For Alan Rothfeder 60B 63L 64MBA and his wife, Myrna Sheftal Rothfeder, the motivation to give back to Emory Law was simple—gratitude. “I learned more here and was given more opportunities here than any place I’ve ever been in my life,” Rothfeder said. Several years ago, the Rothfeders endowed a scholarship fund for JD/MBA students attending Emory University and more recently, they provided for an addition to the endowed scholarship through the creation of a charitable remainder unitrust. “I saw a real benefit to holding both an MBA and a law degree, and I wanted to do something to allow somebody else to have the same opportunity,” Rothfeder said.
During a conference at Emory several years ago, Alan recalls a chance meeting with one of his scholarship recipients—a moment he says he’s never forgotten. “We went around the room introducing ourselves, and I introduced myself as Alan Rothfeder from Montgomery, Ala. Then I heard somebody introduce himself and say, ‘I just want you to know that it’s an honor to be in the same room as my benefactor.’ Now if you don’t think that has an impact on a man…to have the opportunity once in your life of having heard that and seen it. It was such an honor to me,” Rothfeder said.
In addition to giving back, the Rothfeders understand the importance of paying it forward. When asked if they’d like for their grandchildren to attend Emory, Rothfeder responded, “With great pride. We’ve offered it to each of them, actually.” The Rothfeders have many fond memories of Emory University. Myrna remembers driving into Atlanta on the weekends to visit Alan while he was working and going to school. The couple even used their wedding gifts to pay for Rothfeder’s tuition, so he could graduate “without a dime of debt.” And when it came to choosing a middle name for their son Andrew, the couple decided to go with none other than “Emory.” As Rothfeder said, “Emory [University] did more for me than anyone else.”
September 2008
