IRA Rollover Gifts Help Fund Student Scholarship Support

Portrait of Joel E. Cohen C’61, painted by Jon R. Friedman (MFA, Cranbrook Academy of Art, 1971), 2018

Joel E. Cohen C’61 has always loved math. In junior high school, his curiosity to know more drove Cohen to teach himself mathematical concepts far ahead of his grade level. When his local high school would not allow Cohen to test into more advanced math classes, his guidance counselor told his parents about Cranbrook. “They said if I could get a full scholarship, I could go,” Cohen says. “Cranbrook gave me a full scholarship from the Ruth Arie Klein Scholarship Fund and allowed me to take the final exams (which I passed) on the math I claimed to have learned.”

Cohen went on to earn his bachelor’s degree and Ph.D. in applied mathematics and another doctorate in public health from Harvard University. He is still enjoying his nearly 60-year career as an award-winning researcher in mathematical population biology. In gratitude and to honor his parents, siblings, and children, he established the Cohen Family Scholarship Fund at Cranbrook Schools in 1999. Cohen continues to contribute annually to the fund with his IRA required minimum distributions. These IRA rollover gifts provide Cohen with tax benefits and, more important, allow him to enjoy the satisfaction that comes from supporting Cranbrook’s mission.

“Every kid who wants to learn and is willing to work hard deserves a break,” Cohen says. “Cranbrook gave me a break. It means a lot to me to be able to help Cranbrook do the same for today’s young people.” Cohen hopes his gifts will inspire others to do something similar. “Start giving while you’re young so you can see your investments in Cranbrook multiply,” he says. “The experience of giving pays you back.”