American Philanthropist Bettye Musham.
Featured in our “New York Jewels: Online Auction” from 21–28 February are stunning pieces from the collection of Bettye Musham, which will be sold to benefit Duke University School of Nursing.
Bettye Musham is an American philanthropist admired for her leadership and remembrance of the people and places that made a difference in her life. A North Carolina native, Musham’s fascinating career began after graduating from Duke University’s School of Nursing in 1954, studying Midwifery in England and becoming an OB/GYN nurse in New York. Musham remembers her years at Duke with fondness. “It was a wonderful atmosphere, a hospitable community that made you think anything was possible,” Musham said.
Pair of Cultured Pearl and Diamond Earrings. New York Jewels: Online Sale.
Living in New York opened her up to explore other opportunities. After a meeting with Carl Ally, of Carl Ally Inc., she pivoted and joined his advertising company. She represented some of the most notable photographers of the time, such as Saul Leiter, Guy Bourdin, and Deborah Turbeville. Following this role, in the late 1970s, Musham became the first woman executive at Louis Vuitton North America. In her role as General Manager, she played an integral part expanding their business in the United States. Following this ground-breaking position, she left Louis Vuitton and set out to co-found Gear Holdings, Inc. a branding, design, marketing, and communications firm in New York.
Spinel and Diamond Ring. New York Jewels: Online Sale.
Also a published author on Mental Health, Musham has served on various corporate boards and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Musham has supported Duke University through her leadership and gifts for many years. She has served on the School of Nursing Board of Visitors since 2017. She was a founding member of the Duke Islamic Studies Center advisory board and served many years on the Nicholas School of the Environments Board of Visitors.
Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring. New York Jewels: Online Sale.
Recently, Ms. Musham committed a gift, Duke University’s second-largest donation by an individual in the school’s history and the largest ever for faculty, students, and programs. Musham’s gift, via her estate, will be transformational to the school, cementing the creation of a DUSON learning and research center. Musham says, “the evidence-based nurse-led model of care promises to shift the health care paradigm, narrowing the gaps in access and opportunities, improving health outcomes, and lowering costs.”
Following her recent gift to her alma mater, proceeds from Lots 15 through 31 pursuant to Ms. Musham’s wishes, via her estate, will be donated to Duke University School of Nursing.
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