American Friends of the Hebrew University (AFHU) presented the 2024 Southeast Region Scopus Award to philanthropists Lisa and Michael Rome, on March 23, at an event at the Four Seasons Resort in Palm Beach, Fla.
The event proceeds will support the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s We Are One emergency campaign, which provides funds for psychological counseling services, tutoring, scholarships, and acute financial relief for students and faculty impacted by the war. It will also provide funding for the recently established Center for Computational Medicine at the Hebrew University. Computational medicine holds the promise to revolutionize healthcare by harnessing the power of big data and artificial intelligence to replace the traditional one-size fits-all model with personalized, data-driven treatments for cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
Named for Mount Scopus, where the Hebrew University’s (HU) first cornerstones were laid in 1918, the award has come to symbolize the university’s highest ideals of achievement, leadership and philanthropic engagement. The Scopus Award is bestowed upon individuals with a legacy of humanitarian concerns throughout their lives. Previous Scopus Award recipients include Barbra Streisand, Leonard Bernstein, Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Elie Wiesel, among others.
“We are delighted to honor Lisa and Michael Rome who have been steadfast supporters of Israel and Hebrew University for so many years,” said AFHU CEO Joshua Rednik. “During these challenging times, it is important to help Hebrew University students continue to pursue their studies through the We Are One campaign and to support future endeavors like the Center for Computational Medicine, which will advance research and treatment through AI and personalized medicine.”
Lisa and Michael Rome share a deep commitment to educate the next generation of leaders on the importance and role the Hebrew University plays within Israel and around the world. A supporter of AFHU/HU for over 40 years, Michael serves on the International Advisory Council for ASPER-HUJI Innovate, the university’s center for young entrepreneurs and innovators. In addition, the Romes also sit on the Dean’s Council of Weill Cornell Medicine and support several community-focused institutions, including UJA-Federation, MorseLife Health System and the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. Michael Rome is CEO of Rome Capital Management of Palm Beach. He is also the managing principal of Rome Capital Partners, a family office.
“Lisa and I believe that problems in the Middle East can be eased and possibly solved through education, job creation and entrepreneurship,” said Michael Rome at the event. “No other institution has a more forward-looking impact on the next generation of leaders than Hebrew University. We happily accept the Scopus Award in the hope that we encourage others to see the importance of advancing this unique center for academic excellence in Israel.”
Among the speakers were Hebrew University president, professor Asher Cohen, who presented the Scopus Award, as well as Barbara and Richard Rothschild, who offered greeting remarks.
