Motivated by a genuine concern for others, Diane Gendel has embraced the opportunity to support over forty organizations that reflect her interest in the arts, medicine, education and preserving Houston’s history. Diane’s volunteer involvement spans 30 years, raising funds, awareness and support for great causes.
Diane’s passion for community service began with the Houston Symphony League, where she served in many leadership positions, including as President and as co-chair with Betty Tutor in the Symphony’s first million-dollar ball.
Diane has demonstrated executive ability by serving as President of Baylor College of Medicine’s Baylor Ten, CCFA’s Southwest Chapter and the Moores School of Music Society at U of H. She was a Founding Member of the Baylor Partnership Board and has served on the boards of the Blaffer Gallery at U of H, the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance, The Symphony Society, The American Heart Association Guild, The Salvation Army Auxiliary and Childbuilders. Among other charities that have benefitted from Diane’s support are Houston Grand Opera, TIRR, MFAH, Sheltering Arms, The Kinkaid School, Fotofest, the Cancer League, the Ballet Guild, Channel 8 and American Diabetes Association.
Among the many honors that have been bestowed on Diane are: Woman of Distinction, Volunteer of the Year awards from the Houston Symphony, The Moores School of Music, Blaffer Gallery and the University of Houston, Pacesetter of the Year, and The Good Brick Award from the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance. Diane considers her greatest reward to be the people she has met through her volunteer service who have become her dear friends and who continue to be her inspiration.
Diane and Harry Gendel, Principal of Harry Gendel Architects, have been married for thirty-nine years. Their daughter, Jacqueline, is an artist in New York. Their son Keith, is an architect now living in Los Angeles with his wife, Elizabeth, who is a Doctorate fellow in biochemical research at UCLA.