June 15, 2023 – The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) presented an Honorary Fellowship to prominent executive and Jewish leader, I. Steven Edelson, on June 12th during the 86th Board of Governors Meeting in Jerusalem, Israel. 

Mr. Edelson, a leader in finance and real estate, has been chairman of The Mercantile Companies, Inc., since the mid-1980s. He also co-founded International Facilities Group (IFG), which provides focused project management services to municipalities, professional sports teams, commercial clients, and lenders. Steven serves on the board of directors of BioNanoSim and is an advisor to MyOR, Autobrains AI, Fitto, Kol Tov Agriculture, SoCo, and Impact Foods, all Israel-based companies in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, agriculture, plant-based foods, AI, and mobility. 

His Jewish leadership roles include serving as the newly elected secretary of the American Friends of the Hebrew University (AFHU) National Board of Directors and as president of the AFHU Midwest Region. He also serves on the national AFHU Board’s Executive and Nominations Committees. In 2015, he was honored as an AFHU Leader of Distinction. 

“We welcome I. Steven Edelson into the ranks of the Hebrew University Honorary Fellows in celebration of his meaningful and ongoing relationship with the university, beginning with his time studying at HU, and continuing through his leadership and his dedicated service on the University’s Board of Governors, the Truman Institute, and the Rothberg International School,” said HU President Prof. Asher Cohen.  

“I am humbled and honored to receive this Fellowship from Hebrew University. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is recognized throughout the world as a research institution whose research and scholarship has touched virtually all of humanity,” Mr. Edelson said. 

Mr. Edelson received the 2005 Ellis Island Medal of Honor from the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations in recognition of his professional achievements and commitment to preserving his heritage. 

He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Roosevelt University in Chicago.  

A Chicago native, Steven and his wife, Carol have six adult children.