THE WALLENBERG ENDOWMENT

History

In 1984, Jamie Beth Catlin, then manager for foundation relations in the University of Michigan development office, began to seek support for a broad-based effort to honor 1935 alumnus Raoul Wallenberg on behalf of the University as a whole.

Catlin discovered great interest among faculty members, including Irene Butter, a Holocaust survivor, and Andrew Nagy, who was sheltered in one of Wallenberg’s “safe houses” in Budapest in 1944. Together they formulated plans to build an endowment and establish an enduring tribute. A larger committee was soon appointed, and its members concluded that sponsoring an annual lecture and award, rather than a named professorship, was the best way to perpetuate the memory of Wallenberg’s heroism and nobility of spirit. In 1985, the endowment was established through contributions from almost 500 individuals and organizations from the United States, Canada, and Europe.

The Wallenberg Executive Committee is grateful for the continuing support of the University of Michigan, and for the continuing contributions of those who honor Wallenberg’s memory and those who exemplify his values.

How to Make a Gift

A donation to the Wallenberg Endowment is an opportunity to support humanitarianism, moral courage and ethical action in the face of evil. As we move forward into an already troubled new century, the legacy of Raoul Wallenberg has never been more vital.

By Check

Make your gift payable to the Wallenberg Endowment/University of Michigan and mail to the following address:

The Wallenberg Endowment
Rackham Graduate School
Development Office
915 E. Washington
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1070

If your gift is made in memory of another, please provide the name(s). Also, do include your printed name and address and your daytime phone number in case we need to contact you for additional clarification.

By Credit Card

You can make a credit card gift by sending a note to the address above with:

Your credit card number
Expiration date
Name as it appears on the card
The amount you wish to give
Your signature

It is important that you have a signature on the note verifying your request.

Or you may make a credit card gift by calling Shirley Lee at 734-764-1125 between 8 am and 5 pm EST.

Making a Gift by Transfer of Stock

Making a Gift by Bequest, Trust, or Gift Annuity

Future Plans

The Wallenberg Committee needs your support. Your contribution to the Endowment will help fund programs that now we can only dream about: a high school curriculum in humanitarianism; seminars and speakers on humanitarian and human rights topics; workshops and outreach to students surrounding each lecture and medal presentation; an enriched web site; collaborations across campus and with other universities. The Wallenberg Committee deeply believes that young people must be told the story of Raoul Wallenberg—and inspired by his example.

When Wallenberg’s sister, Nina Lagergren, came from Sweden in the fall of 2001 to accept the Wallenberg Medal on behalf of her brother, she emphasized in her lecture the importance of reaching out to young people. It is, after all, the best way to begin to change the world. University of Michigan undergraduates will matriculate on a planet that has sadly shown little improvement since World War II. These young adults will go forth into a global society stricken with the persistent problems of war, terrorism, racism, and ethnic hatred. We believe that the example of Raoul Wallenberg can turn young people from helpless cynicism to resolute hopefulness—and to the belief that one person can make a difference.

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN WALLENBERG EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (September 2007)

John Godfrey, Chair, Assistant Dean for International Education, Rackham Graduate School, University of Michigan.

Irene Butter, Professor Emerita of Health Management and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Michigan. Longtime member of Wallenberg Executive Committee.

Margaret Dewar, Director, Edward Ginsberg Center for Community Service and Learning; Professor, Urban and Regional Planning, University of Michigan.

Irwin Goldstein, Professor Emeritus, Medical School, Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan.

Anjali Hulbanni, Student, University of Michigan Medical School.

Judith Lax, Community volunteer. Longtime member of Wallenberg Executive Committee.

Myron Levine, Professor Emeritus, Medical School, Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan. Longtime member of Wallenberg Executive Committee.

Joan H. Lowenstein, Attorney and Counselor, Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss, P.C. Member, Ann Arbor City Council.

Joshua Ludmir, Student, University of Michigan Law School.

Nathan Martin, Assistant Director, University of Michigan Hillel.

A. T. Miller, Director, Global Intercultural Experience for Undergraduates, University of Michigan.

Andrew F. Nagy, Professor, Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Space Sciences, University of Michigan. Longtime member of Wallenberg Executive Committee.

Penny Schreiber, Community volunteer.

Francis W. Wayman, Jr., Professor of Political Science, University of Michigan—Dearborn.

Retired:

Jon Rush, Professor, School of Art and Design, University of Michigan. Longtime member of Wallenberg Executive Committee. Designed Wallenberg Medal which carries portrait of Raoul Wallenberg and inscription “One person can make a difference."