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.

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.