"The quiet but astounding generosity of Marta and Austin Weeks has had a profound influence on the qualitative growth of our School of Music," said Music School Dean William Hipp. "The Weeks' make their gifts without fanfare, yet are deeply committed to supporting our talented and deserving students."

The Weeks enjoy a fascinating history together that dates back to 1930's Argentina, where their parents' families - the Weeks and the Suttons - began a lifelong friendship. But it wasn't until 1950, when Austin went to work for Mobil Oil, that he and Marta met. Austin's parents suggested that he look up the Suttons. "I figured I'd get a free meal out of it," he said. "But it turned out to be the most expensive dinner I ever had." He and Marta married the following year. Marta, Austin and their children came to Miami in 1967 during his employment as a geological oceanographer with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In time, Austin began his own consulting business, became involved with Weeks Petroleum Ltd., a Bermuda-based company founded by his father, and has since retired.

Reverend Marta Weeks received her early education in Utah and Venezuela. After graduating from high school in Salt Lake City, she went on to Beloit College in Wisconsin, then to Stanford University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Marta first joined the University of Miami Board of Trustees in 1983.

"We want to be good stewards," said Marta. "We are extremely grateful for what we have and feel an obligation to share with others." And sharing they have done. In 1988, the couple donated their first building to the School of Music, the L. Austin Weeks Center for Recording and Performance, and have created the Marta and L. Austin Weeks Music Scholarship Endowment that provides assistance to more than 20 students each year.

Other gifts to the University include, but are not limited to, the Lewis G. Weeks Chair in Geology at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, established by Marta in memory of her father-in-law; the L. Austin Weeks Family Endowed Chair in Urologic Research at the School of Medicine; as well as generous support for tactual speech at the Mailman Center for Child Development, International Education and Exchange scholarships through the School of Continuing Studies, and the Nursing School Building Fund.

The Weeks' stewardship echoes their vast interests and philosophies. Austin has spent a lifetime as a geologist, animal lover, music aficionado and photographer. Marta has been involved with various churches, her community and the environment.

After completing a three-year Masters Program at the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas, Mrs. Weeks became an ordained Episcopal priest in 1992. Since then her ministry has taken her to Paris, London, Venezuela, Panama, the Bahamas and back to Utah. She is also a member of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, whose members help support an ophthalmic hospital in the Holy Land for Arab, Christian and Jewish patients.

Austin began traveling early in life and has crossed the equator many times. It was while attending boarding school in England, and through his mother - a concert singer - that he developed an affinity for music that has remained as a thread throughout his life. According to Marta, when he is not at Miami Metrozoo encouraging the animals to pose for photographs, Austin can be found composing his own serendipitous compositions on the piano.

In addition to their generosity with the University of Miami, the Weeks' have provided local support to the Lighthouse for the Blind; Fairchild Tropical Garden's Conservatory; Miami Metrozoo's Aviary, Animal Hospital and Administration Building; as well as the YWCA building in downtown Miami.

The Weeks are parents of two living children (their son, Christopher, died in a helicopter accident in 1979 at age 23). Kermit, an expert on vintage aircraft, who recently moved his collection of planes from the Weeks Air Museum in Kendall to the Sun 'n Fun Museum in Lakeland, Florida, plans to recreate Lindburgh's flight to Paris next month. He shares his parents' joy in music through singing and playing the guitar and fiddle. Their daughter, Leslie Weeks Davies, is an alumnus of the University who earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Therapy Education. An athlete, she is an accomplished underwater photographer and enjoys windsurfing, skiing, horseback riding and diving. Leslie is a member of the University's Ashe Society, in recognition of her generosity to the Human Performance Research Laboratory at the School of Education.

"We have been blessed, and it's important to give back," said Reverend Weeks. The impact of their commitment to provide educational opportunities is immeasurable - whether the calling is music, medicine or the ministry - the Weeks' generosity will resonate through the lives of scores of students, and serve as a legacy of learning for generations to follow.

- Arlene Adams Easley