I
A Philanthropic Pillar
TESTIMONIALS
Technion Supporters
Weizmann Advocate
The officers, board and staff of the American Technion Society mourn the loss of
William Davidson of Bloomfield Hills, a visionary supporter of the Technion.
Mr. Davidson was a transformational industrialist and philanthropist. Chairman
and president of Guardian Industries Corp., he was one of the largest private inves-
tors in Israeli enterprise. Following his belief that education and good manage-
ment are the best tools for promoting economic growth, Mr. Davidson established
the William Davidson Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Management and the
William Davidson Chair in that faculty at the Technion.
Among the most generous ATS supporters, Mr. Davidson was a Technion Guardian
who had reached the highest level of support. He was an honorary life member of
the Technion International Board of Governors. We offer our heartfelt condolences to
his wife, Karen, and the entire Davidson family.
We join Professor Daniel Zajfman, president of the Weizmann Institute of Science
in Israel, and Professor Haim Harari, chairman of the Davidson Institute of Science
Education, former president of the Weizmann Institute and a personal friend of Bill
Davidson, in sharing the following:
Bill Davidson was a man who believed in people. He believed in good people, and he
believed that all people can become better by education. Both his business activities and
his philanthropic enterprises were always based on the notion that, once he identified a
person whom he trusted, engaging in a project he believed in, there were no limits to his
support, encouragement and involvement.
It is on that basis, that Bill established the flourishing Davidson Institute of Science
Education at the Weizmann Institute in Israel, where tens of thousands of children and
adults are benefiting from programs designed to advance science education and scien-
tific literacy. The Davidson Institute caters to "children" between the ages of 6 and 100,
to exceptionally brilliant minds, to the general public and to youngsters of special needs,
brought back into society through science.
Scientific and technological knowledge are the most important economic assets in
the 21st century and science education is the best investment. Bill's investment will bear
great fruits for generations.
We will miss Bill's vision and friendship.
We send our deepest condolences to Bill's wife, Karen, his children and the entire
Davidson family. May they be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
American Technion Society
Joan Seidel, president
Stephen A. Laser, board chairman
Melvyn H. Bloom, executive vice president
Lawrence S. tackier, chairman, Technion Board of Governors
Scott Leemaster, president, Detroit chapter
Allan "Geli" Gelfond, regional director
Lawrence S. Blumberg, chairman
American Committee for the
Weizmann Institute of Science
Marshall S. Levin
executive vice president and CEO
American Committee for the
Weizmann Institute of Science
Rehovot, Israel
Moment
Of Silence
Bill Davidson
you will be missed.
At Sunday's Pistons game, the crowd
paused for a moment of silence.
Announcer John Mason read the fol-
lowing:
"A husband, a father, a friend, a busi-
nessman, a philanthropist, a visionary
— Piston owner Bill Davidson was all
of this and more. He understood that
his team was always your team and for
34 years he dedicated himself to build-
ing an organization that would make
you proud, both on and off the floor.
"His wisdom and guidance will be
missed, but his commitment to all of
you will live forever. Please join us now
as we honor his life and his legacy with
a moment of silence."
A photo of Davidson and a single red
rose sat on his empty seat in Row One
at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
In tribute to your remarkable life and with deep
gratitude for the musical legacy you generously nurtured.
(80
12
DETROIT
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
1493,0.
A36
March 19 - 2009