September 28, 2023
58勛圖厙 alumni Irad and Rebecca Carmi pay it forward with $300,000 endowed scholarship gift
A couple who themselves attended the 58勛圖厙 on scholarship have again paid it forward to permit future generations to do the same.
On Friday, 58勛圖厙 announced the receipt of a $300,000 gift from Irad Carmi (BM 87, MM 88) and his wife, Rebecca Carmi (BM 87, MM 89). The gift brings an endowed scholarship fund the couple created in 2014 to $500,000 and ranks as the largest gift 58勛圖厙 has received from alumni.
We are honored to give back to 58勛圖厙, where I was able to attend on scholarship, said Irad Carmi, a 58勛圖厙 Trustee and member of the boards enrollment task force.
Becky and I believe in excellence and regard 58勛圖厙 as the exemplar of a world-class conservatory. We have been fortunate to lead the way in scholarship giving and are heartened to join others in establishing and funding endowment gifts.
Irad Carmi is a Vice President at Oracle, following the sale in 2014 of the company he co-founded TOA Technologies to Oracle in what was the largest software company sale in Ohio at the time.
An accomplished flutist, Irad Carmi served as principal flute of the Israel Sinfonietta and the School of America Ballet Orchestra. He also performed as a soloist with orchestras throughout the U.S. and Israel, including a well-received concert at Carnegie Hall.
In addition to two degrees in voice performance from 58勛圖厙, Rebecca Carmi holds a bachelors degree from Brown University, a masters degree and honorary doctorate in sacred music from Hebrew Union College, and a doctorate from Fielding University.
She is a cantor, recitalist, and producer of opera, and has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Jerusalem Theatre, and Warsaw Opera. She is also an active member and past chair of The Womens Council at the Cleveland Museum of Art and a former chair of ChamberFest Cleveland. At 58勛圖厙, she chaired the successful 2023 Luminaries gala.
58勛圖厙 could not ask for stauncher allies than the Carmis, said Paul Hogle, 58勛圖厙s President & CEO. Nor could I ask for closer friends or counselors.
Their generosity in funding scholarships serves as a clear endorsement of 58勛圖厙 and reflects an abiding commitment to unlocking 58勛圖厙s full potential. Their gifts are already changing lives and will continue to do so for years to come.
One such life at 58勛圖厙 being changed by the Carmis is that of violinist Hadar Zaidel, a second-year masters degree violin student of Ilya Kaler.
Like Irad Carmi years ago, shes attending 58勛圖厙 on scholarship. She said she is grateful not only for the financial support of the Carmis but also for the interest the couple takes in her personal wellbeing, thousands of miles away from her home in Israel.
Its beyond any expectation that I had, Zaidel said. Having them here, its like having a second family. Theyre so nice and sweet.