Winifred E. Greenberg and Sidney M. Greenberg ’49
“It’s a living, growing thing.” That’s how Syracuse University College of Law alumnus Andrew Greenberg L’84 describes his most recent $1 million gift to Syracuse University to establish the Sidney M. ’49 and Winifred E. Greenberg Scholarships in honor of his mother and late father. Greenberg believes that giving a deserving student scholarship support opens the door to an opportunity to grow, thrive and contribute in ways that might otherwise not be possible.
Greenberg is clearly channeling his mother’s thoughts. “I don’t need to have my name plastered all over buildings,” says Winnie Greenberg, even though the couple’s generous support of many Syracuse nonprofits is clearly recognized in many places around the city. “A scholarship is a gift to a human being. And if we are going to continue to grow as a society, we need the youth coming up—more than ever at this particular time. We are at a crucial place in our society, and I am hoping that the youth of this nation are going to bring us back together where we should be. I have great hope for the young people.”
The University’s commitment to ensuring an unsurpassed student experience is a top priority of Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University. Gifts in support of students—including scholarship and financial aid, academic enrichment opportunities and independent research projects—bolster the ability for the University to attract and retain students with boundless potential.
The history of the Greenbergs’ philanthropy to Syracuse University and the City of Syracuse is a story of fandom, love and generosity. “Sid” Greenberg, described by his son Andrew as the “greatest salesman I’ve ever encountered,” turned East Syracuse Chevrolet into a highly successful car dealership and built lifelong relationships with customers and the local community. Together with his wife, Winnie, they supported the city’s cultural scene (Syracuse Stage, the Everson Museum of Art, the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra), civic organizations like the Fayetteville YMCA and the Central New York Jewish Home for the Aged/Menorah Park, and, most especially, recognized that Syracuse University was the “engine” driving growth and prosperity in Central New York.
That recognition—and a love for sports—drove the Greenbergs to become supporters of Syracuse University Athletics. They took young son Andy to every football game, creating a lifelong fan who drives up from his law office and home in Philadelphia to catch home games in Syracuse. Winnie says he began to memorize the names of every player at the age of 10. Even though Winnie graduated from Cornell University, she “adopted” her husband’s alma mater—and her children’s. “I bleed more Orange than I do Red,” says Winnie.
Sid graduated from Syracuse University in 1949 with a B.A. from the College of Arts and Sciences and the Maxwell School, where he majored in history. Daughter Gene graduated from Syracuse University in 1983 with a B.S. in human development from the Whitman School. Andy is a former member of the College of Law Board of Visitors and the SU Law Alumni Association. He has also served as a career mentor for the College of Law.
“Syracuse is our city,” says Winnie. “Our roots are very deep here.” While Sid spent more than 60 years in the car business, Winnie focused on retail, working in the family store, Edson’s. During their lifetime together (Sid died in 2013 at the age of 86), the Greenbergs gave more than $100,000 to the University, mostly to the Department of Athletics. After Sid passed away, Winnie, Andy and his sister, Gene Greenberg, continued the family’s support of SU Athletics by establishing the Sidney M. Greenberg Football Scholarship Fund in 2015 with $50,000 in gifts. The Greenberg Football Scholarship is awarded yearly to a first-year student in the Whitman School. Andy calls it a living legacy to his father and “a great way to honor somebody.”
Andy, who is a founding partner of Chartwell Law, with 19 offices located throughout the United States, continues the philanthropic legacy of his parents, committing well over a million dollars to the University. He has given to the Indoor Football Practice Facility Fund and the Lampe Athletics Complex Building Fund, among many other Athletics projects and funds.
But he insists that this latest gift—which will support academic scholarships within the Maxwell School, the College of Visual and Performing Arts and the Newhouse School—is all about his parents. And Winnie couldn’t be more grateful and proud.
“This gift from my son is really a tribute to my husband,” Winnie says. “He was a strong believer that we were very lucky in life, lucky in business, and you have to give back. We can afford to do it. And if we don’t, who will?”
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private research university that advances knowledge across disciplines to drive breakthrough discoveries and breakout leadership. Our collection of 13 schools and colleges with over 200 customizable majors close the gap between education and action, so students can take on the world. In and beyond the classroom, we connect people, perspectives and practices to solve interconnected challenges with interdisciplinary approaches. Together, we’re a powerful community that moves ideas, individuals and impact beyond what’s possible.
About Forever Orange
Orange isn’t just our color. It’s our promise to leave the world better than we found it. Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University is poised to do just that. Fueled by 150 years of fearless firsts, together we can enhance academic excellence, transform the student experience and expand unique opportunities for learning and growth. Forever Orange endeavors to raise $1.5 billion in philanthropic support, inspire 125,000 individual donors to participate in the campaign, and actively engage one in five alumni in the life of the University. Now is the time to show the world what Orange can do. Visit syracuse.edu/foreverorange to learn more.
