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.

If you would like to make a gift by bequest, trust, gift annuity, or transfer of stock please call Jill McDonough at 734-615-2133 between 8 am and 5 pm Eastern.

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 website; collaborations across campus and with other universities. The Wallenberg Committee deeply believes that young people must be told the story of Raoul Wallenberg so they can become 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 (January 2013)

The Wallenberg Executive Committee comprises volunteers with a shared commitment to humanitarianism and human rights who are dedicated to maintaining the legacy of Raoul Wallenberg at the University of Michigan. The Committee’s primary responsibility is to select the Wallenberg Medalist each year.

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

Irwin Goldstein

Professor Emeritus, Medical School, Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan

Judith Lax

Community volunteer; Longtime member of Wallenberg Executive Committee

Joan H. Lowenstein

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

Andrew F. Nagy

Professor, Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences, University of Michigan; Longtime member of Wallenberg Executive Committee

Penny Schreiber

Community volunteer

William Schultz

Former Faculty Director, Edward Ginsberg Center for Community Service and Learning; Professor, Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan

Tilly Shames

Executive Director, University of Michigan Hillel

Dominique S. Warren

Student, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan

Francis W. Wayman, Jr.

Professor of Political Science, University of Michigan-Dearborn

Emeritus

Jon Rush

Emeritus 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.”