The concept of education as a lifetime pursuit was paramount in the Wolf household, so much so that Roslyn Zehman Wolf, the matriarch of the family, returned to school in her early 50s to earn her bachelor’s degree from what is now Case Western Reserve University. Seeing firsthand the value her parents placed on education left an indelible mark on Caryn Wolf Wechsler and her siblings.
It’s one of the key reasons the Milton A. and Roslyn Z. Wolf Family Foundation recently made a $1 million commitment to expand the reach of the Milton A. and Roslyn Z. Wolf Scholarship Fund.
“We’re so grateful for the educational opportunities our parents provided for us, as well as the inspiration to give back to our community,” said Wechsler, who is president of the Wolf Family Foundation. “As a Jewish family, tikkun olam—the responsibility to make the world a better place—has always been a core value, and we’re thrilled to be able to add a second Wolf Scholar to the program.”
Established in 1981 by Milton Albert Wolf (CIT ’54; GRS ’73, ’93, economics; HON ’80) and his wife, Roslyn (WRC ’77), the fund covers tuition, room, board, fees, books and elective summer experiences oriented toward complementary life-shaping practical knowledge for one undergraduate student. Previously, the scholarship was awarded once every four years; with this new gift, one student every two years will earn the honor. The next awardee will be named in the spring of 2027, with the additional Wolf Scholar being selected in 2029.
“This scholarship carries on a tradition of leadership inspired by Milton and Roslyn Wolf, which is continued today by their children,” Case Western Reserve President Eric W. Kaler said. “The Wolf Scholars are some of the best and brightest students that our university has to offer, and this additional commitment from the Wolf family only strengthens our commitment to developing the leaders of tomorrow.”
Dr. Wolf, who passed away in 2005, was a highly decorated U.S. ambassador to Austria (1977–1980), a governor of the United Nations Association of the United States of America and a trustee of Case Western Reserve University (1981–1999). Mrs. Wolf, who died in 2001, served on a variety of boards in the Cleveland area, with a special commitment to the advancement of education and healthcare.
“Our family is grateful for President Kaler’s interest in the program, and for working with us to double its impact,” Wechsler said. “We hope that generations of Wolf Scholars will use what they've gleaned from their scholarship and their experiences at Case Western Reserve to work to make the world a better place and help support those around them.”
Open to all admitted and enrolled undergraduate students, Wolf Scholarship applicants are considered based on character, leadership ability, academic performance, intellect, activities, accomplishments and community service. The selection committee seeks students who have participated in activities such as arts, performance, athletics, debate, music, research or entrepreneurial projects in the science or engineering fields, and community service. Financial need may be used as a basis to select Wolf Scholars.
