UCF’s Department of Judaic Studies recently received a $52,000 gift from Temple Shalom of Deltona. A combination of current-use and endowed funds, the donation establishes the Temple Shalom of Deltona Endowed Scholarship in Judaic Studies and will not only benefit students for years to come, but also honor the incredible 50-year legacy of the temple. It is the program’s first endowed scholarship.
“This generous donation will have a major impact on students in the UCF Judaic Studies program, recognizing student excellence and helping students achieve their academic goals,” says Peter Larson, chair of the History Department. “It is the first such scholarship for Judaic Studies and represents the strengthening ties between UCF and the Central Florida Jewish community.”
Kenneth Hanson, the Tess and Abe Wise Endowed Professor in Judaic Studies, says that philanthropic contributions of the community have been instrumental from the outset of the program and continue to be a major source of strength for the program’s impact. “This generous contribution will help actualize a dream we have nourished for many years, to establish an ongoing scholarship award for worthy students in our curriculum,” he says. “We will forever be grateful to our donors for making this vision a reality.”
Pictured (left to right): Dr. Kenneth Hanson, Tess and Abe Wise Endowed Professor for Judaic Studies; Irving Gussow, President, Temple Shalon of Deltona; and Jeff Golub, program assistant, Judaic Studies