The 2023 Palm Beach Scopus Award Gala, held at The Breakers in Palm Beach, on Friday, Jan. 13, raised $1.1 million for the Hebrew University’s Center for Computational Medicine in Jerusalem. The new center will establish Israel at the forefront of global leadership in biomedical research and treatment.
At the event, presented by the Southeast Region of American Friends of the Hebrew University (AFHU), Beth Asnien McCoy, Chief Executive Officer Emerita, was honored for her leadership of the national organization which she joined in 2003. She became CEO in 2014 and was succeeded last year by Joshua Rednik.
“Tonight, we awarded the prestigious AFHU Scopus Award to Beth McCoy in recognition of her dedication to Israel and her significant achievements in support of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem,” said National President Clive Kabatznik. “Under Beth’s leadership, AFHU has immeasurably improved in all key metrics, most notably fundraising and the public profile of the university in the United States.”
The National Scopus Award is AFHU’s highest honor. Named for Mount Scopus in Jerusalem, where the Hebrew University’s first cornerstones were laid in 1918, the Award has come to symbolize the university’s highest ideals of achievement and leadership.
“AFHU has been my professional home for two decades, and tonight I feel fortunate and honored to be feted by my friends, relatives and my Hebrew University family,” says McCoy. “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate my tenure at AFHU than to help advance one of Hebrew University’s signature initiatives, the Center for Computational Medicine. I thank everyone who donated and participated in one of the most memorable evenings of my life.”
The Hebrew University Center for Computational Medicine will bridge the gap between data science and patient care, replacing a ‘one size fits all’ model of medical treatment with data-driven personalized health solutions. Computational Medicine is a transformative approach to understanding and combatting disease by integrating computational data analysis and artificial intelligence methodologies into medical research and practice. The new Center will provide vital insights into disease genesis, identify potential targets for therapy, and define protocols for prevention, all while preparing the next generation of computationally trained doctors and researchers.
“Beth has had an illustrious career at AFHU and over 30 years as an accomplished leader in the nonprofit arena,” says Joshua Rednik, Chief Executive Officer of AFHU. “I have been fortunate to have her guidance and insight during my initial tenure as CEO and value the relationships she has helped me establish amongst our U.S. donor family.”
Rednik added, “I would also like to thank our Dinner Chairs for their leadership and generosity: Roberta and Stanley Bogen, Sherry and Kenneth Endelson, Lori and Bruce Gendelman, Michelle and Joseph Jacobs, Florence Kaufman, Roberta and Paul Kozloff, Elaine and Beno Michel, Annette Pakula, Lisa and Michael Rome, Barbara and Richard Rothschild, Judy and Robert N. Snyder, as well as Robbi and Bruce Toll. In addition, I thank our Event Chairs for their dedication and contributions: Marjorie and Robert Emden, Marjorie and Stephen Fiverson, Tina and Michael Lobel, as well as Jane and Ron Zimmerman.”
The evening’s entertainment at The Breakers included an interactive performance by world-renowned illusionist and magician Adam Trent.
About the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel’s leading academic and research institution. Serving 24,000 students from 80 countries, it produces a third of Israel’s civilian research and is ranked 12th worldwide in biotechnology patent filings and commercial development. Faculty and alumni of the Hebrew University have won eight Nobel Prizes and a Fields Medal. For more information about the Hebrew University, visit: http://new.huji.ac.il/en.
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About American Friends of the Hebrew University (AFHU): American Friends of the Hebrew University (AFHU) is a national, not-for-profit organization based in the United States. AFHU is headquartered in New York and has seven regional offices working in close partnership with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. AFHU provides supporters, Hebrew University alumni, and the public with stimulating programs and events and organizes missions to Israel. The organization’s activities support scholarly and scientific achievement at Hebrew University, create scholarships, fund new facilities, and assist the university’s efforts to recruit outstanding new faculty. See: http://www.afhu.org. Follow us on: Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter X | Instagram | YouTube.
