The Legend Lives On
Bequest commitment continues GW vice president’s work in physics
For Donald R. Lehman, PhD ’70, and his wife, Elyse Brauch Lehman, MA ’67, PhD ’70, the reason for giving is simple: GW is family.
The Lehmans have generously expressed their affinity for and appreciation to the University through a $2 million bequest commitment. Their donation will establish the Elyse B. and Donald R. Lehman Endowed Professorship in Theoretical Physics to attract leading scholars and teachers and advance the study of theoretical physics. The donation crowns the Lehmans’ long history of philanthropy to GW.
“We want science, especially physics, to be an integral part of the future of GW so that others may have the type of experience we had,” says Don Lehman, GW’s executive vice president for academic affairs and the George Gamow Professor of Theoretical Physics.
“One of our goals is to provide infrastructure support that will enable talented faculty to continue their scholarly activities,” adds Elyse Lehman, professor emerita of psychology at George Mason University. “Strong science departments are essential if a university is to achieve and maintain greatness.”
As graduate students, the Lehmans began what would prove to be a mutually rewarding relationship with the University. “Don and I were incredibly fortunate to have such wonderful mentors,” notes Elyse Lehman, who received both her master’s degree and doctorate in psychology at GW. “Our support provides a way of honoring the faculty who played such an important role in our training and careers.”
The Lehmans moved to Washington, D.C., in 1964 after Don Lehman was assigned to the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. When his supervisor suggested he work toward a doctorate, he chose GW. While completing his dissertation, he joined the Physics Department as an instructor. After a two-year post-doctoral period at the National Bureau of Standards, he returned to the University as an assistant professor—placing him on a flourishing career path at GW.
Because of their commitment, the Lehmans are members of the Tempietto Circle of the Heritage Society, a GW recognition society that honors donors who make documented, planned gifts of $500,000 or more. The Lehmans also support the Gelman Library, the Richard Walk Scholars Fund and other University projects.
“At the many GW events we’ve attended, we’ve heard people talk about the GW family,” Elyse Lehman says. “We can honestly say from experience that there is such a family.”
Don Lehman was elected a fellow of the American Physical Society in 1988. He received the Columbian College Distinguished Faculty Award for Excellence in Scholarship in 1989 and The GW Award for Outstanding Contributions to the University in 2006.
Elyse Lehman is a former director of the developmental, biopsychology and school psychology programs at George Mason University. Her area of specialization is children’s cognitive development. She currently serves as co-chair of the Gelman Library System Development Advisory Board.
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