Saundra Schneider and Henry “Hank” Heitowit. Photo Credit: Michael McIntyre
The Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) Summer Program in Quantitative Methods of Social Research is widely recognized throughout the world social science community as the preeminent training facility for research methodology and statistical analysis. The ICPSR Summer Program has had several Directors over its 54-year history. But, one of these stands out for his profound influence on the Program and everyone who has been associated with it: Henry “Hank” Heitowit. Hank became Director of the ICPSR Summer Program in 1981 and he served in that capacity until 2007.
Hank played a major role in making the Summer Program what it is today: The world’s leading resource for training in methodology and research technology across the social, behavioral and health sciences. One of the most important aspects of Hank’s legacy has been the Summer Program’s profound impact on the careers and lives of its participants, instructors, and staff. Under Hank’s leadership, the Program developed into a one-of-a-kind learning experience that offers not only wide-ranging and superbly taught courses in analytical methods, but also a uniquely supportive, informal and inclusive environment. The ongoing result is a close knit and ever-growing community of dedicated scholars, congenial colleagues and lifelong friends.
ICPSR Summer Program students listen attentively to their lecturer
The Henry “Hank” Heitowit Scholars Fund: Providing Financial Assistance To Deserving Summer Scholars
Every year, a sizable number of former Summer Program participants want to come back to the Program to strengthen their research capabilities. But, for a variety of reasons, many are unable to do so. Current ICPSR Summer Program Director Saundra Schneider helped establish the Henry “Hank” Heitowit Scholars Fund to aid people in this situation and to honor Hank’s several decades of devoted service to the Summer Program and its participants.
The immediate goal for the Heitowit Fund is $60,000. This endowment will generate a yearly return that is sufficient to support one participant in the four-week sessions of the ICPSR Summer Program. Several people made initial contributions to the Heitowit Scholars Fund to get us halfway to our goal. So your help is needed. Please use the enclosed reply card to pledge your support. Your generosity will enable deserving individuals to return to the ICPSR Summer Program, and it will help sustain Hank Heitowit’s legacy for years to come. Gifts of any amount are valued and important. But donors who contribute $500 or more will receive special recognition: Their names will be included on a plaque that will be displayed permanently at ICPSR.
