Ben Breitman was an accountant, and his wife Evelyn was a teacher. Both are now of blessed memory.
“I started the fund because education was very important to both of them,” said daughter Susan Schoenfeld. “I wanted to do something in their memory. And I wanted that to be something that could last over a period of time. I just want to help people.”
Susan, who supports the fund with her husband, Howard, recalls how her father Ben once chose to support his employee’s education. Ben considered the employee, an immigrant from Pakistan, as a friend.
“My father discovered that this gentleman had a dream of becoming a math teacher. He didn’t have the funds to pay for college,” Susan remembered. Ben covered it, the man earned his college degree and slowly paid the funds back.
“The man was eternally grateful,” Susan recalled.
The Breitman fund has assisted 12 students and counting since the fund opened in 2011.
Applicants for scholarships from the Harry Hecht Family Memorial College Scholarship Fund are automatically also considered for scholarships from the Evelyn & Ben Breitman Education Endowment Fund.
Students enrolling in a full-time, accredited undergraduate program may apply during their senior year of high school and will be eligible for the award in their freshman year of college. Applicants are required to reside in the Milwaukee metropolitan area. The scholarships are awarded on a one-time basis. Financial need is taken into consideration.
The application process is open for students beginning their college freshman year in the Fall semester. Applications and accompanying documents and materials for the Fall semester must be received by March of that year.
Applications are now closed.
Contact Jen Milkman at 414-390-5722 with questions or to be updated when applications are being accepted.