estate agent. I was one of the first team members for Kuper-Sotheby’s. In fact, I still work part time as an Alumni Agent Manager. Since I married young and did not get to finish college, the League gave me the opportunity to gain skills I would not have been able to obtain otherwise. Through the League, I was able to learn about procedural skills.
THILLIE NEWTON Thillie, why did you join the Junior League? Is your home League San Antonio or another city? I joined the Junior League in 1968-69 in Mexico City. I was moved to join the organization because I just adored some of the gals I had known already, who were in the League. I also joined because I wanted to be a part of the city, and since my husband was working for the Coca-Cola Export Corporation, I had a desire get to know it better. Spouses of international employees were not granted work visas, so I had a lot of free time. I wanted to make the most of it by joining the League. The Mexico City League was well organized and had a variety of projects. Any other thoughts or advice to give to prospective JLSA members? Always make sure that leadership maintains consistency within the organization. One thing that I particularly found useful was STUFF (Sustainers Transfers United for Fun). STUFF helped transfers become acquainted with their new League, community partners, projects, and other members. It really helped sustainer transfers make that connection. Through the years, I felt that it needs a reboot. It is a wonderful way to incorporate the current membership with the new crowd. It would be great to see it revived again.
Any special memories of your time in the League?
I had the best new member year! Literally, I was able to see every part of Mexico City. We were scheduled project times nearly once a week, and I made some lifelong friends from my time there. I was also part of the team that helped initiate a savings fund for current and future projects. We knew that many communities depended on our funding and time commitments, so we wanted to ensure that their needs would be met and they would not be left in a financial bind. We wanted to cover our bases.
What does the Junior League mean to you?
I have always supported the Junior League in every part of my life after becoming a member. I have also kept up with some of my dear friends from my new member year. A couple of them are Jackie McClenan (family started Oak Park Cleaners) and Emily McCann (past president). The League has always been an integral part of my life. My daughter is part of the Dallas League.
