Future medical and business professionals honored as student commencement speakers.

(Courtesy of Touro) Four stellar students with sterling character were selected as valedictorians and will serve as student speakers at the 51st annual commencement for Touro’s Lander Colleges to be held May 25 at Lincoln Center. They represent Touro’s Lander College for Women, Touro’s Lander College for Men and Touro’s Lander College of Arts & Sciences.

From High School to Med School

Future doctor Rachel Hanan, the 2025 valedictorian of Touro University’s Lander College for Women (LCW) in Manhattan, has always been drawn to science and medicine. Growing up in Great Neck, she was fascinated by anatomy diagrams in medical textbooks, and how the human body works in synchrony. Her early passion evolved into a clear sense of purpose during her years at LCW, where she majored in biology as part of Touro’s Medical Honors Pathway program, and emerged as a leader inside and outside the classroom.

Rachel chose LCW because of its distinctive blend of rigorous academics, personal support and values-based education. “I wanted a school where I could pursue my passion for science while staying connected to my Jewish values and traditions,” she said.

Having taken part in Touro’s Medical Honors Pathway, which provides a direct pathway to medical education for highly qualified students out of high school, Rachel will begin her next chapter in July as a medical student at Touro’s New York Medical College.

She credits both her academic studies and her hands-on experiences at Touro with preparing her for this step. As an intern in a Mount Sinai research lab, Rachel explored how modified mRNA—the same technology used in COVID-19 vaccines—could be applied to treat other conditions, such as heart disease. She also had the opportunity to work at a Columbia University research lab where she looked at ways a virus called HPIV3 evolves, transmits and infects cells—research that was published in a microbiology journal that named her as one of the authors.

But one of the most transformative experiences of her college career came through volunteer work at Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital, where Rachel discovered how powerful human connection can be in a clinical setting.

Her time at LCW included a memorable bioethics trip to Thailand with fellow students and faculty. Led by a professor of biology, the group visited hospitals, laboratories and the ministry of health, where they explored how cultural values influence healthcare policy.

“Rachel is highly intelligent, articulate and she blends commitment to Torah values with high academic aspirations. She is a role model for all of us. I look forward to her future successes and to learning about the many contributions she will make to her future patients and the Jewish community,” said Dr. Marian Stoltz-Loike, dean, Lander College for Women.

An Early Passion for Science

Like Rachel Hanan, Rachelle Halpert’s path to becoming the valedictorian of the women’s division of the Lander College of Arts & Sciences (LAS) in Flatbush has been marked by an early love of science, an impressive academic career, perseverance and a commitment to helping others.

A biology honors major, Rachelle grew up in Monsey, New York, attended Bais Yaakov D’Rav Hirsch in Spring Valley and studied at Bais Yaakov Machon Raaya in Israel. But she traces her interest in the sciences back to elementary school.

“In fifth grade, my teacher assigned each student a different organ system to present,” she said. “I was so excited to put it together. I still remember gluing kidney beans onto my poster board to represent the kidneys.”

That excitement for science grew even stronger over time, fueled by summer jobs as a lifeguard, CPR instructor and volunteer counselor at Camp Simcha, an experience she called “very meaningful” in shaping her decision to pursue a career in the medical field.

Choosing Touro was a natural step, and not just because her grandmother, a judge, taught business and consumer law many years ago at Touro. “As a frum Bais Yaakov girl, attending Touro wasn’t even a decision for me; it was a given,” Rachelle said. “I was drawn to the community of like-minded people, commitment to Torah values and ambitious graduates.”

Her experience at Touro Flatbush exceeded her expectations, giving her both strong friendships and a solid foundation for her future career. “Rachelle is graduating with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. She is truly a star, both academically and in the midos that she displays.“ said Dr. Robert Goldschmidt, executive dean of Touro Flatbush.

While at Touro, Rachelle seized every opportunity to deepen her knowledge. She collaborated on a research project with her chemistry professor, sharpening her laboratory techniques, and gaining hands-on experience. Outside the classroom, Rachelle has been working as a medical assistant in a pediatric office for nearly two years.

Rachelle’s free time is filled with a variety of interests—spending time with family and friends, playing piano and chess, baking, sewing, swimming and volunteering. And she is especially passionate about supporting children facing health challenges and has volunteered extensively for Chai Lifeline’s pediatric oncology unit. This summer, she will be volunteering for Birthright in Israel.

Looking ahead, Rachelle plans to work in Urgent Care next year. While she loves pediatrics, she is excited by the opportunity to learn about and experience a variety of specialties so she can explore her options before deciding on her career path within the medical field.

But wherever she goes or whatever she does, Rachelle believes she has the foundation for success. “I feel that Touro has prepared me well for graduate school and beyond.”

A Lifelong Desire to Care for Others

Michael Weingarten, a biology honors major with a 4.0 GPA, has been named the 2025 valedictorian of the men’s division of Touro University’s Lander College of Arts & Sciences (LAS) in Flatbush. Weingarten is driven by a lifelong desire to care for others—an ambition inspired by the chesed-centered home he grew up in, and by the example of his father, a physician assistant.

“I vividly remember the countless Shabbosim and Yomim Tovim when people in need would knock on our door, seeking his help,” Michael said. “Watching the impact he had, providing care and comfort, left a lasting impression on me and inspired me to follow in his footsteps.”

That sense of purpose led him to Touro in Flatbush where he was drawn by the school’s dual emphasis on academic rigor and religious commitment. “I chose Touro because of its unique commitment to academic excellence and its supportive structure, which allowed me to continue my Torah learning in yeshiva while simultaneously pursuing my bachelor’s degree in science,” he said.

At LAS, Michael maximized his opportunities. He earned a Lander Honors Scholarship, became a tutor for chemistry and physics, and published an article in the Touro College’s “The Science Journal,” later serving as an associate editor. He also conducted research at HASC Diagnostic and Treatment Center for individuals with special needs, exploring how diabetes medications affect individuals with mental illness.

Michael’s not the first in his family to graduate from Touro; His father is also a Touro graduate, and both of his older brothers attended Touro Flatbush for their pre-med studies before matriculating into Einstein Medical School and Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Raised in Brooklyn, Michael attended Yeshiva Toras Emes Kaminetz in Flatbush for high school and continued his Torah studies at Yeshiva Gedola of Elkins Park and Yeshiva Torah Vodaath. He credits his yeshiva background with helping him develop the discipline and perspective necessary to balance rigorous academics with meaningful personal growth.

Michael plans to apply to medical school this summer and matriculate in 2026, and in five years he hopes to be well into his medical training, continuing the journey he began at home and nurtured at Touro: a life of service, scholarship and compassion.

“Michael is an outstanding student and a shining ben Torah who, as a caring and compassionate physician, will create
a kiddush Hashem in all his interaction,” said Dr. Robert Goldschmidt, vice president and executive dean of Touro’s Lander College in Flatbush.

Aspiring Wealth Manager Strives To Build a Meaningful Life

Yedidya Diena, a Toronto native and finance major, has been named the 2025 valedictorian of Touro University’s Lander College for Men (LCM). His academic journey reflects a blend of intellectual curiosity, personal discipline and a strong commitment to values and growth.

From an early age, Yedidya considered himself a “business-minded individual.”

“I ran a few small businesses growing up, which helped me realize early on that I wanted to pursue a career in the business world,” he said.

But it was during his time at LCM that he discovered his professional direction. “I wasn’t immediately sure which path to take, accounting or finance. After speaking with professors and exploring my options, I narrowed it down to finance,” he said. “Finance stood out as both stimulating and dynamic, and I was excited by the challenges and opportunities it presented.”

After graduating from Yeshiva Darchei Torah of Toronto for high school, Yedidya studied for two years at Yeshivat Sha’alvim before enrolling at LCM. He chose the college for its unique dual focus: rigorous academics alongside an environment that supported personal and ethical development. “I appreciated that I wasn’t just a number. The professors and mentors at LCM were accessible, supportive and truly invested in helping students succeed,” he said.

He credits Rabbi Yonason Sacks, rosh yeshiva of LCM, as playing a particularly meaningful role in his growth. “One of the most impactful parts of my experience was the opportunity to learn under Rabbi Sacks,” Yedidya said. “I also received personal guidance from several mentors who helped me navigate important decisions, both academically and beyond the classroom.”

Yedidya also appreciated the industry experience his professors brought into the classroom. “Many of my professors came directly from the finance and business world. Their real-world insights and practical mentorship helped make the material come alive and gave me a clearer picture of where I wanted to go professionally.”

Yedidya was recently offered an associate role in a wealth-management training program at a leading Canadian bank. The Toronto-based program focuses on developing early-career professionals for future roles in advisory and client services. Currently, he is learning at the Cross River Kollel, located at the Cross River Bank campus, before entering the workforce full time. He describes the Kollel as “a unique opportunity to build analytical and critical-thinking skills through intensive study and discussion,” and sees the experience as another important step in his personal and professional development.

“I want to succeed in my career while staying grounded and purpose driven,” he said. “My goal is to make a positive impact, both in the workplace and in the broader community.”

Outside of academics, Yedidya enjoys playing ice hockey, learning guitar and cooking. Above all, he’s focused on building a meaningful life — one rooted in growth, purpose and helping others succeed.