Dr. Maurice Schankerman '51
Dr.
Maurice (Moe) Schankerman has never been satisfied with mediocrity.
His years as an elementary/junior high school teacher and principal
demonstrate a commitment to transcend the norm and create a
challenging, stimulating and unique environment for students and
teachers. His service to the community and to Butler reveals that
same determination.
Schankerman began his teaching career at School #45 in the
Indianapolis Public School system. He taught physical education and
science for seven years before he became an assistant principle. He
spent the majority of his career at Lew Wallace School #107. There,
he worked to maintain a high level of academic excellence as well
as respect among the staff.
On occasion, throughout the year, Schankerman prepared a
breakfast for the staff and, though he retired in 1990, he and his
wife of 40-plus years, Marilyn, still get together with current and
former #107 staff members.
He was a founding member of the Indiana Jewish Historical
Society and served as president of the Ohev Zedeck Cemetery
Association. In 2001, Butler honored him with the Robert Todd
Duncan Alumni Achievement Award.
Robert Todd Duncan Alumni Achievement Award
Born in Rensselaer, Ind., Dr. Maurice Schankerman has lived in
Indianapolis since 1947. He earned his bachelors degree from Butler
University in 1951, where he was president of Sigma Alpha Mu
fraternity and played varsity football for four years. He received
his doctorate in education from Indiana University. He completed
two years active duty with the United States Army and served in the
Indiana National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve. He was the recipient
of the Army Commendation for Outstanding Service.
Dr. Schankerman has worked as an elementary and junior high
school principal in the Indianapolis Public School system and as an
adjunct professor at IUPUI, the University of Indianapolis and
Butler. In 1993 the Dr. Maurice Schankerman Media Center of Lew
Wallace School #107 was dedicated in recognition of his leadership
and service to the school and community. He also has received the
Mayor's Proclamation, the City of Indianapolis Service Award, the
Society for Intensified Education Service Award, the Jewish
National Fund Service Award and the Freedom Foundation American
Educators Medal.
Dr. Schankerman is a founding member and past vice president of
the Indiana Jewish Historical Society. He currently serves as
president of the Ohev Zedeck Cemetery Association. As an executive
board member of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, he acts as chairperson
of the education roundtable. His participation in professional
activities includes the National Association of School Principals,
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Indiana
Association of School Principals, Phi Delta Kappa Professional
Association and volunteer services in the Indianapolis Public
Schools.
In 1972, he was asked to occupy a seat on the Hebrew Academy's
first board of directors, a post he has held with distinction ever
since as curriculum advisor. In June 1999, Dr. and Mrs. Schankerman
were recipients of the Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis Life
Distinguished Service Award.
Updated 2001