Technion Canada has so many multi-generational families who have been part of our community over the past 81 years. We were thrilled to have two girls from two of these important families contact us regarding a year-long school program called Project Give Back. As part of the curriculum, students research a charitable organization that influences them, and present what they learned to their peers. Coincidentally, both girls, who are in the same class, selected the Technion, and each of their presentations highlighted different key aspects of the organization and the institution’s close ties to their individual families.
Scarlett is a fourth-generation Technion supporter. Her great-grandparents, Nat and Anne Goldman z”l, became involved with the Technion in 1967, when they recognized the Technion’s vital role in the defence of Israel during the Six-Day War. Both Goldmans served on the Technion Canada Board, and Nat was on the International Board of Governors for the University. In 1992, Nat was awarded an Honourary Fellowship by the Institute. Scarlett’s grandparents, Cal and Donna Goldman, are still very much involved with Technion Canada.
Scarlett was so proud to speak about the Technion and her family’s long-standing involvement. She particularly highlighted the Institute’s transformation “Through the Generations” and the ground-breaking research that is currently taking place. After the presentation, the creative Grade 4 student asked her classmates to imagine themselves as Technion students and come up with the next big invention in tech. Some of the responses were quite innovative! For example, one student imagined a robotic chef that prepares food, and another came up with an idea for a video game support tool.
Hannah is a third-generation Technion supporter. Her grandparents, Abraham and Susan Born, got involved in 1987 after they (along with their siblings) set up the Ann and Sam Salcman Scholarship, in honour of Hannah’s late great-grandparents. Sam and Ann Salcman z”l were both Holocaust survivors, and in spite of never having the opportunity for higher education themselves, deeply valued education for their children and grandchildren. Almost 40 years later, that scholarship fund still supports Technion students.
Hannah’s mother Karen grew up reading letters each year from scholarship recipients and was recently a member of the Technion Canada Board. Hannah presented to the class about the Technion, her connection to it through the Salcman Scholarship Fund, and in particular her interest in the groundbreaking research at Technion related to renewing coral reefs affected by climate change, and apps to support access to mental health care.
Kol hakavod, Scarlett and Hannah! You have inspired your peers, and you are already starting to fill the big shoes left by previous generations of your families.
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Were your family members involved with the Technion in prior decades? We would love to hear from you! Email: info@technioncanada.org or call: 416-789-4545 X201.
As we commemorate Technion’s Centennial this year in 2024, re-connecting with our past becomes even more important and relevant.