Meet Our Donors

We are grateful that we can be part of the museum's ongoing evolution, offering rich experiences to onsite visitors, and, via digital means, to the global community.

Nurturing Curiosity and Respect

Mary Frances Poh’s memories of the Asian Art Museum date back to her college days. Today, she is building a legacy to provide future generations with the same moments of discovery she experienced.

Q&A With Museum Supporter Walter Knoepfel

Walter Knoepfel has supported the Asian Art Museum since 1986. Here, he reflects on what brought him to the museum and its impact on his life.

An Educator Finds Her Roots

During her career as a French teacher, Betty Meissner focused her attention on European history and culture. But in recent years, she wanted to gain a stronger sense of her Chinese heritage by learning more about the arts and cultures of Asia.

Making a Difference

When you meet Asian Art Museum docent Peggy Mathers, her enthusiasm is contagious. It’s no wonder all her friends want her to take them on private tours of the collection. She has come a long way since she first visited the museum as a San Francisco State University student taking an introductory course in Chinese painting.

A Childhood Interest Becomes a Lasting Legacy

A native of Boise, Idaho, Greg Potts grew up with Asian art displayed at home, nurturing an interest that eventually led him, as an adult, to become a member of the Asian Art Museum.

Sharing a Love of Asia

Jordan Sachs and Jennie Sack are trying to pass on an understanding of Asia to their 6-year-old grandson. They took him to the Asian Art Museum recently to see the Japanese armor. He was really curious and asked a lot of questions.

Asia Has Always Been a Part of My Life

Raised in the Middle East, Cathy Moreland spent summers traveling throughout Asia. As an adult, she and her husband, Howard, lived in many cities throughout Asia due to Howard's career as a chemical engineer for Chevron. Along the way, they visited numerous museums and historical sites. Cathy became a docent at Bangkok's National Museum.

Educating Younger Generations About the Past

Drs. Doris and Stephen Chun have long been visitors to the Asian Art Museum. A gift in their estate ensures that future generations can experience the museum's history, culture, and art, too.

Finding a Second Career — and a Lifelong Passion

After a 25-year career with big-name department stores, Macy's and Bullocks, little did Margaret Handelman suspect that one day she would launch the Asian Art Museum gift store.

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