From an article posted on the "Brandeis NOW" website about the new Mandel Center for the Humanities at Brandeis University that opened on Tuesday, October 26.

The striking new building, which was made possible by a $22.5 million gift from the Mandel Foundation, already has won the affection of students and faculty.

“I care about people being exposed to and learning about great ideas,” said Morton Mandel, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Cleveland-based Mandel Foundation. “We felt that an investment in the humanities and liberal arts would enhance the likelihood that people going through Brandeis would understand what the word ‘humanity’ means.”

The Mandel Foundation gift is perhaps the largest ever made to an American university for the express purpose of transforming the study and understanding of the role the humanities plays in our lives today.

“The humanities are the essence of human civilization. Without them, we become excellent technicians in tiny fields. This generous gift is transformative and it comes at a crucial time. Thanks to Jack, Joseph, Morton and Barbara Mandel, Brandeis has a truly visionary place to restore prestige to the humanities and provide a model for other colleges and universities.”said Brandeis President Jehuda Reinharz.

To read the article click here