Norman Cohen visited Weizmann back in 1970, at the encouragement of
Dewey Stone, founding Chair of the Institute. He was impressed by the
dedication and brilliance of the scientists. According to Norman, "I saw
the enormous potential of what could be—of what Weizmann could
contribute to the state of Israel and the world."
From that time until his death in 2008, Norman did everything in his
power to help Weizmann achieve its potential. He held numerous
leadership positions, including serving as Chairman and President of the
American Committee and International Deputy Chair of the Institute’s
Board of Governors.
In appreciation for the generous time, wisdom, and energy Norman
devoted to the Institute, he was awarded an honorary doctorate in 1992.
And, in 2001, the Institute’s Jubilee Walk, a tribute to Weizmann’s 50
years of excellence, was dedicated in his honor.
Norman served as Chair of Weizmann’s Planned Giving Program for many
years. Norman knew that legacy gifts would be essential to produce
tomorrow’s scientific breakthroughs. He also considered life income
gifts extremely attractive, and established two life income gifts
himself.
One of these was a charitable remainder unitrust, established in
1994. He donated highly appreciated securities to his trust. He limited
the term of the trust to ten years, rather than making it for the full
lifetimes of him and his wife, Judith. This enabled him to enjoy the
income from the trust (an 8% payout) for the ten years and see the trust
make a difference during his lifetime. When the trust terminated in
2004, remaining principal was distributed to Weizmann to create the
Judith and Norman D. Cohen Doctoral Scholarship. He also established a
generous charitable gift annuity in 2003.
Norman supported Weizmann in many other ways as well, including establishing the Norman D. Cohen Chair in Computer Science.
Norman was the founder of Lechmere Sales Company, a pioneer in the
development of innovative high-volume, low mark-up merchandise. The
company was sold to Dayton-Hudson (now Target) in 1970.
Norman took great pride in seeing the Weizmann Institute grow into
one of the world’s foremost centers of scientific research. His gifts,
and the many gifts he inspired, will help to ensure that Weizmann will
continue to flourish for years to come.