Marlo Thomas of ‘That Girl’ coming to Auburn University in April

Award-winning actress Marlo Thomas will be the keynote speaker for the 15th annual Women's Philanthropy Board Spring Symposium and Luncheon on Monday, April 3 at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center.

Thomas is best known for her starring role as Ann Marie in the 1960s TV comedy series, "That Girl," for which she won a Golden Globe in 1967. She went on to produce and star in the children's TV special, "Free to Be… You and Me," earning her first of three Emmy Awards.

She also won for the leading role in the TV movie, "Nobody's Child," and for producing "Free to Be… a Family." Her most recent Emmy nomination was for her guest role as Rachel Green's mother on the comedy series, "Friends."

Thomas remains dedicated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Memphis-based medical center founded by her father, entertainer Danny Thomas, currently serving as its national outreach director.

Also on April 3, the Women's Philanthropy Board, the flagship division of the Cary Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies in Auburn University's College of Human Sciences, will hold educational programs featuring leaders in the fields of wealth management, civic engagement and philanthropy.

The programs are free and open to the public. The luncheon featuring Thomas is sold out.

Paula Polito, client strategy officer and group managing director at UBS Wealth Management, will present, "How Generations are Redefining Family Finances," at 10 a.m. American Banker Magazine named Polito one of the "25 Most Powerful Women in Finance" in 2015 and 2016. She previously was senior vice president and head of strategic marketing and Brand Management at Merrill Lynch

A discussion of family finances, inheritance and philanthropy will continue at 11 a.m., with Polito leading a panel discussion featuring Janet Bodnar, editor of Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine; Charles Pick, entrepreneur and philanthropist; and Whitney Califf, development officer for the Central Alabama Community Foundation.

Bodnar has written many articles and books on a wide range of financial topics, including investing, money management and the economy. She is a nationally recognized expert in the fields of children's and family finances and financial literacy.

Pick has served as a corporate banker, real estate developer, angel investor and entrepreneur. He is currently developing The Legacy at Cary Creek, a single-family, active adult community in Auburn, and co-founded CrispyCrete, a technology company that recycles ready-mix concrete.

Califf previously worked for the Montgomery Ballet and the River Region United Way. She is involved in a wide range of philanthropic and leadership programs in the Montgomery area.

The Women's Philanthropy Board was established in 2002. The organization has been the inspiration for the development of a minor in philanthropy and nonprofit studies in the College of Human Sciences, Camp iCare, a summer camp for kids ages 6-12; REAL Cents REAL Change, a learning series and summer residential camp for teens ages 13-18; and Volunteers in Philanthropy, a volunteer program for Auburn University students.

Women's Philanthropy Board Corporate partners provide funds to assist in underwriting its educational programs and infrastructure. These partners include Alabama Power, Auburn University Outreach, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, The Flower Store, The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center, Kiplinger, Valorum Wealth Management – UBS, Verizon, ALFA, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Preferred Real Estate, EAMC Foundation, Chambliss King Architects and Warren Averett.