A deep commitment to education and a bold, get-it-done attitude have defined the philanthropic legacy of Robert and Susan Gadomski. The Gadomskis have lived in the Lehigh Valley since 1970, raised three children here, and, through their leadership and dedication, have positively impacted many organizations and in turn their neighbors’ lives.

“Susan and Bob are shining examples of what it means to be deeply committed to making their community a better place to live,” says Michelle R. Stringer, chair of the Museum’s Board of Trustees. “For more than thirty years the Gadomskis have provided strong leadership and generous financial contributions in support of their belief that the Museum is an essential educational institution and economic driver in our community. Their personal impact has been long and varied, from being original Kress Society members to currently supporting free admission on Sundays.”

Susan explains the simple guiding principle behind the couple’s powerful support of education and volunteerism: “Give time, treasure, or talent to keep our community a wonderful place to live.”

Susan Gadomski enjoyed a career as a highly regarded educator and speech pathologist in Pennsylvania, New York, Illinois, and Indiana. She is a current Executive Board member of the Allentown Art Museum and has served as a volunteer, officer, and president of the Society of the Arts (SOTA), a service organization that supports the Museum’s operation. Susan also served as president of the Keneseth Israel Temple Sisterhood and volunteered at numerous charities, including the Ecumenical Food Bank, Lehigh Valley Cancer Support Group, United Way, Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, and the St. Luke’s Annual Ball Committee. She has been a member of the Dean’s Advisory Committee at Lehigh University School of Education, the Board of Trustees for Keneseth Israel Temple, and Board president of the Repertory Dance Theatre and recently joined the Dean’s Advisory Board for the School of Health and Human Services at Purdue University.

Robert Gadomski was a top executive at Air Products and Chemicals Inc., retiring as executive vice-president in 2004 after thirty-four years of service. In 2007–2009 he was chairman and CEO of Taylor Wharton International LLC. Robert currently serves on the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s endowment fundraising committee, and he has served on numerous boards of directors, including Quality Distribution Inc., Reeb Millwork, Taylor Wharton International, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Historic Bethlehem Partnership, Dean’s Advisory Counsel for the Krannert School of Business at Purdue University, Minsi Trails Council Boy Scouts of America, Saucon Valley Country Club, St. Luke’s Health System, Lafayette Ambassador Bank, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Health Network, Leader Lehigh Valley, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, and the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation.

Robert and Susan have been recognized by other organizations for their service and philanthropy, including by the Historic Bethlehem Partnership, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Health Network, the St Luke’s Annual Ball, the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Meals on Wheels, Purdue University, and the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Association of Fund Raising Professionals.

The Allentown Art Museum is pleased to honor the Gadomski’s at our 2020 Gala Dinner & Auction.