How One Couple is Using Their Estate Plan to Support Engineering Scholarships

Since moving to Arizona more than twenty years ago, Judy and Leith Baletin have cherished the benefits of their membership in the Brandeis National Committee (BNC) – new friendships, reading groups, and, most importantly, advocacy for Brandeis University.

Judy was the first to join the BNC – the philanthropic group founded alongside the university to support its libraries, which today holds educational and social events for its members. Once settled in Scottsdale, she encouraged Leith to get involved. Although initially hesitant, Leith joined the chapter’s men’s group, and was soon meeting new people, attending events, and, like Judy, loving it. Before long he ascended to vice president of membership, then to executive vice president. He also served as president of the Scottsdale chapter.

Now, as they consider ways to give back, the couple has outlined in their estate plan a wish to use assets from the sale of their home to create scholarships for engineering students. “We have been fortunate and managed our money well,” said Judy, a retired educator. “Our house will make a sizable gift.”

Brandeis’s new Engineering Program will officially launch in 2026. Leith enjoyed a long career as an engineer, but didn’t know Brandeis existed when he was looking at schools. “I would definitely have wanted to go there,” he said, noting the limitations of siloed engineering programs.

“What excites us about Brandeis and the new engineering program," continued Leith, “is the crossover between the humanities and engineering. Engineers benefit from an interdisciplinary educational environment like Brandeis. It makes them better at solving complex problems.”

Judy and Leith had hoped to visit campus for a long time; they finally did during last year’s 75th anniversary celebration. The Baletins were enthralled meeting Brandeis students, whom they described as enthusiastic and motivated. “It was a life-changing experience,” said Leith.

“I would encourage anyone considering their legacy to have a look at Brandeis for the well-rounded education they offer,” he said. “It’s no wonder that Brandeis has produced so many successful alumni. Brandeis has it all. We are happy to help ensure that it continues to make the world a better place.”