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Since 1996 Shaol and Evie Pozez and Louis and Ruthann Pozez have been the major supporters of
the Judaic Studies Lectureship Series. In fact, without their support, the Series would not have enjoyed the success that it has over the past several years. Moreover, Judaic Studies at The University of Arizona would not have enjoyed the successes it has were it not for the support and encouragement of the Pozez families.
Sadly, Shaol Pozez passed away on November 15, 1999. Shaol was deeply involved in our community in a host of meaningful ways. He was one of the beacons of our community, readily offering his wisdom and support to a wide range of social, cultural, political, and educational endeavors. His philanthropy is as well known in his other home town of Topeka, Kansas as it is in Tucson. Shaol and his cousin Louis Pozez founded and operated Payless Shoes. This international enterprise started with one store in Topeka, Kansas in 1956, went public in 1962 with 32 stores, and now has well over 5,000 stores in the United States, Canada, and abroad. Thus, Shaol's contributions to this world reached many corners of our city, state, nation, and even to Israel.
Apart from his business success and his commitment to philanthropy, Shaol Pozez was also very politically involved, supporting numerous politicians-both Democrats and Republicans-whom he counted as close friends. Being from Kansas, he supported people and causes there as well as in Tucson and Arizona. On the national level he supported his personal friends Senators Bob Dole, John McCain, and Jon Kyle, as well as Representative Jim
Kolbe.
Above all, however, Shaol adored his family and had no greater joy than being in their company. Shaol was gracious and friendly to everyone he met. He had a cheerful and humorous disposition, and he was well-liked by all who knew him. By his actions and his character he was a model to us all.
Shaol Pozez's life made a difference; he had a tremendous impact for good in this world. Because he was such a model person and such a strong supporter of the UofA Judaic Studies program and especially of the Distinguished Lecture Series, the Series is now named in his honor-The Shaol Pozez
Memorial Lectureship Series. This is just one way to remember Shaol Pozez. But in all honesty a lectureship series named in his honor is simply not enough. We can best memorialize Shaol Pozez by following his example, by continuing his tradition of Tikkun
Olam, "repairing the world," making it a better place for everyone. We trust that the lectures in this series contribute toward this goal in some way.
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