Florida Atlantic University has received a $1.6 million donation from Boca Raton resident Bob Schattner. The funds will be used to continue the scholarships Schattner established 15 years ago for students in the College of Business.
The Robert L. Schattner Entrepreneurial Scholarship in Business was created in 2010 to support students with financial need who have taken at least one entrepreneurship class and who may start their own businesses in the future. More than 30 students have received support from these scholarships so far. Schattner also set up a separate fund to help students facing life challenges that could disrupt their education.
“Bob generously donated his time, talent and treasures to support students in our College of Business over the past 15 years, and we truly appreciate him embracing Florida Atlantic as his hometown university,” said FAU President Adam Hasner. “This most recent contribution will carry on Bob’s legacy of helping today’s students become the business leaders of the future.”
Schattner was the founder of Omnimed, Inc., a medical supply manufacturing company in New Jersey. He had experience in marketing, management, finance, and held several patents for medical equipment. Schattner often mentored student entrepreneurs and shared his business knowledge.
“He wanted to be connected to the students, and he wanted to give of his knowledge,” said Shula Fleischer, his longtime partner. “He had such varied experiences. Through these scholarships, his legacy can live on forever.”
Schattner was also involved in civic activities, volunteering at Boca Regional Hospital and Florida Atlantic University. He developed and taught the Entrepreneurial Studies Program at Burlington County College and was an inaugural member in 2012 of the Entrepreneur in Residence program at FAU’s Adams Center for Entrepreneurship.
“Bob was simultaneously patient but also pushed students to achieve by maintaining high expectations,” said Kevin Cox, Ph.D., director of the Adams Center for Entrepreneurship. “The students here benefitted greatly from Bob’s extensive experience in medical and manufacturing industries.”
