Amgen 9/11 Remembrance: Honoring a Fallen Employee
Summary of the Text:
This text tells the story of Thomas Marsh, a sculptor commissioned by Amgen to create a bust of Dora Menchaca, an Amgen employee who tragically died on 9/11. The piece details Marsh’s artistic process and his emotional connection to the project,emphasizing his desire to capture Menchaca’s spirit and humanity.
Key takeaways:
Dora Menchaca’s Life & Work: Menchaca was a dedicated clinical research director at Amgen, passionate about finding cancer cures, particularly for prostate cancer (influenced by her father’s diagnosis). She was a pioneer in her family, earning a PhD from UCLA.
The Sculpture’s Significance: Amgen commissioned the bust as a tribute to Menchaca. Marsh approached the project with deep respect and empathy,striving to portray not just her likeness,but her inner character and the impact of her loss.
Marsh’s Artistic Process: The text describes Marsh’s decades of experience and his intuitive approach to sculpting, focusing on feeling and understanding his subject.He was deeply affected by the story of 9/11 and Menchaca’s life.
Amgen’s Memorial: Following Menchaca’s death, Amgen donated $3 million to a cancer treatment unit at UCLA, which was partially named in her honor, ensuring her legacy continues through patient care.
* Lasting Legacy: The sculpture is intended to be a lasting memorial to Menchaca, allowing future generations to reflect on her life and contributions.
In essence, the text is a touching tribute to a life lost to soon and the power of art to honor and remember.
