Florida Atlantic University received a $1.6 million gift from long-time Boca Raton resident Bob Schattner, which will be used to continue providing scholarships that he established 15 years ago in perpetuity.

Florida Atlantic University received a $1.6 million gift from long-time Boca Raton resident Bob Schattner, which will be used to continue providing scholarships that he established 15 years ago in perpetuity.

Schattner established the Robert L. Schattner Entrepreneurial Scholarship in Business in 2010 to support students with financial need who have taken at least one entrepreneur class and who may start their own companies one day. To date, the scholarships have benefitted more than 30 students. He also established a separate fund to aid any student who faces life challenges that could derail their pursuit of higher education.

“Bob generously donated his time, talent and treasures to support students in our College of Business over the past 15 years, and we truly appreciate him embracing Florida Atlantic as his hometown university,” said FAU President Adam Hasner. “This most recent contribution will carry on Bob’s legacy of helping today’s students become the business leaders of the future.”

Schattner was the founder of Omnimed, Inc., a New Jersey-based medical supply manufacturing company. His expertise ranged from marketing, management and finance to patents and trademarks. He holds several patents for medical equipment. Schattner was always willing to share his secrets to business success and mentor student entrepreneurs.

“He wanted to be connected to the students, and he wanted to give of his knowledge,” said Shula Fleischer, his longtime partner. “He had such varied experiences. Through these scholarships, his legacy can live on forever.”

Schattner’s civic involvement was deep and varied – he had a passion for volunteering and sharing his knowledge. He developed and taught the Entrepreneurial Studies Program at Burlington County College, where Omnimed was based. As a Boca Raton resident, Bob relished his volunteer experience at the Boca Regional Hospital and Florida Atlantic. He was an inaugural member in 2012 of the Entrepreneur in Residence of the Florida Atlantic University College of Business’ Adams Center for Entrepreneurship.

“Bob was simultaneously patient but also pushed students to achieve by maintaining high expectations,” said Kevin Cox, Ph.D., director of the Adams Center for Entrepreneurship. “The students here benefitted greatly from Bob's extensive experience in medical and manufacturing industries."

-FAU-