Dr. Samuel Belkin, president of Yeshiva University, was invested last night as the first chancellor in the institution’s 90-year history at a ceremony witnessed by some 1600 persons at the Waldorf Astoria.
Dr. Belkin, who resigned from the presidency this year, because of ill health warned that “private universities today are experiencing the most serious crisis of all times.” He explained that even during the depression of the 1930s, universities managed to survive, but today heads of private colleges are warning “that they may close their doors because their income is far below their budgeting requirements.”
“Yeshiva University is experiencing a financial crisis in no way different from that of other private universities,” Dr. Belkin said. “We are also confronted with large deficits and shortage of cash. But I am confident that Yeshiva University because of its uniqueness and as the creation of the entire Jewish community, regardless of its religious persuasions and affiliations will weather this storm and continue to pioneer in its commitment to excellence.”
During a dinner which followed the investiture ceremony, announcement was made of a gift of $1.5 million from the Maxwell R. Maybaum estate for scientific research, Jewish studies and scholarship and fellowships at Yeshiva University. It was among many gifts announced in response to Dr. Belkin’s call.
Dr. Belkin, who joined the Yeshiva University faculty 40 years ago and became its president at the age of 32, traced the history of the institution from a college to a university which he said “maintains the most extensive Jewish studies program in the world today, including the State of Israel,” is listed as one of the 100 major universities in the United States and is the 29th research-oriented university in the country.
BELKIN’S LEADERSHIP PRAISED
Dr. Israel Miller, vice-president for student affairs and chairman of the executive committee for university affairs, praised Dr. Belkin’s leadership. He noted that under Dr. Belkin’s stewardship, Yeshiva attained university status and established the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Wurzweller School of Social Work, Belfer Graduate School of Science, Stern College for Women, the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law which will open next year and a host of innovative schools and academic programs and community services. Dr. Belkin was installed by Max J. Etra, chairman of the Board of Trustees.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
