Investing in Tomorrow: Dr. Martin and Grace Rosman’s Commitment to BGU’s Students
Investing in Tomorrow: Dr. Martin and Grace Rosman’s Commitment to BGU’s Students
October 28, 2026
Dr. Martin and Grace Rosman have spent their lives advancing science, medicine, and education. Now, through their philanthropy, they are helping the next generation of scientists, researchers, and innovators pursue their own dreams at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU).
For the Rosmans, the importance of education is deeply personal. Both benefited from scholarships during their own academic journeys, experiences that helped shape their lifelong commitment to creating opportunities for others.
We ourselves were recipients of scholarships when we were going to school.
Martin is an accomplished oncologist who has dedicated nearly 50 years to medicine. He served as head of medical oncology at Bridgeport Hospital and as a clinical faculty member at Yale University. Grace, a graduate of Barnard College of Columbia University, built her career around a passion for science and learning. With a background in biochemistry, she worked in biochemical research before becoming a science teacher, inspiring students through education.
Their professional lives have given them a deep appreciation for the transformative power of scientific discovery and the importance of investing in the people who will drive future breakthroughs.
Investing in Israel’s Future
The Rosmans’ commitment to supporting higher education in Israel began with a desire to make a meaningful, lasting difference. They recognized that one of the most powerful ways to strengthen Israel’s future was to invest in its universities and the talented students whose discoveries, ideas, and innovations would shape generations to come.
“The best way to get the human capital that’s needed to develop the country is to go straight to the universities,” Martin explained.
Their philanthropy has supported several Israeli universities, but BGU holds a special place in their hearts because of its unique role in advancing the Negev.
We are fond of all the universities in the country, but in particular, BGU, I think because it is in the South.
For the Rosmans, BGU represents far more than an institution of higher learning. It is an engine of opportunity, innovation, and growth in a region whose development is essential to Israel’s future.
“The thing that sticks out about BGU, really, is location. And it is so important to develop that area and everything south, where BGU is really the center.”
Their commitment reflects David Ben-Gurion’s vision of transforming the Negev into a thriving center of education, research, and opportunity. By supporting BGU, the Rosmans are helping bring that vision to life through the students and researchers who will carry it forward.
Every Gift Makes a Difference
Although Martin and Grace have become generous supporters of higher education in Israel, they emphasize that philanthropy does not begin with a large gift.
Their own journey began with smaller contributions, and they hope their experience encourages others to give at whatever level they can.
Small gifts accumulate into big gifts, and you should never feel that … your contribution’s not worthwhile. It certainly is, because we never started out with that big contribution. We started out small. Any little bit makes such a difference in a person’s life, enabling them to go to a university that they never thought was possible.
This year, Martin and Grace are extending that philosophy through Ben-Gurion Giving Week, generously matching donations given November 16-20 to support BGU students and researchers.
Their matching gift is an invitation for others to join them in investing in the next generation of pioneers, expanding access to higher education, and advancing the discoveries that will shape Israel’s future.
For Martin and Grace, giving back is a natural extension of the lives they have dedicated to science, education, and helping others. Their generosity reflects a simple but powerful belief: when we invest in people, the possibilities are limitless.
Join Dr. Martin and Grace Rosman in supporting the next generation of innovators at BGU. Make your gift during Ben-Gurion Giving Week and double your impact for students and researchers building a brighter future, from the Negev to the world.
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