Goldblatt Earns Top Volunteer Award

INDIANAPOLIS – Simon Youth Foundation (SYF) recognized Dr. Lawrence Goldblatt, Dean of the Indiana University School of Dentistry, on March 23 for his selfless devotion to the foundation with the Volunteer Award of Excellence.

IUPUI Chancellor Charles Bantz hosted a gathering of Dr. Goldblatt’s fellow deans for the surprise presentation. He received the award for his work in support of at-risk and economically challenged youth across the country. Created in 2003 to recognize outstanding voluntary achievement, Dr. Goldblatt is one of only 13 to receive the award since its inception.

In conjunction with Jim Pipino, Youngstown, OH, who received his award earlier in the month, Dr. Goldblatt was instrumental in the formation and implementation of an initiative called the Committee of 200, which raised $202,000 in just 18 months for SYF and its network of 21 alternative high schools. The Committee of 200 received minimum contributions of $1,000 from donors, in order to support capital needs and scholarships for each location.

In his nomination letter, Dr. Richard Markoff, Executive Director, SYF, said, “Dr. Goldblatt is a highly successful and incredibly busy professional and community leader. And yet, his dedication to at-risk youth has made a definite impact on the lives of numerous ERC students, today and for many years to come.”

Simon Youth Foundation, established in 1998, exists to foster and improve educational opportunities, career development and life skills for at-risk youth. SYF accomplishes its mission through two initiatives: Education Resource Centers that enable students to complete high school and a multidimensional scholarship program that helps graduates to pursue additional education opportunities. The foundation has awarded more than $2.4 million in post-secondary scholarships and operates 21 alternative schools in 11 states.