Sherwin Seligsohn
Sherwin Seligsohn, renowned for his visionary spirit and boundless generosity, left an indelible imprint on the world, transcending both professional and personal spheres.
In 1968, when smartphones were a distant dream, Sherwin envisioned a device that would allow him to check his stocks from the beach. He recognized an opportunity and envisioned a portable device that could enable him to stock trade from anywhere. He was often able to see solutions where others couldn’t see the problem: “People could not see the future as clearly as Sherwin,” a young friend, Stephen Satell, once said.
This distant dream laid the groundwork for International Mobile Machines Corporation (IMM) which was founded in 1971. Those pioneering efforts came to fruition with the creation of the first portable mobile phone with data capability. In 1993, Sherwin visited the electrical engineering school at Princeton University, where he observed groundbreaking research in self-emissive organic materials. Witnessing a green dot illuminated briefly by a 9-volt battery, Sherwin envisioned the future of display technology, setting the stage for the inception of his company, Universal Display Corporation.
Founded in 1994 with a sponsored research contract from Princeton University, Universal Display began its journey with the ambitious goal of creating the next generation of displays. Armed with a vision of energy-efficient organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), the company started with three part-time employees and one pending patent and became a publicly traded company in 1996. Fast forward nearly two decades, and Universal Display has transformed from an R&D startup to a global leader in the OLED industry, incorporated into almost every smartphone on the planet.
At the 2016 Philadelphia Legacies Awards it was said, “if there is anyone who was born in Philadelphia who has both the imagination and the intelligence of Albert Einstein, it is Sherwin Seligsohn.”
Yet, Sherwin's legacy extends beyond his outstanding professional success and technological innovation. He was a devoted father, breaking stereotypes by prioritizing his role at home. Amidst financial challenges, his generosity knew no bounds, channeling resources into charitable causes and education, guided by Jewish values. His establishment of scholarships and school buildings provided vital support to countless children.
As a father, Sherwin exemplified integrity, discipline, and the richness of Jewish tradition, fostering a home environment anchored in trust and respect. His mantra, "Your word is your bond," echoed through his actions and teachings.
Today, we honor Sherwin Seligsohn's lasting legacy — a trailblazer who revolutionized the world of technology while leaving an indelible mark through his generosity and contributions. His foresight and intellect, along with his commitment to family, continues to resonate at Kohelet Yeshiva, shaping the lives of students and future generations.
Scott Seligsohn
Scott Seligsohn's upbringing offered a unique perspective, straddling both the Main Line and the Northeast section of Philadelphia during the 1960s and 1970s. Surrounded by close cousins, the Shafers and the Lisses, Scott found a second family during many Shabbat and Yom Tov gatherings. Scott's familial ties intertwined with the roots of Stern Hebrew High School, situated in the very building that his grandparents, Barney and Estelle Glazer, had once supported.
Scott's journey with Stern Hebrew High School, and now Kohelet Yeshiva, transcends generations. With a deep appreciation for the school’s mission and the emphasis it places on deepening its students' love and appreciation for Eretz Yisrael, Scott has been one of Kohelet Yeshiva's most integral and devoted partners. Having witnessed his children flourish within the halls of our school, Scott celebrates the school's role in nurturing confident Bnei and Bnot Torah and he always demonstrates great respect for the vital role that our teachers and administrators play in our students continued religious and academic growth.
Scott's journey embodies a commitment to nurturing the next generation of Jewish leaders, grounded in the values of education, community, and faith. As he continues to invest in Kohelet Yeshiva, Scott embraces his role in shaping a vibrant Jewish future, enriched by the timeless lessons of Torah and tradition.