HÂþ»­

 

A family affair

- June 24, 2008

Tanna Goldberg-Schulich and Seymour Schulich pose for a photo in front of the Henry Hicks Building. (Danny Abriel Photo)

HÂþ»­ University officially named the Goldberg Computer Science Building in honour of a storied Halifax family.

The dedication recognizes a new scholarship fund donated by Canadian billionaire philanthropist Seymour Schulich. The scholarships were created in tribute to his wife, Tanna Goldberg-Schulich, the Goldberg family and their contributions to HÂþ»­ and Halifax.

SEE PHOTOS: A family album

“The motivation for this was the Goldberg family,†said Mr. Schulich. “They elicit quite a bit of inspiration.â€

Arriving in 1912, the Goldbergs prospered through hard work, family values and their Jewish faith to became prominent figures in Halifax. Nine members of the Goldberg family are HÂþ»­ alumni, including Halifax lawyer Victor Goldberg, who spoke on behalf of the family at the announcement.

“Our religion values study and ingenuity,†said Mr. Goldberg. “Because of HÂþ»­â€™s influence, the Goldberg family transformed itself from its immigrant roots to a family of professionals and business people well-equipped to make significant contributions to the community.†He said it was a privilege to have the Goldberg name associated with HÂþ»­.

The announcement also celebrated HÂþ»­â€™s connection to the Jewish community. “Most universities in North America limited the number of Jewish students until the 1960s, but HÂþ»­ has always remained open to all,†said HÂþ»­ President Tom Traves.

A native of Montreal, Seymour Schulich has donated over $200 million to education in Canada. Dr. Traves said that Mr. Schulich’s donations to Canadian education and the Jewish community are legendary.

“I couldn’t have achieved what I have without my education at Canadian universities,†said Mr. Schulich. “This is a debt that’s owed and I’m happy to repay it.â€

The Seymour Schulich Fund will award four $39,000 renewable scholarships in the faculties of Science and Computer Science. Two academic merit scholarships and two community service-based scholarships will be awarded to first-year students entering HÂþ»­.

“Seymour Schulich is one of Canada’s greatest philanthropists,†said Dr. Traves. “There is no better testament to HÂþ»­ than to have his support,†he added.