Dedication

Audrey Miller Poritzky was a young woman who had a rare combination of wisdom, beauty, charm, thoughtfulness and a great sense of humor; a person who was genuinely loved and respected by a multitude of adoring friends, family and professional colleagues.

Audrey was a kind, loving and dedicated person who touched the lives of everyone who knew her. Her spirit continues to live on in the hearts of all who knew her, while the Audrey Miller Poritzky Education Fund for Children will help ensure that her professional legacy continues to make an impact on the education reform community for years to come.

Audrey believed that there was never a shortage of opportunities everyday to have a positive influence on another human being. She used her wit, a fabulous sense of humor, thoughtfulness and uncanny ability to recall thousands of lines from movies to draw people to her. Her kindness and beauty kept them as lifelong friends.

Audrey is survived by her husband Dave Poritzky; their beautiful daughter, Sophie; her parents, Anne and Larry Miller; as well as her brother Rob, sister-in-law Amy, nephews Jacob, David and niece, Amanda.

Before taking time off for the birth of Sophie, Audrey spent several years working in the education reform field in Philadelphia and New York City. During her time with Philadelphia Futures, a non-profit organization that assists inner-city public high school students to strengthen their academic base through tutoring and mentoring in preparation for the college admissions process, she and her colleagues were honored at a White House ceremony officiated by President Clinton.

In New York, Audrey served as an assistant to the President of Citigroup, before moving back to the non-profit sector with Children's Aid Society. One of Audrey's projects, the Community Schools Initiative, provides after-school activities, medical care and other needed services to underprivileged families. She also worked at the Wallace Funds, a foundation that supports a wide spectrum of public-school education reform projects throughout the country.

Audrey received her undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1993 where she served as the President of Phi Sigma Sigma Sorority. She received double Masters degrees from the University of Pennsylvania; one in Government Administration from the Fels Institute of Government and the other in Elementary Education from the Graduate School of Education. Upon Audrey's death, the Fels Institute established the Audrey Miller Poritzky Leadership Award, which is awarded to the student who most exemplifies Audrey's strong leadership.

Audrey's genuine kindness and caring touched all who knew her. She cherished the time she spent with her family and friends and is sadly missed.