Steve and Marla Garchik and their Garchik Family Foundation have pledged $1 million to Lynn University to fund student scholarships.
The $1 million gift ensures that high-performing students with financial needs have access to quality education, professional tools and expert faculty. The scholarships are designed to alleviate the financial burden and decrease reliance on student loans.
“The Garchik family are difference makers and through this significant gift, they will enable students to become successful Lynn graduates,” said President Kevin M. Ross. “We deeply appreciate their generosity and impact.”
The Garchik Family Foundation Endowed Scholarship will be held in perpetuity and provide a special investment that offers a source of ongoing aid through annual scholarships. In addition, The Garchik Family Foundation Annual Scholarship will provide immediate funds for qualifying students.
“This is a transformational gift,” said Gareth Fowles, vice president for Enrollment and University Advancement. “Scholarships are life-changing for students facing financial constraints or unexpected hardships. This aid will allow domestic and international students to take advantage of the incredible academic, social and cultural opportunities that Lynn University offers.”
As members of the greater Boca Raton community, the Garchiks are longtime supporters of local institutions such as Boca Raton Regional Hospital-Baptist Health, Palm Beach County Food Bank, Autism Speaks, Love Serving Autism, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum of South Florida and numerous others. They chose to support Lynn University because of its culture.
“We love what the university has done to diversify the student body and make it mirror the real world,” said Steve Garchik. “The expansion of offerings for the students and practical focus of the curriculum will contribute to the success of Lynn students for years to come.”
The Garchik family appreciates that their son Jack, a current Lynn student, has the opportunity to obtain a college education at his own pace. The university’s four-week block schedule enables him to continue his outside work responsibilities. The family is thrilled that their scholarship will ensure a Lynn education for future generations of students who otherwise could not afford to attend.
“We are both excited and hopeful that these funds will help matriculate amazing students who will graduate from Lynn and go on to become well-rounded, capable and confident members of society,” said Marla Garchik. “It’s also our hope that someday they can pay it forward by helping others, whether that’s with educational expenses or other needs.”
Marla is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and Autism and Mental Health Advocate. She founded Peace Love Solve, The Seashell Project and Whistle for Change. Steve has been a real estate developer and owner for over 35 years. Steve and his company, SJM Partners, LLC, have partnered in Sawyer’s Walk, a 1.5 million square feet opportunity zone mixed-use project in downtown Miami, Florida, opening in Spring 2024. Steve is a Co-chair of Basis Industrial. He serves on the board of several non-profit institutions and holds a Bachelor of Science and MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
The Garchik family resides in Highland Beach, Florida.
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