Couple's final gift: $8 million for college-bound students

ST. LOUIS -- When Barbara Lubin died earlier this year at age 97, she left a surprise gift from herself and her late husband: $8 million to help needy students attend college.

The couple's gift -- $4 million each to Washington University and Saint Louis University -- was presented to the universities Wednesday by US Bank. The money will establish the Max and Barbara Lubin Scholarship Fund, to assist humanities students with exceptional abilities but financial needs.

Max Lubin, who made money in real estate and insurance, died in 1972. Barbara Lubin was 97 when she died earlier this year. The couple had no children.

Value of good education

"My uncle and aunt had little formal schooling themselves, yet they believed strongly in the value of a good education," said Tom Green, Max Lubin's nephew. "They never had children to send to college themselves, so instead they decided to send hundreds of kids from other families to school. I am very proud of what they have done."

The $4 million for Saint Louis University is the largest-ever donation for the humanities there, university officials said.

"Scholarships play an important role in attracting the brightest and most imaginative students," Saint Louis University president Lawrence Biondi said. "Mr. and Mrs. Lubin's generous gift certainly will help us enhance our humanities programs."

US Bank senior vice president Ann Wells said the bequest was the largest disbursed by the bank -- the nation's eighth-largest -- this year.

The couple gave to many charities over the years.

Max Lubin favored the Jewish community Center and founded the Lubin-Green Foundation with his nephew. Barbara Lubin, a Catholic, favored Catholic charities.