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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Congratulations to multi-generational Technion supporters Robert Davis and Stephen Seiden, who received honorary fellowships from the Technion for their long-term commitment and generosity to the University.
The two were recognized at a moving ceremony June 3 during the 2024 Board of Governors meeting on the campus in Haifa. This year’s meeting, aptly called a “Solidarity Board,” was more modest than previous years, due to October 7. But the smaller attendance helped to deepen the interaction among attendees.
“Many of the Technion’s friends came to the Board of Governors’ meeting from near and far, despite the situation,” said Technion President Professor Uri Sivan. He shared a video of the campus at war, spoke about “the importance of community and strength we draw from each other,” and the values of the Technion, which, he noted, were embodied in the selfless work of the honorees. “These exemplary figures serve as a beacon for us in times of internal and external turmoil.”
Mr. Davis, a second-generation supporter, is a gracious host to Technion faculty and students, a connector who introduces potential donors to the American Technion Society (ATS), an advocate for Israel, and a member of the Technion Board of Governors. He was honored for his deep commitment to Technion research, which has bettered Israel and the world across academia and industry. He and his wife, Lenore, who reside in New York City and the Berkshires, have supported the University at the highest levels, directing major gifts to faculty research, student support, and cutting-edge technologies such as the Technion Center for Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing.
Mr. Davis follows in the footsteps of his late father, Oscar Davis, who years earlier was awarded an honorary fellowship for his devotion to the Technion and the ATS. Robert and Lenore, who have two grown sons, are also involved in many educational, civic, and arts institutions in their communities.
Kudos also went to Mr. Seiden, a third-generation supporter and Guardian Trustee, who is a passionate advocate for Israel and the Technion. A trustee of the Russell Berrie Foundation, Mr. Seiden has continued the legacy of family members who have been dedicated leaders for more than 60 years. His late father Norman Seiden was a Technion Guardian and member of the Genesis Circle, who was active on the local, national, and international levels of the ATS and the Technion. Together, father and son were instrumental in directing support from the Foundation to the Technion for graduate and faculty fellowships, research, particularly in nanotechnology, and other projects. He and his siblings recently made generous gifts to endow the Norman Seiden Faculty Prize for Academic Excellence, and to name the Norman and Barbara Seiden Lobby in the new computer science building.
Mr. Seiden is also a trustee of the MetroWest Jewish Community Center, president of JCC Global, and has been active in other Jewish organizations in New Jersey, where he resides with his wife, Sharon.