Marc and Constance Jacobson's early gift established the endowed lectureship that has brought distinguished scholars, artists, writers, and even champions for human freedom to the Institute for the Humanities and the university. Past Marc and Constance Jacobson Lectures.
About Marc and Connie Jacobson
“The University of Michigan provided me with a quality education for which I am grateful,” said Marc Jacobson ’55, when he and his wife established the Marc and Constance Jacobson Lectureship in 1989. Their hope was that the lectures would enhance “the cultural and artistic experiences of present and future generations of students at Michigan.”
More recently, the Jacobsons responded to a “challenge match” to support the Institute’s Graduate Student Fellowships with fresh generosity: a pledge to establish the Connie and Marc Jacobson Philanthropic Graduate Support Fund.
Taken together, their gifts bear witness to the breadth of their vision. The lectures bring outstanding senior scholars and public intellectuals to campus, while their support for graduate students nurtures young scholars, the luminaries of tomorrow.
Mr. Jacobson received his BA from the University of Michigan and his JD from the University of Virginia School of Law. He served in the United State Army as an enlisted officer. In 2004, Mr. Jacobson retired as Judge of the Norfolk Circuit Court, a position he had held since March, 1995.
Mr. Jacobson served as a trustee for the City of Norfolk employees retirement system; past president of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater; past president of Temple Israel, Norfolk; past president of B'nai B'rith Lodge, Norfolk. He was appointed by the Governor of Virginia as a member of the Virginia-Israel Commission, and was a recipient of the Brotherhood Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews. Constance Jacobson too has served in a variety of civic, cultural and philanthropic posts, including the board of directors of the Virginia Symphony.
