Couple provides lead gift for new preschool research laboratory

The University of Wisconsin–Madison and its School of Human Ecology announced today (Jan. 18) that Elliot and Frances Lehman have provided a $1 million lead gift for a teaching and research preschool laboratory, a key component of a new addition to the school’s historic building.

Elliot Lehman graduated from the university in 1938 at age 19 and is a former Human Ecology Board of Visitors member. He says of the preschool gift, “The child is the parent of the adult. How we are as children is very important in what we become as adults.”

The former co-chief executive of Fel-Pro, Lehman led the company to $500 million in annual sales and created a nationally recognized family friendly environment for employees. The company was later sold to Federal-Mogul.

Lehman treated his employees like family and introduced many innovative programs. Fel-Pro was one of the first U.S. companies to offer family leave, flexible hours and job-sharing. The company also provided a day-care center and held a summer day camp for employees’ children at its 220-acre recreation area. In 1993, Fel-Pro was the only corporation that President Bill Clinton invited to the landmark signing of the national Family Leave Act.

The Lehman family has a long-term interest in UW–Madison. “My identity and affection for the UW is unfathomed,” Lehman says. After graduating from a New York high school at age 15, Lehman registered as a freshman at UW–Madison, where an older brother was already a student. His father’s cousin, Selig Perlman, was also a well-known economics professor specializing in labor history.

“The UW has been most meaningful to … me and my family,” he says. Add to that the family’s interest in the welfare of children and research in early child development, and the natural result is the lead gift to the University Preschool.

“We thank Elliot and Frances for their vision and generosity in providing this gift, to enhance the University Preschool’s child development and research programs as they move into the 21st century and beyond,” says John D. Wiley, UW–Madison chancellor.

Robin Douthitt, dean of the School of Human Ecology, says, “I’m pleased that this lead preschool gift comes from a UW alumnus whose life exemplifies the importance of family and service. The Lehmans’ gift will serve as the inspirational story to help us complete the funds needed to build a state-of-the-art research facility.”

The total estimated cost of the Human Ecology addition and renovation is $48 million in 2007 dollars, with nearly $24 million coming from private sources. Program revenue, including parking, is expected to cover $2.5 million, with the remainder to be requested from state-supported borrowing.

Constructed in 1913, the Human Ecology Building has been the school’s home base since fall 1914. Facilities also include the Human Development and Family Studies Building, built in 1941, and the current Preschool Building, completed in 1955. “Our facilities do not begin to meet the demands of our growing programs,” Douthitt says.

The Preschool Laboratory provides child care to about 120 children annually and serves as a research facility for faculty and graduate students around campus. A staff of 16 has a collective 177 years experience at the preschool and 307 years of total experience in early childhood education. In an industry often noted for high turnover, staff have worked at the preschool an average of 11 years.

Human Ecology faculty members serve as principal investigators on grants totaling $7 million and as co-principal investigators on grants totaling $55 million. The school offers undergraduate programs in human development and family studies; retailing; interior design; consumer science; textile and apparel design; community leadership; and teacher certification in family, consumer and community education. It enrolls 1,000 undergraduate students and 100 graduate students.

The Lehmans’ gift was made as part of Create the Future: The Wisconsin Campaign, a $1.848 billion effort, which invited those who care about UW–Madison to build on the university’s strength and momentum to create an even more vibrant institution.