$500,000 gift from the late Joseph DeLeeuw

$500,000 Endowed Scholarship Established in Memory of Noted Businessman, Physician and UNH Alumnus, Dr. Joseph DeLeeuw

Hartford –

West Haven, Conn., June 10, 2010—University of New Haven (UNH) has announced the establishment of the Dr. Joseph DeLeeuw Endowed Scholarship, created with a $500,000 gift from the late Joseph DeLeeuw ’78 B.S., through his estate plan, prior to his passing in January, 2007, at the age of 89. DeLeeuw requested the endowed scholarship be created for Jewish students in need who are attending or accepted to attend the University of New Haven.

In creating his endowment, DeLeeuw stipulated that “The drive and ability of the applicant to successfully obtain a degree and the necessity of a scholarship for funding must be demonstrated by the applicant.” DeLeeuw certainly understood the concepts of drive and ability on a personal basis. A long-time Connecticut businessman, he earned his bachelor’s degree in biology, with honors, from the University of New Haven at age 60. At a life stage when most are considering retirement, DeLeeuw went on to earn his medical degree and opened a clinic which accepted all patients, even the penniless, and catered to impoverished children.

…The former chess champion approached life using the same strategies he used on the chess board, advising others “When you cross an obstacle, research. How did others solve this problem? If none of the available solutions feel promising, use your mind like a chess board, think: ‘If I do this, what will happen?’ Keep plugging in scenarios until a viable option presents itself.” In addition to dispensing medicine, DeLeeuw also knew how to deliver sage advice.

Here is the full article.