Susan Bevier used to spend summers with friends in Rochester who lived in the downtown neighborhood of the Mechanics Institute. She was a local patron of the arts and, at one time, the sole financial backer of the Department of Fine Arts.

She made significant gifts to the Institute throughout her lifetime. Before her death, she expressed her desire to contribute funds for the construction of an art school as well as a gallery to showcase her art collection. She left money for the Institute to continue purchasing works of art to be displayed in the building.

On December 4, 1911, the original Bevier Memorial Building on the downtown campus opened for classes. It housed the School of Art and Design until the move to Henrietta in 1968. When the James E. Booth Building opened, its new art gallery was named to commemorate Susan Bevier.