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For more than 100 years, the Technion has been Israel's technological engine and leading driver of innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, transforming ideas into impact.
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The American Technion Society’s lay leaders serve as strategic advisers to ATS, and in November the group convened in Boston to learn about the latest Technion innovations — and receive inspiration as they continue their work as Technion ambassadors.
Attendees included the ATS National Board of Directors, Fellows in the current cohort of the Joel and Jeri Rothman Leadership program, which trains and develops ATS lay leaders, the New England Region Board, and the Boston Business Council.
Board Recap video featuring local and national leadership members Steve Wishner, Kathryn Bloom, Barbara Dahl and Tim Gordon, as well as guest speakers, Prof. Danny Raz, Lihi Zelnik-Manor, and Shai Shen-Orr and Rabbi David Wolpe.
Event Highlights
Rabbi David Wolpe, who was named one of the most influential rabbis in America by Newsweek magazine, moved audiences with his inspirational presentation that blended Jewish wisdom, storytelling, and humor. The rabbi, who addresses audiences around the world, shared his perspective on the Technion’s place in Jewish history.
Technion President Professor Uri Sivan spoke about campus efforts to embrace the vision of “One Technion,” in which departments across the University collaborate to solve the world’s most pressing challenges, from human health to defense to sustainability. He emphasized the fortitude of the Technion community in the face of war.
In a workshop on AI technology and its applications across different disciplines, Technion faculty members Shai Shen-Orr, Lihi Zelnik-Manor, and Danny Raz presented their groundbreaking research and insights.
An estate planning seminar led by attorneys from Nixon Peabody provided attendees with insights on how to navigate tax law to preserve their wealth for heirs, loved ones, and causes they support.
Dean Greg Morrisett, the Jack and Rilla Neafsey dean and vice provost of Cornell Tech, described how the Joan & Irwin Jacobs-Technion Cornell Institute serves as an incubator for entrepreneurial ideas — the place for researchers to experiment in an environment that is faster and more nimble than traditional academic settings.
Attendees toured the headquarters of Boston-based software company PTC, which described its work creating software for products ranging from 3D printers to truck engines. The company’s mutually beneficial relationship with the Technion includes a corporate research and development center on the Haifa campus and career opportunities for Technion graduates.
Lay Leader Awards
ATS awarded Scott Black from Boston with the Einstein Award, the highest honor that can be bestowed on anyone by ATS. Scott has been an active donor for nearly four decades and one of the most generous donors in ATS history and the youngest person ever to reach the status of Guardian, which recognizes donors who have given $1 million or more.
ATS honored Michael Pierce from Chicago with the Spotlight on Impact Award. This award recognizes a board member for extraordinary acts of volunteer service, and Michael has been active with ATS both locally and nationally and serves on the Board’s Audit Sub-Committee.
To learn more about lay leadership opportunities with ATS, contact Sylvie Tobias, director of leadership and organizational development, at sylvie@ats.org.
Lihi Zelnik-Manor ’95, Technion professor and executive vice president for innovation and industry relations
ATS National Board members explore PTC headquarters.
ATS National Board members explore PTC headquarters.
More About Lihi Zelnik-Manor
Prof. Lihi Zelnik-Manor ’95 is the vice president for external relations and resource development at the Technion. She is a member of both the Andrew and Erna Viterbi Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Faculty of Data and Decision Sciences.
Systems Biologist Shai Shen-Orr '99 advances the diagnosis and treatment of immune-related disease and leads a new University-wide initiative to promote healthy aging.
Professor Danny Raz is the dean of the Henry and Marilyn Taub Faculty of Computer Science at the Technion. A member of the Technion faculty since 2000, he holds the Hewlett-Packard Chair in Computer Engineering.
For Steve Berger, supporting the Technion is more than philanthropy. It’s a deeply personal commitment to strengthening Israel and investing in the people who will shape its future.A longtime donor and dedicated ATS Board leader, Steve has spent years championing the Technion and its extraordinary students. Together with his wife, Ilene, he established the Berger […]
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