The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) presented celebrated artist, photographer and philanthropist Evelene Wechsler with an Honorary Fellowship in a ceremony held in New York.
Following careers in fashion and interior design, Mrs. Wechsler became a celebrated artist and photographer. Her photographs are held in numerous private collections and by the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Paying tribute to Mrs. Wechsler, HU Chancellor Menahem Ben-Sasson welcomed her into the elite group of Honorary Fellowship members, “In sincere appreciation of her long-term commitment and devotion to the Hebrew University alongside her success as a celebrated artist and photographer; with gratitude for her meaningful support and maintenance of the Wechsler School dormitories; in recognition of her sponsorship of annual scholarships at the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment for international graduate students; and in acknowledgment of her generosity towards human rights, animal rights, and environmental organizations in the U.S, connecting her passion for animals with her concern for improving the wellbeing of people.”
Mrs. Wechsler became involved with HU and provided continued funding for maintenance of the Wechsler Student Dormitory, established in the 1990s by Abraham and Pauline Wechsler, parents of her then-husband. Her sustained support ensures that young people are provided comfortable accommodations while obtaining a world class education.
Recognizing the importance of HU’s leading role in Israeli higher education, Mrs. Wechsler generously sponsors annual scholarships for international graduate students at the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment. She has also contributed to the Professor Menahem Ben-Sasson Chair for the Study of Judaism and Islam, and, as an animal lover, is an avid devotee of the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine. She currently serves on the HU Board of Governors.
Acknowledging the accolade, Mrs. Wechsler said, “over 100 years ago, when Albert Einstein came to New York seeking acceptance of the idea of Hebrew University, he met my father-in-law, Abraham Wechsler. And thus became the relationship with the university.”
She continued, “It has been a pleasure to increase and expand my support in multiple ways, including the student dormitory on Mt. Scopus and the new doctor’s lounge at the veterinary school. There are agriculture students on Wechsler foundation scholarships, primarily from Africa, who will return home and share what they’ve learned with their communities. Thank you again for this prestigious award and for the ability to be of service.”
Mrs. Wechsler is a member of the AFHU Board of Regents, and has been a great resource and role model for supporters of the Hebrew University. In recognition of her contributions, her name was inscribed on the Wall of Life in 2012.
She also supports multiple U.S. institutions including the Aspen Institute, the Museum of Modern Art, the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Rainforest Alliance, and myriad human rights, animal rights, and environmental organizations.
Mrs. Wechsler earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Hofstra University.
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, please visit http://new.huji.ac.il/en.
