The Life and Philanthropy of Robert Menschel

Robert Menschel was a renowned American businessman and philanthropist. He was born in 1938 in New York City.

Growing up, Menschel's family struggled financially, but he managed to attend Harvard University. This experience would later shape his approach to philanthropy.

Menschel's business career spanned over four decades, with significant roles at companies like Berkshire Hathaway and Goldman Sachs.

Robert Menschel's early life was marked by a strong family presence. His father was a real estate investor.

Growing up, Menschel had a sibling who would also go on to achieve great things in the business world. He has a brother, Richard, who is also a Goldman Sachs senior director and philanthropist.

Menschel's educational background began at a prestigious institution. He graduated from Syracuse University's College of Business Administration in 1951.

Robert Menschel's career spans over six decades, starting in 1954 at Goldman Sachs.

He began his career at Goldman Sachs in 1954, a remarkable achievement that has stood the test of time.

As a senior director, Menschel has earned a significant amount of wealth, including $20 million in shares when Goldman Sachs became a public company in 1999.

Menschel is now retired from his position as a senior director at Goldman Sachs.

Robert Menschel has been a dedicated philanthropist and political supporter throughout his career. He was first elected to the board of trustees of Syracuse University in 1981 and served for over two decades.

Menschel has financially supported several institutions, including the Light Work photography center, the Robert B. Menschel Media Center, and the Robert B. Menschel Photography Gallery. He also donated 162 photographs to the Museum of Modern Art.

Menschel has held various leadership positions, including chairman, president, trustee, and chairman of the executive committee of the Museum of Modern Art. He is also a member of Bill Clinton's President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities.

Here are some notable institutions and organizations Menschel has been involved with:

Robert B. Menschel was first elected to the board of trustees of Syracuse University in 1981. He served as a voting trustee for over two decades.

Menschel's dedication to Syracuse University is evident in his financial support for various centers and galleries, including the Light Work photography center and the Robert B. Menschel Media Center.

He also donated 162 photographs to the Museum of Modern Art, where he has held various leadership roles since 1977.

Menschel's philanthropic efforts extend beyond the arts, as he serves on the board of trustees of the NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital.

Here are some of the notable positions he has held:

Menschel's commitment to philanthropy has been recognized with the 2015 Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy, which he won alongside his brother Richard.

I've always been fascinated by the intersection of art and philanthropy. Robert B. Menschel was a generous donor who made a significant impact on the art world.

He gifted over 100 photographs to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. These photographs are from the 19th and 20th centuries and showcase a range of styles and techniques.

One of the earliest gifts was William Henry Fox Talbot's "The Reverend Calvert Jones in the Cloisters at Lacock Abbey" from 1845. This salted paper print is a rare example of early photography.

Menschel's gifts also include works by American 19th-century photographers, such as "American 19th Century, Portrait of a Man" from around 1850. This daguerreotype is a testament to the early days of photography.

In the 20th century, Menschel gifted works by notable photographers like Edward Weston and György Kepes. Weston's "Neil – Asleep" from 1925 is a beautiful example of his modernist style.

These gifts not only enrich the National Gallery of Art's collection but also provide a glimpse into the history of photography.

Robert Menschel was a devoted philanthropist, dedicating his life to giving back to his community.

He was a pioneer in the field of photography, co-founding the photography company Polarooid in 1937.

Menschel's philanthropic efforts were instrumental in the development of the Yale University Art Gallery's photography collection.

He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, cherished by his loved ones.

Menschel's generosity extended to his alma mater, Yale University, where he supported the School of Art and Architecture.

He was a true leader in his community, serving on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Yale Corporation and the Whitney Museum of American Art.

Menschel's legacy continues to inspire and motivate others to make a positive impact in the world.