Sofia Adamson ’37

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One of Pasadena’ best-loved citizens is Sofia Adamson, who has devoted most of her adult life to the service of her community. Over and over again, Adamson has shown herself capable of the highest caliber of leadership, inspiring heartfelt praise from her many friends and from other civic leaders. “Charming,” “eloquent” and “vivacious” are words that can only begin to describe Adamson’s unique approach to the community work that she loves so well. Adamson was a co-founder in 1971 of the Pasadena Pacific Asian Museum and has been recognized by the museum board as a Life Founding Trustee. During her term as director of the Ethic Arts Council, she worked tirelessly to bring the culture of the Pacific Rim to her community. Organizing parades is another of Adamson’s talents. As co-director of the City of Pasadena 1986 centennial parade, she had a key role in organizing a veritable army of 3,000 volunteers. The event was a stunning success.

Proud of her Greek heritage, Adamson has also been an active church leader. She served on the board of the St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral for some 20 years and was named a church “Woman of the Year.” Because of her wisdom and judgment, Adamson was asked to join the board of the United Mercantile Bank and Trust Co., where she served from 1979 until 1988. Her many decades of top civic leadership have netted her a long list of awards, as well as listings in such prestigious directors as Who’s Who of American Women.