The Technion’s story has been intertwined with Israel’s for more than a century, from laying the foundations for a new nation to shaping its future.
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Learn MoreInvesting in Longevity
If you want to honor the institution, you find what they need.”
Nancy Grand
Nancy Grand’s most recent gift in support of the Nancy and Stephen Grand Technion Healthy Aging Institute marked two important milestones: It was the first significant contribution to this initiative, and it was the first gift she directed to the Technion following the death of her husband, Stephen, z”l.
For decades, Stephen Grand’s connection to the Technion shaped the family’s philanthropic journey. His father was active with the American Technion Society in Detroit and instilled in Stephen a belief that supporting Israeli educational institutions meant supporting the future of Israel itself.
Over the years, at Stephen’s behest, he and Nancy made transformative investments in the Technion, including support for the Stephen and Nancy Grand Water Research Institute, the Nancy and Stephen Grand Technion Energy Program, and the Nancy and Stephen Grand Aerospace Building. The projects varied, but the goal was always the same: helping the Technion address critical challenges facing Israel and the world.
Following Stephen’s passing, Nancy has continued that commitment while carrying through on the values they shared. “Stephen loved researching the best possible places for the money he earned,” Nancy said. “He was meticulous.” After 40 years of marriage, she instinctively knows how Stephen would approach a decision. “He’s still my guide. Every gift that I make, he’s sitting on my shoulder.”
But Nancy has her own philosophy when it comes to giving. Rather than deciding for herself what the Technion needs most, she prefers to trust the institution’s leadership and expertise. “I want them to tell me what they need,” she said. Nancy asked Technion leaders to bring her three opportunities to consider. One of them led her to the Healthy Aging Institute and its founding director, Prof. Shai Shen-Orr, who immediately made an impression.
“He’s the real deal,” she said. “He is aiming for the stars.
While Nancy always trusted Stephen’s judgment on projects ranging from water research to aerospace engineering, they were never subjects she followed closely herself. “Stephen always read all the reports. Now I have to,” she said with a laugh. “Thank God I’m interested in the topic. I wasn’t about to start learning about the architecture of aerospace buildings, but this healthy aging thing, I take it personally!”
This is why she was captivated by the institute’s mission. At 77, the idea of extending not just lifespan but health span — the years people remain healthy, active, and engaged — felt deeply relevant. “You can live to 95, but if your brain falls apart in your 70s, then what’s the difference?” she said.
The institute’s focus on improving quality of life particularly resonated with her. “They’re concentrating on getting the most out of the years you have left, planning and doing purposeful things, and paying attention to what’s going on now so that your quality of life will be better,” she said.
“That fascinated me. It’s cutting-edge, and it will help humanity. I loved the whole thing.”
Nancy’s gift also felt connected to Stephen. “I think he would love this. It would be right up his alley,” she said, recalling her husband’s fascination with longevity and his determination to keep fighting, even during the final stages of his battle with cancer.
Ultimately, the Grands’ philanthropy is about continuing a legacy built over decades: trusting the institution they love, supporting the areas where it can make the greatest impact, and helping ensure the Technion remains a force for innovation and progress.
“If you want to honor the institution, you find what they need,” Nancy said. It’s a philosophy she hopes will continue to shape the future of the Technion for years to come.
Photo: Nancy Grand with Prof. Shai Shen-Orr.
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