Creating a Living Legacy

Sid’49 and Winnie Greenberg

“It’s a living, growing thing.” That’s how Syracuse University College of Law alumnus Andrew Greenberg L’84 describes his most recent estate gift to Syracuse University honoring his mother, Winnie and late father, Sid. Last year, Greenberg committed $1 million dollars of his estate to be divided three ways to establish the Sidney M. ’49 and Winifred E. Greenberg Newhouse Scholarship, the Sidney M. ’49 and Winifred E. Greenberg VPA Scholarship and the Sidney M. ’49 and Winifred E. Greenberg Maxwell Scholarship.

Greenberg believes the support for students through scholarship will lessen their financial burden, open the door to opportunities for growth, allow them to thrive and pursue their aspirations, going on to make a difference and contribute in ways that might otherwise not be possible.

Greenberg is clearly channeling his mother’s thoughts. “A scholarship is a gift to a human being. And if we are going to continue to grow as a society, we need the youth coming up—more than ever at this particular time. I have great hope for the young people.”

The University’s commitment to ensuring an unsurpassed student experience is a top priority of Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University. Gifts in support of students—including scholarship and financial aid, academic enrichment opportunities and independent research projects—bolster the ability for the University to attract and retain students with boundless potential.

The history of the Greenbergs’ philanthropy to Syracuse University and the City of Syracuse is a story of fandom, love and generosity. They supported the city’s cultural scene, civic organizations, and, most especially, recognized that Syracuse University was the “engine” driving growth and prosperity in Central New York.

After Sid passed away (in 2013 at the age of 86), Winnie, Andy and his sister, Gene Greenberg ’83, continued the family’s support of SU Athletics by establishing the Sidney M. Greenberg Football Scholarship Fund which is awarded yearly to a first-year student in the Whitman School. Andy calls it a living legacy to his father and “a great way to honor somebody.”

Andy, who is a founding partner of Chartwell Law, with 19 offices located throughout the United States, continues the philanthropic legacy of his parents, committing well over a million dollars to the University. But he insists that this latest estate gift is all about his parents. And Winnie couldn’t be more grateful and proud.

“This gift from my son is really a tribute to my husband,” says Winnie. “He was a strong believer that we were very lucky in life, lucky in business and you have to give back. We can afford to do it. And if we don’t, who will?”