Yeshiva University Establishes The Katz School of Graduate and Professional Studies

NEW YORK, March 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Yeshiva University is proud to launch The Mordecai D. and Monique C. Katz School of Graduate and Professional Studies, which will offer students of all ages the opportunity to further their education, careers and intellectual aspirations. The Katz School was named in recognition of a $25 million commitment from Drs. Mordecai and Monique Katz. "If we have a core principle about philanthropy, it is this: invest in people. And the best investment you can make in people is through education," said Mordecai Katz, a former aerospace executive and a current vice chairman of the Yeshiva University Board of Trustees. Monique Katz, a retired radiologist and graduate of YU-affiliated Albert Einstein College of Medicine, serves as vice chairman of the Stern College for Women Board of Overseers.

"The Katz School of Graduate and Professional Studies will bring the intellectual resources of Yeshiva University to a broad constituency of students," said Yeshiva University President Richard M. Joel. "We're deeply grateful to the Katzes for helping YU extend its critical role in today's complex world where decisions in every profession need to be informed by responsible values and principles." Dr. Selma Botman, provost and vice president of academic affairs, added, "Students pursuing one of our associate's or master's degrees in a range of fields will gain hands-on, experiential expertise in their area of study and important professional connections. It is a values-driven education that is truly one-of-a-kind."

The Katz School will offer a range of degrees in fields that run the gamut from marketing, allied health and community education to data science and cybersecurity. Programs will include both face-to-face and online learning options. The focus will be on helping students build their professional network and a portfolio of work that will prepare them to succeed in their careers long after graduation, according to the school's new dean, Dr. Paul Russo.

"Our curricula will be informed by industry, making them relevant, contemporary and forward-looking. Our faculty delivers practical knowledge as well as the science behind the skills—we teach not just how but why," said Russo. He also stressed The Katz School's commitment to project-based learning, in addition to the traditional textbook-and-test approach. "We'll work closely with YU's Career Center and alumni network to build bridges, and establish connections for our graduates. Yeshiva is an academic powerhouse where students get a world-class education with individualized support."

Russo comes to YU after a distinguished career in executive positions in higher education, most recently as assistant vice president for instructional innovation and professor of technology strategy at Long Island University, and as both associate dean of professional studies and as director of online programs at the City University of New York. Sofia Binioris also joins the Katz School as program director.

To learn more about The Katz School, visit yu.edu/katz.

Founded in 1886, Yeshiva University brings together the ancient traditions of Jewish law and life and the heritage of Western civilization. More than 7,600 undergraduate and graduate students study at YU's four New York City campuses: the Wilf Campus, Israel Henry Beren Campus, Brookdale Center, and Jack and Pearl Resnick Campus. YU's three undergraduate schools – Yeshiva College, Stern College for Women, and Sy Syms School of Business – offer a unique dual program comprised of Jewish studies and liberal arts courses. Its graduate and affiliate schools include Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration, Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, and Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. YU is ranked among the nation's leading academic research institutions.

SOURCE Yeshiva University

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