Sonenshine Gifts Support Jewish Studies

Daniel E. Sonenshine, professor emeritus of biological sciences, and his wife, Helen, recently announced two gifts to the university: $100,000 to support the Batten Endowed Chair in Jewish Studies and $50,000 to establish the Helen N. and Daniel E. Sonenshine Lectureship in Jewish Studies.

“The lectureship will bring in internationally known scholars to help students as well as the community at large gain a greater appreciation of Jewish and Israeli contributions to civilization, both ancient and modern,” the Sonenshines said in a statement.

“Our contribution toward the Batten Endowed Chair in Jewish Studies will help ensure the growth and development of this important field of research and study.”

The donation to the Batten Chair is a matching gift to the Batten challenge gift of $1.5 million to establish the endowment.

The lectureship, to begin in spring 2008, will bring a distinguished scholar to campus each year as part of the Institute of Jewish Studies and Interfaith Understanding. Helen Sonenshine serves on the institute’s advisory board.

The Sonenshines also fund the Daniel E. and Helen N. Sonenshine Lectureship in Infectious Diseases.