Robin Loewenberg Tebbe: Minds Matter
The Minds Matter Gala benefiting the Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern Medicine, recently honored a legendary volunteer, Robin Loewenberg Tebbe, who channeled the grief she felt at the loss of her late husband Louis Berger into initiatives to greatly aid the Institute in reimagining expectations for patient outcomes and experiences through innovative research, personalized care, holistic patient support programs, community outreach and advocacy. More than $1.5 million was raised at this year’s Minds Matter Gala which was attended by 400 guests.
The idea began in 1971 when Lou Malnati hosted a benefit for a scholarship fund in memory of his friend, Chicago Bears running back Brian Piccolo. After Lou Malnati passed away from cancer in 1978, his family expanded the Foundation’s focus to aggressively fund cancer and brain tumor research. The family made a transformational multimillion-dollar gift to the Northwestern Brain Tumor Institute, leading to the institute being officially renamed in honor of Lou and Jean Malnati.
A volunteer from her student days at the Latin School of Chicago whose life is a meaningful tapestry of business and volunteer leadership, Robin Tebbe was honored at Minds Matter for initiatives including the Magellan Chicago Spring 10K and Half Marathon. Her zeal is matched with great kindness surely learned from her mother Nancy who brought heart to many of Chicago’s social service organizations.
For Classic Chicago, highlighting the achievements of charismatic community visionaries is a privilege. And an honor as well to show photos as well of other community leaders who attended Minds Matter at the Four Seasons Chicago.
We recently sat down with Robin Tebbe who married tech entrepreneur and Chicago Booth School of Business Professor Mark Tebbe in June 2012 to talk about her work with the Malnati Brain Tumor Institute.
CCM: Can you walk us through the creation of the Magellan Chicago 10K and Half Marathon?
After my late husband Louis Berger was diagnosed with glioblastoma we immediately got involved with Northwestern’s Brain Tumor program. We decided to honor Louis and his doctors by creating a fundraiser to support research. We created the Magellan Chicago 10K and Half Marathon. After Louis died, his family and friends continued to support this effort. We co-sponsored the race for 5 years in our development at the Park at Lakeshore East and ran along the lakefront. The entire company supported me in this effort in running and volunteering.
CCM: Why was this event such a meaningful platform for raising awareness and funds for brain tumor research?
So many of our good friends were unaware of the program at Northwestern and they rallied to support the hospital’s research in Louis’ memory.
CCM: Has community involvement always been important to you, or was there a turning point that brought you deeper into this work?
I have always been involved to doing community work. I spend a great deal of my time now raising awareness and funding for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago. We sponsor programs and scholarships that are vital to so many young people in the Chicago area. Also, I am active within Chicago’s art community as a Trustee of the Museum of Contemporary Art and on the Architecture & Design Committee of the Art Institute.
CCM: How has your family shaped your approach to giving back and how has giving back shaped your family?
Both of my parents, Nancy and Jim Loewenberg, were active in charitable and civic institutions in Chicago. I raised my sons to give back and get involved. Philanthropy is an important part of our family dynamic. At an early age they were volunteering and donating their time and efforts to help others.
CCM: How did you first meet Dr. Chandler, co-director of MBTI and what is your favorite memory of him?
When I first met Dr. Chandler, he was my husband Louis’ surgeon. Louis was charming and a fun-loving character. He found humor in everything he did. Dr. Chandler provided a sense of calmness and comfort to him after he received this life-changing diagnosis.
CCM: When you look at the impact you and your family have made, what makes you most proud?
I am amazed as to what great human beings that my children have become. There is a sense of caring and pride in what they do. My father Jim Loewenberg was a real estate developer and Co-CEO of Magellan Development.
CCM: What do you hope others take away from your journey — especially families who have faced a circumstance like the one you and your family experienced?
I hope to raise awareness of the programs and research that the Malnati Brain Tumor Institute is doing. I recently toured the hospital with the co-directors Dr. Stupp & Dr. Heimburger. They are both doing such incredible research and have created a world class program. Giving back is such an important part of your life.
CCM: How does your husband Mark Tebbe support or share in that commitment?
After Louis died, I married tech entrepreneur Mark Tebbe and he has been a continuous pillar of support to me and my boys. He met Dr. Chandler early on in our marriage and formed a friendship and special bond with him. His children share our family values and they’ve offered my sons great support of our philanthropy.
Please enjoy more photos of the evening and continuing congratulations to Robin Tebbe.
