History of the Applebaums

Applebaum Family Philanthropy

Applebaum Family Philanthropy is defined by and follows the extraordinary legacy of leadership, mentorship, and philanthropy of Eugene Applebaum. The mission of Applebaum Family Philanthropy is to build upon Eugene's enduring legacy, by engaging in strategic relationships to provide life-changing opportunities, and ultimately ensure a stronger community.

History of the Applebaums

Who was Eugene Applebaum?

Eugene Applebaum was a beloved community leader, mentor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. A lifelong resident of Detroit, Applebaum was born in 1936, son of European immigrants Minnie and Joseph Applebaum. Instilled at a young age with the importance of hard work and responsibility, he lived his life dedicated to building excellence.

By the age of 27, Eugene had graduated from pharmacy school and began growing a neighborhood business; his first drug store. His desire for success went hand-in-hand with his commitment to providing valuable knowledge to his community of customers. Over the course of his career, Arbor Drugs was built as the model for local drug stores growing to over 200 locations with innovative solutions and best in practice– from retail formats, to employee training, to owning each real estate location. The company’s growth & success were attributed to his unwavering attention to detail, commitment to his staff, and dedication to his customers.

A Commitment to Community

Throughout his life, Eugene had a passion for giving back and helping to lead the community that supported him along the way. He was most passionate about the rebirth in Detroit and developing health care education for future generations.

In 1998, Eugene provided a major gift and led the overall capital campaign to provide top-quality, state-of-the-art educational experiences for students and research opportunities for faculty and scientists at his alma mater, Wayne State Pharmacy School. His leadership ensured the creation of what is now the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. His dedication to supporting the health care advancement did not end there. He was a champion for education and research at many institutions, including Mayo Clinic and Brigham and Women’s Hospital where his named endowments and professorships pioneer leadership and innovation.

The Beginning of the Marcia & Eugene Applebaum Simulation Learning Institute

Eugene believed that Beaumont should be the best in high quality health care and education. To help ensure this, Eugene wanted the hospital to attract premier medical professionals. There came the vision: the future of medical education & training was going to be simulation learning. Eugene set the course to champion the establishment of a state-of the art simulation learning institute.

Eugene and his wife, Marcia, made a multi-million dollar gift for the Marcia and Eugene Applebaum Simulation Learning Institute to be built and designed to change the way health care professionals learn and train. With its state-of-the-art equipment and experienced staff, it was created to be utilized as a system-wide resource to teach trainees, students, residents, nurses, surgical technicians to provide the best care practice.

Lasting Legacy

Today, the facility now includes nontechnical training for physicians to learn ways to interact with patients, navigating difficult scenarios, or patient family dynamics. The goal is to accommodate any kind of practitioner who wants to simulate something in advance of practical scenarios.

The facility has grown, serving more than 10,000 learners for nearly 900 programs. Dr. Kathryn Ziegler, general surgery specialist and an assistant professor of surgery, serves as Executive Director of the Eugene & Marcia Applebaum Simulation Learning Institute. Under her leadership, supported by an additional major commitment from Applebaum Family Philanthropy, the Institute has updated its simulation technology, enhanced the educational curriculum, and is poised to grow its innovative training footprint well into the future.

Eugene's legacy continues to impact individuals and communities through this community and beyond. His family is proud to carry forward his enduring example of leadership and generosity. You can learn more about Eugene's life, legacy and impact through the Eugene Applebaum Legacy website.