April 26, 2004

Contact: Kimberly Stark at (901) 333-4023 or Marilyn Duncan at (901) 333-4247

Southwest to honor Bornblum Brothers with TBR Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Philanthropy

Bert and David Bornblum have been named as the 2004 co-recipients of the Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Philanthropy at Southwest Tennessee Community College. The Bornblums have a distinguished record of active contributions and participation in the field of education in the Memphis area. The award will be presented during the College's commencement ceremony May 8.

The Bornblums arrived in Memphis in 1938, they have been “giving back” to their new country practically from the beginning. Both enlisted in the armed forces almost immediately upon the entry of the United States into World War II. Bert Bornblum served four years in the European theater and David Bornblum served three years in the Pacific.

On their return to Memphis, the Bornblums began a successful retail clothing business, opening their first store in 1948, and prospering through the years. Early on, they began to invest that prosperity in education, beginning with the founding of the Bornblum Judaic Studies program at the University of Memphis. Bert Bornblum’s quest for continued education has been focused in the study of philosophy at the University of Memphis for 21 years.

Their support of Southwest began in 1994 when Bert Bornblum joined the Foundation Board. He donated generously of his time, and both brothers have continuously given to the College from the Bornblum Foundation.

In 2002, they established the Bornblum Brothers Scholarship Endowment Fund with a substantial gift, and have continued to add to it, as well as pledging generously to the Major Gifts Campaign. Their constancy and generosity in supporting the College have earned them the recognition of being this year’s recipient of the Chancellor's award.