An activist and stalwart supporter of women’s rights and all-girls education, Marcie graduated from The Ellis School in 1956 and went on to study at Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA. She has spent the majority of her life trying to make the world a better place, especially for women. The education she received from Ellis and support from her parents showed her that girls can do anything. Her life’s work has been dedicated to spreading that idea and empowering women and girls. 

For over 35 years, Marcie has primarily focused on women’s reproductive rights. She has served as President, Vice President, Board Member, and Interim Executive Director of Planned Parenthood, Chicago Area. She was also a member of the National Abortion Rights Action League Board of Directors. In 1985, she founded Personal PAC, a bipartisan political action committee in Illinois that works to elect pro-choice legislators in Illinois, from her kitchen table. Marcie was also a founding member of The Chicago Foundation for Women and served as its chair, vice chair, treasurer, and chair of the alumnae council. She has been honored a number of times by: NARAL of Illinois, Chicago Women in Philanthropy, Chicago Sun-Times Ten Most Powerful Women in Politics, and The ACLU of Illinois. 

Marcie is equally as devoted to her family as she is to her activism. Her family members are activists as well and enjoy traveling together to learn about our world. Marcie has generously supported the gift of travel within the Ellis community through the Marcie Waterman Love ’56 International Travel Grant for the Global Empowerment of Women and Girls which sends Upper School students abroad each year for an international educational experience. Marcie has hosted events for Ellis alumnae in Chicago and is a committed member of the Ellis community. Marcie is a true example of Ellis’ motto, Esse Quam Videri! 

“As a true Ellis woman, Marcie has championed the rights of women and girls for decades," says Carly REED Carstens ’02, Director of Development and Alumnae Engagement. "When Marcie sees a need or lack of action taken by others, she steps up and takes that action. She is a changemaker. Further, Marcie has been a role model for current students over the years, sharing her love of travel and encouragement to explore the world through the travel grant. Marcie takes the time to come to Ellis each year to meet the recipients and hear about their travels. She is interested in each girl and takes such joy in their growth. Marcie exemplifies what it means to be an Ellis woman and we are so pleased to honor her as this year’s Sara Frazer Ellis Awardee."