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Dear Friends,
Two weeks ago, I was privileged to join hundreds of supporters from around the world in Tel Aviv as we gathered for Tel Aviv University's (TAU) annual Board of Governors (BOG) meeting. This was my first time attending in-person and the first time since COVID that the meeting was held live on campus. While Zoom, Ring Central, and other virtual connections have sustained us throughout the pandemic, it was clear that there is no substitution for in-person gatherings and celebrations. The BOG was four days of presentations, dedications, and an opportunity for Tel Aviv University to highlight its many partnerships and share the work happening on campus with governors from around the world.
The opening session of the BOG showcased the impact of scholarships and highlighted the students who have been scholarship recipients. I encourage you to watch the ceremony so you can hear from the students who share their personal stories of how the scholarship assistance they received enabled them to focus on studying and not having to worry about paying their bills. The ceremony marked the inauguration of the Fields-Rayant Scholarship in Honor of Dr. Anita Friedman, which will support students from the periphery.
The Kadar Family Awards for Outstanding Research celebrate pioneering scientists and scholars who have reached the highest levels of excellence in both research and teaching. This year's winners — Professor Michal Feldman, Professor Leo Corry, Professor Jonathan Berant, and Dr. Roy Tzohar — are all leaders in their fields in multiple disciplines. The Kadar family through the Naomi Foundation established the award in 2015 to pay tribute to their wife and mother, Naomi Prawer Kadar, a champion of education and a professor of Yiddish at TAU.
The MiG Prize (The 2022 Michel Gelrubin Prize in Architecture) was awarded during the BOG to students who demonstrate a combination of vision and talent in architecture and interior design. Founded by TAU Governors Leslie Gelrubin Benitah and her brother Samuel Gelrubin, the MIG Prize was created in honor of their late father, French philanthropist and real estate investor Michel Gelrubin, a dedicated supporter of TAU, Israel, and education.
The Koret Foundation is an incredible partner to TAU and has supported many initiatives that build bridges between the Diaspora and Israel. At the BOG, Jeffrey Farber, CEO of Koret, and Dr. Anita Friedman, President of Koret and Chair of TAU's Global Campaign, announced a $10 million grant to establish The Koret Center for Jewish Civilization at Tel Aviv University in partnership with ANU - Museum of the Jewish People. The Center will be a new global education, leadership, and research collaborative between the partners.
The inauguration of the Pouran and Parviz Izak Nazarian Building represented a decades-long friendship between the Nazarian family and TAU. The building will become TAU's new visitor center and home to TAU Online and the Citizens' Empowerment Center in Israel (CECI) which was initiated by Parviz Izak.
It is your generous support that contributes to making Tel Aviv University a world-class institution and a leader in many areas. This past week, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola spoke at TAU on her first stop in a three-day visit to Israel. Her visit and the time she spent speaking with students at TAU underscores the University's centrality in relations between the EU and Israel.
Wishing you a happy Memorial Day weekend and a great start to the summer. Shabbat shalom.
Jennifer Gross
Chief Executive Officer
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