July 18 • 2019 15 jn Technion President Peretz Lavie and Linda Kovan Detroiter Honored with Technion Fellowship Linda Kovan of Novi was awarded a Technion Honorary Fellowship last month for her inspiring lead- ership and vision. She chaired ATS’ first-ever women’ s mission to Israel and served as the first female president of the Detroit Chapter. During her tenure, Kovan revitalized the chapter by part- nering with professional staff, reaching out to new donors and revamping the board. She advis- es the local board, serves on the national board and supports sever- al Technion projects. “I have been pleased to watch as Linda Kovan has dedicated her- self to advancing the Detroit ATS chapter and has taken her place as a key leader on the national ATS Board,” Scott Leemaster said. “She is continuing Detroit’ s strong tradi- tion of helping the Technion reach ever greater heights.” Kovan, president of The Kovan Group and founder of Peace of Mind Life Solutions, also serves on the executive board of the Jewish Women’ s Foundation. “I am honored, touched and humbled to be receiving this hon- orary fellowship from Technion,” Kovan said. “I am passionate about Technion and all that it does to help all mankind.” ■ PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE TECHNION supporter, so my passion for Israel, science, technology and the Technion runs deep. My parents, D. Dan and Betty Kahn, took us to visit the Technion 30 years ago, and I knew immediately this was a special place. My father’ s first gift to the Technion was the Kahn Robotics Laboratory, but his passion continued with the donation of the D. Dan and Betty Kahn Mechanical Engineering Building and his establishment of the Kahn Symposium, a science shidduch (match) between the Technion and the University of Michigan. His vision for world-class collaboration and research ultimately led to the Michigan- Israel Partnership for Research and Education. The fall 2018 mission wasn’ t my first trip to China, but it was certainly the most impressive. The GTIIT cam- pus already has more students than available housing. We had wonderful experiences meeting with students and teachers. We were impressed that although students speak many differ- ent languages, all classes are taught in English. If my father were alive today, he’ d be kvelling to know the extent of the Technion’ s recently formed academic partnerships — the way that university leaders from around the world come to Israel to have Technion partner with them. It’ s a tremendous affirmation of the university’ s global standing, thanks to its pioneering multidisciplinary research in the fields of energy, nano- technology, life science and so many others. ■ supplies. The event is carried out in coop- eration with Oakland Schools Homeless Student Education Program and Jewish Family Service. Funding for supplies comes from NCJW|MI, along with grants from Mandell and Madeline Berman Foundation, Claire and Arthur (z’ l) Kretchmer Backpack Project Fund, Carol Krugel Backpack Project Fund and Bookstock Used Book and Media Sale. Approximately $17,000 worth of school supplies are purchased for the filled back- packs to be created. For details or to make donations call (248) 355-3300, ext. 0, or go to ncjwmi.org. ■ Meaning Learning Find yourself in Melton 2019 - 2020 | 5780 Connection Purpose Join us for a FREE Sample Class! Wednesday, August 14, 1-2 PM Max M. Fisher Federation Building Thursday, August 15, 10-11 AM Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit Thursday, August 15, 7-8 PM Temple Israel Monday, August 19, 1-2 PM Max M. Fisher Federation Building New Fall Classes! Wednesdays – 12:45-3 PM Max M. Fisher Federation Building Thursdays – 9:30-11:45 AM Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit Thursdays – 6:45-9 PM Temple Israel PEP (Parent Education Program) Wednesdays – 8:30-10:45 AM Hillel Day School What is the Melton Route? Melton is an international, adult Jewish learning class founder, Florence Zachs Melton. Melton is a non-denominational, learning for pleasure experience. There is no homework, no grades and no pressure. What you can expect is lively discussion, deep thought, some answers and many questions on Judaism. RSVP and more information: