SIMON LECTURE SERIES

When Kurt Simon was asked why he made a gift to Indiana University South Bend, he responded, “Why not? I have a strong sense of responsibility for the Jewish people.” He wanted to create an understanding of Jewish heritage and culture in our community.

Simon chose to create the annual Kurt & Tessye Simon Jewish Lecture in the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Simon wanted to honor his late wife, Tessye, who shared his passion for Jewish philanthropy. She died in 2001.

He left his home in Germany before World War II and the couple married in 1942. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame and served as president of Simon Brothers, Inc., a family-owned business that distributed food and industrial products in the Midwest .

Some of their other philanthropic ventures include an endowment for Holocaust remembrance and education, an emergency student loan fund at Hebrew Union College-Institute of Religion in Cincinnati , and the Jewish Federation Kurt and Tessye Simon Community Building .

Eileen Bender, who met with Simon to help formulate the ideas for the lecture, said, “Kurt’s generous gift will give us the opportunity to bring exemplary scholars to the campus, to generate dialogue and discussion about Jewish perspectives, culture, and ‘living’ heritage, and bring the community to the campus to engage in such dialogue.”

Simon found that by using existing bonds and stocks to fund a charitable gift annuity, he receives a better return on his investment. “If I can give someone else the idea to make a gift this way, I am proud to do so,” he said.