Donor Spotlight: Lewis & Joan Lowenstein

Though we did not have the fortune to know the late Lewis and Joan Lowenstein, we are grateful for their values and commitment to helping others. For many years now, the Lewis and Joan Lowenstein Foundation has funded various initiatives that support Technion students, from Second Chance Scholarships in Haifa to masters fellowships at the Joan & Irwin Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute, to an apartment in the graduate student village at the Technion, named in honor of Lewis and Joan Lowenstein. In 2020, the Lowenstein Foundation made a gift to name the entrance lobby at the Technion’s Polak Visitor’s Center, highlighting the support of this Houston foundation for visitors from around the world.

The Lowensteins had a high regard for personal responsibility, hard work and a belief in their fellow man. In carrying forward these ideals on behalf of the Lowensteins, Foundation trustees Anna Marie and Harold Hidalgo Sr., Leonard and Barby Weiner and Gerald Zlotnik z”l, have especially enjoyed spending time with visiting students from the Technion. Their philosophy includes investing in projects that can have the biggest impact on student’s success.

“We are inspired by the brilliant students at the Technion. Their futures hold so much promise for humanity. We believe in addressing critical needs for students in Haifa, and it’s a very fitting and lasting tribute to the memory of Lewis and Joan Lowenstein, who believe in helping young people reach for the stars,” says Harold Hidalgo Sr.

Lewis Lowenstein was born in Missouri, met and married Joan Shyer in Tennessee in 1935. They eventually settled in Houston, where Lewis established an automobile loan business that grew to include offices in 10 states. He retired in 1960 and devoted his time to philanthropy. Joan passed away in 1998, and Lewis died in 2010 at the age of 100.