Herrendorf Family Foundation: Nursing Scholarship

The Herrendorf Family Foundation was established by Hershel Herrendorf. His life-long legacy of success and commitment to the community is continued through the work of the foundation led by his daughter, Kasondra.

Hershel was born in Haifa, Israel, on July 8, 1949. At 11 years old, he and his family moved from Israel to Chicago to be closer to his mother’s two brothers. Hershel began working at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange at age 16, becoming extremely successful by 21. His hard work, motivation and drive were influenced by his desire to provide for his family. While his passion for success was always top of mind, he valued his family first, ensuring those he loved were cared for. He died on May 16, 2014.

“Education was a topic I spoke to my father about often,” his daughter, Kasondra Cohen-Herrendorf, chief executive officer of the Herrendorf Family Foundation, said. “He felt education [was] the key to success if one could attain it. To be able to bring further education to a deserving scholar, in a city my father held so dear, is creating a legacy I have dreamt of for him and for my family. We thank Rush University for this opportunity.”

Kasondra and her team at the Foundation are focused on building relationships with Chicago-based organizations that directly impact the community. To that end, they have partnered with Rush to establish the Herrendorf Family Foundation: Nursing Scholarship. The scholarship supports students entering their fourth year of the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Rush University College of Nursing who plan to pursue community-based clinical projects with an intervention focus for youth. “Mental health awareness is so prevalent at this time, and it is something everyone should have access to support for. We are proud to partner with Rush University to bring this important type of care to the forefront” said Kasondra.