News release from IPFW:
IPFW receives $3.4 million gift from Weitzman estate
(August 25, 2014) — The Office of Advancement at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) is pleased to announce a $3.4 million bequest from the estate of Oscar and Ophelia Weitzman. This gift will support scholarships for students attending IPFW. The university was the sole recipient of the estate.
Oscar Weitzman was a life-long resident of Fort Wayne. Born around 1891, he started working at General Electric when he was 13 years old, bringing home 7½ cents per hour. He worked his way up through the company’s ranks, eventually becoming the head of the apprenticeship school and the head of a sales team. He worked for General Electric for 49 years and 7 months. He lived for 98 years, passing in 1989.
His wife, Ophelia, taught in the Fort Wayne Community Schools for 19 years, retiring in 1958. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in 1940 and a Master’s degree in 1948 from Indiana University. She and Oscar were married for 30 years. Ophelia was 93 when she died on the day after Christmas in 2012.
“Through this gift, Oscar and Ophelia created a living legacy that shows their dedication to the value and importance of higher education,” said Wendy Kobler, vice chancellor for advancement.
For more information or to discuss gifting opportunities, contact Wendy Kobler at 260-481-6962.
About IPFW
Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW), is the largest university in northeast Indiana, offering more than 200 prestigious Indiana University and Purdue University degrees and certificates. The 688-acre campus in Fort Wayne is home to more than 13,000 students of diverse ages, races, and nationalities. IPFW is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access University accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Learn more about us at ipfw.edu.
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