Marlene and Fred Malek Receive Outstanding Philanthropist Award

At the 11^th annual National Capital Philanthropy Day celebration on November 1, Frederic V. Malek and Marlene (McArthur) Malek of McLean were honored with the Outstanding Philanthropist Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Washington, DC, Metro Area Chapter.

Marymount University is proud to have nominated Mr. and Mrs. Malek for this award. The Maleks have long been philanthropic leaders in the fields of health care, higher education, and the arts. Steadfast supporters of Marymount, they most recently provided the naming gift for the University’s Malek School of Health Professions, which offers undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing, physical therapy, and health promotion. The Maleks also named the outdoor plaza between Marymount’s two newest buildings, Caruthers Hall and Rose Benté Lee Hall; a beautifully landscaped space with café tables, the Malek Plaza is a place where students can relax, study, and socialize. In addition, Marlene and Fred Malek established the Marymount Jordanian Scholarship, which provides support for a student from Jordan to attend the university, increasing cultural exchange and understanding.

The Maleks’ generosity extends beyond Marymount University. They are strong supporters of a variety of organizations in the community including Friends of Cancer Research; Ford’s Theatre; the Kennedy Center; the National Museum of Women in the Arts; Vital Voices Global Partnership, which advances leadership and entrepreneurial roles for women; and the Woodrow Wilson International Center.

In addition to the Outstanding Philanthropist Award, Marlene and Fred Malek have received a number of honors, including the Churchill Centre Leadership Award, the Woodrow Wilson International Center Corporate Citizenship Award; the Majella Berg Medal, Marymount University’s highest honor; and Mrs. Malek’s recognition as a “Washingtonian of the Year” by Washingtonian magazine

About Marlene and Fred Malek

Marlene Malek earned her nursing degree at Marymount in 1979 and has since been committed to supporting cancer research. Marlene Malek is president of Friends of Cancer Research, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness and provides public education on cancer research. She serves on the board of the Duke University Cancer Institute and is a member of the Cancer Leadership Council at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.  Additionally, she is a trustee of the MD Anderson Comprehensive Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, and an appointed member of C-Change (formerly the National Dialogue on Cancer). She has served on Marymount University’s Board of Trustees for more than two decades and is currently the board’s vice-chair.

Frederic Malek is founder and chairman of Thayer Lodging Group, a private equity firm, and founder and chairman of Thayer Capital Partners. He has also served as president and CEO of Marriott Hotels and Northwest Airlines. In addition, Mr. Malek was an advisor to Presidents Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and George H.W. Bush, serving in a variety of capacities. He is a graduate of West Point and the Harvard Business School.