Penn State Smeal College of Business alum Robert Davidow and his wife Suzanne Davidow gifted the school with $100,000 to increase the school’s sustainability efforts, yielding the inception of the Davidows Sustainability Fund.
“The world is becoming more focused on conserving the environment and Smeal has recognized this trend and integrated it into its studies. Business fundamentals are of paramount importance for today’s students, but when you combine that with sustainability, you can have a powerful social impact,” Rob Davidow said. “It’s important for the University to encourage and teach sustainable business practices and I am excited to watch Smeal collaborate with other departments at Penn State to develop unique strategies to the business challenges arising from growing a populace.”
The Smeal College of Business has an impressive track record with sustainability. In fact, even the Smeal building is environmentally-friendly, having received LEED-EB (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-Existing Building) gold-level certification. Smeal was also among to first business schools to create an actionable sustainability plan. As a Smeal graduate, Rob Davidow was no stranger to these efforts.
Rob and Suzanne have channeled their philanthropy toward other environmental consciousness efforts as well. They have invested in the Israeli university, The Technion, in order to allow the school to help Israel become water-efficient.
“Rob and Suzanne have been passionate advocates for solutions to some of the most critical global sustainability challenges, with a particular interest in water insecurity. This generous new commitment will extend their legacy of support for these critical issues,” said senior director of development and alumni relations Michelle Houser.
“I hope Rob and Suzanne’s generosity inspires other Smeal alumni to consider how they too can impact the world through philanthropy,” Houser said.
Rob Davidow graduated from Smeal in 1964, and his commitment to giving back to the institution and the world will certainly secure a distinguished legacy for the private investor.