Marty Shichtman Testimonial

What motivates people to be involved in legacy giving?  Martin B. Shichtman, Professor of English and Director of the Center for Jewish Studies at Eastern Michigan University, shared his unique story:

“I never imagined I would receive so much joy giving away money. Thanks to inspiration from the LIFE & LEGACY® program, my wife and I created an Eastern Michigan University endowment to honor my sister, Sandra Shichtman Dabrusin. My sister is the daughter of working-class parents from the Lower East Side of New York City, and she stands as a shining example to the Eastern Michigan University community. After years working as an executive secretary, Sandra (a single mother) pursued a college degree as a non-traditional student, ultimately earning a Master’s in Human Resources and Labor Negotiation. She retired as the Director of Human Resources at a major Long Island hospital.”

“The intent of the Sandra Shichtman Dabrusin Endowment for Faculty Pedagogy and Research Support in Jewish Studies is to keep Jewish Studies alive at EMU by encouraging innovation and creativity in teaching and scholarship. Because this is an endowment, it will produce, in perpetuity, opportunities for faculty to discover new ways to engage our very deserving students. My sister has been a staunch advocate of Jewish education. I can think of no better way to celebrate her commitment to Jewish life and culture.”