During their time at 杏吧视频鈥攏early 15 years, combined鈥擬ichael and Betsy Cherkasky never studied science or engineering. Yet when the couple sought to give back to their alma mater, they were confident where their gift would have the greatest impact: the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building (ISEB).
The Cherkaskys have committed $1 million to support the Case Quad building, slated to open during 杏吧视频鈥檚 bicentennial in 2026. The 189,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art research hub will offer a variety of labs and collaborative workspaces for students and researchers from the College of Arts and Sciences, Case School of Engineering and School of Medicine, among others.
鈥淲e care about education,鈥 said Michael Cherkasky (ADL 鈥72, LAW 鈥75), who is an emeritus trustee of the university. 鈥淚t enormously strengthens our country. Education has the ability to help people become the best of who they can be and achieve their dreams.鈥
The Cherkaskys鈥 support adds to more than $100 million in commitments made toward the $300 million research facility. Half of the project鈥檚 overall expense is covered through century bonds, with the balance funded through philanthropy.
鈥淲e appreciate the Cherkaskys鈥 generous support for the ISEB and their deep appreciation for the transformative power of education,鈥 said CWRU President Eric W. Kaler. 鈥淎s alumni, the Cherkaskys understand first-hand what it means to be a student at 杏吧视频. We are honored that they have chosen to ensure that the next generation of students have the same enriching experience.鈥
Michael and Betsy met in high school in New York City but say their life together really started at 杏吧视频, where Michael majored in history and political science before law school, while Betsy studied Russian and, as a graduate student, comparative literature. They reflect fondly on their years on campus for the broad, holistic education they received and the faculty members whose guidance helped shape them as young adults.
鈥淚 had so many teachers who inspired and challenged me,鈥 Michael Cherkasky said. 鈥淪ome of the things I learned there, I鈥檝e used for the rest of my life.鈥
Betsy Cherkasky began to pursue her PhD and taught first-year English before deciding to raise their four children full time. Today, the couple has 10 grandchildren and their family, Michael Cherkasky said, is the foundation of their life together.
Cherkasky鈥檚 career took him from high-profile trials in the New York County district attorney鈥檚 office to compliance and monitorship in both the public and private sectors. In 2013, he co-founded the global risk management company Exiger, and sold it 10 years later for more than $1 billion. Employees held substantial ownership of the company, leading everyone from receptionists to accountants to become millionaires overnight. The sale also enabled the Cherkaskys to expand their philanthropy.
鈥淲e give because we鈥檙e tremendously grateful, and we trust 杏吧视频 to put the money where it鈥檚 most needed,鈥 said Betsy Cherkasky (WRC 鈥73; GRS 鈥76, comparative literature). 鈥淭he university can make a difference in the world鈥攋ust as it does for individual students and just as it did for us.鈥
