ELIZABETH ROHATYN

ROHATYN--Elizabeth F.

Who had a long career in public service, and was active in the cultural, educational and philanthropic life in New York City, died in the Manhattan home she shared with her husband of 37 years, financier and former U.S. Ambassador to France Felix Rohatyn; she was 86. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Mrs. Rohatyn arrived in New York at the age of 19. Known for her intelligence, humor, and elegance, she made a lasting mark on a number of the city's cultural and educational institutions. She directed her efforts most significantly to keep attention focused on the issues of the arts, public education, and the role of libraries in American life and founded two important organizations which continue their work to this day. During Felix Rohatyn's tenure as United States Ambassador to France from 1997 through 2000, Mrs. Rohatyn founded FRAME (French Regional & American Museum Exchange). Today, FRAME is the first bilateral coalition of regional art museums dedicated to promoting French/ American co-operation. Consisting of over 30 member museums, FRAME has been responsible for exhibitions in both countries that have drawn millions of visitors. Prior to their time in France, school reform and tools to enhance teaching were areas where she worked extensively to move the public agenda ahead. Mrs. Rohatyn was founder and Chairman of Teaching Matters Inc., a nonprofit organization created to promote excellence in teaching. To date, Teaching Matters has educated 30,000 teachers in 900 of New York City's public schools and continues on its mission of ensuring that every child has access to great teaching. The Elizabeth Rohatyn Prize for Schools Where Teaching Matters is awarded annually by the organization. Mrs. Rohatyn continued her service as a member of the Board of Trustees of the New York Public Library, where she previously was Chairman of the Board. She also was honorary chair of the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House. She also served as board member of New York's New Visions for Public Schools and as Vice Chair of WNET/Channel 13. As a sponsor of the "I Have a Dream" project, Mrs. Rohatyn directed a program to lead 53 children at risk through their last six years of school, graduation, and four years of college. She also founded Technology Empowerment Collaborative, a consortium of New York City academic institutions to advance the role of technology in education. Mrs. Rohatyn was also a board member of Chancellor Joel Klein's Fund for Public Education. She served in a variety of advisory capacities including NYC Mayor Dinkins' Educational Advisory Group, on Governor Cuomo's Moreland Commission on Education, and on the Dean's Council of the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Her contributions to educational reform have been recognized by Bank Street College of Education and Long Island University in the awarding of honorary degrees. Mrs. Rohatyn was awarded France's highest civilian honor, the Legion d'Honneur on December 5, 2002, and on September 23, 2007, became an Officer of the Legion d'Honneur. Mrs. Rohatyn is survived by her husband Felix, her daughter Nina Griscom, her stepsons Pierre, Nicolas, and Michael, and her grandchildren Lily, Alexander, Coco, Clara, Nicholas, and Ida. She is also survived by her sister, Frederika Carney, and several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elizabeth Rohatyn's memory to Teaching Matters, 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 1270, New York, NY 10115. A funeral service will be held at St. James Church at 865 Madison Avenue on Monday, October 17 at 11am.