Milton and Mary Edelstein could hardly have imagined, when they married in 1917, that their children and grandchildren would carry their social and educational values forward in such meaningful and diverse ways.

Proprietors of a New York millinery manufacturing and importing business, the Edelsteins had a love of people and strong ties to their community. They raised two daughters, who each earned master's degrees during a time when it was uncommon for women to take up advanced studies. One daughter, Muriel, earned her master's degree in public administration from New York University.

Muriel and her husband, Marvin Gilman, moved to Wilmington in the mid-1960s with their children, Peter and Martha. Soon after arriving in Delaware, Muriel Gilman began her work at the United Way of Delaware--a career that spanned 22 years, much of it as executive vice president of that organization. She has received numerous honors but is most proud of the one she received with her husband--the Delaware State Chamber's Josiah Marvel Cup, awarded for outstanding service to the community and the state of Delaware. They were the first husband and wife to receive this special honor.

Muriel also was a consultant to the College of Nursing Campaign Committee, helping to raise more than $1 million in nursing scholarships.

In 1995, Muriel and her husband established the Muriel Gilman Scholarship Fund for Returning Students in Nursing.

Marvin Gilman, an economist, developer and homebuilder, was a tireless advocate for fair and affordable housing. Appointed by President Jimmy Carter, he served several terms on the board of directors of Fannie Mae, the Federal National Mortgage Association. Mr. Gilman also was a University of Delaware professor for 20 years, teaching housing finance, housing law, land use planning and administrative law. In 1992, he was appointed professor emeritus in UD's College of Urban Affairs and Public Policy, now a part of the College of Human Services, Education and Public Policy.

In 1994, the University of Delaware honored Mr. Gilman by establishing The Marvin S. Gilman/National Housing Endowment Scholarship, which is awarded to graduate students whose commitment to housing research best exemplifies Mr. Gilman's dedication to strengthening housing and national housing policy. In 1995, he became a member of the University's Board of Trustees, serving until his death in 1998.

Eight years ago, the Gilmans established the Milton and Mary Edelstein Prize in the College of Urban Affairs and Public Policy for master's degree and doctoral degree candidates, who, by their exceptional contributions to the college's research and public service programs, both exemplify the public service values of the school and enhance the well-being of the community. Earlier this year, Muriel along with son, Peter, and daughter, Martha, AS '74, endowed this fund, enabling the prize to become a full scholarship. Named after Muriel's parents, the endowment is known as The Milton and Mary Edelstein Scholarship for Public and Community Service.

"This scholarship is a family affair that helps students who are pursuing their interest in becoming community service professionals," Martha Gilman said. "We were moved at this year's Honors Day, when the scholarship, the culmination of our efforts, was awarded to Shana Payne."

Payne, of Newark, Del., is an American studies graduate from Yale University who is enrolled in CHEP's urban affairs master's program. Shana said the availability of the funds was a critical factor in her decision to pursue advanced studies at UD.

When she met the Gilmans, she was struck by the family's keen interest. "They were interested in meeting with me and learning about my studies," Payne said. She said she hopes after graduation next spring to go into the field of nonprofit and community development and help develop educational and youth policy.