Ella J. Weiss died earlier this month, leaving a great legacy on the Brooklyn College and arts communities.
Photo courtesy of Brooklyn College
Brooklyn is mourning the loss of Ella J. Weiss ’62, ’65 M.S.Ed., a longtime Brooklyn College alumna and influential figure in the borough’s arts and civic communities.
Brooklyn College’s Office of Alumni Engagement announced Weiss’ death on Aug. 6, remembering her as a “beloved alumna, dedicated colleague, former president of the Brooklyn College Alumni Association, and tireless champion of Brooklyn.”
Weiss served as president of the Brooklyn Arts Council from 1999 to 2015, helping expand the organization’s programs, strengthen its partnerships with city and state agencies and introduce new professional services for artists and cultural groups.
Her influence on Brooklyn’s arts community continues through the Charlene Victor & Ella J. Weiss Cultural Entrepreneur Fund, an annual program supported by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs. The fund provides $2,500 awards to emerging and mid-career women artists and arts administrators to support professional development and sustainable creative careers. In 2025, the program provided $25,000 in funding to 11 artists.
She was also a former president of the Brooklyn College Alumni Association and received numerous honors, including Brooklyn College’s President’s Medal and the BCAA Distinguished Alumni Award.
Throughout her career, Weiss advocated for education, culture and opportunities for Brooklyn’s artists and communities.
“Her legacy will continue to inspire all who knew her and benefited from her vision and dedication,” Brooklyn College said.
The college extended its condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, fellow alumni and loved ones.