Professor Isabel S. Marcus - Celebrating Her Life and Legacy
Isabel Marcus, a UB Law professor from 1982 to 2019 and a scholar of women’s rights and gender equality, was remembered for her legal scholarship, activism and advocacy. She significantly advanced reproductive rights and civil liberties in Buffalo and beyond, leaving a transformative legacy.
About this Interview
Interview Date(s)
May 11, 2022
Occasion
Tributes and remembrances
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About Professor Isabel S. Marcus
Professor Isabel Marcus taught at UB for 35 years before retiring in 2019. A native of New York City, she graduated from Barnard College, the London School of Economics and the University of California-Berkeley, having earned law, master’s and doctoral degrees.
Her work initially focused on labor and family law before expanding to women’s rights issues. In 1997, she co-founded UB’s Gender Institute and chaired the women’s studies program from 1997 to 2002. A recipient of two Fulbright Scholar Awards, Marcus taught extensively abroad.
Speakers at the event highlighted Marcus’ mentorship, advocacy, and impact on legal scholarship and activism. The Buffalo Law Review also announced a forthcoming symposium and commemorative issue in its 71st volume to further honor Marcus’ contributions.
UB Law Professor Michael Boucai described Marcus as a pivotal mentor, highlighting her “ahead-of-her-time feminism,” selfless dedication to family law education, and personal warmth and courage, particularly in her continued work in Eastern Europe.
Associate Professor Emerita Barbara Bono shared a personal memory of their friendship and Marcus’ feminist advocacy, recalling purchasing her home from Marcus, a space filled with artifacts reflecting her human rights work. Bono emphasized Marcus’ generosity, wisdom and significant role in establishing UB’s Gender Institute, noting her resilience and enduring feminist legacy.
Victoria Nochreiner, recipient of the Isabel S. Marcus Fellowship, discussed her research on gender and marriage in 19th and 20th century Nigeria, a project inspired by Marcus’ commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and examining colonial influences.
Mary Ann O’Brien remembered Marcus as a fierce advocate, mentor and friend whose influence spanned academia and global activism. She highlighted Marcus’ passionate support for colleagues and women’s rights, her international perspective and the vibrant intellectual exchange she fostered.
UB Law Professor Lucinda Finley described Marcus as a catalyst for change and a courageous advocate who shaped Finley’s career and reproductive rights work. Finley recalled their defense of abortion clinics and urged the next generation to continue Marcus’ fight for justice.