Washington, D.C.—September 19, 2022—Gary Abramson, one of the region’s most prominent business figures and real estate innovators, was recognized on an international level by the Weizmann Institute of Science during a ceremony held at American University. A partner at the Tower Companies since 1970, Abramson was honored for his lifelong philanthropic leadership and support of science for the benefit of humanity. He received an honorary doctorate in philosophy from Weizmann Institute of Science President Prof. Alon Chen to celebrate Abramson’s decades-long dedication to the Institute’s world-changing research and commitment to developing young scientists. The honorary doctorate is Weizmann’s highest level of recognition.
“When science and philanthropy come together, something truly special happens,” remarked Dave Doneson, CEO of the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science. “Gary and his family exemplify the very best kind of philanthropic partners. They give joyfully, thoughtfully, and generously while working as community leaders and passionate advocates to advance science for the benefit of humanity.”
Along with his wife, Pennie (also an honorary doctorate recipient), Abramson has long supported the Weizmann Institute of Science as a donor, board member, and volunteer. In addition to his many years of service on the American Committee’s National Board of Directors, he is a Life Member of the Weizmann Institute International Board. The Abramsons are generous supporters of multiple Weizmann Institute endeavors, including the establishment of the Abramson Family Center for Young Scientists, which has provided vital support to outstanding new recruits at the Institute.
“For decades, my family has partnered with Weizmann to help propel science that can change the world,” explained Abramson. “Through that work, the people of Weizmann, including scientists, administrators, and staff, along with fellow donors, board members and volunteers, have become part of our own extended family. To be here today in Washington, D.C., celebrating with people near and dear to us from all over the world, is extraordinarily special.”
Together, the Abramsons have made it a priority to ensure the next generation of scientists has everything necessary to flourish. Most recently, the Abramson family provided the naming gift to establish the Pennie and Gary Abramson Family International Residence, a state-of-the-art dormitory complex and social hub for Weizmann international students and postdoctoral fellows. On a campus conducting round-the-clock scientific research, this new modern dormitory, which integrates the latest green-building design principles, is designed to foster community and collaboration, while serving as a welcoming haven for scientists from all over the world as they take the next step of their careers at Weizmann.
Abramson’s generosity is also impacting the next generation of Weizmann’s scientists through the Abramson Family Center for Young Scientists — and has already led to some strong connections with Weizmann researchers. His critical funding of the work of Dr. Sivan Refaely-Abramson, a materials scientist at the Weizmann Institute, steering committee member for the Artificial Intelligence Enterprise for Scientific Discovery and a featured speaker at this honorary event, is leading transformational research in the area of sustainability. (Note: Dr. Refaely-Abramson has no relation to Gary Abramson or his family.)
“Gary and his family are the kind of champions scientists dream of having,” reflected Dr. Sivan Refaely-Abramson. “So many scientists start with an insatiable curiosity in a particular area, but we have to search for the right opportunity to pursue that curiosity in a way that can make a real difference in the world. Because of friends like Gary and the Abramson family, I have been able to accelerate my work in developing materials that can be used to improve renewable energy, among other applications.”
The American Committee seized the opportunity to honor Abramson’s longstanding leadership and legacy in his hometown among family, friends, and colleagues from the greater Washington, D.C. community. They even arranged for the ceremony to take place on the American University campus, where Abramson is Chairman Emeritus. Many of those in attendance have been integral to building the American Committee into a robust philanthropic arm for the Weizmann Institute of Science, one of the world’s leading institutes for basic science research.
In addition to serving as president of the Weizmann Institute of Science, Prof. Chen holds the Institute’s Vera and John Schwartz Professorial Chair in Neurobiology. Dr. Refaely-Abramson holds the Institute’s Leah Omenn Career Development Chair, Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science.
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About the Weizmann Institute of Science and the American Committee
The Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, is one of the world’s top-ranking multidisciplinary research and graduate institutions. Weizmann's scientific community of nearly 4,000 engages in research addressing crucial problems in medicine and health, energy, technology, agriculture, and the environment. In support of the Institute, the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science shares the commitment to advancing world-changing science, partnering with generous individuals, foundations, and corporations to help Weizmann scientists answer some of the most difficult questions facing humanity.
