Leon Leopold Benau Scholarship— Helping Students Finish Strong
Danny Benau |
DANNY BENAU, PhD, director and associate professor of biomedical writing, was concerned for some of his USciences students and their financial struggles in completing the biomedical writing program.
“Not being able to afford one credit should not stop someone from graduating after doing all that work—and after all the effort that we did to teach that person,” Dr. Benau said. When he mentioned his concern to his mother Margit Benau, she responded by donating $25,000 and naming the award in honor of her late husband.
"Not being able to afford one credit should not stop someone from graduating..." DANNY BENAU, PhD |
The Leon Leopold Benau Scholarship provides financial support to students in good academic standing in the biomedical writing program who demonstrate need. It is provided at the discretion of the dean of College of Graduate Studies and the director of the biomedical writing program.
Dr. Benau’s father Leon Benau came to United States in 1948 after fighting with the British Army in WWII. Leon passed in 1990, and as part of Jewish tradition, memorial prayers by the Benau family include pledging to give charity in a person’s name. Margit, an Auschwitz survivor, decided this would be her family’s way of giving in the name of Leon.
“It would please him to be remembered this way,” Dr. Benau reflected. “His actual original goal in life was to be a teacher, something he was never able to do. So being able to support something academic actually fits very well with his memory. It was one of his wishes.”
Joseph Ruane |
Inside Job
JOSEPH RUANE, PhD, has kept very busy throughout his life and his time at University of the Sciences. Currently a professor of sociology and health policy, he started and advises the Black Student Union/Black Academic Achievement Society and is the faculty athletic representative to the NCAA. His involvement also includes many years of service in the Philadelphia community, helping with civil rights, community organization, and education.
Having given to USciences through his many years of service, Dr. Ruane has also made financial donations to scholarship funds and even equipment donations.
"I believe since I gained a good life from the University, I ought to give back a little bit and support it." JOSEPH RUANE, PhD |
“I believe since I gained a good life from the University, I ought to give back a little bit and support it,” said Dr. Ruane. “I like the work that the University does with the students. I’ve found there are always good students, good scholars, and they just do well.”
Dr. Ruane was recently honored at the USciences’ annual employee recognition reception for 40 years of service and is the Alumni Association’s 2011 Honorary Alumnus Award recipient.
What Will Your Legacy Be?
Francis B. Leigh |
At University of the Sciences, we strive to provide you with giving options that both fulfill your philanthropic goals and support the University in a way that makes sense for you and your family. For some, the best way to do this is to include University of the Sciences in their wills. Large or small, bequests make a tremendous difference to our students and are essential to the success of our efforts.
Their thoughtful decision will help countless PCP students follow in the Francis Leigh's footsteps and become the pharmacy leaders of tomorrow. |
During the 2010–11 academic year, bequests significantly impacted our growth and included unrestricted gifts, which may be used by the University wherever they will have the greatest impact; gifts in support of specific colleges; and gifts in support of endowed scholarships. FRANCIS B. LEIGH, class of 1920, and his wife Anna E. Leigh are one example of a couple who understood the power of philanthropy and chose to perpetuate their legacy by including University of the Sciences in their will. In May 2011, the University received a $100,000 gift from the Leigh estate in support of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy (PCP) Scholarship Fund. The Leighs’ generosity will help countless PCP students follow in Francis Leigh’s footsteps and become the pharmacy leaders of tomorrow. What will your legacy be?
Cardinal Health Pharmacy Scholarship Program
University of the Sciences was one of 13 pharmacy schools from across the nation selected to receive funding from the new $1.1 million Cardinal Health Pharmacy Scholarship Program. Each school received an endowed scholarship ranging from $50,000 to $125,000.
Corporations and Foundations Make a Difference at USciences
University of the Sciences is proud to recognize just some of the private and foundation supporters who significantly impacted our success and made a difference in the lives of our students during the 2010–2011 academic year. |
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals
Provided an unrestricted educational grant that was used to support “Making the Connection: A Panel Discussion on Hepatitis C Prevention” presented by Mayes College of Healthcare Business and Policy at University of the Sciences.
The Barra Foundation
Funded a Community Fund Grant to help students participate in community outreach initiatives and support the efforts of valuable organizations.
BTE Technologies
Established the BTE Technologies Advanced Evaluation and Rehabilitation Lab at Samson College of Health
Sciences at University of the Sciences.
Cardinal Health
Endowed the Cardinal Health Pharmacy Scholarship Program to provide financial support to students enrolled in Philadelphia College of Pharmacy at University of the Sciences.
Christian R. & Mary F. Lindback Foundation
Funded the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award and funded a grant in support of an innovative health literacy project aiming to develop multimedia resources to help patients learn more about their medications and improve their medication adherence.
Citizens Bank Foundation
Funded a grant in support of the SWEET (Southwest Elders Exercising Together) project—enabling physical therapy students to provide therapy and wellness education to low-income, older, uninsured, or underinsured women in southwest Philadelphia.
Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation
Funded a grant in support of University of the Sciences’ Student Counseling Services—helping students resolve personal, social, and academic problems and obtain appropriate professional care during times of personal stress or crisis.
Eisai USA Foundation
Endowed the Eisai Scholarship Fund to provide financial support to University of the Sciences students.
Genesis HealthCare
Established the Genesis HealthCare Center for Aging Research and Education at Samson College of Health Sciences at University of the Sciences.
W. W. Smith Charitable Trust
Provided scholarship support for high-achieving students with demonstrated financial need from the Delaware Valley area.