Silverman-Rodin Scholars

Making a major investment to develop future American leaders, New York businessman Henry Silverman, L '64,  has designated the final $5 million of his original $15 million gift to the Law School to create the Silverman-Rodin Scholars program.

Beginning in the 2004-2005 academic year, his gift will enable top students in each entering class at Penn Law to receive full scholarships in their first year. A total of 15 Silverman-Rodin scholars--five from each class--will be in the school every year, once the program is in full swing.  

Mr. Silverman's endowment marks the first gift for scholarships to Penn created in President Judith Rodin's name. Dr. Rodin, a Philadelphia native and 1966 graduate of Penn, attended Penn on a scholarship.

"I am deeply grateful to Henry Silverman for establishing this scholars program in the Law School," Dr. Rodin said. "I am also deeply honored to have my name linked to one of Penn's truly outstanding trustees and benefactors. Henry is a dear friend, and Penn Law students are lucky to have him on their side."

Penn Law Dean Michael A. Fitts added: "Financial aid is a critical factor in drawing the best and brightest students. Henry Silverman, who has been a devoted supporter of the Law School, has made it possible for others to get a top-notch legal education and replicate his success."   

Mr. Silverman, chairman, CEO and president of Cendant Corporation, made a $15 million commitment to Penn Law  in 1998 (Almanac March 3/10, 1998). Eight million dollars financed a major restoration and renovation of the School's original building, now known as Silverman Hall. Another $2 million established the Silverman Professorship, and $5 million will now fund a scholarship program.

"Creating the Silverman-Rodin Scholars program gives me the opportunity to not only honor and assist Penn Law, which nurtured my career, but to pay tribute to Judith Rodin, who has driven the University of Pennsylvania into the upper echelon of American colleges," Mr. Silverman said. 

Mr. Silverman is a trustee of Penn and  Penn Medicine. He is also a Commissioner of the Port Authority of NY and NJ and was recently appointed by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Donald L. Evans, to the U.S. Travel and Tourism Promotion Advisory Board. He is a trustee of NYU and its School of Medicine and Medical Center, and a director of the NYU Child Study Center. In 1998, he received the American Heritage Award from the Anti-Defamation League for lifetime achievement in fighting discrimination. He was honored for his efforts to promote diversity in the workplace: in 2001 by the Jackie Robinson Foundation and in 2003 by the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.