Neysa C. Adams

Neysa C. Adams is one of eight women designated by Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell as a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania for 2003. The award recognizes women for their exceptional accomplishments of statewide or national importance.

Mrs. Adams graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Pennsylvania and went on to do graduate work in computer science, educational psychology and finance. She has conducted research for the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, taught in the Philadelphia School District, served as a technical writer for the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War II, and worked as an investment advisor.

Her community service is legendary. She currently serves as president of the Louis Nayovitz Foundation and the Goldsmith-Weis Foundation. She is co-chair of the Charles Harrison Society of the University of Pennsylvania; secretary and board member of the Emergency Aid Foundation of Pennsylvania; a member of the finance committee of the Federation of Jewish Agencies; a member of the Council of Phi Beta Kappa Association of Delaware Valley; and board member of the Cosmopolitan Club. In the past, Mrs. Adams has served as a trustee of the Nationalities Service Center, the Philadelphia Home and School Council of the School District of Philadelphia, the United Way Women’s Council, the Rebecca Gratz Club (a halfway house for troubled young women in recovery), the National Council for Christians and Jews, the University of Pennsylvania, the Federation of Jewish Agencies, the Historical Commission of Cheltenham Township, Pa., and the National Conference on Social Welfare.