David J. Geller: The Rewards of the Long View

As a real estate developer and consultant, David J. Geller has grown accustomed to taking risks. He believes in "aiming high" and having what he calls "the long view."

"I think the world would be a better place if more companies and individuals pursued projects that have transformative potential but may take a long time to accomplish," he said.

It's an approach that has made him successful in business — and one that inspired him to support the Weizmann Institute of Science.

David became a Weizmann supporter after a friend invited him to attend the Institute's 2004 Global Gathering in Boston, where he lives. "I was extremely impressed by the scientific presentations and by the discussions I had between sessions," he recalled. "I knew that I wanted to become involved."

In the years since, he has taken an active role as a lay leader. As a member of the American Committee's National Board, he has focused on helping the Institute broaden its network of supporters in the Boston area. In 2016 he was elected to the Institute's International Board and now travels to the campus in Israel each year to meet with members of the worldwide Weizmann family.

What sets Weizmann apart, he says, is its commitment to recruit talented individuals — and then provide them with the resources and tools to follow their curiosity. "The Institute does not have faculty slots to fill," he explained. "When Weizmann hires a brilliant young scientist, they do so because they believe that this person has the potential to do something important in the long run."

He also admires the Institute's focus on "science for science's sake": "Weizmann has learned that basic science is commercially viable over time, but applications are not the goal. They are an offshoot of brilliance and expanding the boundaries of knowledge."

This philosophy has resulted in breakthroughs such as a revolutionary noninvasive treatment for prostate cancer — the product of a collaboration between the late Weizmann biochemist Prof. Yoram Salomon and plant scientist Prof. Avigdor Scherz. "Their progress happened over a span of 30 years," David noted. "Weizmann researchers are not afraid of failure. They understand that the biggest discoveries happen after many tries."

As he deepened his commitment to the Weizmann Institute's mission of "Science for the Benefit of Humanity," David shared his passion with the two most influential people in his life: his parents, Thelma and Seymour Geller. The Gellers had raised their three children in New York City, where David and his youngest sister Gail attended the prestigious Bronx High School of Science. Gail went on to become a tenured professor at Johns Hopkins University in the School of Medicine and the Berman Institute of Bioethics. David earned his bachelors at Wesleyan University, his law degree at Northeastern University, and his master's in real estate at MIT. His middle sister, Jane, attended the University of California, Irvine and holds a master's in education; she is now devoted to the performing arts in New York.

The family believes deeply in the importance of science, education, and public service (Thelma was a social worker for 20 years) as well as advocacy for the State of Israel. The Weizmann Institute combines each of these values, David said.

Thus, when he suggested the possibility of supporting Weizmann, "My parents quickly accepted and embraced it." Thelma and Seymour established a charitable remainder trust to benefit the Institute, a vehicle they have also used to support their daughters' chosen philanthropic causes. In 2014 they were inducted into the President's Circle, which recognizes esteemed philanthropists who have given $1 million or more to Weizmann. "They were thrilled," David recalled.

Today David has begun to think about his own legacy. His mother passed away a few months ago, and his father is now 95. Like his parents — his greatest role models — David decided to commit to an estate gift and become a member of the Vera and Chaim Weizmann Honor Society. "It was natural for me to follow in their footsteps," he said.

Although he has an interest in neuroscience, he has not designated his support for a specific area of research — allowing the Institute to determine where it would have the greatest impact. "I have tremendous respect for the brain trust that runs Weizmann, and my sense is that they are best equipped to decide how to utilize the gifts they receive," he explained.

By partnering with Weizmann, an institution that shares his "long view" and "measures progress by the decade," he believes he and other donors can help shape a brighter world for future generations: "The entire Weizmann Institute family represents the best of which humanity is capable."

As the Institute continues to pursue research with transformative potential, David looks forward to "many more years of service" in support of its vital mission. However, "The word 'service' puts the emphasis in the wrong direction," he said. "I feel that I am being served as much as I am serving. The rewards of seeing what forward-thinking scientists can accomplish — with our support — are enormous."