Stern College for Women - Kochaviah Yearbook (New York, NY)

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DR. SAMUEL BELKIN Every institution of higher learning can take pride, and justifiably so, in its grad- uates, and their achievements. But as the very first group of young women to be graduated from Stern College, yours is indeed a singular accomplishment, for you have turned an ardent dream into a glowing reality. Just a few years ago the seed of a momentous idea was planted — the idea of creating a liberal arts college under Jewish sponsorship to give to young Jewish women every- where an education in the precious traditions and principles of Judaism, as well as in academic subjects. Four years ago, when you first entered Stern College, you gave this idea fruition. Today, as you emerge as the first graduates, you have truly made it blossom forth gloriously, and I am certain that your pioneering spirit will prove an inspiration to all Stern College students in the future. The progress you have shown in the past few years, in intellectual and in spiritual development is a tribute to your ingenuity and ability, and a vindication of our faith in selecting you as the initial class at Sern College. Our beloved Yeshiva University also has made great strides. The recent years have seen the university grow not only in physical scope, but also in its increasing efforts to preserve the cherished heritage of Judaism. You have come from many parts of the United States, even from other nations, to study at Stern College. You have brought infinite credit to yourselves and to your families, and have significantly enriched the entire Jewish community. May 1 congratulate you as you mark this memorable milestone in your lives. I am confident that as you return to your home communities you will serve as articulate spokes- men for the goals and ideals for which Stern College was created. o xr iDresic3.eii.t

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MR. MAX STERN At this time I feel like any parent as he watches his children grow . . . first crawling, then toddling, finally walking away from home. There is a touch of immeasurable sad- ness in this, but always a very great pride. I know each of you. This is made possible because Stern College is no ordinary insti- tution. Your classes were relaxed and informal. You could drink together of the deepest joys and pains of personal progress. You struggled to build your own value systems. In addition to a full program of arts and sciences, you found at your disposal the rich heri- tage of Judaism and all the gathered treasures of the past. 1 am no stranger to your intel- lectual and spiritual development. I am a deeply proud man. You spent your last four years digging the foundation for something magnificent. You studied, prayed, played . . . where no one ever went before. It fell on you, as the very firs t graduating class of Stern College, to kindle a light, which is to guide every class in the future. Now you are leaving us to go out into the world. It is a vast world, filled with many problems. It is your job to rekindle the light of this world. At present women are leav- ing the home in ever-increasing numbers to go into business and the professions. This is often being done at the expense of family closeness and religiousness. Families find them- selves lost and alone, cut off from the spiritual lifeline of the past. As members of your community, each of you faces serious choices. You will gain comfort from the teachings of the past which you received at Stern College, and nourishment from the wisdom of To rah. The doors of Stern College are always open to you for guidance and counsel. I hope you will come back often to visit with us. I will always remember you. OTJL3? f oxxxider