University of Memphis Launches Broad New Scholarship Program with Support from Alumnus Burton Weil
More than 50 years after earning his MBA from the University of Memphis, Burton Weil is giving back in a big way. Beginning this fall, the university will launch the Weil Scholars Program—a broad-reaching scholarship initiative designed to support top-tier undergraduate, graduate, and law students with financial aid, networking, and professional development opportunities.
Funded by the Burton Weil Family Foundation and administered through the Jewish Foundation of Memphis, the program will begin by supporting 26 students, including two medical students at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. University officials expect the number of recipients to grow as the program builds momentum, with potential to become the largest philanthropic gift in U of M history.
“The breadth and depth of this program’s reach will have a lasting impact on the U of M and will elevate our national recruitment efforts,” said University of Memphis President Bill Hardgrave.
In its first year, 12 first-year undergraduates, 10 graduate students, and two law students will be selected. Undergraduate recipients will receive $10,000 per year, renewable annually, while graduate and law students will receive substantial financial support based on eligibility.
Beyond funding, the program also offers students access to seminars, research opportunities, and other enrichment experiences. Students must meet high academic standards: undergraduates must have a GPA of at least 3.5 and qualify for the Helen Hardin Honors College; graduate students must maintain a 3.75 GPA; and law students must have a minimum 3.6 GPA and a 157 LSAT score. Graduate students must also be pursuing degrees in biomedical engineering, business administration, computer science, data science, engineering, or public health.
The program is loosely modeled on the Jefferson Scholars program at the University of Virginia, which offers elite students full scholarships, travel, and professional growth opportunities.
Abby Parrill, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, emphasized that the program is designed to help U of M compete nationally for top talent across both undergraduate and research-focused graduate programs.
“We are building this from the ground up,” added Hannah Waldman, senior director of principal gifts and advancement. “We’re thinking about everything—from recruitment to leadership engagement, internships, mentorships, and job connections. It’s really quite a comprehensive endeavor.”
The scholarship also supports U of M’s efforts to maintain its Carnegie R1 research designation, a prestigious status the university earned in 2021. Bringing in high-achieving students and boosting research activity are both essential components of maintaining that ranking.
Burton Weil, who also holds a law degree from Vanderbilt and founded the private equity firm Venture Associate Partners, hopes his contribution will help students thrive—and help the city grow.
“It’s a privilege for me to help these outstanding students by providing them with the financial support they need so they can develop their talents and pursue their passions,” Weil said. “It is my hope that they will grow to love Memphis as much as I do.”
