Women’s History Month: Marlene ‘Linny’ Fowler
Marlene “Linny” Fowler’s life exemplifies how generosity, empathy and a vision for change can transform a community. Her contributions to the Lehigh Valley touched countless lives, advancing well-being and embodying our vital conditions framework. From supporting the arts to championing education and equity, Fowler’s legacy offers endless examples of how we can foster sustainable well-being.
Championing the arts
Fowler believed in the transformative power of the arts to connect people and enrich communities. Her philanthropy revitalized cultural institutions and gave emerging artists the resources they needed to thrive. The Banana Factory, a Bethlehem arts and education center opened in 1998 by ArtsQuest, was a testament to her vision. Fowler’s financial support expanded the center’s programming with art classes, exhibitions and events until it closed in December 2024. (ArtsQuest is rebuilding a new arts center nearby in South Bethlehem.)
Her passion for the arts was evident in her hands-on approach. This is what motivated Salisbury High School graduate Matthew Fainor to create the Linny Kids Scholarship Fund. Fainor told The Morning Call in 2013, “I wanted to continue the work of Fowler, who was a huge proponent of art education and kindness. For her, it was all about giving people the skills to realize their dreams and make them happy.”
Investing in education
Education was central to Fowler’s philanthropic philosophy. She understood that access to quality education could break cycles of poverty and provide a foundation for lifelong success. She began working with underprivileged children in 1967 through Head Start. She was a founder of the Lehigh Valley Coalition for Kids and was active with Camelot for Children, Turning Point, Valley Youth House, the Hispanic American Organization and United Way.
When receiving the 20th annual Raker Memorial Award presented by Good Shepherd Rehabilitation in 2005, Fowler said, “I’m just a girl who can’t say no! Where there is a wrong, I want to make it right; where there is a need, I try to fill it. Every day there are children who come home to broken families, broken promises, broken dreams. Children bursting with creativity and love, hungry to express themselves, but so in need of a place – a haven – to discover their own wonderful unique capabilities. Every day, there are young people yearning for something better – a college education, a home of their own, a reliable car they can take to and from work – but no one to turn to for help.”
One of her most enduring contributions was the creation of the Fowler Literacy Center at Northampton Community College in 2007. The center offers adult literacy and English as a second language programs, empowering individuals to achieve their personal and professional goals. Fowler’s frequent visits to the center included participating in family reading events, where she delighted children by reading classics like The Cat in the Hat. These efforts exemplified her commitment to the vital condition of lifelong learning.
Advancing health and equity
Fowler’s philanthropy extended beyond cultural and educational initiatives to address critical social issues. In 2010, she was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, recognizing her long-term generosity and help for improving the health and welfare of thousands of families in the Lehigh Valley. At the award presentation, Fowler said, “My parents set good examples and emphasized the Golden Rule. One of my favorite quotes is the biblical one, ‘From him to whom much is given, much will be expected.’ There have been so many blessings in my life that I want to pass this on to others and brighten the corner where you are.”
Milestones in philanthropy
Fowler’s contributions were not only financial but deeply personal. Her many achievements include:
1. Funding major capital projects at the Da Vinci Science Center, Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley, Valley Youth House, the Banana Factory and ArtsQuest, among others, which became community anchors in the region.
2. Supporting the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, including funding a 2009 youth outreach program that introduced classical music to more than 3,000 students in its first year.
A vision for holistic well-being
Fowler’s approach to philanthropy aligns with Leonard Parker Pool Institute for Health (LPPIH)’s commitment to holistic neighborhood development. Her investments spanned multiple domains – from the arts and education to health and social equity – creating interconnected systems of support. Her passing in 2013 was deeply felt across the Lehigh Valley, but Fowler’s legacy endures in the lives she touched and the institutions she strengthened. As we honor her during Women’s History Month, we reflect on how her life’s work aligns with LPPIH’s mission to foster sustainable well-being and thriving local communities.
Fowler’s story inspires us to think beyond individual contributions and consider how collective action can create lasting change. By investing in the vital conditions for health and well-being, she left a legacy that continues to guide and uplift our community.
