Alma Gildenhorn

Alma’s dedication to Jewish community affairs and civic causes has set an example for volunteer leadership for six decades. Her first major involvement was with the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington. She became active in the early 1960s and was successful involving many of her friends who subsequently assumed positions of responsibility and devotion to the home and its residents. She became President of the Women’s Auxiliary and was on the Board of the Hebrew Home for many years. During these years, three agencies: The Hebrew Home (HHGW), the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington (JCCGW), and the Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA) agreed to create a new campus in Rockville. Alma joined the effort, and with the leadership of Charles E. Smith, she and countless volunteers worked tirelessly to see this project become a reality. She chaired all the dedicatory events celebrating its completion and opening in 1969. She was elected to the Board of JSSA, and then to the Board of the JCCGW where she served for ten years attaining the office of Vice President.

She is the recipient of the Aunt Minnie Goldsmith Award (HHGW), the Ottenstein Award (JSSA), and the Ourisman Award (JCCGW).

A staunch supporter of the State of Israel, Alma chaired the Women’s Division of the State of Israel Bonds. This effort was enthusiastically supported by the women in the Washington Jewish community. In addition to Israel Bonds, there are many causes in which Alma has participated and supported.

Her late husband, Joseph Gildenhorn, served as Chairman of the Federation board. Afterwards, Joe was appointed by President George H.W. Bush to be US Ambassador to Switzerland. Alma was particularly proud when every introduction of him as Ambassador included his service to the UJA Federation of Washington.

In 1986, President Reagan appointed her to the Board of Trustees of The Kennedy Center. During that tenure, she became Interim Chairman of the Center (1995 – 96). Upon completing her term, she was elected as Honorary Trustee and continues to serve on its Executive Committee.

Alma graduated from the University of Maryland and remains an active alumna. A vital interest of the Gildenhorn family is the University of Maryland and its academic excellence and growth.

She is a founding member of the University of Maryland Foundation Board of Trustees, and over the years, a co-chair of three major fundraising campaigns. She is now an Honorary Trustee of the Foundation. The Joseph and Alma Gildenhorn Institute of Israel Studies, one of the largest in the nation, bears their name as does the Gildenhorn Recital Hall in the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. Her late husband proudly served as the Chairman of the Foundation Board of Trustees. In 2015, the Gildenhorns were inducted into the University of Maryland’s Hall of Fame. In 2022, they were each recipients of Honorary Doctorate Degrees from the University.

Currently, Alma serves as Sibley Hospital/Johns Hopkins Medicine’s Foundation Board of Trustees.

The Gildenhorn Institute for Bone and Joint Health at Sibley Hospital/Johns Hopkins Medicine also bears their name.

Joseph Gildenhorn served as President of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars for eleven years. After that, he and Alma became founding co-chairs of the Wilson Center’s National Cabinet. Alma now serves as Vice Chairman of the Fellowship Committee.

An Emeritus Trustee of the Aspen Institute, she and her late husband sponsored the Gildenhorn Book Series for eighteen years. Presently, Alma sponsors the Gildenhorn Rising Leaders Program at the Institute.

In the past year, in tribute to the legacy of her husband, Alma was honored by The Council of American Ambassadors with an associate membership in the Council.

Alma Gildenhorn is a fourth-generation member of Adas Israel Congregation. She is the proud mother and mother-in-law to Carol and Michael Winer, and Michael and Cathy Gildenhorn, and a loving grandmother and great grandmother.