A gift of Dewey D. Stone of Brockton, MA, a long-time supporter of Dr. Chaim Weizmann, founder of the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science (1944), and founding Chairman of the Institute’s International Board (until1971).
The building was designed by architects Arie Elhanani and Nissan Canaan and reflects the minimalistic industrial style of the 1960s, befitting its function as headquarters for the Institute’s administration. The ground level lobby features a portrait of Dewey Stone by painter Boris Chaliapin (1904-1979), and Stone's bust by Robert Berks.
Dewey David Stone (1900-1977) was born in Brockton, Massachusetts. He served as a Sergeant Major in World War I, graduated from Boston University in 1920 and married Anne Abrams, also of Brockton, in 1923.
Stone played a role in U.S. politics, providing funds that aided Harry Truman in securing the 1944 Vice Presidential nomination and raising money for Truman's 1948 presidential campaign. He also assisted John F. Kennedy in his 1952 senatorial campaign by providing him the opportunity to address Massachusetts Jewish leaders. (Kennedy had had difficulty procuring invitations from Jewish organizations, due to his father's previous endorsement of Adolf Hitler). Stone also served as an advisor to Kennedy during his presidential campaign.
Dewey Stone was a leading figure in the American Zionist movement. In 1946, Stone headed the U.S. operation to acquire boats to bring survivors of the Holocaust into Palestine, and during the 1947-1948 United Nations debates, he played a major role in securing votes for the UN resolution for the partition of Palestine. After the resolution was passed, he helped Dr. Weizmann secure President Truman's recognition of Israel.
Stone was active in many Jewish organizations, serving as National Chair of the United Jewish Appeal (1955- 1963), of the United Israel Appeal (1960-1968), and of the Jewish Agency (1960-1968). He received many awards and honors, among them Honorary Fellow of the Weizmann Institute (1960).
Through the Stone Charitable Foundation, funding has been provided for the construction of the Stone Administration Building, an endowment for its upkeep, and various other projects on campus: scholarships, fellowships, a Career Development Chair, and general funds. The Stone family’s commitment to the Institute is carried on by the third generation of Dewey Stone’s descendants. His nephew, Theodore (Ted) H. Teplow, has served for many years on the Institute’s International Board and on the board of the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute, and received an honorary Ph.D. degree for his services to the Institute (2002). Ted's son, David I. Teplow, joined the Institute’s International Board in 2003.