Weinberg Family Gift to Expand Jewish Studies, Human Rights Education
From left, Jay Weinberg, Michael Horswell, Ph.D., dean of the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, and Marilyn Weinberg. The Weinbergs have gifted $1 million to support Holocaust, Jewish studies and human rights educational programs at FAU.
Florida Atlantic University’s Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters has received a $1 million gift from Marilyn and Jay Weinberg that will support Holocaust, Jewish studies and human rights educational programs. In recognition of their gift, FAU’s Board of Trustees today approved naming the lobby of the future Kurt and Marilyn Wallach Holocaust and Jewish Studies Building in honor of the Weinbergs. It will be known as the Marilyn and Jay Weinberg Grand Lobby.
“Now, more than ever, it is important that we sustain our Holocaust, Jewish studies and human rights programs,” said FAU President Stacy Volnick. “We sincerely appreciate this new gift from the Weinbergs, who have given generously to Florida Atlantic over the years. The Marilyn and Jay Weinberg Grand Lobby will be a place for conversation and reflection on the lectures, exhibits and performances that will take place in the Wallach Holocaust and Jewish Studies Building.”
The Weinbergs’ gift creates an endowment to provide support for faculty, staff and students, equipment, programming, and ongoing care of the Kurt & Marilyn Wallach Holocaust and Jewish Studies Building in perpetuity. The building will become the central hub for FAU’s Holocaust and Jewish Studies educational programs as well as its Center for Peace, Justice and Human Rights. Construction of the building was made possible by a $10 million donation from Kurt and Marilyn Wallach. A ceremonial groundbreaking took place last fall.
“Marilyn and I support the Wallach Center because it is critically important that we combat the rapidly increasing incidents of antisemitism especially on our college and university campuses,” Jay Weinberg said. “This building and programs within it will be a beacon in this effort to set a standard for other colleges and universities to emulate. Antisemitism will not go away without our constant efforts to eradicate it by bold and aggressive actions, such as the creation of the Wallach building and future institute here on the campus of FAU.”
The Weinbergs are longtime supporters of education and FAU. Their past philanthropy includes funding to the Gutterman Family Center for Holocaust and Human Rights Education, scholarship support for first-generation students at FAU through the Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program and for students within the College of Arts and Letters.
Jay Weinberg served as a member of the FAU Foundation Board of Directors from 2013 to 2022. Last December, he was awarded the President’s Distinguished Service Medallion as an FAU benefactor. In February, Marilyn was honored for her extraordinary achievements within the community and to FAU by the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters during its annual Cultural Arts and Society Today Party.
“Jay and Marilyn Weinberg have been steadfast supporters of FAU and the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters,” said Michael Horswell, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Letters. “Their gift leaves a legacy for future generations to obtain knowledge and understanding of the Holocaust, and an appreciation and respect for human rights of all.”
-FAU-
Latest Academic & Campus Life
- FAU's Career Center Unveils 'Industry to Campus Lab'FAU has recently unveiled its Industry to Campus Lab, a groundbreaking initiative designed to strengthen the connection between academic programs and the ever-evolving needs of the global workforce.
- A.D. Henderson Ranks Among the Best in the State by NicheFlorida Atlantic University's A.D. Henderson University School (ADHUS) is ranked the No. 3 "Best School" among both elementary and middle schools in the state of Florida according to Niche for 2025.
- MediaLab@FAU Receives $100,000 GrantFlorida Atlantic University's MediaLab@FAU has been awarded a $100,000 grant from Press Forward, a national initiative aimed at revitalizing local news and strengthening communities.
- FAU Hosted U.S. Congressman Joe WilsonFAU recently hosted U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) to speak about the security of the U.S. and Israel. His presentation was during an event that highlighted FAU's deep ties to the Jewish community and Israel.
- FAU's Jean M. Caldieron, Ph.D., Earns Fulbright Global Scholar AwardJean Martin Caldieron, Ph.D., will conduct his main research project on empowering communities to improve two selected self-built settlements in the outskirts of Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire in West Africa.
- FAU College of Business Honors Former AmbassadorFlorida Atlantic University's College of Business awarded former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad with the Dean's Distinguished Award for Entrepreneurial Leadership.