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Texas Donors Announce Endowment to Support Zin Fellows

Texas Donors Announce Endowment to Support Zin Fellows

May 29, 2015

Leadership, Awards & Events, Press Releases

Houston community leaders and longtime supporters of American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Americans for Ben-Gurion University), Arline and Ben Guefen, announced a $200,000 endowment commitment and matching gift program in support of the Greater Texas Region’s participation in Americans for Ben-Gurion University’s Zin Fellows Leadership Program.

The Zin Fellows is an innovative two-year program designed to create a community of “next generation leaders” committed to furthering David Ben-Gurion’s vision for Israel’s Negev region. Zin Fellows receive in-depth immersion into issues relevant to the Negev and its development. The curriculum is led by two faculty members from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU). Participants from the Greater Texas Region will be called Arline and Ben Guefen Zin Fellows.

Arline and Ben Guefen-low res“It’s very important to us to help create leaders that will continue our passionate work for BGU and the State of Israel,” the Guefens explain. “We invite others to consider a gift to the Greater Texas Region’s Zin Program that we will match to ensure the Greater Texas Region’s and the University’s future.”

Ben, a retired businessman and entrepreneur, has played a major leadership role in Americans for Ben-Gurion University’s Greater Texas Region along with Arline since 1997. In May 2009, Ben was elected to Americans for Ben-Gurion University’s national board, where he currently serves as secretary. In 2011 he was elected to the University’s board of governors. Ben was awarded Americans for Ben-Gurion University’s David Ben-Gurion Leadership Award in 2004.

Arline’s commitment and passion for Ben-Gurion University has played a most important role in the development of this region. She has been chair of its annual gala, mentor and most recently a co-chair of the region for the past two years. Also, her passion for helping others and especially children has led her to work with and assist children with cerebral palsy.

The Guefens are proud members of Ben-Gurion University’s Negev and Living Legacy Societies. For the past several years, they have helped spearhead development of the Living Legacy Society, an extraordinary group of individuals who have made a legacy or planned gift on behalf of Ben-Gurion University during their lifetimes.

Americans for Ben-Gurion University’s Regional Director Deborah Bergeron remarks, “Arline and Ben are continuing their commitment to our local community and worldwide Jewry. By supporting the Zin Fellows program, they are creating a legacy of leaders who are knowledgeable and insightful and will be able to assist their communities and Israel with the issues that lay ahead.”

ABOUT AMERICANS FOR BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY

By supporting a world-class academic institution that not only nurtures the Negev, but also shares its expertise locally and globally, Americans for Ben-Gurion University engages a community of Americans who are committed to improving the world. David Ben-Gurion envisioned that Israel’s future would be forged in the Negev. The cutting-edge research carried out at Ben-Gurion University drives that vision by sustaining a desert Silicon Valley, with the “Stanford of the Negev” at its center. The Americans for Ben-Gurion University movement supports a 21st century unifying vision for Israel by rallying around BGU’s remarkable work and role as an apolitical beacon of light in the Negev desert.

About Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev embraces the endless potential we have as individuals and as a commonality to adapt and to thrive in changing environments. Inspired by our location in the desert, we aim to discover, to create, and to develop solutions to dynamic challenges, to pose questions that have yet to be asked, and to push beyond the boundaries of the commonly accepted and possible.

We are proud to be a central force for inclusion, diversity and innovation in Israel, and we strive to extend the Negev’s potential and our entrepreneurial spirit throughout the world. For example, the multi-disciplinary School for Sustainability and Climate Change at BGU leverages over 50 years of expertise on living and thriving in the desert into scalable solutions for people everywhere.

BGU at a glance:  

20,000 students | 800 senior faculty | 3 campuses | 6 faculties: humanities & social sciences, health sciences, engineering sciences, natural sciences, business & management, and desert research.

 

For all press inquiries, please contact:

James Fattal, J Cubed Communications

516.289.1496

[email protected]