Honoring a Life of Purpose, Generosity, and a Lasting Commitment to Education
It is with profound sadness that Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF) mourns the passing of Dr. George Schieber, a distinguished economist, dedicated philanthropist, and cherished member of the TPF community whose generosity and commitment to education have helped shape the futures of young women from Türkiye.
A former World Bank economist, George dedicated his professional life to advancing economic development and improving opportunities for people around the world. Yet, beyond his professional accomplishments, he leaves behind an equally meaningful legacy: his belief in the power of education to transform lives and his determination to create opportunities for future generations.
In 2015, George established the Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award at TPF in loving memory of his wife, Sena Eken Schieber, an accomplished economist and pioneering international civil servant whose distinguished career included leadership roles at the International Monetary Fund and advising the Central Bank of Türkiye.
What began as a deeply personal tribute became an extraordinary investment in the future of young women. Through this award, George sought not only to honor Sena's remarkable life and achievements but also to ensure that her legacy would continue through generations of aspiring female economists.
Over the past decade, the award has supported 21 talented young women from Türkiye in pursuing graduate education in economics at leading universities in the United States. Each recipient represents an opportunity made possible, a barrier overcome, and a future enriched by George's vision and generosity.
George was far more than the founder of this award. He remained deeply invested in the accomplishments and aspirations of its recipients, encouraging them to think beyond their individual success and consider how their knowledge and talents could contribute to a more equitable and prosperous world. His philanthropy reflected a conviction that education is not simply a personal achievement but a responsibility to society.
For TPF, George exemplified the very best of philanthropy: giving rooted in love, guided by purpose, and sustained by a belief in the potential of others. He showed us how a personal legacy could become a shared opportunity, connecting generations through knowledge, compassion, and service to others.
As we remember George, we do so with immense gratitude for the trust he placed in TPF, the partnership we shared, and the lives he helped transform. His legacy will endure not only through the award but also through the accomplishments, contributions, and leadership of the women who follow in Sena's footsteps.
We extend our deepest condolences to George's family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.
George's life reminds us that one of the most meaningful ways to honor those we love is to create opportunities for others. While Sena's accomplishments inspired the award, it was George's devotion, generosity, and vision that brought it to life and sustained it for more than a decade. Through the Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award, that spirit of generosity will live on for generations to come.
With heartfelt gratitude and remembrance,
The Turkish Philanthropy Funds Family