(Courtesy of YU) Thanks to enormous interest, Yeshiva University’s Open House for women on November 12 was a huge success.
Accompanied by their parents, high school juniors and seniors got a feel for life at YU by meeting with prospective professors and classmates and exploring the various market-ready majors and degree programs that will be open to them as undergraduates at Stern College for Women and the Sy Syms School of Business. In addition, with YU recognized as the flagship Jewish university, this year’s open house boasted a strong interest from prospective transfer students.
The event began with a welcome by Marc Zharnest, YU’s director of admissions, followed by Shoshana Schechter, associate dean of Torah studies and spiritual life, who spoke about the university’s world-renowned Jewish studies curriculum and Jewish life programming. Dr. Karen Bacon, dean of Stern College for Women, and Dr. Noam Wasserman, dean of the Sy Syms School of Business, discussed their respective undergraduate programs and what makes a degree at Yeshiva University unique. A spirited panel of students and alumni enthusiastically spoke about their experiences at YU.
Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, president of Yeshiva University, addressed the audience, discussing YU’s unique place in the Jewish world. “The recognition of how essential Yeshiva University is to our people and our society has never been more clear,” said Rabbi Berman. “The students who are selected to join our YU family are the ones who are nourished by our values and empowered to be the leaders of tomorrow. The quality of our students is unparalleled, and it is our belief in them that gives us confidence in the future of the Jewish people.”
Later that morning, presentations were held that informed the attendees about the university’s many areas of study, the Katz Associate Programs, honors programs, athletics, student life, Torah and spiritual life, the Learning Success Center, student counseling, the S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program, pre-health guidance and many other aspects of life as an undergraduate at YU. Attendees met with representatives of the Shevet Glaubach Center for Career Strategy and Professional Development, who discussed the work they do to help students achieve their professional goals.
Robert Friedman, university director of student finance, explained how YU works with parents to make an affordable YU education a reality, and campus tours were given of the dorms, classrooms, labs, dining halls and batei midrash. Rounding out the day’s program was the Israel Program Expo, which consisted of alumni from many of the S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program’s partner seminaries and schools speaking about their personal experiences.
“Our women’s open house showcased that we are an institution where tradition meets innovation, and where the pursuit of knowledge is guided by a deep-rooted commitment to our shared values,” said Zharnest. “We are proud that YU is a place where students can grow academically, spiritually and personally while remaining steadfast in their Jewish identity.”
On Sunday, November 19, the YU men’s open house will take place on the Wilf Campus, at which prospective students and parents will have the opportunity to learn about the unique undergraduate experience for men at the University.
