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

Page 11 text:

MRS. ELIZABETH ISAACS Dean of Students l.il note: After twelve years «• Dean nj Students, Mrs. Elizabeth Isaacs will re- tire, together with her husband, Prof. M. L. Isaacs of the Chemistry Department, in June 1967. This is the last of her an- nual messages to a xraduatinK class. The class of 1967 enjoys the special dis- tinction of being the tenth class to graduate from Stern College for Women. This decade has seen momentous changes in the history of the entire world, some good, some bad, but all most challenging to the graduate of 1967. Jewishly, there has never been a period of greater hopefulness and promise in our coun- try. To be graduated now from Stern College, well-prepared to plunge into the stream of events, is a privilege and a responsibility not to be wasted or set aside. Never before have women had such an opportunity to assume leadership, and in this age of do it your- self, we call on you to accept your responsi- bility and utilize the training, the wisdom and the understanding that you have acquired in your four years here to face and master the challenges before you. Congratulations and best wishes to each of you. Elizabeth Isaacs

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DR. DAN VOGEL Dean Ed. note. In June 1967, Dr. Vogel leaves his post ii ilu- first dean of Stem College to return to tin ' classroom. The following is his final message to ■ graduating class. I in-- is m tenth (and last) message to .1 graduating class, and I reflect upon more than .1 decade ol the existence of Stern Col- lege. ikl so, everj year, maintaining our own ways, fulfilling oui own vision, we give to the world in each of you. a new I) -fashioned pcis, mi. unimitated at any other institution of learning. Each ol you lias been fashioned here into a microcosm -a small, hut com- plete world of an ancient tradition that is ever new; of a new philosophy of education that is based on ancient principles; of a unified quality amalgamating ancient learning and the most mod.Tii knowledge. on have proved that the contraries that flow into the concept of Stern College For Women are not para- doxes. But . o not think that the contraries end with the last lecture or the last test. Yours is a peculiar burden of life and you must understand it. To some among the Jewish community, your adherence to ancient laws in modern times will mean that you stand ever as a cruel symbol of the guilt of their weak- ness in not being able to accept the yoke of Torah. They are small minded; do not heed them. To others, you will stand as an object of curiosity that you have studied the culture and science of the western world and yet re- main true to Torah Judaism. They are mis- guided; pity them. To still others, the younger ones who look to follow you, you will stand as the paragon of the modern Jewish woman. These are the yearning ones; lead them. Often, at commencement time, the favorite image is the flame Keep alive the flame of learning. Keep glowing the flame of success. I offer, however, the image of the beacon — the steady glow of light in a world spiritually dark, the shaft of light that wanderers search for and are grateful for. Is your particular, individual light hardly noticeable? Perhaps, but do not be discour- aged. You join the little beacons of ten classes that preceded you and you will be joined by untold numbers who will follow. I wish you years of persistence, decades of achievement, a whole life of satisfaction, an eternal future of reward.

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RABH1 JOSHI A SHMIDMAN D edication In the course of her college career, a student meets a variety of faculty mem bers. Some will be just names or faces; others shall serve as glorious memories for years to come. Occasionally, the student is lucky enough to find a teacher who is both friend and mentor; an individual whose warmth and personality extend far beyond the classroom, and whose very life encompasses a love for his subject matter. We as a class are fortunate to have found such an individual. That the subject matter he knows and loves is philosophy, religious philosophy, makes our good fortune even greater. As a class we shall remember the religious inspiration he radiates; as students we shall remember the philosophy with which we grappled; as dormitory residents we shall remember the warm friendly Shabai he conducted; as individuals we shall remember his warm, sincere interest in each of us. V heresoever you shall find greatness, you shall find modesty. In grateful recognition of all he represents, we humbly dedicate this yearbook to Rabbi Joshua Shmidman.