The inaugural Ackerman Center Leadership Dinner inspired corporate partners, alumni and friends to contribute nearly $1.1 million for future initiatives at the Ackerman Center for Holocaust Studies.
The evening’s fundraising success was spurred by Neuberger Berman, a private equity firm whose gift to underwrite the dinner allowed all donations to support Ackerman Center faculty and programming. John H. Massey, who hosted the dinner along with his wife, Libba, is a senior consultant and chairman of the investment committee at the firm.
The Edward and Wilhelmina Ackerman Foundation amplified individual gifts with a $250,000 matching challenge.
“I am very pleased that the Ackerman Center’s impact has been recognized by our community, our University and The University of Texas System,” said Dr. Nils Roemer, director of the Ackerman Center, interim dean of the School of Arts and Humanities, and the Stan and Barbara Rabin Professor in Holocaust Studies. “Thanks to the support of each [donor], we are able to develop world-class education and programming.”
As a result of hundreds of contributions received for the event, the Hillel A. Feinberg Chair in Holocaust Studies was elevated to a Distinguished Chair. Currently held by Dr. David Patterson, professor of literature and history, the endowment supports the scholarly, educational and community outreach activities of internationally recognized scholars of Holocaust studies. – Daniel Steele
“I am very pleased that the Ackerman Center’s impact has been recognized by our community, our University and The University of Texas System. Thanks to the support of each [donor], we are able to develop world-class education and programming.”
– Dr. Nils Roemer, director of the Ackerman Center and the Stan and Barbara Rabin Professor in Holocaust Studies
