YUYESHIVA UNIVERSITYTo • NO. 8 ORIENTATION 2003 d • VOLUME 8 ay

Meet Hillel Davis Welcome From the President ■ New Vice President seeks These are years for dreaming dreams and growing toward “friendlier environment” their fulfillment. The YU community we share is a place where these dreams are given context, color, and luster. The pursuit of learning, engagement in Torah studies, and or Hillel Davis, PhD, lar senior-level positions at growth in the world of ideas and ideals are at our fingertips. exchanging the frene- Republic National Bank (cur- So are an array of opportunities that can enrich your life. tic pace of corporate life rently HSBC) and Citicorp/ for the challenges of Citibank, N.A. We are honored to be tour guides on this exciting journey, and Facademia is a task he relishes. A soft-spoken man with a want to help ensure its success. Therefore, we encourage you In both spheres, he has applied gentle yet strong presence, Dr. to become familiar with all the resources we make available— the values of commitment, Davis graduated from Yeshiva especially the human ones—and hope that you will not compassion and openness— College in 1973. He received a hesitate to use them. principles that he hopes will master’s degree in history from define his tenure as YU’s vice Graduate School Hillel Davis president of university life. of Jewish Studies and rabbinic Dr. Davis was recruited by ordination from Rabbi Isaac side, NY, where he is co-presi- YU’s new president Richard Elchanan Theological Semi- dent of Hebrew Academy of M. Joel with one clear charge: nary (RIETS) in 1975. He Long Beach, a member of the the investiture of the to create a campus environ- earned another master’s de- Board of Jewish Education of fourth president of ment that stresses respect, gree and a PhD in industrial/ , and is active in the more effective communica- organizational psychology Young Israel of Oceanside. He Richard M. Joel tion, and friendliness both in from New York University. is a close friend and colleague sunday, september 21, 2003 and outside the classroom. The son of a prominent rabbi of President Joel, and is in- 24 elul 5763 • 2:00pm Before joining YU, Dr. Davis in Chicago where he grew up, spired and motivated by their wilf campus • zysman hall • lamport auditorium worked as a senior vice presi- he never planned to be a pul- shared philosophy of kavod 186th street and amsterdam avenue dent of human resources at pit rabbi; but learning Torah ha’briot— respect for the dig- IDT Corporation, an interna- impacts his daily life and his nity of all of God’s creatures. tional telecommunications world view. FOR INFORMATION: [email protected] 212-960-5285 firm. Previously, he held simi- Dr. Davis lives in Ocean- continued on page 4

Midtown and Wilf Campuses Spruced Up and Upgraded

flurry of renovations sports a modern look—a chal- in 1994 that prompted acqui- and construction lenge in converting an existing sition of real estate, including projects was the office building into a college the former Cineplex Odeon order of business this and administrative building. movie theater on East 34th Asummer, as Yeshiva University Ascending from the lobby, Street (now the Geraldine upgraded facilities and spruced escalators take students and Schottenstein Cultural Center), up grounds for students’ faculty up to floors two and 215 Lexington Avenue, the return to both the Wilf and three, which house multi- 36th Street Residence Hall, Midtown campuses this fall. media seminar rooms, class- the Jerome and Geraldine “We are always looking for rooms, and faculty and ad- Schottenstein Residence Hall ways to improve the quality ministrative offices, including at 121 East 29th Street, and of life and environment for admissions and finance. 150 East 35th Street, a build- students” said Jeffrey Rosen- Spacious studio and gallery ing whose use has not yet garten, director of supporting rooms for SCW’s art depart- been determined. services administration. ment comprise the entire The University is also ne- Proposed design of the lower-level food court at Additional floors, each at eighth floor. Also planned is a gotiating to purchase 251 Lex- 215 Lexington Avenue approximately 10,000 square- “trendy,” 160-seat food court ington Avenue, which would feet, are scheduled for further and lounge on the lower level, establish a contiguous block of development. with final construction due SCW and SSSB campus build- for fall 2004. The building’s ings on Lexington Avenue. Midtown Campus air-conditioning system was The 36th Street Residence The new Norman F. Levy upgraded, and a new sprinkler Hall opened in 2001 after ren- Lobby at Stern College for Wo- system was installed. ovations, and houses 100 stu- men and Sy Syms School of “The continuing construc- dents. The front and back Business at 215 Lexington tion at 215 Lexington Ave- lounges were redecorated Avenue is set for completion nue, particularly the impres- through gifts from Marjorie Sept. 10. The 2,500 square-foot sive Norman F. Levy Lobby Diener Blenden and Anne and lobby is open and airy, and and the studio art spaces on Isidore Falk, respectively. includes a glass-enclosed area the eighth floor, fulfills a that provides additional semi- dream—to match the quality Wilf Campus nar and conference space, as of our facilities to the quality Students will notice an ex- well as a comfortable area for of our education,” said Karen panded and beautified plaza students to meet. Bacon, PhD, Dr. Monique C. adjacent to the Herbert and The lobby’s terrazzo floor- Katz Dean of SCW. Florence Tenzer Garden and Architect’s sketch of Danciger Quadrangle and the signature ing and stone walls replicate YU implemented a Mid- an enhanced Danciger Quad- sculpture recognizing the Wilf family Jerusalem stone. The space town Campus expansion plan rangle. continued on page 4

www.yu.edu/news/publications 2 YUToday Department of Student Department of Admissions Affairs–Midtown Campus (YC, SCW, SSSB) ( and Michael Kranzler Sy ) Director Dr. Efrem Nulman [email protected] Senior University Dean of 212-960-5277 Students Helen Moskowitz [email protected] Associate Director 212-960-5330 New Web Site Debuts [email protected] After many months of work, a completely time, will make the Web the prime medium Dean David Himber 212-960-5277 University Dean of Students redesigned Yeshiva University Web site de- for accessing knowledge about YU and re- Daniel Morris [email protected] buted on June 18. lated topics.” Assistant Director 212-960-5330 The site has new features, new naviga- The Web Advisory Committee includes [email protected] tion, and new links. “The new site repre- Sarah Bush, John Fisher, George Sullivan, Mrs. Zelda Braun, CSW 212-960-5277 sents the first step in changing the philoso- and Dale Hochstein. Mr. Ferrara noted that Assistant Dean of Students Carla Shron phy of how the Web is used at YU,” said the future of the YU Web will depend heav- [email protected] Assistant Director Peter L. Ferrara, who heads the Communi- ily on the input of deans, directors, faculty, 212-340-7715 cations and Public Affairs department, and staff, and even students, and on the [email protected] chairs the Web Advisory Committee. “The willingness of page “owners” to keep their Ms. Beth Hait, MS 212-960-5277 approach emphasizes the importance of pages fresh. Coordinator of Student Services our audiences or constituencies and over Please see www.yu.edu. [email protected] Department of Student Aid 212-340-7715 Robert Friedman Dr. Rochelle Ausubel, PhD Director Psychologist [email protected] [email protected] 212-960-5269 212-340-7715 Know Your Student Leaders Miriam Ezike Ms. Rachel Kraut, CSW Assistant Director WILF CAMPUS Director of Residence Life [email protected] Student Leader Organization Email Phone Number [email protected] 212-960-5269 Yummy Schacter YSU–President [email protected] 646-529-3608 212-212-340-7795 Amelia Gomes Yaniv Kerem YCSA–President [email protected] 646-245-8987 Associate Director Student Affairs–Wilf Campus Eli Renov SSSB–President [email protected] 646-739-8525 [email protected] (Yeshiva College and Sy Syms Yakov Agatstein SOY–President [email protected] 347-526-4046 212-960-5269 School of Business) Isaac Winkler IBC–President [email protected] 917-371-2877 Ryan Loughlin Dr. Efrem Nulman Khashayar Hakimian JSS–President [email protected] Assistant Director Senior University Dean of Joseph Saka SBMP–President [email protected] 732-306-0754 [email protected] Students Tzvi Kahn Commentator–Co-editor [email protected] 201-837-9491 212-790-0238 Dean David Himber Jamie Hirsch Commentator–Co-editor [email protected] 516-330-6713 Anthony Pizzuti University Dean of Students Associate Director MIDTOWN CAMPUS Dr. Chaim Nissel [email protected] Student Leader Organization Email Phone Number Associate Dean of Students 212-960-5269 [email protected] Anat Barber SCWSC–President [email protected] 718-614-0842 Marianela Cabral 212-960-5330 Lisa Grundman SCWTAC–President [email protected] 347-386-7812 Banner Systems Coordinator Rachel Moss SSSBSC–President [email protected] 347-234-0044 [email protected] Shaindy Raice Observer–Co-editor [email protected] 917-669-2278 212-960-5269 Rachel Horn Observer–Co-editor [email protected] 732-306-3589 Know Your University Counselors YUToday VOLUME 8 • NUMBER 8 Stop in and meet the staff in the Office of Student Affairs at the Midtown and Wilf Campuses. You may contact them to talk and to help you get acquainted with your new surroundings. They are YESHIVA UNIVERSITY also experienced professionals who are ready to support any students having trouble adjusting to the college environment, experiencing emotional difficulties, or wanting to discuss issues of a reli- Ronald P. Stanton, Chairman YU Board of Trustees gious nature. Richard M. Joel Peer counselors are available to lend a sympathetic ear to fellow students. Additionally, Student President Affairs is helpful to students with learning disabilities, Attention Deficit Disorder, and special aca- Dr. demic needs. Chancellor

WILF CAMPUS International Student Advisor Shana Glasser, CSW Peter L. Ferrara Director of Communications and Public Affairs Personal Counselors Russ Schoumaker Assistant Director of Furst Hall–419 Residence Life Joshua L. Muss, Chairman, Board of Directors,Yeshiva College; Marjorie Diener Dr. Efrem Nulman 212-960-5480 Schottenstein Residence Hall Blenden, Chairman, Board of Directors, Stern College for Women; Bernard L. Senior University Dean Madoff, Chairman, Board of Directors, Sy Syms School of Business; Robert A. Office 212-340-7466 Belfer, Chairperson, Board of Overseers, Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Earle of Students Peer Counselors Rochelle Ausubel, PhD I. Mack, Chairman, Board of Directors, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law; Furst Hall–419 Yitz Glass Robert Schwalbe, Chair, Board of Governors, Wurzweiler School of Social Work; Psychologist 212-960-5330 Head Peer Counselor Mordecai D. Katz, Chairman, Board of Directors, Bernard Revel Graduate School MID–114 of Jewish Studies; Katherine Sachs, Chair, Board of Governors, Ferkauf Graduate Dr. Chaim Nissel Schottenstein Center–314 212-340-7715 School of Psychology; Moshael J. Straus, Chairman, Board of Directors, Azrieli Associate Dean of Students 212-928-6573; 646-529-3603 Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration; Julius Berman, Chair- Furst Hall–419 Guidance Counselor man, Board of Trustees, (affiliate) Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary; Erica 212-960-5330 MIDTOWN CAMPUS Jesselson, Chairperson, Board of Directors, (affiliate) Yeshiva University Museum. Rabbi Shlomo Hochberg Bradley Karasik, MA Personal Counselors MID–623 YESHIVA UNIVERSITY TODAY Assistant Dean of Students Zelda Braun, CSW 212-340-7736 Hedy Shulman Furst Hall–419 Assistant Dean of Students Editor 212-960-5480 International Student Advisor MID–114 Norman Eisenberg Managing Editor Ronald Lamb 212-340-7715 Marga Marx Director of Housing MID–305 Judy Tucker Art Director Morgenstern Residence Beth Hait, MS 212-340-7770 Jerry Bergman, Kelly Berman, Esther Finkle, June Glazer, Hall–104 Coordinator of Student Services MID–133 Peer Counselors Norman Goldberg, Cara Huzinec, Peter Robertson, V. Jane Windsor 212-960-5249 Contributors 212-340-7714 Michal Safier, www.yu.edu/news/publications Guidance Counselor Rachel Kraut, CSW Head Peer Counselor contact information will be Yeshiva University Today is published monthly during the academic year by the Rabbi Director of Residence Life Yeshiva University Department of Communications and Public Affiars, 401 Furst Furst Hall–419 Brookdale Residence Hall–1G provided after the holidays. Hall, 500 West 185th St., New York, NY 10033-3201 (212-960-5285). It is distrib- 212-960-5480 212-340-7795 uted free on campus to faculty, staff, and students. © Yeshiva University 2002 August 2003 YUToday 3

Summer Honors Programs in Exotic Locales ■ Studying on site in Central America, Florence, Italy, and Brookhaven Lab

he Jay and Jeanie rence,” coordinated and led Jeanie Schottenstein Honors whom retain traditional tional Laboratory on Long Schottenstein and S. by Evelyn Cohen, assistant Program at Yeshiva College, woven styles of brightly col- Island, home base of multiple Daniel Abraham professor of art. Stern students two linked courses ended ored clothing, and bargained Nobel Prize winners. Dr. Ana- Honors Programs at learned about Jewish life with a 12-day field trip to for items from marimbas to toly Frenkel, associate profes- TYeshiva College and Stern under the Medici, and were Central America. “Introduc- mangoes at the crowded mar- sor of physics and computer College for Women this sum- treated to a private tour of Flo- tion to Tropical Ecology and ket places. science; Dr. Gabriel Cwilich, mer had a global feel. In three rence’s great post-emancipa- Ethnobotany” taught by Prof. “Great Ideas and Experi- associate professor of physics; innovative courses, under- tion synagogue and its mag- Vincent Chiappetta, and ments in Modern Physics,” and Dr. Fredy Zypman, pro- “Honors Introduction which featured a ground- fessor of physics, team- to Anthropology: Maya breaking residential compo- taught the course. Experi- Civilization,” taught nent, was a joint effort by the ments ranged from using x- by Dr. Jill Katz, adjunct S. Daniel Abraham and Jay ray beams and infrared light, instructor in archeolo- and Jeanie Schottenstein to applying the fundamental gy and anthropology, Honors Programs. Three laws of physics to problems began at the Wilf women and nine men spent in chemistry, nuclear phy- Campus. six days performing, analyz- sics, and the life sciences, to Eleven undergradu- ing, and designing experi- studying nuclear reactions of ate men with accom- ments while living on the interest to the radiopharma- panying faculty then campus of Brookhaven Na- ceutical industry. ■ visited sites in Guate- mala and Honduras, including the ancient PROFILE city of Copan, with its famous ball court, inscribed stones, and Robert Friedman: hieroglyphic stairway; Yeshiva College Honors Contingent at San Felipe Fortress Tikal, the largest on the Rio Dulce in Guatemala Mayan city known for Customer Service its palaces, plaza, and graduate students left the nificent Jewish ceremonial art pyramids rising above the With a Smile Manhattan campuses for the by Prof. Dora Liscia Bem- tropical jungle canopy; Anti- piazzas and cobbled streets of porad, director of Florence’s gua, the former Spanish colo- ■ Student Aid Director Has a Message Florence, the ancient Mayan Jewish Museum. Highlights of nial capital, now designated a dwellings, and one of the artistic importance included World Heritage Site by for YU Students and Parents: Expect Change most advanced scientific labo- the Uffizi Gallery, National UNESCO; and Lake Atitlan, a ratories in the world. Sculpture Museum of the natural lake created 70,000 he office of student aid is often the front line for stu- A dozen women returned Bargello, Pitti Palace, and the years ago by exploding volca- dents, parents, and of a university. Robert from Italy where they partici- Academia, where Michelan- noes. Students also visited Friedman, YU’s new director of student aid for Yeshiva pated in “Art and the Jewish gelo’s statue of David stands. towns inhabited by modern College, Stern College for Women, Sy Syms School of Experience in Medici Flo- A first for the Jay and Mayan people, many of TBusiness, and Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, came on board in July. He was tapped by Dr. John Fisher, director of enrollment management, for his expertise in retooling student- aid operations. “In speaking to col- MTSA Teacher Harriet Levitt leagues at each of Bob’s for- mer schools, the first thing people mentioned was his Recognized focus on students,” Dr. Fisher says. itting at a table in from Cornell in May and the right decisions.” A graduate of Thomas Belfer Hall’s cafeteria plans to attend Cornell’s Joan Mrs. Levitt, who lives in Edison State College in New on the Wilf Campus, and Sanford I. Weill Medical Scarsdale, NY, describes her- Jersey, Mr. Friedman over- Harriet Levitt remi- College this fall. He was one of self as “curious, accepting, saw student aid at Teachers’ Snisces about her 23-year 35 graduating seniors (repre- and demanding,” and said she College Columbia Univer- teaching career at the Marsha senting the top 1 percent of often pushes her students to sity Graduate School of Stern Talmudical Academy/ his class) to receive the Merrill fulfill their potential. Education. He also held re- Yeshiva University High award that recognized stu- MSTA Dean Michael Hecht lated positions at Fordham School for Boys. dents for academic achieve- agrees. “We are very pleased to University in the Bronx and Robert Friedman When one of her former ment, strong leadership abili- know that Harriet Levitt’s self- DePaul University in Chi- English students and debate ty, and potential for contribut- less dedication over more than cago. He helps parents and students figure out how best to pay team members nominated her ing to society. two decades has been for a college education—$30,000 at YU. as the high school teacher Merrill recipients choose acknowledged not only by the “My job is to make sure our families have a sense of how to who most influenced him, one high school teacher and Yeshiva community, but also navigate the financial aid system,” says Mr. Friedman. He calls Mrs. Levitt said she felt “hum- one college professor who in- by the larger academic world.” college tuition “daunting—students and parents need help,” and ble” about receiving her first spired them and contributed In addition to teaching points to improved customer service as the best way to assist formal accolade for teaching. to their scholastic experience. and coaching the debate them. “My true reward is keeping Mrs. Levitt was one of 35 high team, Mrs. Levitt is a mother He plans to “train every person on my staff to treat people in touch with former stu- school teachers (who came of three (her middle child, with respect, sensibility, and sensitivity, especially regarding dents,” Mrs. Levitt said. “I am from as far as India, Singa- Mark, graduated from MSTA issues unique to Orthodox families.” Also, he has made walk-in very curious about them and I pore, Bulgaria, and Japan) in 1983 and from Yeshiva counseling available during office hours at the Wilf and Mid- care about them.” who were honored during a College in 1988) and a grand- town campuses, and plans to make technology improvements When former student two-day event at Cornell. mother of five. She plays ten- to give students and parents easier access to information. Howard Heching, YH’98 of “Basically, it really wasn’t nis, participates in a Hadassah “I want them to be able to read their account live, not just Monsey, NY, was inducted in- much of a decision for me,” reading group, and exercises from the last day of the last bill, and I want them to have access to Cornell University’s Merrill Mr. Heching said about nomi- every morning with a walking to their aid package,” he says. Presidential Scholars Program nating his sophomore English group. “We have to increase the level of customer service. It all boils this spring, Mrs. Levitt imme- teacher. “She is very caring But, smiles Mrs. Levitt, down to that,” he says. diately came to mind. about her students and really “My chief interest is my To make an appointment with the Office of Student Aid, call Mr. Heching, 23, graduated wants to make sure they make grandchildren.” ■ 212-960-5269 or e-mail [email protected]. ■ NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE YUToday PAID YESHIVA UNIVERSITY A PUBLICATION OF YESHIVA UNIVERSITY 500 WEST 185TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10033 ORIENTATION 2003

Hillel Davis continued Wilf Campus • Re-pavement and extension of sidewalks along Tenzer Define vice president of it needs to empower people School of Jewish Studies and Garden and Danciger Quadrangle. university life and to improve. is also a student at RIETS. My • Installation of signature sculpture honoring the Wilf “My responsibilities cover en- “Also, I see as my challenge daughter Leora just finished family and addition of benches at Danciger Quadrangle. rollment management, which being instrumental in plan- her first semester at Stern after • Removal of buildings on 185th Street and at Washing- includes the registrar, student ning for YU’s future. I hope to a year and a half in Israel and ton Terrace for possible future capital projects. affairs, admissions, and stu- work with President Joel and our youngest, Tali, just fin- • Renovation of Parking Garage Area E. dent aid. I oversee supporting the other vice presidents to ished her sophomore year at Midtown Campus services and human resources, help articulate the vision of Stella K. Abraham High • Air-conditioning upgrade at 245 Lexington Avenue. which touch virtually every- the President and then to help School for Girls.” • Renovation and expansion of SCW art department at thing that affects students bring that vision to fruition.” 215 Lexington Avenue, including a sprinkler system. outside the classroom. Recent books read • Renovation of SCW and SSSB lobby and lounge area “However, I am charged Responsibilities for graduate “I try to read non-fiction books at 215 Lexington. with ‘university life’ not ‘stu- schools of Jewish interest, including Summer Construction At a Glance dent life.’ I will focus on “I have university-wide re- Hillel Goldberg’s Between human resources regarding sponsibility. Geography is an Berlin and Slobodka, Marc faculty and administrators in impediment because the cam- Shapiro’s book on the Sridei Campus Renovations continued addition to students. I will puses are so spread out. Ideal- Eish, and The Six Day War by also strive to create an envi- ly, I would like to return mes- Michael Oren. In preparation Situated between Belfer Amsterdam Avenue will be ronment in which people feel sages by walking into people’s for this job, I also read Jeffrey Hall and the Leah and Joseph completed in September. better about the University by offices. Obviously that’s more Gurock’s book on YU, The Ruben Residence Hall, Tenzer opening up the channels of difficult regarding Cardozo or Men and Women of Yeshiva. Garden’s entrance will be ex- Brookdale Campus— communication and enhanc- Einstein.” I struggle to keep up with panded and repaved for better Benjamin N. Cardozo ing the level of respect we Daf Yomi and try to attend a access and more space for School of Law have for one another.” Family ties shiur four nights a week so I relaxation. Significant renovations at “My wife, Racheyl, is a Stern don’t usually get home until A signature sculpture rec- Benjamin N. Cardozo School Management style graduate, as are my two sis- 10. I have been co-president ognizing the generosity and of Law’s building at 55 Fifth “I want to build consensus. I ters. My brothers-in-law and of Hebrew Academy of Long commitment of the Wilf fam- Avenue are scheduled for will work with our teams in sisters-in law are also alumni, Beach for the past six years, ily was erected on Danciger completion this summer. human resources, facilities, as are several members of my which takes up a lot of time. Quadrangle, and new seating The newly expanded lobby and finance, and we will ad- extended family. My daughter When I was younger, I did was added to complete the houses a seminar room and dress emerging issues attempt- Navah attended Samuel H. more sports but now I don’t Quadrangle’s overall beautifi- the new Jacob Burns Moot ing to resolve matters in a Wang High School for Girls, have very much leisure time.” cation. Court Room. The Dr. Rebecca fashion that benefits the Uni- and graduated from Stern. My Also as part of the Univer- and Lillian Chutick Law Li- versity and its constituencies. son, Ariel, attended The Your message to the sity’s summer projects, vacant brary was also redesigned to “For students, my door is Marsha Stern Talmudical Aca- University community buildings on 185th Street and include wood paneling, vault- always open. My ultimate demy/Yeshiva University High “I would like students, faculty, at Washington Terrace were ed ceilings, and showcases to objective is to create an envi- School for Boys and is cur- administrators, and staff to razed for safety reasons and display faculty publications. ronment in which 50 people rently a Yeshiva College stu- gain a sense of ownership possible future capital projects. The lobby will be officially will have their doors open. dent. He is taking classes at and partnership with the Structural renovations to unveiled Sept. 24. ■ Our current system works, but Bernard Revel Graduate University.” ■ the Parking Area E garage on