Stern College for Women

Stern College for Women. It is the undergraduate women's liberal arts and sciences college of Yeshiva University, located in the Murray Hill neighborhood of New York City. Founded in 1954, it provides a comprehensive education integrating a rigorous academic curriculum with intensive Jewish studies, serving the Modern Orthodox community. The college is named for Max Stern, a prominent philanthropist and supporter of Yeshiva University.

History

The college was established in 1954 by Yeshiva University President Samuel Belkin to address the growing demand for higher education for women within the Modern Orthodox community. Its creation followed the earlier founding of the university's men's undergraduate division, Yeshiva College. The institution was named in honor of Max Stern, a leading benefactor of the university and partner in the Hartz Mountain pet supplies business. Throughout its history, the college has expanded its academic offerings and physical footprint, moving to its current centralized location in the Midtown Manhattan area. Key figures in its development have included deans like Karen Bacon and involvement from leaders such as Norman Lamm, who later served as president of Yeshiva University.

Academics

Stern College offers a wide range of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees through divisions including the Katz School and the Yeshiva University system. All students complete a dual curriculum encompassing majors in the liberal arts and sciences—such as biology, psychology, political science, and English literature—alongside a comprehensive Jewish studies program. This program includes courses in Talmud, Tanakh, and Jewish philosophy. The college maintains a pre-professional advising track for fields like medicine and law, and students have access to graduate programs at institutions like the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Unique academic initiatives include the S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program, which facilitates study at the Michtavim campus of Yeshiva University in Jerusalem.

Campus

The main academic and residential campus is centered at 245 Lexington Avenue in the Murray Hill section of New York City. This urban campus includes the Brookdale Center, which houses classrooms, laboratories, the Mendel Gottesman Library, and administrative offices. Student residence halls are located in nearby facilities, providing housing within the vibrant Midtown Manhattan environment. Students also utilize resources and facilities across the broader Yeshiva University network, including those at the Wilf Campus in Washington Heights. The campus's location offers direct access to the cultural and professional opportunities of New York City, including institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the United Nations Headquarters.

Student life

Student life is characterized by a vibrant blend of academic, religious, and extracurricular activities governed by Jewish law. The Student Organization of Yeshiva (SOY) oversees a wide array of clubs, from the pre-med society to the debate team. Religious life is central, with daily tefillah (prayer) services, Shabbat and holiday programming, and lectures from renowned scholars. Students participate in community service through groups like the YU Mitzvah Corps and volunteer with organizations such as the American Cancer Society. Social and cultural events are held regularly, including performances at the Stern Drama Society and art exhibitions.

Notable people

Alumnae have achieved prominence in diverse professional fields. In law and public service, notable graduates include Doreen (Dedi) Felderman, a commissioner on the United States Commission on Civil Rights, and Rachel Freier, a judge on the New York City Civil Court. In academia and science, Shulamith Reich Elster served as an educator and dean, while Rivka Carmi became a leading geneticist and president of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. The arts and media are represented by figures like Tova Mirvis, a bestselling novelist, and Michele Chabin, a journalist for USA Today. In business, Sara Berman is known for her leadership in the fashion industry at companies like Talbots and J.Jill.

Category:Yeshiva University Category:Women's universities and colleges in the United States Category:Educational institutions established in 1954 Category:Liberal arts colleges in New York (state)